Tiger Woods' bunker shot: feeling the draw
In this TaylorMade masterclass, Tiger Woods and Scottie Scheffler discuss their bunker shots. Tiger Woods explains why he plays his 56-degree wedge with an open face and why he intends to hit a draw even though his ball flies as a cut. Scottie Scheffler compares this to his own method, which involves standing farther away from the ball.
To be continued
What the lesson shows
First, the club selection: Scottie Scheffler usually uses a 60-degree wedge on short bunkers, Tiger Woods prefers his 56-degree open-faced wedge. He grew up without a 60-degree wedge and finds that, in heavy sand, the 60 digs too deep. On firm sand, he sticks with the 56 but swings less hard and lets the club settle more. For a long bunker shot, he might go as low as a 9-iron, but never an 8-iron. For a close pin, he lowers his hands, widens his stance significantly, and steps his right foot back.
The key to Tiger is a sensation: He always thinks "draw.", while his ball cuts to the right. That’s how he releases the club; when he plays poorly, he drags his hands forward and plunges the club straight into the sand. His right foot set back creates an almost closed stance and a more neutral swing path, and he feels the impact toward the heel and the back of the club, which helps him get under the ball while maintaining a downward angle. Scottie Scheffler, who is taller, stands farther back from the ball, with his hands set back, to lower his hands and use the lower part of the club.
The Exercise, Step by Step
- Choose your wedge based on the type of sand: Tiger Woods sticks with the 56-degree open-faced wedge, while Scottie Scheffler often uses a 60-degree wedge for short shots.
- For a close flag, widen your stance significantly and lower your hands.
- Move your right foot back: your stance becomes almost closed, and the club path returns to neutral.
- If you're tall, step back a little from the ball, with your club back, to lower your hands like Scottie Scheffler.
- Think "draw" during your swing: let the club go instead of dragging your hands.
- Feel the sand against your heel and the back of the club as you swing under the ball.
- Turn your body all the way around instead of staying rooted in place.
Key Takeaways
Mistakes to Avoid
- Drag your hands in front of the clubhead: the wedge will dig straight into the sand.
- Set the angle to 60 degrees in heavy sand where it's digging too deep.
- Hit just as hard on firm sand as on regular sand.
- Keep your hands raised over a nearby flag.
- Stay planted without turning your body through the ball.
Driving Range Mode
Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.
- Bunker shots with a draw in mind to work on relaxation
- Series facing the same flag, right foot back, then normal stance
- Comparison of 56 and 60 degrees based on sand texture
- Long bunker shots with a 9-iron
Your Questions
Why does Tiger Woods think of a draw shot when he's in a bunker?
To let the club go. Tiger Woods explains that he always feels a hook even when his ball cuts; when he plays poorly, he drags his hands and plants the club in the sand. Thinking of a draw helps him let the club go.
Which wedge does Tiger Woods use in bunkers?
A 56-degree club played with an open face. He grew up without a 60-degree club and finds that the 60 digs in too much when the sand is heavy. On firm sand, he sticks with the 56 but hits it less hard.
How does Scottie Scheffler approach a flag that's close by?
He widens his stance and stands farther away from the ball, with the club shaft behind him. Since he's tall, this is his way of lowering his hands; he then uses the bottom of the club to swing under the ball.
According to Tiger Woods, which club should you use for a long bunker shot?
He may go as low as a 9-iron for a long bunker shot, but never an 8-iron. For short bunker shots, he sticks with the 56-degree wedge.
Learn More
Video posted on YouTube by its creator (Scottie Scheffler). Best Golf Tips selects and summarizes the best free lessons without hosting them.