How to handle bunkers

There are many things on a golf course guaranteed to drive even the most relaxed player into fits of anger – slow play, tree roots, and, perhaps more than anything else, bunkers.

Part and parcel of the modern game, well-positioned bunkers can make a seemingly simple hole become devilishly hard to play. And getting stuck can send a perfectly good score up in smoke…or sand.

But there are a few changes to your game that can help you recover from the sandy trap without losing too many shots…or your temper.

Picking the right club

The instinct is to go for the sand wedge, which, in most cases, is the correct choice. But if you’re aiming for a small green, then you might want to go for something with a higher loft to provide more height and back spin.

If, however, you’ve got a bit of distance to travel and some space to aim for, a sand wedge or lower loft iron will give your shot some legs.

A bunker shot isn’t always just about getting out. Many bunker shots double as green approach shots, while in others you’re simply trying to save yourself. Ask whether you want a simple shot to get yourself back onto solid ground, or if you're trying to get a bit of distance. Is your target a small green or wide fairway?

Remember, due to the lofting nature of most bunker shots, you will have backspin, so plan for that when picking your shot.
   

Adjust your stance

A bunker shot requires a special stance that takes into account many aspects, from the uneven surface to the need to get loft on the ball.

Firstly, dig your feet into the sand an inch or two to give you balance. This also gives you a feel for the sand – not every bunker is the same. If it’s rained recently, the sand might be tightly packed, while dry conditions provide a looser bunker.

You need to be playing the ball forward and centre of your stance, with most of the pressure placed on the front foot. You should also have an open club face to allow it to slide under the ball, giving a higher and gentler shot.

Get into the swing

While your swing should be natural, with a bunker shot feel free to go big with the power but keep the swing shorter than usual.

Keep your shoulder turn to a minimum with your hands not going much further back than waist height. At the apex of the back swing, angle your wrists so there’s 90 degrees between the shaft of the club and your left arm.

As you bring the club down, swivel your hips while keeping your arms tight to your body. Unhinge the wrists and bring them down to the ball, hinging them forward after the impact.

With the follow through, try and keep it down for longer than usual but don’t stop on impact. The temptation with the swing is to punch the ball out, driving the head through the sand and forcing the ball forward.

But you should be looking to ‘splash’ the ball out. This involves using the sand to lift the ball. Think of it like bailing water out of a pool – you come underneath and splash it out. 
   

Hit the sand

This is key – and a mistake many beginners make. You’re not aiming for the ball; you want to play the sand to get that splash effect.

Aim your shot for around two to three inches behind the ball. As the club comes down and under, it’ll move the sand around the ball and lift everything – hopefully – clear of the bunker.