Bunkers, the sand-filled depressions on the course, are where confidence sinks with the ball, and technique gets exposed. One splash, one thud, and suddenly the hole feels far away.

A bunker shot is one of golf’s toughest tests, but it doesn’t have to be intimidating. Follow these simple guides to improve your bunker shots.

Open-Face Bunker Shot

Before taking your grip, rotate the clubface open so it points slightly skyward. This increases loft and exposes the bounce, helping the club glide through sand instead of digging.

Once the face is open, take your normal grip. Gripping first and then opening the face limits how well the bounce can be used through the sand.

Aim your feet left of the target (for a right-hander), place the ball slightly forward, and dig your feet in. This stabilizes your base and sets the swing path. Swing aggressively and strike the sand one to two inches behind the ball. The sand’s resistance lifts the ball out, not direct contact.

With the face open, the bounce prevents the leading edge from digging. The leading edge matters in buried lies, not standard greenside bunker shots. Maintain the open face through impact and complete a full, confident follow-through.

Checking Your Bunker Setup

A wide stance creates balance in soft sand, preventing slips and helping control the swing through impact. Place the ball slightly forward in your stance to help it launch higher out of the bunker.

Open the clubface before gripping to add loft and let the club slide under the ball while lowering your hands and staying relaxed, allowing the club to sweep sand smoothly behind the ball.

Sand Control and Follow Through 

A successful bunker shot depends on sliding the club under the ball while removing only a thin layer of sand. Because sand slows the club, extra speed is required to throw sand forward, not to hit the ball directly. Keep weight on the lead foot to prevent digging too far behind the ball. 

Commit to an accelerating swing through the sand and finish high and long, allowing the ball to rise softly and clear the bunker lip with control.

What's your missed Bunker Shot story? Let us know in the comments!

Written by

Aditi Singh

Edited by

Oajaswini Prabhu