EMBRACE ‘BOUNCE’ IN THE SAND

In recent years, there has been a huge change in the way in which the world’s top golfers hit bunker shots. In the past, players would set up with their body and feet aiming left of the target, and lay the clubface way open before making a steep backswing and cutting across the ball through impact. Today, most Tour pros play these shots from a square stance and simply release the club into the sand to maximise the bounce on the sole of the club and maintain full loft on the shot.

SET LEFT SHOULDER LOW

Many amateurs set up for bunker shots like they do for full shots. Instead, feel that your left shoulder is low at address. This helps you control the shot more with your upper body and prevents you from taking too much sand.

SWING BACK ON PLANE

As I mentioned earlier, in the past we were often taught to swing steep and across the line in the sand. The key, however, is to simply keep the club on plane. You can see here that the butt of the club points directly at the ball.

RELEASE INTO THE SAND

There’s no need to swing aggressively across the line through impact. Simply release the clubhead down into the sand. Trust the loft on the face and the bounce on the sole to do their job. See how the grooves point to the sky here.

You’ve probably been told you need to hit two inches behind the ball to play good bunker shots. Bad advice because it encourages a steep attack into the ball. Instead, think about removing a long, shallow cut of sand from the bunker, using the wide...