Bunkers · Lesson
Build a Steady Base in the Bunker
Part of our bunkers programs for fat or chunked, thin or bladed, not getting out. Build a program with it
Moving side to side is a big bunker problem. Build a solid platform. Take a wide stance. Turn your lead foot out. Push your lead knee over that foot. Kick your trail knee in. Stand a little farther from the ball so you can sit into your knees with your hands low. In soft sand, tilt slightly away from the target. Going back, keep the face looking at you. That protects the loft. Keep your chest turning. In firm sand, play the ball back with less bounce.
Step by step
- Wide stance, lead foot turned out.
- Lead knee forward, trail knee in.
- Stand farther away, hands low.
- Keep the face pointing at you going back.
- Keep turning your chest.
Why it works
A wide stance with the knees set gives you a stable base, so your head and body stay put while the club swings. When you stay steady, the low point of the swing stays in the same place behind the ball, and the club enters the sand where you intend. Keeping the face pointing at you going back holds the loft open, and a turning chest moves the club without extra wrist or hand action. Together these help the club slide under the ball instead of hitting its middle, which is what causes thin shots.
Common mistakes
- You stand too close and stay tall, so you sway to make room for the swing.Stand a little farther from the ball, sit into your knees and keep your hands low.
- You let the face roll shut going back, which takes away loft.Keep the face looking at you as the club goes back, and let your chest turn it.
- You stop turning and flick the club with your hands at the sand.Keep your chest turning through the shot so the club keeps moving.
How you'll know it's working
- The club enters the sand behind the ball and leaves a shallow, even divot of sand.
- The ball comes out high and soft, with no thin shots skipping across the green.
- Your head and lower body feel steady, and your lead knee stays over your lead foot.
Make it easier or harder
Easier: Practice in soft, fluffy sand and make small swings while you focus on holding the stance and keeping your chest turning.
Harder: Practice from firm sand or a slightly downhill lie, with the ball played back, and hold the same steady base.
Common questions
Why do I hit thin shots out of the bunker?
Often your body moves side to side or up and down, so the club bottoms out in the wrong place or the loft closes. A wide, steady base and a face that stays open going back help prevent this.
How wide should my stance be in a bunker?
Take a stance wider than for a normal pitch, wide enough that you feel stable when you sit into your knees. Turn your lead foot out and set your knees as described, so you can turn without swaying.
