### 4 Winning Bunker Tips to Elevate Your Game 🏖️⛳️
As a coach who’s worked with Professionals on the DP World Tour, I can tell you that mastering bunker play is one of the keys to turning a good round into a winning one. The difference between average players and elite golfers is how they approach bunker shots. With the right technique and mindset, you can get up and down from the sand more often—and with confidence. These four bunker tips have helped my players win on the biggest stages, and now they can help you do the same.
#### 1️⃣ Hands Low for Control 🙌
One of the first adjustments we make with players struggling out of the bunker is their posture. **Flex your knees more and stand a little farther from the ball.** This lowers your hands and flattens your swing plane, giving you more control over the clubhead through the sand. With this setup, you're less likely to dig the club into the ground or come in too steep, which is a common mistake for many amateurs. Keep your hands low, and you’ll notice an immediate improvement in both contact and consistency.
#### 2️⃣ Open the Clubface at Setup 🏌️♂️
Opening the clubface is non-negotiable if you want a smooth, high launch out of the bunker. **At address, open the face to increase the bounce.** This is crucial because the bounce prevents the club from digging too deep into the sand. On tour, we worked hard to perfect this, as it allows the club to slide under the ball effortlessly, generating height and control. With the face open, you can be aggressive through the shot, knowing the bounce will keep the club gliding through the sand.
#### 3️⃣ Focus on Hitting the Sand 💥
Here’s a golden rule for all bunker shots: **you’re not trying to hit the ball—you’re trying to hit the sand.** Specifically, aim to strike the sand 3-5 inches behind the ball. This is what we drill day in and day out with the pros. Hitting the sand first creates the lift and softness needed to get the ball out cleanly. Think of it like a cushion under the ball, helping it pop up with minimal effort. If you aim directly at the ball, you’re asking for trouble, but when you focus on the sand, your margin for error increases dramatically.
#### 4️⃣ Commit to a Full Follow-Through 🔄
Here’s where most amateurs get it wrong—they decelerate. **In bunkers, the sand absorbs a lot of energy, so you have to commit to a full follow-through.** On tour, we often see players who follow through more than they would on a typical shot because it ensures they’re maintaining enough speed through the sand. Deceleration leads to fat shots or leaving the ball in the bunker, and we can’t afford that at the pro level. The key is trusting your swing and completing it fully, allowing the sand to take the ball where it needs to go.
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### Final coach Thoughts
Bunker shots can be intimidating, but with the right techniques, they become just another part of your arsenal. By lowering your hands, opening the clubface, hitting the sand first, and fully committing to your follow-through, you’ll turn the bunker from a hazard into an opportunity. These are the exact tips I’ve given to pros on tour, and they can make a real difference in your game too.
Remember, great bunker play isn’t about luck—it’s about technique, commitment, and confidence. Apply these principles, and watch your bunker shots transform.
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