12 Nov How to overcome bunkers on the golf course
The bunker is one of the most feared traps on the golf course. Whether you’re an amateur or an experienced player, getting caught in a bunker can turn a good hole into a real disaster. The missed bunker shot — the one that fails to get the ball out the first time — can ruin not only a hole, but also the entire game. If you’ve ever found yourself in that frustrating situation, this article is for you. Here, we offer you practical tips on how to overcome that difficult “bad” shot in the bunker and improve your game.
Tips for overcoming the bunker
1. Stay calm and focused.
The first step to avoiding a bad shot in the bunker is to control mental pressure. When you’re faced with a difficult shot, especially after you’ve failed to get it out, it’s easy to panic or lose concentration. Instead of thinking about the miss, visualise the perfect shot. The key is to stay calm and execute your technique with confidence.
Recommendations
- Take a deep breath before hitting the shot.
- Concentrate on what you can control: your stance, your swing, and the position of the ball.
2. Proper posture: the basis for success in the bunker.
Proper posture is fundamental to a successful bunker hit. Adopt a stable stance with your feet slightly wider apart than usual. Make sure your feet are well anchored in the sand, turning your body a little to the left (if you are right-handed) to give the necessary angle to the stroke.
Recommendations
- Slightly bend your knees to maintain good balance.
- Place more weight on your front foot (about 60-70%).
- Keep your body relaxed and your arms loose to avoid tense and erratic strokes.
3. Hit the sand, not the ball.
One of the most common mistakes when trying to get the ball out of the bunker is trying to hit it directly, which usually causes it to bury further or the shot to lack power. The correct technique is to hit the sand before the ball, allowing the club to gently dislodge the ball outward.
Recommendations
- Aim to hit the sand about 5 cm before the ball. This will create a cushion of sand that will push the ball up.
- Use a sand wedge or sand wedge with a proper face opening to facilitate this type of shot.
4. Control the power of your stroke
It is common to want to use a lot of force when trying to get the ball out of a bunker, especially if it is buried. However, excessive force can be counterproductive. The key is to find the right balance between power and softness. A swing that is too strong can send the ball a distance you don’t want, while one that is too weak can leave you stuck back in the bunker.
Recommendations
- Swing wide, but controlled.
- Use your shoulders and hips to generate a fluid motion, and don’t rely on your wrists alone.
5. Practice hitting different types of sand
Not all bunkers are the same. Some have fine, light sand, while others have heavier, more compact sand. Each type of sand requires a slightly different strategy. Practising in different conditions will help you develop a more versatile and reliable stroke.
Recommendations
- In fine sand, open the clubface wider to prevent it from sinking too deep.
- In compact sand, use a closer clubface and be sure not to hit the sand too far back from the ball.
6. Choose the right club
Using the wrong club can be one of the reasons why bunker shots fail. Wedges, especially the sand wedge, are specifically designed to get the ball out of bunkers due to their design and loft (clubface angle). However, depending on the situation, you might need a lob wedge for more complicated situations or a pitching wedge if the sand is compacted.
Recommendations
- Know your clubs and when to use them.
- If the flag is close, the lob wedge will be your best option because of its higher elevation.
- If the ball is far away, a sand wedge with a controlled swing can help you cover more distance.
7. Repetition is the key: practice your way out of the bunker.
The only way to overcome the fear of bunker punching is through constant practice. While hitting from the bunker is intimidating, with practice you can master it. Spend time on the practice range to train quick and effective exits from the bunker. Repeat the technique until it becomes automatic.
Recommendations
- In your next practice session, place balls in different positions in the bunker and practice your shots until you feel confident.
- You can also practice with different types of sand if you have access to a driving range with different bunkers.
8. Don’t forget the positive mindset
Confidence is key to improving in golf, especially when it comes to overcoming a bad shot in the bunker. If you find yourself stuck in the bunker and have previously missed, don’t lose motivation. Remember that every hit is a new opportunity to improve.
Recommendations
Before each stroke, repeat to yourself that you can get it out easily. A positive attitude will make your body respond better to the technique and increase your chances of success.
Lose your fear of bunkers at Vistabella Golf
Overcoming the bunker shot is possible with the right technique, the right club and a focused mind. Practice these tips regularly, and you’ll soon be able to transform one of the most dreaded situations in golf into an opportunity to excel — remember that every shot is a lesson and with perseverance you will improve your game in the bunker!
If you need a place to practice that shot, at Vistabella Golf, we will be happy to welcome you. Our golf course and equipment are at your disposal whenever you want. Just book your tee time. See you on the green!