What A Good Bunker Shot Feels Like

THE TECHNIQUE on greenside bunker shots is quite different than what you do on every other shot. The fact that you’re not trying to hit the ball first, and you’re entering the sand behind it, calls for a particular mindset – and skill set. Whether you’ve struggled from the sand or just want a refresher course, let me give you some tips and feels for hitting quality sand shots. You’ll have a clear plan when you step into a bunker.

- David Leadbetter

DUMP THE COFFEE

The right arm and hand play an important role on bunker shots, and it starts with how they help take the club back. You want them to roll the clubface open so it’s pointing skyward immediately in the takeaway. This move puts the clubhead in position to skim through the sand under the ball. The feel of this rolling motion of the right arm and hand can be duplicated with a coffee cup. Fill it with sand, and hold it in front of you with your right hand. Now take that cup and toss the sand out like I’m doing here, turning your arm clockwise. This motion is just like a backswing that rotates the face open. Copy it, and you’ll be in position at the top.