Most golfers struggle in bunkers not because they lack talent, but because their setup puts them at an immediate disadvantage. A small mistake before the swing even starts makes bunker shots far harder than they need to be. ⛳ Watch Video Below ⛳
The most important part of a bunker shot happens before the club moves. Proper setup allows the club to slide under the ball and use the sand to lift it out smoothly.
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The first key is stance width and stability. In a bunker, you want a wider stance than a normal chip shot. Dig your feet slightly into the sand to create a stable base and lower your center of gravity. This helps prevent excess body movement during the swing.
Next is ball position. The ball should be positioned forward in your stance, closer to your lead heel. This encourages the club to strike the sand before the ball, which is essential for a successful bunker shot. Playing the ball too far back leads to thin shots and bladed balls over the green.
Weight distribution is another commonly missed detail. Favor your lead side, with roughly sixty percent of your weight on your front foot. Keep that weight there throughout the swing. Shifting weight during the shot makes consistent contact nearly impossible.
Now let’s talk about clubface position. Open the clubface before you grip the club. This adds effective loft and bounce, allowing the club to glide through the sand instead of digging. Gripping first and then opening the face limits bounce and increases the chance of digging too deep.
Your posture should be athletic but relaxed. Stand a little farther from the ball than you would on a normal chip and let your arms hang naturally. This creates room for the club to swing freely along the sand.
When all of these setup pieces are in place, the swing itself becomes simple. Focus on making a smooth swing and letting the club splash the sand out toward the target. You are not trying to hit the ball directly. The sand does the work.
Most bunker mistakes disappear when setup is correct. By widening your stance, positioning the ball forward, favoring your lead side, and opening the clubface properly, bunker shots become far more predictable.
Great bunker play starts with setup. Fix that, and getting out of the sand becomes routine instead of stressful.
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.
