Bunkers · Lesson
Two Bunker Shots to Choose From
Part of our bunkers programs. Build a program with it
Having two bunker shots takes out the guesswork. One is a high, soft floater for tight pins. The other is a standard shot that rolls out toward the hole. The high one uses a more open face and a longer swing. The standard one uses a less open face and runs more. Before you step in, look at how much green you have. Pick the shot. Then set up for that one only.
Step by step
- Check how much green you have.
- Tight pin: open the face more, swing longer.
- More green: less open face, expect roll.
- Enter behind the ball for both.
- Follow through fully.
Why it works
In a greenside bunker the club slides through sand under the ball, so the sand carries the ball out. More loft from an open face sends the ball higher with less roll, but it also slows the club, so you need a longer swing to carry the same distance. A less open face has less loft, so the ball comes out lower and runs more, and a shorter swing is enough. Choosing before you set up means your stance, face and swing length all match one plan.
Common mistakes
- You decide on the shot after you have already taken your stance.Look at the green and pick the shot before you step in, then set up for that shot only.
- You open the face for the high shot but swing short and easy, so the ball stays in the sand.Match the open face with a longer swing and keep the speed going through the sand.
- You stop the club after impact or enter the sand before the ball is reached.Enter the sand behind the ball for both shots and finish with a full follow-through.
How you'll know it's working
- The club enters the sand behind the ball and leaves a shallow, even strip of disturbed sand.
- The high shot lands softly and stops with little roll, and the standard shot lands short and runs toward the hole.
- Your finish is full and balanced on both shots, with no decelerating or stopping at impact.
Make it easier or harder
Easier: Practice with a wide, open green and a flat lie so the standard shot is the only one you need to pick.
Harder: Pick a tight pin with a bunker lip in front, or hit from a slightly uphill or downhill lie, and switch between the two shots on every ball.
Common questions
How do I know which bunker shot to play?
Look at how much green you have between the ball and the hole. A tight pin with little green calls for the high shot, and more green lets you play the standard shot and let it roll.
Why does opening the clubface help in a bunker?
An open face adds loft and lets the club slide through the sand instead of digging. The ball comes out higher and lands softer, but you need a longer swing to make it carry.
