Bunker Practice Checklist for Beginners

Escaping bunkers can be tough for beginners, but with the right setup and practice, it’s manageable. The key? Focus on hitting the sand before the ball, using the correct club (like a sand or lob wedge), and maintaining an open stance with most of your weight on your front foot. Start with these steps:

Club Selection: Use a sand wedge (54°–56°) or lob wedge (58°–60°) for better control and height.
Stance & Ball Position: Dig your feet into the sand, take a wide stance, and place the ball slightly forward in your stance.
Open Clubface: Rotate the clubface open for loft and bounce.
Weight Distribution: Keep 80% of your weight on your lead foot throughout the swing.

Practice with drills like the Line Drill (focus on consistent sand contact), Splash Drill (improve swing power), and Momentum Drill (develop smooth rhythm). Avoid common mistakes like decelerating, incorrect ball placement, or gripping too tightly. Stick to a regular routine, starting with dry swings, then drills, and finish with target-focused shots. With time, bunker shots will feel far less intimidating.

HOW TO PLAY BUNKERS – THE LINE DRILL

Setup Basics

Getting the right setup in the bunker can mean the difference between a clean escape and a frustrating struggle. Bunker shots require a different approach compared to regular shots, so it’s worth taking the time to master each part of the setup. Focus on these elements step by step to create a routine you can rely on.

Club Selection

Reach for a sand wedge (54°–56°) when you’re in the bunker. Its design helps the club glide through the sand. For situations where you need extra height or have a high bunker lip to clear, a lob wedge (58°–60°) is your go-to.

Resist the urge to use a pitching wedge or 9-iron. These clubs have sharper leading edges, which tend to dig into the sand, making it harder to achieve consistent results. The bounce angle of a sand wedge is specifically designed to help the club slide under the ball and through the sand, giving you better control.

Stance and Ball Position

Start by digging your feet about 1–2 inches into the sand to anchor yourself. Take a wider stance than usual to maintain stability throughout the shot.

Position the ball slightly forward in your stance – roughly in line with your front heel or just inside it. This forward ball position helps the club enter the sand behind the ball, creating the high trajectory needed to clear the bunker lip.

Open Stance and Clubface

Set up with an open stance by aiming your feet and body slightly left of the target (for right-handed golfers). This stance naturally promotes the out-to-in swing path that works best for bunker shots.

Before gripping the club, open the clubface by rotating it slightly away from the target. This adjustment increases the club’s loft and exposes more of the bounce, allowing it to glide through the sand instead of digging in. This setup not only improves consistency but also gives you a bit more forgiveness on your shots.

Weight Distribution

Your weight distribution plays a crucial role in executing a successful bunker shot. Shift about 80% of your weight onto your lead foot and keep it there throughout the swing. This forward weight placement creates a steeper angle of attack, helping the club enter the sand at the right spot behind the ball and discouraging any scooping motion.

"The clubface needs to be open to the target, which exposes the back of the club more, so it’ll bounce in the sand. Next, widen your [lead side], putting about 80 percent of your weight on that front leg. You’re going to keep it there all the way through your swing." – Michael Campbell, 2005 U.S. Open champion

"I try to visualize entering the sand about two inches behind the ball, widening that front side [and keeping it there], and then moving your center of gravity forward." – Michael Campbell, 2005 U.S. Open champion

Practice Drills

Once your bunker setup is ready, it’s time to refine your skills with a few targeted drills. These exercises are designed to help you develop muscle memory and confidence: the Line Drill for precise sand contact, the Splash Drill to master aggressive swings, and the Momentum Drill for achieving a smooth, natural rhythm.

Line Drill

Begin by drawing a straight line in the sand, about 12 inches long, using your club or a tee. This line serves as your reference point. Start practicing your swing along the line without a ball. Once you’re consistently striking the sand at the right spot, place a ball about 2 inches ahead of the line and repeat the drill.

Your goal is to have the club enter the sand right at the line and continue through it. The key isn’t to hit the ball directly but to let the sand lift the ball out of the bunker. Pay attention to the divot pattern – it should start at the line and extend forward, with the ball flying out softly and high. Aim for 10–15 swings per session to build consistency. This drill is all about reinforcing the correct entry point into the sand.

Splash Drill

This drill helps you practice creating a strong, explosive swing through the sand. Set up in your usual open stance with the clubface open, and focus on generating a big sand spray. Think of it like splashing water out of a pool – your goal is to throw sand onto the green.

Take a full backswing and accelerate through the sand, finishing with your hands high above your shoulder. Avoid slowing down at impact, as this can cause the club to dig too deeply into the sand. Start practicing without a ball to perfect your swing mechanics, then add a ball while maintaining that aggressive follow-through. The idea is to commit to the swing and let the sand do the work of lifting the ball.

Momentum Drill

This drill is all about finding a smooth, fluid rhythm in your bunker play. Keep your open stance and forward ball position, as these are essential for maintaining a natural swing motion.

Start by taking several practice swings without a ball, focusing on a relaxed grip and a continuous, flowing motion. The goal is to feel the rhythm of your swing without tension. Once you’re comfortable, introduce a ball and practice maintaining that effortless tempo. By staying relaxed and letting momentum guide your swing, you’ll improve consistency and reduce tension, making bunker shots feel much more manageable.

