How to Hit Out of a Bunker
To hit out of a greenside bunker, open the face of your sand wedge, aim to strike the sand a couple of inches behind the ball, and swing through to a full finish. The club never touches the ball: the sand throws it out.
That surprises beginners: it's the one shot where you hit the ground first. Once you trust that, sand stops being scary.
Why you hit the sand, not the ball
A sand wedge has bounce: the bottom of the club sits lower at the back than the leading edge. When you swing it into the sand, the bounce stops it digging in and lets it skim through. The ball rides out on a cushion of sand, which is why it comes out soft and high.
The sand wedge was designed for exactly this job. Its invention is usually credited to Gene Sarazen in the early 1930s. If you want to compare it with other wedges, see sand wedge vs lob wedge.
The setup
- Open the clubface: turn it so it points a little to the right of the target (for a right-hander) before you take your grip.
- Wider stance: a bit wider than for a chip, for balance.
- Dig your feet in: wriggle them into the sand for a stable base. This also lowers you slightly, which helps you get under the ball.
- Ball forward: opposite your front heel or just inside it.
- Weight slightly forward: about 60% on your front foot.
- Aim your body a little left: an open stance balances out the open clubface.
The swing
- Pick a spot behind the ball: about two inches (five centimetres) behind it. Focus on that spot, not the ball.
- Make a full-ish swing: bunker shots need more speed than you'd expect, because the sand slows the club.
- Hinge your wrists on the way back.
- Splash through the sand: imagine taking a shallow scoop of sand, about the size of a banknote, from under the ball.
- Follow through: finish with your chest facing the target. Stopping at the ball is the most common reason shots stay in the bunker.
To hit it further, make a longer swing. To hit it shorter, make a shorter swing but keep accelerating. Don't try to control distance by hitting softly.
Common bunker mistakes
| Mistake | Result | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Hitting the ball first | Bladed (thin) shot, flies over the green | Focus on the sand spot, not the ball |
| Hitting too far behind | Heavy (fat) shot, stays in the bunker | Keep your weight forward |
| Decelerating | Ball doesn't get out | Commit to a full follow-through |
| Square or closed face | Club digs in | Open the face before you grip |
| Scooping with the wrists | Inconsistent contact | Turn your body through the shot |
If fat and thin shots are a regular problem everywhere, fat vs thin golf shots explains the causes.
Plugged lies and fairway bunkers
- Plugged lie (fried egg): when the ball sits buried in its own pitch mark, square the face or close it slightly, put the ball a little further back, and hit down steeply just behind it. The ball comes out low and runs, so allow for roll. More in what is a plugged lie.
- Fairway bunker: this is a different shot. You want to hit the ball first, picking it cleanly off the top of the sand, with enough loft to clear the lip.
The rules in a bunker
Under the Rules of Golf, you can't touch the sand with your club right in front of or behind your ball, in your practice swing, or in your backswing. You can remove loose impediments such as leaves and stones. If your ball is unplayable, one option lets you drop outside the bunker on a line back from the hole, for a two-stroke penalty. For a general introduction, see what is a bunker in golf.
Try it in Mashy
Sand is part of the challenge in Mashy, especially on Salty Links with its pot bunkers. Timing matters: an early miss on the meter comes out heavy and comes up short, while a late miss is bladed and runs out. Hit it too low and it can catch the lip and roll back in, and high shots can plug like a fried egg, costing distance.
Frequently asked questions
Which club is best for getting out of a bunker?
For most greenside bunker shots, the sand wedge is the best choice, because its bounce helps it glide through the sand instead of digging. A lob wedge can work for very short shots over a high lip. For long bunker shots, some players use a gap or pitching wedge.
How far behind the ball should you hit the sand?
A good starting point is about two inches, or five centimetres, behind the ball. Hitting much further back usually leaves the ball in the bunker, while hitting the ball first sends it flying over the green. Draw a line in the sand during practice to check where your club enters.
Can you touch the sand in a bunker before your shot?
Not in the area right in front of or behind your ball, and not with a practice swing or in your backswing. You can dig your feet in to take your stance, rake the bunker after your shot, and remove loose impediments like leaves and stones.
Why do my bunker shots stay in the sand?
The most common reasons are slowing down through impact, taking too much sand, or having the clubface closed so it digs in. Try opening the face, keeping your weight slightly forward and finishing your swing with your chest facing the target.
Are there bunkers in Mashy?
Yes. Mashy has bunkers on its courses, including pot bunkers on Salty Links. An early miss on the timing meter comes out heavy and short, a late miss is thin and runs out, a low shot can catch the lip and roll back, and high shots can plug.