The Golf Channel for Golf Lessons

Bunker Shots

This is the secret for handling tricky lies in the bunker

This is the secret for handling tricky lies in the bunker

Mastering Tricky Bunker Shots

Golf legend Rory McIlroy unveils his foolproof technique for conquering the notorious greenside hazard. McIlroy’s method simplifies the daunting task of extricating oneself from a bunker with confidence and precision.

According to McIlroy, the key lies in identifying the ball’s lie and adjusting the clubface and swing accordingly. For balls nestled in firm sand, he advocates for a “splash shot” with a square clubface and a steep attack angle. Conversely, for balls sitting in soft sand, McIlroy recommends a “lob shot” with an open clubface and a shallow swing arc.

McIlroy emphasizes the importance of a proper stance, weight distribution, and clubhead speed. By adhering to these principles, golfers will be well-equipped to navigate the challenges of a bunker and elevate their short game.

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Scottie Scheffler’s ‘very important part’ to bunker play? It features your hands  

Scottie Scheffler’s ‘very important part’ to bunker play? It features your hands  

PGA Tour pro Scottie Scheffler has been in scintillating form this season, winning four tournaments, including the Masters and the WGC-Match Play. He has also spent time at the top of the world rankings. Part of the reason for Scheffler’s success has been his improved bunker play. Scheffler, with the help of instructor Randy Smith, has been working on using his hands more actively in the bunker. This allows him to better control the club and hit the ball more consistently. “My hands are a very important part of getting me out of the bunker,” Scheffler said. “I use my hands to manipulate the club and get the ball out of there.” Scheffler’s method requires him to use his hands to open the clubface and then use his left hand to turn the clubhead back toward the target. This method works well for Scheffler because he is able to use his hands to control the club and get the ball out of the bunker without hitting it fat or thin.

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The easy way to hit high bunker shots (with spin!)

The easy way to hit high bunker shots (with spin!)

To hit high greenside bunker shots with spin, golfers should open the clubface, make a steep swing, and hit slightly behind the ball. Opening the clubface increases loft and promotes spin, while a steep swing creates a descending angle of attack to help the ball get up quickly. Contacting the sand behind the ball encourages backspin, generating height and control for landing on the green and spinning towards the hole.

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Stuck in the rough? Follow Seve Ballesteros’ tips to safely escape

Stuck in the rough? Follow Seve Ballesteros’ tips to safely escape

Stuck in the rough? Follow Seve Ballesteros’ tips to safely escape

Whenever Seve Ballesteros was faced with recovering from a wayward shot that had ended up in deep rough, here’s what he did: took a more lofted club, and made a steeper swing to ensure he got the ball up and out of the rough and back onto the fairway or, at the very least, into a more playable position.

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Bryson DeChambeau says this is the ‘most important thing’ on bunker shots

Bryson DeChambeau says this is the ‘most important thing’ on bunker shots

Bryson DeChambeau, a rising star on the PGA Tour, recently revealed what he believes to be the “most important thing” for successful bunker shots: hitting the sand behind the ball.

DeChambeau stresses the significance of contacting the sand about two inches behind the ball. This allows for the club to slide under the ball and “pop” it out of the bunker. The goal is to create a clean, crisp strike that propels the ball high and soft, allowing it to land on the green with ample spin.

DeChambeau’s technique, which he developed through countless hours of practice, has proven highly effective. It has helped him secure several victories and establish himself as one of the game’s most promising young players.

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Short-sided in a greenside bunker? Here’s how to get up and down

Short-sided in a greenside bunker? Here’s how to get up and down

**Out of the Bunker: Handling the Short-Sided Greenside Bunker**

Golfers often encounter trouble when trapped in a greenside bunker, especially when faced with a short-sided lie. This challenging position, where the pin is located far from the player’s location on the green, makes it difficult to escape successfully.

To overcome this obstacle, skilled golfers rely on specific techniques. Using a wedge with more loft, players can create a high, soft shot that will land softly on the green and roll towards the hole. Alternatively, a running shot, where the ball is played along the ground, can provide more precision and control.

By selecting the appropriate club and executing the shot with finesse, golfers can navigate the short-sided bunker and salvage their score. These techniques empower them to escape the sand and give themselves a chance for a successful up-and-down, ultimately leading to a lower score.

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Why this wedge is known as the ‘ultimate bunker club’

Why this wedge is known as the ‘ultimate bunker club’

**Why This Wedge is Known as the ‘Ultimate Bunker Club’**

Renowned for its exceptional performance in treacherous bunker shots, the **B-Grind wedge** has earned the coveted title of the “ultimate bunker club.” Its unique grind, featuring a wide sole and tight trailing edge, provides maximum stability and precision for escaping even the deepest and most demanding sand traps.

With its impeccable bunker performance, the B-Grind wedge empowers golfers to confidently approach and conquer sandy hazards, eliminating the fear of buried lies. Its versatility allows for a wide range of shot variations, including high lobs, low runners, and spin-controlled shots, enabling golfers to execute strategic bunker play with ease.

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