Average golfers dread playing just about any shot from a greenside bunker. How often have you heard a golfer say they would rather be in 6 inch rough then a bunker? The opposite of this is true for professional and low handicap golfers. For them, just about any bunker shot is preferable to hitting from deep rough around the green.

The reason for this is that a skilled bunker player can control both the spin and distance of a bunker shot, thus giving them the opportunity to be more accurate with their execution. Playing a shot from long rough around a green is much more difficult simply because you cannot determine in many cases how a shot will fly or roll out of long rough.

There are a number of reasons why the average player hates bunkers. First of all, they are not equipped with the proper technique. With this lack of technique comes fear of the unknown. Consequently, instead of focusing on execution, a poor bunker player focuses on the negative thoughts going through their brain. Am I going to skull the shot or will I chunk it and leave it in the bunker?

Secondly, the average player lacks confidence in their ability to play the shot. This lack of confidence leads to indecision and quite often a bad outcome.

Thirdly, the average player has not practiced their bunker play enough to improve their skill level. Practicing and having positive reinforcement on the range will make your shot on the course much easier.

Finally, too often the average player listens to other players about how to execute the shot. If you need help with your bunker play then take a lesson from a teaching professional who can give you proper instruction.

Well, what’s the solution to poor bunker play and the lack of confidence that goes with it? Let’s explore some solutions to poor bunker play.

First you must understand that it is the sand that actually propels the ball onto the green. Determining how far the ball will carry out of the bunker is a direct relationship to the amount of sand that is displaced. If you hit one inch behind the ball, the ball will carry farther than if you hit two inches behind the ball, therefore, control your distance by how far you hit behind the ball.

Secondly, the more you open the face of the club the higher and shorter the ball will carry. Most average players try to hit their bunker shot with a square club face. The problem with this is that the leading edge of the club digs into the sand and stops the club and therefore the ball from flying the intended distance. Don’t be afraid to open the club face.

Thirdly, focus on a tension free swing when you execute a bunker shot. Tightening up your muscles will only shorten your swing and stop the club from accelerating through the sand. Keep the tension out of your hands, forearms and shoulders throughout the swing.

Fourthly, make a long, smooth and accelerating swing on each shot. Remember the goal is to get out of the bunker and onto the green so you can at worst two putt and make no worse than a bogey.

Finally, regulate the distance you want the ball to fly out of the bunker by the speed of your left arm. Also, always keep your left arm moving. This will take your focus off the ball and the negative thoughts that you may have in your head. I have used this left arm swing thought very successfully for many years.

In conclusion, don’t be afraid of those bunker shots. Get some good instruction, practice and try the techniques from my article and I know you will see both improved bunker play and lower scores.

By: R Galuska

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