Bunkers · Lesson
Change Clubs to Change Bunker Distance
Part of our bunkers programs for distance from sand. Build a program with it
Not every bunker shot needs the same club. For a short, soft shot, play the ball forward with the face open. Keep it open as you swing back. To check, put a little sand on the face and swing back slowly. If the sand stays on, the face stayed open. Keep your weight on your front foot. For longer bunker shots, switch to a less lofted wedge. Let the club match the distance, not a harder swing.
Step by step
- Short shots: ball forward, face open.
- Keep the face open going back.
- Check it with a little sand on the face.
- Longer shots: less lofted wedge.
- Match the club to the distance.
Why it works
In a greenside bunker the club slides under the ball and the sand carries it out. Loft and bounce set how high and how far the ball goes, so a more open face with the ball forward gives a high, soft shot, while a less lofted wedge sends the ball out lower and farther with the same swing. Changing the club to change distance lets you keep one steady swing, which keeps the contact with the sand consistent.
Common mistakes
- You swing harder with the same wedge to cover more distance.Keep the swing the same and move to a less lofted wedge for the longer shot.
- The face closes as you swing back, so the leading edge digs.Set the face open, then rehearse slowly with a little sand on the face until the sand stays on.
- Your weight drifts to the back foot, so you hit behind the ball or thin it.Keep your weight on your front foot from setup through the finish.
How you'll know it's working
- The sand stays on the face during a slow practice backswing.
- The ball comes out high and soft on short shots and lands near the same spot each time.
- Your divot of sand starts just behind the ball and is a similar depth on every shot.
Make it easier or harder
Easier: Practice only the short shot first, with the ball forward and the face open, until the sand stays on the face every time.
Harder: Pick targets at three different distances and choose the club for each before you swing, keeping the same swing length.
Common questions
What club should I use for a long bunker shot?
Use a less lofted wedge than your sand wedge, because it sends the ball lower and farther with the same swing. Let the club cover the distance instead of swinging harder.
Why does my bunker shot not come out soft?
The face is often too square or has closed during the backswing. Play the ball forward, open the face, keep it open going back and keep your weight on your front foot.
