Free Program · 7 Steps

Escape Bunkers in 7 Steps

A free program, in this order: understanding the sand wedge's bounce, adjusting your stance and swing speed, and then getting out of difficult situations—short bunkers, buried balls, and slopes.

About 45 minutes of video in total. Work through one step per session at the training bunker, and move on to the next one when the “validated when” box is checked.

1. 1

   Understanding the Bunker Shot

   The club doesn't hit the ball: it enters the sand before the ball does and slides underneath it, thanks to the bounce of the sole.

   7 minThe ARC Technique to Get Out of a Greenside Bunker First TimeJoël Bernard · video in French

   Validated when: With a line drawn in the sand, the club lands a few centimeters before the line 8 times out of 10.

   I completed this stage
2. 2

   Open the clubface to create bounce

   Pulling the club back opens the clubface toward the sky: the sole bounces off the ground instead of digging in.

   2 minHow to Create Bounce for a Bunker Shot with Thomas LevetThomas Levet · video in French

   Validated when: The footprint left in the sand is long and shallow, with no clump of sand pushed in.

   I completed this stage
3. 3

   Update Your Address

   A simple, repeatable swing: feet firmly planted, very low stance, clubface open at impact.

   11 minGetting Out of the Bunker with a Square Stance: 8 TipsGuillaume Biaugeaud · video in French

   Validated when: Out of 10 shots, you aim at the same spot without even thinking about it.

   I completed this stage
4. 4

   Keep Pushing Until the Very End

   The club slows down in the sand: the downswing must be at least as long as the backswing.

   4 minSymmetry and Speed During a Bunker Shot with Van de VeldeJean Van de Velde · video in French

   Validated when: 8 out of 10 balls come out of the bunker on the first shot.

   I completed this stage
5. 5

   Playing a short bunker shot

   Not much green to play: more body, less hands, the clubface wide open.

   4 minShort Bunker Shot: 80% Body with DubuissonVictor Dubuisson · video in French

   Validated when: When hitting from a bunker 10 yards from the flag, 6 out of 10 shots land within 10 feet.

   I completed this stage
6. 6

   Removing a lodged ball

   The ’fried egg“: Open the face of the club wide, position yourself close to the ball, and swing hard from behind.

   2 minViktor Hovland's Buried Lie in the BunkerViktor Hovland · Video in English, summarized

   Validated when: A buried ball makes a bunker shot 7 times out of 10.

   I completed this stage
7. 7

   Playing a Sloping Bunker

   On the downswing, the shoulders follow the slope so that the club glides under the ball without hitting it too high.

   6 minBunker shot down the slope: Rory McIlroyRory McIlroy · Video in English, summarized

   Validated when: On the downhill shot, 7 out of 10 balls come out without being topped.

   I completed this stage

Further Reading

All lessons on this topic: The Complete Guide to the Bunker Shot →