How to Hit Out of the Bunker Every Time

Golfers of all skill levels know that hitting a bunker shot can be one of the most challenging shots on the course. Getting out of the sand and onto the green requires a specific set of skills and technique. However, with the right approach and a bit of practice, you can learn how to hit a bunker shot and improve your chances of getting out of the bunker every time. In this article, we'll cover the basics of hitting a bunker shot in golf, including club selection, stance, clubface alignment, and technique. Whether you're a beginner looking to improve your game or a seasoned pro in need of a refresher, read on to learn how to get out of the bunker every time.

1. Choose the Right Club

Choosing the right club is critical to hitting a successful bunker shot. When it comes to bunker shots, you want to use a sand wedge. The sand wedge is specifically designed for hitting shots out of the bunker and has a wider sole and more bounce than other clubs. The wide sole allows the club to glide through the sand without getting stuck, while the bounce helps prevent the club from digging into the sand. This design allows the sand wedge to lift the ball out of the bunker and onto the green.

It's also essential to note that not all sand wedges are created equal. Some sand wedges have a higher bounce angle than others, which can affect how the club interacts with the sand. If you find that you're struggling to get out of the bunker with your current sand wedge, it might be worth trying a different one with a higher or lower bounce angle.

2. Build a Strong Base

Once you have selected the right club, the next step is to build a strong base. This means positioning your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. Having a wide stance provides you with a stable base and helps you maintain your balance during the swing. Additionally, it can help prevent you from digging your feet into the sand and making a poor swing.

To further improve your stability, you may also want to wiggle your feet down into the sand a bit. This will help you get a good grip on the ground and create a stable foundation for your shot. When you are in the bunker, you want to feel like you are standing firmly on the ground so that you can focus on making a good swing without worrying about losing your balance.

Building a strong base also helps you generate more power, which is necessary for getting the ball out of the bunker and onto the green. So, before you take your swing, make sure you have a stable base by taking a wide stance and wiggling your feet into the sand. This will help you make a solid, powerful swing and improve your chances of hitting a successful bunker shot.

3. Open Your Stance and the Club Face

After building a strong base, the next step is to open your stance and club face. This means aligning your body and the club face slightly left of the target (for right-handed golfers). Opening your stance and club face helps you hit the sand behind the ball, which is necessary for getting the ball out of the bunker. The sand will cushion the club face and help lift the ball out of the bunker and onto the green.

To open your stance, take a step back with your front foot, positioning it slightly behind your back foot. This will cause your hips and shoulders to rotate open. For the club face, aim it slightly left of the target. This will ensure that the club face strikes the sand at the correct angle.

It's important to note that the degree to which you open your stance and club face will depend on the lie of the ball and the type of bunker shot you want to hit. A more severe lie may require a more open stance and club face. However, the general idea is to open your stance and club face enough to hit the sand behind the ball and get it out of the bunker.

4. Aim to Hit the Sand, Not the Ball

The fourth rule of successfully hitting out of the bunker is to aim for the sand just short of the ball, rather than the ball itself. Unlike other shots on the golf course, you don't want to focus on hitting the ball directly when hitting a bunker shot. Instead, you want to focus on hitting the sand a few inches behind the ball. By doing so, you can create a small explosion that will lift the ball out of the bunker and onto the green.

To aim for the sand, visualize a spot in the sand where you want to hit. This spot should be a few inches behind the ball, depending on the type of shot you want to hit. When you swing, aim to hit this spot first, rather than the ball. This will help ensure that the club face hits the sand at the correct angle and creates the explosion you need to get the ball out of the bunker. It's also essential to note that you should follow through with your swing after hitting the sand. This will help ensure that the ball is lifted out of the bunker and onto the green.

5. Follow Through

The final rule for hitting a successful bunker shot is to follow through. Following through with your swing after hitting the sand is essential for getting the ball out of the bunker and onto the green. It's important to continue your swing even after hitting the sand, as this will help ensure that the club face lifts the ball out of the bunker and onto the green.

When following through, you should aim to make a full swing that extends through the sand and towards the target. It's also essential to keep your head down and your eyes on the ball throughout the swing. This will help ensure that you make good contact with the sand and get the ball out of the bunker. Additionally, following through with your swing can help you maintain good posture and balance, which are crucial for hitting a successful bunker shot.