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Uneven LiesBunker shot Wedges Expert / Intermediate ⏱ 6 min 🇬🇧 Video in English, summarized

Bunker shot down the slope: Rory McIlroy

Hitting a ball downhill from a bunker: one of the most difficult shots in the game, according to Rory McIlroy. The key can be summed up in one sentence: align your shoulders with the slope, stay on top of it, and let the club follow the slope. He also talks with Martin Hall about the clubface angle and expectations.

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Rory McIlroy
Rory McIlroy · his YouTube channelFree lesson selected by Fred P.
Schedule · Step 7 of 7Escape Bunkers in 7 StepsValid when: On a downhill shot, 7 out of 10 balls come out without being topped.
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To be continued

19 minSame problemBall Above Your Feet: Find the Plane with GravityEdouard Montaz · Intermediate / Expert16 minSame problemUneven Lies in Golf: Tiger Woods’ KeysTiger Woods · Intermediate / Expert1 minFrom the same proThe Bump and Run Chip: Rory McIlroyRory McIlroy · Beginner / Intermediate

What the lesson shows

Rory McIlroy first takes care of his address: Tilt your shoulders so they follow the slope, whether the ball is on the up-slope or down-slope. If your shoulders stay level on a down-slope shot, you’ll hit the ball from behind: either the ball will stay in the middle of the bunker, or you’ll hit it over the green. Once aligned, he maintains his posture, stay on your left side and let the club follow the slope. The ball looks like it’s going to come out low, but by staying on your left leg, you maintain a little loft. Another tip: step your right foot out of the bunker when possible to shift more weight to the left.

He isn't afraid to make a big swing: The club never touches the ball; the sand carries it. The clubface is very open (Martin Hall estimates it at 30 or 40°) to allow the club to slide under the ball. On the expectations, Rory would be thrilled with any shot from within 12 or 15 feet (about 4 m). To practice, he would hit the balls into the bunker and play them from wherever they landed: you almost never have a perfectly flat lie.

The Exercise, Step by Step

  1. Tilt your shoulders in the direction of the slope.
  2. If possible, step out of the bunker with your right foot to shift your weight to the left side.
  3. Open the clubface wide to slide the club under the ball.
  4. Maintain your posture and keep your weight on your left side throughout the swing.
  5. Take a full swing and hit the sand squarely.
  6. Let the club follow the slope after impact.

Key Takeaways

The shoulders follow the slope of the bunker.
Shoulders flat on a downhill run: a big hit or a topped ball.
Stay on the left side and let the club follow the slope.
The sand cushions the ball: you can hit it hard into the sand.
A very open clubface causes the club to slide under the ball.
A shot from less than 13 feet is already a good result.

Mistakes to Avoid

  • Keep your shoulders flat on a downhill slope.
  • Stand up or shift your weight backward to help the ball rise.
  • Shortening your swing out of fear of hitting the ball too far.
  • Go for the flag at all costs on a shot this difficult.
  • Practice only with balls placed flat in the middle of the bunker.

Driving Range Mode

Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.

  1. Hit a few balls into the bunker and play them where they land
  2. Downhill run: shoulders facing the slope, weight on the left
  3. A few minutes per session on the ball position
  4. About a third of the short game session in the bunker, just like Rory

Your Questions

Why should you position your shoulders in the direction of the slope?

To work with the slope. With your shoulders level with the ball on a downhill lie, Rory explains that you should strike the ball from behind: otherwise, it will stay in the bunker or you’ll hit it over the green.

Won't the ball go out too low?

It may seem that way, but if you stay on the left side, the ball retains a little loft and makes a bunker shot.

Should I open up my stance on this shot?

Yes, and quite a bit: Martin Hall estimates Rory's loft to be 30 or 40°. This allows the club to slide under the ball in the sand.

What score should you aim for when playing downhill from a bunker?

Rory would be happy with any shot within 12 or 15 feet (about 13 feet), especially since the green's slopes make the shot even more difficult.

Learn More

All “Slope Shots” videos →Find the lesson that's right for youAll “Bunker Shot” videos →Find the lesson that's right for you Getting Out of the Bunker with a Square Stance: 8 TipsForget the open stance and the out-to-in swing: square, very low, face open to use the bounce, speed from the wrists; distance from how much you open the face. The ARC Technique to Get Out of a Greenside Bunker First TimeThe ARC method: a low, steady base; bounce from the sole with the face turned and the grip toward your belt; cut through along your foot line. Ball Above Your Feet: Find the Plane with GravityBall above your feet: find the plane and the distance from the weight of the club, with horizontal swings, then a double grass brush around the ball. Rory McIlroyAll of his lessons

Video posted on YouTube by its creator (Rory McIlroy). Best Golf Tips selects and summarizes the best free lessons, without hosting them.

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