Bunkers · Tip
How to Play a Downhill Bunker Shot
Part of our bunkers programs for thin or bladed, distance from sand, plugged or odd lies. Build a program with it
A downhill bunker lie feels awkward. Go with the slope, not against it. Lean your body so it matches the hill, with your weight on your low, lead side. These lies often sit close to the back lip. So make slow practice swings first. Check that the club clears the lip going back. Then swing down the slope. Keep the club low through the sand after impact. The ball will come out lower and run more. Leave room for that.
Step by step
- Lean with the slope onto your lead foot.
- Check that you clear the back lip.
- Keep your weight forward.
- Swing down the hill, club low after impact.
- Plan for a lower shot that runs.
Why it works
Your shoulders should match the slope so the club can travel down the hill and enter the sand just behind the ball. The slope takes loft off the face, so the ball flies lower and carries less. Weight on your lead side stops you from leaning back and hitting the ball thin.
Common mistakes
- You stand upright and try to lift the ball into the air.Tilt your shoulders to match the slope and let the lower launch happen.
- Your weight drifts back onto your trail foot during the swing.Keep your weight on your lead foot from setup to finish.
- You stop the club after impact and it digs or catches the sand.Swing down the hill and keep the club low through the sand.
How you'll know it's working
- The club clears the back lip in your slow practice swings.
- The ball comes out low and lands on the green with some run.
- Your club enters the sand just behind the ball and leaves a shallow divot that follows the slope.
Make it easier or harder
Easier: Pick a downhill lie with plenty of room behind the ball and a flat green in front, and make slow practice swings first.
Harder: Practice with the ball closer to the back lip, or aim at a pin that is close to you so you must control the run.
Common questions
Where should my weight be in a downhill bunker shot?
Put your weight on your lead foot, which is the low side of the slope. Keep it there through the swing.
Why does my ball come out low from a downhill bunker lie?
The slope reduces the effective loft of the club face. Expect a lower shot that runs more after landing, and leave room for it.
