The majority of amateur golfers become very anxious and nervous when faced with the standard bunker shot. A good point to remember is that the bunker shot is the only shot in golf where you don't have to hit the ball.
You should understand that the bounce on the sand wedge is designed to glide through the surface of the sand lifting the sand and ball out of the bunker at the same time.
What we are trying to achieve in the bunker is to get the ball into the air as quickly as possible so that we escape the bunker the first time.
1. Clubface Aim and Grip
To get the ball into the air quickly you need to open your clubface. Opening the clubface will do two things, it will increase loft of the club and it will point right of your target. Always open your clubface before gripping it by doing this the clubface will stay open through impact.
2. Body aim
To counteract the position of the clubface, aim your feet, hips and shoulders left of the target. Your feet should be shoulder width apart and you will need to dig them into the sand. This has three benefits, it gives you a solid base in a loose surface, it gives you a feel for the texture of the sand and it helps you hit the sand first.
3. Ball Position and Weight Distribution:
The position of the ball in relation to your feet should be just inside your left heel. This will encourage the clubface to hit the sand first and slide under the ball. You should have the majority of your weight on your left side. This will allow you to pick the club up sharply and promote a steeper and more positive swing. Step Two: The Swing
Once you have set up correctly, you are 75% on the way to hitting a good bunker shot. Just before you execute the shot, you should pick a spot in the sand where you want the club to enter. This should be one to two inches behind the ball depending on the length of the shot and the texture of the sand.
Once you have aligned your body open to the target, all you need to do is swing the club on the line of your body. This will be an outside-to-in-swing path. The length of the swing once again depends on the length of the shot but remember to be aggressive and commit yourself to the shot. Another important point to remember is to keep the clubface open throughout the shot ie the centre of the clubface points towards the sky.
Key points to remember when playing a Banker Shot:
1. Dig your feet into the sand;
2. Set up your body open to your target;
3. Open up your clubface and keep it open throughout the swing;
4. Hit the sand not the ball and always be aggressive;
Remember: In a bunker you must hover the club head above the sand. You are not allowed to ground the club in the bunker and if you touch the sand with the club you will incur a pelanty Check the local rules to see if you are allowed to remove small stones from the bunker.