For many golfers, bunkers are a source of anxiety. When you see your ball settle in the sand, it’s easy to feel defeated, even before you step into the bunker. But what if you could approach every bunker shot with confidence instead of fear? At Golftec, our indoor bunker facility is here to help you do just that. Through personalised lessons, we’ll teach you the techniques you need to escape any bunker with ease.
From mastering the standard bunker shot to speciality techniques like the chunk and run and the flip shot, our lessons go beyond basic instruction. We’ll teach you how to select the right wedge for each situation, based on loft, bounce, and lie, so you’ll have the tools and confidence to tackle any bunker.
The Standard Bunker Shot
Most bunker shots you’ll face around the green can be handled with a standard bunker shot. This technique is about using the sand to “lift” the ball out, instead of trying to make direct contact. In our lessons, we’ll focus on the fundamentals:
- Open Your Stance and Clubface: Learning to open your clubface and stance will help create a lofted shot that lands softly.
- Hit the Sand, Not the Ball: The goal is to hit a few inches behind the ball, using the sand to lift it up and onto the green.
- Follow Through: Keeping a smooth, consistent follow-through is key to a controlled, accurate bunker shot.
Mastering the standard bunker shot is the foundation for tackling almost any sand situation. With practice, it’ll become a reliable skill, letting you get up and down more often.
The Chunk and Run
When you need the ball to travel a bit further but still roll out once it hits the green, the chunk and run is your go-to technique. Unlike a typical bunker shot that floats and stops quickly, the chunk and run creates a lower shot that releases after it lands.
In our lessons, we’ll break down the chunk and run so you can understand when and how to use it. Key elements include:
- Choosing a Less Lofted Wedge: A sand wedge or gap wedge will help you generate the right roll-out.
- Adjusting the Strike Point: This technique requires you to hit closer to the ball, taking less sand and creating a “chunkier” shot that runs out on the green.
- Controlled Follow-Through: Instead of a high follow-through, we’ll teach you a more compact finish that controls the ball’s height and spin.
Mastering this shot is particularly useful when you’re facing longer bunker shots or need to cover more green after landing.
The Flop Shot
The flop shot is ideal for when you have very little green to work with and need the ball to land softly with minimal roll. This technique might seem advanced, but with the right instruction, it’s a great skill to have in your arsenal.
The flop shot involves:
- Opening the Clubface Even More: Creating a high-lofted angle with your clubface helps the ball pop up and settle quickly.
- Soft Hands: With the flop shot, your hands need to stay relaxed and let the club do the work, creating that delicate, floating shot.
- Controlled, High Follow-Through: A high follow-through ensures you get the maximum loft and spin, allowing the ball to stop close to its landing point.
It’s the perfect shot when you’re short-sided or need to navigate a particularly tricky bunker.
Selecting the Right Wedge: Loft and Bounce
One of the most important aspects of bunker play is understanding which wedge to use in various situations. The loft and bounce of your wedge can make all the difference in how your club interacts with the sand and, ultimately, the shot you create.
- Loft: For standard bunker shots or shots with little green to work with, a higher lofted club like a 56- or 60-degree wedge is ideal. This will give you the height you need to clear the lip and land softly.
- Bounce: The bounce of your wedge affects how it interacts with the sand. A higher bounce is beneficial for softer sand or shallow bunkers, helping the club “bounce” through the sand rather than dig in. Lower bounce wedges are better for firmer or packed sand.
In our lessons, we’ll analyse your current wedge setup and provide insights on which clubs to use for each bunker scenario. This will give you the confidence to select the right wedge, even under pressure.
Start Mastering Bunkers Today
Golftec’s indoor bunker facility is an ideal place to work on your bunker play year-round. With expert instruction and personalised guidance, you’ll learn the techniques and strategies you need to approach every bunker with confidence. No more fear, no more frustration—just the skills you need to get out of the sand every time.
Book a bunker lesson with Golftec today, and start mastering your game from the sand.