Q. Hi Jack, I have a question I hope you can give me an easy fix to. I seem to have difficulty with some bunker shots. Firstly, I don�t seem to get enough height out of my bunker shots. That results quite often in the ball just clearing the bunker’s rim and running across the green into opposite bunker or just catching the top lip and having to repeat the shot. Also, how do you correctly hit from a bunker when you are say 30-35 meters away from the pin.
Regards, Phil Latham Melbourne, Australia
A. That’s a great question, Phil. To hit a high, short bunker shot: (1) move the ball forward an inch or two in your stance; (2) open the clubface a few degrees more; and (3) take a steeper swing. Also, try cupping your wrists a little during the backswing, which adds height to the shot.
When opening the clubface, don’t grip the club and then open the clubface. Instead, open the clubface and then grip the club. It makes a difference. You’re less likely to close the clubface at address the second way. And make sure you accelerate through the shot and complete your follow-through.
To hit a longer bunker shot, you must create a wide arc during your backswing, which you can do by keeping your hands as far from your shoulders as possible. Also, try moving the ball back in your stance a bit. This helps produce a slightly lower, but longer, shot.
Both shots require work to learn. But the work pays off in the long run. Mastering your bunker game chops strokes off your scorecard and your golf handicap.