Bunkers · Lesson
Greenside Bunker Basics, Step by Step
Part of our bunkers programs for fat or chunked. Build a program with it
Short-sided in the sand? Take your lob wedge, so the ball won't roll out much. Wiggle your feet down until they're settled. That gives you a base and a feel for the sand. Set the ball forward, near your lead heel. Moving it back makes it fly lower and run more. Aim your feet left and lay the face open for a higher, softer shot. Put most of your weight, about 80 percent, on your front foot. Swing a bit across your body. Swing all the way to a finish without lifting up. Slowing down leads to chunks.
Step by step
- Lob wedge when short-sided.
- Settle your feet, ball forward.
- Feet aimed left, face open.
- Weight mostly forward.
- Follow through fully; use more club for longer shots.
Why it works
In a greenside bunker the club hits the sand behind the ball, and the sand carries the ball out. An open face adds loft and uses the bounce of the club, so it glides through the sand instead of digging. Feet aimed left with a swing along your body line cuts across the ball and adds height and softness. Weight forward keeps the low point of the swing behind the ball, and a full finish keeps the club moving through the sand.
Common mistakes
- Slowing the club down before the sand, which leaves the ball in the bunker or causes a chunk.Commit to a full swing and finish with the club high, with your chest facing the target.
- Leaning back to help the ball up, which makes you hit the ball thin or dig the club in behind it.Keep about 80 percent of your weight on your front foot from setup to finish.
- Setting the ball back in your stance, which sends it low and running.Place the ball forward, near your lead heel, and open the face before you take your grip.
How you'll know it's working
- The club enters the sand a few inches behind the ball and leaves a shallow, even scoop.
- The ball comes out high, lands softly and stops soon after landing.
- You finish balanced on your front foot with the club swung all the way through.
Make it easier or harder
Easier: Draw a line in the sand a few inches behind a ball and practice hitting the line, with no need to hit a target yet.
Harder: Pick a landing spot on the green and change how far you swing to hit different distances, using more club for longer shots.
Common questions
What club should I use in a greenside bunker?
Use a lob wedge when you are short-sided and need the ball to land softly. For longer shots, use more club and swing the same way.
Why do I keep hitting the ball thin or chunking it in the sand?
Most often you slow down or lean back. Keep your weight forward, hit the sand behind the ball and swing all the way to a finish.
