Advanced Bunker Shot In Golf

Straightforward bunker play can be difficult enough, but there are also times when the ball does not find a nice, clean lie in the sand.

Unfair as it may seem, dealing with such shots is as much a part of the game as playing from perfect lies, so you must learn to cope with these situation, too. One thing you will quickly realize is that awkward lies arise more frequently than perfect ones.

The Uphill Shot Against The Lip

When a ball runs into a bunker at a fast pace, very often it ends up on a slight upsweep against the lip. The lie looks intimidating, but it is not as bad as it seems.

Firstly, the upslope acts as a launch pad for the shot, which means that getting the ball out first time should not be too difficult. Secondly, because of the extra height generated by the shot, a positive swing can be used and you can be safe in the knowledge that the ball will not run too far.

Uphill Bunker Shot

At address, the shoulders should be set parallel to the slope. This will cause your weight to fall on to the back foot. The club face must remain square or slightly open to the target.

To generate enough forward momentum on the shot, a fairly long backswing is needed. Your weight must remain on the back foot throughout the backswing.

Take about one inch of sand before the ball and give the ball a good, hard thump on impact. The upslope and the resistance of the sand will stop you from hitting the ball too far.

The upslope of the bunker will restrict the follow through, so do not expect to see a full finish position.

Downswing Checklist

- Transfer weight on to your left side as you start down

- Start downswing with your left hip

- Do not start with your right shoulder or arms

- Hold your wrist hinge on way down

- At point of impact, hips are open to target, weight is on left and left knee is straight

- Release powerfully through impact and extending arms

- Make a full balanced finish