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Sand Play

Bunker Play

Bunker play is the one shot in golf where you are not supposed to hit the ball. This is either reassuring or confusing, depending on where you are in your game. Either way, the technique is learnable.

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The greenside bunker shot is fundamentally different from every other shot in the game. The objective is not to hit the ball. You hit the sand, and the sand moves the ball. Golfers who approach a bunker like a chip shot consistently fail because of this. Understanding where to aim, how much sand to take, and how to use the club's bounce is the foundation of reliable sand play. These principles apply whether you are dealing with a flat lie, a plugged ball, or a steep face.

StackingBirdies has gathered bunker instruction from coaches who make the physics clear and the technique practical. If short game shots outside the bunker are also costing strokes, the Short Game section covers chipping, pitching, and the awkward in-between distances.

Where should I aim when hitting a bunker shot?

For a standard greenside bunker shot, aim the clubface at the target, then align your body (feet, hips, shoulders) slightly open to the left of the target line. This promotes the outside-in swing path needed to slide the club under the ball through the sand. Aim for a spot in the sand approximately two inches behind the ball, not at the ball itself.

Why do I blade bunker shots?

Blading a bunker shot usually means you are either hitting too close to the ball or the leading edge is striking the ball directly. The most common cause is excessive tension in the hands and arms, which prevents the club from sliding under the ball. A relaxed grip and a focus on splashing sand at the entry point eliminates most blade shots.

How much sand should I take in a bunker shot?

The club should enter the sand two to three inches behind the ball and exit a few inches in front of it, displacing a shallow divot of sand. Taking too little sand is the usual amateur error. Most golfers are surprised by how much sand is correct. The ball rides out on the cushion of displaced sand rather than being struck directly.

Sand Play

Bunker Play

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