BUNKER PLAY FUNDAMENTALS

The Basics: Think "Splash," not "Strike"

1. Setup Fundamentals (Greenside Bunker)

• Open clubface: Before you grip the club, rotate the face open (adds loft and bounce).

• Light grip pressure: Keeps your hands soft and helps use the bounce properly.

• Widen stance: Slightly wider than normal with weight favoring the front foot (60/40).

• Ball position: Forward in stance (just off the front heel).

• Dig in feet: Not only gives stability, but lowers your body into the sand.

2. Swing Fundamentals

• Full shoulder turn with a relaxed rhythm.

• Accelerate through the sand—don’t decel!

• Enter the sand ~1-2 inches behind the ball.

• Use the bounce: Let the club glide through the sand, don’t dig!

INTERMEDIATE TO ADVANCED BUNKER SKILLS

When you want to go from "out" to "close."

1. Varying Trajectory

• Higher shot: Open clubface more, ball more forward, softer hands.

• Lower shot: Slightly square face, ball a little farther back, firmer wrists.

2. Controlling Distance

• Vary the length of your backswing, but keep the speed consistent through impact.

3. Buried Lie

• Square face, dig heels in, steeper angle of attack—think “chop” with a strong wrist hinge.

4. Fried Egg Drill (Harder Lies)

• Place the ball deep into the sand, open stance and swing steep, like chopping under it.

DRILLS YOU CAN DO

1. Line in the Sand Drill

• Draw a line in the sand and practice entering just behind it.

• Goal: Consistent entry point = consistent bunker shots.

2. Dollar Bill Drill

• Imagine the ball is sitting on a dollar bill. Take out the whole "bill" with your swing.

• Helps visualize the proper amount of sand.

3. Towel Drill (For Clean Sand Entry)

• Place a towel 1-2 inches behind the ball and avoid hitting the towel.

• Encourages shallower, cleaner contact.

4. 9-Ball Bunker Game

• Try hitting bunker shots with:

  • 3 different trajectories (low, mid, high)

  • 3 different distances (short, mid, long)

• Great for creativity and shot-making feel.

VIDEOS

I picked these because they balance instruction, visual clarity, and solid fundamentals for all levels.

Beginner Bunker Basics

Coming soon…

Advanced Bunker Play

Coming soon…

Drills in Action

Coming soon…

WRAP-UP: Instructor's Tip

Confidence comes from clarity and reps. Bunker play is one of the few parts of the game where a little technique goes a long way—and practice feels like progress quickly. Every time you step into the sand, remind yourself: This is a chance to be creative, not scared.

Sand Wedge Cheat Sheet –

Finding the Right Bounce & Shaft

1. What Is Bounce?

Bounce is the angle between the leading edge and the lowest point on the sole of your wedge. It helps the club glide through turf or sand, not dig.

Quick Bounce Guide

Player Trait / Condition Recommended Bounce

Steep swing / divots 12° – 14° (High)

Neutral swing / average turf 10° – 12° (Mid)

Shallow swing / firm lies 6° – 10° (Low)

Plays out of soft sand often High Bounce (12°+)

Plays from tight lies often Low Bounce (6°–10°)

2. Wedge Shaft Basics

Choosing the right shaft improves control, feel, and consistency.

Fitting Questions:

• Do you take full swings with your wedges?

• Do you want more spin or more control?

• Do you like a lighter or heavier feel?

General Shaft Types

Player Type Shaft Recommendation

Full-swing wedge players- Match iron shaft or mid-weight steel

Short game touch/control-Try wedge-specific shafts (e.g. S200, Hi-Rev)

Slower swing speeds-Consider lighter steel or soft-flex options

3. Try This During Practice

Wedge Bounce Test:

• Hit chips from fairway turf with a low bounce wedge, then a high bounce wedge.

• Do the same from a fluffy lie (like rough or sand).

• Notice which one digs, which one glides—and which gives better contact.

4. Fitting Resources & Tools

• Vokey Wedge Selector Tool: vokey.com/tools/wedge-selector-tool.aspx

• Cleveland Wedge Analyzer: clevelandgolf.com

• Mizuno Custom Fitting: mizunousa.com