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Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the right setup and plenty of practice, beginners often stumble into common mistakes that can ruin a bunker shot. Being aware of these errors – and knowing how to fix them – can save you strokes and improve your game.

Decelerating Through Impact

One of the biggest mistakes is slowing down right before you make contact with the sand. Deceleration robs your swing of energy, leaving the ball barely moving out of the bunker.

"You know you decelerated during the shot when the ball just plops forward a few feet due to the lack of energy transferred to the ball." – The Grateful Golfer

The fix? Keep your swing smooth and powerful. Focus on maintaining acceleration all the way through the shot. Imagine you’re splashing the sand out of the bunker with force – that energy will carry the ball up and out.

Wrong Ball Position

Where you place the ball in your stance can make or break your bunker shot. If the ball is too far back, your swing becomes too steep, driving the ball into the sand instead of lifting it.

The solution is simple: move the ball forward in your stance, much like you would for a driver. This position allows your club to hit the sand about 2 inches behind the ball, using the sand to lift it out. If your shots keep coming out low and fast, adjust the ball forward and practice until it feels second nature.

Tension in Hands and Arms

A tight grip is another common problem. When your hands and arms are tense, your swing becomes jerky, and the clubface may close too early, turning your wedge into a digging tool instead of a sand-splashing one.

Relaxation is key. Aim for a grip pressure of about 4 or 5 on a scale of 1 to 10 – firm enough to control the club but soft enough to stay fluid. Before you swing, take a deep breath to loosen your shoulders and arms. Picture the smooth, flowing motion from your practice drills rather than forcing the shot. Over time, this relaxed approach will lead to cleaner contact and better control over distance.

Practice Schedule

To improve your bunker shots, sticking to a regular practice routine is crucial. A well-organized schedule helps you develop muscle memory and fine-tune your technique over time.

Warm-Up

Start your bunker session with 10 dry swings, focusing on creating a strong splash of sand. The goal is to hit the sand about an inch behind your intended target spot and accelerate through the impact zone. This warm-up gets you comfortable with the feel of proper sand contact.

Shot Progression

Revisit the line drill mentioned earlier to ensure you’re striking the sand correctly. Add wrist drills to focus on keeping your lead wrist extended and properly hinged. This helps maintain an open clubface, allowing your wedge to take full advantage of its bounce. Wrap up with 5–10 shots aimed at a flag, simulating real game conditions. This step helps you transition from practice to on-course performance.

Review and Repeat

Repetition is key – stick with this routine to build confidence and consistency in your bunker play.

Conclusion

Getting the hang of bunker shots comes down to the right setup and regular, focused practice. The essentials – choosing the correct wedge, setting up with an open stance and a forward ball position, and distributing your weight properly – lay the groundwork for hitting successful shots.

To sharpen your skills, rely on three key drills: the line drill, the splash drill, and the momentum drill. These will help you build confidence and develop the habit of accelerating through impact. Repetition is your best friend here. As you practice, revisit these drills and the core lessons to reinforce good habits. Steer clear of common pitfalls like decelerating, incorrect ball placement, or gripping the club too tightly. Stay relaxed and keep your rhythm steady.

The practice schedule we’ve outlined – starting with dry swings, moving into drills, and wrapping up with target-focused shots – offers a practical way to improve. Remember, consistency matters more than cramming in long practice sessions. Commit to 20–30 minutes of focused practice on a regular basis.

For more in-depth guidance, check out How To Break 80. Their video courses and detailed guides are a great complement to the tips and drills covered here, offering a practical approach to taking your golf game to the next level.

FAQs

Why should you keep most of your weight on your front foot during a bunker shot?

When playing a bunker shot, keeping about 80% of your weight on your front foot is key to achieving a steeper angle of attack. This positioning allows you to strike the sand consistently and cleanly, helping the ball lift out of the bunker with ease. It also gives you greater control over the shot, making it easier to execute precise and effective plays from the sand. By prioritizing this stance, you can sharpen your bunker skills and feel more confident in tricky situations.

How can I tell if my grip pressure is right for bunker shots?

To get the most out of your bunker shots, focus on maintaining a light grip pressure. Your grip should be firm enough to keep control but relaxed enough to allow the club to move freely. Aim for around 50-60% of your maximum grip strength. This approach helps reduce tension in your hands and arms, making it easier for the club to glide effortlessly through the sand. If your grip is too tight, the club might dig too deeply or lose its natural motion. Stay relaxed and trust the club to do its job.

What are the benefits of using the Line Drill, Splash Drill, and Momentum Drill for bunker practice?

The Line Drill is all about nailing down a consistent entry point and low point in the sand. This helps you improve your accuracy and control when hitting bunker shots. The Splash Drill, on the other hand, focuses on controlling how much sand you move and honing the club’s entry point. Mastering this drill makes it easier to lift the ball out of the bunker gently and with confidence. Finally, the Momentum Drill is designed to help you maintain the right swing speed and acceleration, which boosts both the power and consistency of your bunker shots.

Adding these drills to your practice routine can sharpen your skills, boost your confidence, and make bunker play feel much more manageable.