Do you struggle to get out of the bunker?
You’re not on your own. Many golfers find it difficult to get the ball out of the sand – even the professionals.
Naturally, you want to focus on your aim, ball position, and releasing the club when you’re stuck in the bunker. However, getting the right loft, spin, and impact on the ball can be easier said than done.
Instead of avoiding bunker shots altogether, it’s worth re-evaluating your approach, as a few small tweaks to your club set-up and attitude could make a huge difference.
Let’s take a look at what you need to do to get out of the bunker.
1. Select the right club
When approaching your bunker shot, the first step is to choose the right club – based on where the ball is in relation to the green.
For instance, if there is only a small amount of green between you and the hole, a wedge with a higher loft will be best. Alternatively, if there is plenty of green to work with, opt for a lower loft wedge to achieve more distance and get your ball out of the bunker.
If you need to invest in new golf clubs, be sure to check out the extensive range available here at Clarkes’ Golf Centre. We stock golf wedges from leading brands, such as Callaway, Cleveland, Ping, TaylorMade, Titleist, and Wilson, so you’re sure to find something suitable!
2. Perfect your stance
Though you might not think so, your stance and set-up matter a great deal when trying to get the ball out of a bunker.
Make sure that your feet are nice and wide and bend at the knees – pushing your hips back slightly to give you a solid base.
On a normal swing, you’d shift your weight back and forth, but this isn’t the case with a bunker shot. Instead, you need to distribute 80% of your weight on your lead foot and 20% on your back foot to get under the ball and fire it out of the sand.
3. Adjust your grip
The trick to a decent bunker shot lies in your grip.
Most golfers tend to clench the club in their hands, but it’s better to approach such shots with soft arms and a weak grip. A weak grip doesn’t necessarily mean you hold the club with less pressure – it merely refers to the hinge in your wrists.
By holding your club looser and allowing your wrist to flex and release sooner, the ball will travel higher and stop faster on the green. Result.
4. Take a big swing
To get out of the bunker, you need to hit the ball with plenty of power.
Ideally, you should have an outside-in swing pattern and use a slight wrist bend at the top of your swing. This will help with the loft of the ball, allowing your shot to be high and soft.
How far back you bring the club on your swing is dependent on how far you need to send the ball. But it’s crucial you strike the ball with controlled force to ensure it gets through the sand.
Want to know more?
If you’d like further advice on how to get out of a bunker, or you’re unsure which golf clubs are right for you, then don’t hesitate to get in touch with our specialists.
Always on hand to help, we’ll gladly guide and advise you to ensure you make an informed decision.
Either give us a call on 01744 419 914 to speak to a member of the team directly or email your questions and queries to admin@clarkesgolf.co.uk, and we’ll get back to you with more information.
Alternatively, if you’d prefer to discuss your requirements face-to-face, or benefit from a custom club fitting, why not visit us in-store? Our friendly staff will listen carefully to your needs before offering a suitable solution, and you’re welcome to try out different golf clubs before you commit to buying them at our state-of-the-art fitting bay.