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Table of Contents
- What is a bunker in golf?
- A bunker's purpose
- How to hit out of fairway bunkers
- Discover Glenmuir's high quality golfing attire today
- FAQs
- Final thoughts
There's probably no amateur golfer on the planet who relishes the prospect of hitting their ball out of a fairway bunker. Many golfers think that once the ball enters the bunkers, it's game over for them.
But don't despair - encountering a bunker doesn't necessarily mean you are on your way to a big number.
Whether the ball is on a downhill slope, against the lip or resting in the middle of the bunker, you can still get your game back on track.
This article will discuss what to do if the unfortunate happens - before long you'll have all the skills you need to conquer fairway bunkers with ease.
What is a bunker in golf?The term bunker is one of the oldest terms in golf. While it is believed it originated in the 1700s, there are some theories that it could date back even further. No longer officially considered as "hazards", although many amateur golfers may disagree, a bunker is a specially created area on a golf course designed to test a golfer's ability (and perhaps patience) to play a golf ball from the sand. Bunkers can come in various sizes, shapes and designs, but the thing that unites them all is that they all contain sand. Sand shots require more technical skills than playing on the fairway, one reason why no golfer wants to hit fairway bunker shots. It isn't just fairway bunkers that you'll need to navigate around. There are, in fact, two different types of bunker; a greenside bunker and a fairway bunker. The main difference between these two types of bunker is the sand each contains. A greenside bunker will feature softer sand and a deeper bunker. These are usually the most common type of bunker to be found on a golf course. These bunkers are placed all around the greens, making it easy for a golfer to land their shot in one accidentally. Greenside bunker shots are considered one of the most difficult shots you can encounter on a course. On the other hand, fairway bunkers sit alongside the hole's fairway and is mercifully less common to land your shot in. There is less depth to these bunkers, and they have harder sand than a greenside. The stroke played is known as a "bunker shot", no matter what type of bunker you're up against. The bunker can also be referred to as a trap, sank bunker or sand trap, but also have more humourous nicknames, including the cat box. |
A bunker's purpose
While many bunkers can keep runaway shots in play, others serve no other function than pure aesthetics.
There are usually between 20 and 100 bunkers on a golf course, depending on course size. So, taking into account where you play, it may be critical for you to understand how to hit out of fairway bunkers.
Thankfully, we have some answers.
How to hit out of fairway bunkers
The role of golf architects is to ensure that a golf course is not only fair but challenging. Players can hit balls further than ever before, thanks to the golf club and golf ball advancement. So, that leaves quite a pickle for the designers, who have turned to include more fairway bunkers on golf courses.
Players can't simply hit the ball and call on Lady Luck to see their shot through. Golfers must think twice before simply smashing a golf ball at speed.
In order to hit fairway bunker shots smoothly and cleanly, you must pay attention to distance, which is the key component when faced with this type of bunker. Conversely, when it comes to greenside bunkers, it's a soft touch that is required to free the ball from the sand.
Here are Glenmuir's top tips so you can hit the ball cleanly for a quality shot out of a fairway bunker.
Assess the lip and choose your club
The first thing to consider is the height of the lip and the ball's proximity to it. If the ball rests close to the lip and the lip is high, the only option usually is to use your highest-lofted wedge to pitch it out.
If you have a bit more room, choose a club that will give you enough loft to clear the lip, even if you manage to mis-hit it. You should think about choosing a club that hits the ball further than your intended target distance. As you should be choking down on the club (more on that in a minute), you'll lose some distance, possibly as much as ten yards.
Dig feet deep
The first thing to consider is the height of the lip and the ball's proximity to it. If the ball rests close to the lip and the lip is high, the only option usually is to use your highest-lofted wedge to pitch it out.
If you have a bit more room, choose a club that will give you enough loft to clear the lip, even if you manage to mis-hit it. You should think about choosing a club that hits the ball further than your intended target distance. As you should be choking down on the club (more on that in a minute), you'll lose some distance, possibly as much as ten yards.
Lower your grip
Choking down on the club is required to give you more grip on the club. Do this by moving your hands closer down the club than you usually would when taking a "normal" shot. Since you've manoeuvred your feet into the sand, they will be lower than your ball.
Choking down, therefore, shortens the club to make up for this change in your height, so - hopefully - you'll avoid the sand when it comes to taking your shot.
Focus on the top half of the ball
Think about your backswing
When it's time to take your shot from the fairway bunker, consider the importance of your backswing. Aim for a three-quarter backswing which will increase your chances of making good contact with the ball.
As you should have one extra club, don't worry too much if you sacrifice distance. The main focus should be clean contact with the ball.
Learn how to hit out of fairway bunkers with The #GlenmuirGolfGuide
Discover Glenmuir's high quality golfing attire today
Glenmuir has everything you need to have you looking and feeling good on the golf course, even when you do manage to end up in that dreaded bunker.
For over 100 years, Glenmuir has been crafting high-quality golf clothing that professional and amateur golfers love. Take a look at our huge range today, including men's and women's waterproofs, shorts, polos, trousers, accessories and much more.
FAQsCan you touch the sand in a fairway bunker?No. Under the official golfing rules, players are not allowed to touch the sand or ground the club in a fairway bunker. They must ensure they aren't tempted to touch the sand with their hand, club, a rake or any other object to learn information for their upcoming shot.
Is it legal to take a practice swing in a bunker?Players are not permitted to take practice shots in the bunker. The reasons for this are two-fold. Practising a fairway bunker shot will affect the pace of play, and prohibiting practice shots also prevents excess sand from coming from the trap.
How can I improve my chances of successfully hitting out of a bunker?While it might be obvious advice, golfers are encouraged to practise, practise, practise. Your golf swing is your greatest asset on the course, so improving it will mean less chance of playing into the bunker.
Should I rake the bunker after any fairway bunker shots?Yes. Golfing etiquette dictates that all golfers must rake the bunker they have just played out of, but only after they have taken their shot. It is prohibited to rake the bunker before any bunker shot. Raking the bunker means you leave the bunker the way you found it for the next unfortunate golfer who finds their golf swing has gone array.
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