Getting out of the bunker on the first try doesn’t require strength or perfect timing. It requires using the correct sand shot technique that allows the club to do the work instead of forcing the ball into the air.
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Most bunker problems happen because golfers try to hit the ball directly. In a proper sand shot, the club never actually strikes the ball first. The sand lifts the ball out of the bunker.
The foundation of a successful sand shot starts with setup. Take a wider stance than normal and dig your feet slightly into the sand to create stability. This lowers your center of gravity and helps prevent excess movement during the swing.
Ball position is critical. Play the ball forward in your stance, closer to your lead heel. This encourages the club to enter the sand before the ball. Playing the ball too far back almost guarantees thin or bladed shots.
Weight distribution should favor your lead side. Keep roughly sixty percent of your weight on your front foot and maintain that position throughout the swing. Shifting weight during a bunker shot makes consistent contact nearly impossible.
Before gripping the club, open the clubface. This adds loft and, more importantly, exposes the bounce of the club. Bounce allows the club to glide through the sand instead of digging. Once the face is open, take your grip and aim slightly left of the target to account for the open face.
The swing itself should be smooth and committed. Focus on splashing the sand out toward the target rather than hitting the ball. A full, accelerating swing is often required even for short bunker shots because the sand absorbs energy.
Do not try to help the ball into the air. Trust the loft and bounce of the club. When contact is correct, the ball will pop out softly and land on the green.
Practicing this technique builds confidence quickly. Once you trust that the club will slide under the ball, bunker shots become routine instead of stressful.
Using the proper setup, open clubface, and a committed swing is the sand shot technique that gets you out of the bunker on the first try more often than not.
Kevin Collier is an avid golfer and contributing author at AIGolfTips.com, where he shares his passion for the game through expert tips, techniques, and gear reviews. With years of experience on the course, Kevin offers valuable insights for golfers of all skill levels, helping them improve their game and maximize their potential. Whether discussing swing mechanics or the latest in golf technology, Kevin's engaging approach aims to inspire and educate fellow golf enthusiasts to elevate their performance and enjoy every moment on the green.
