There are few shots in golf as intimidating as staring down a bunker with a towering lip between your ball and the green. The margin for error is small: knife it and you will catch the lip; if you fall too far behind, you will remain trapped.
However, with the right technique, you can execute these shots without fear. Here are five keys to a high, gentle escape.
1. Open the club sheet early
Before you even take your stand, open the club face wide, Than take your grip. This adds loft by pointing the clubface more toward the sky and exposing the spring – the part of the club that helps it glide through the sand. The leading edge should only come into play from underground lies, so finding the right mix of loft and bounce here is essential.
2. Check your settings
Play the ball slightly forward in your stance to launch it higher. Widen your stance and lower your hands and shaft angle – this promotes extra loft and encourages the shallower, skimming stroke you want through the sand.
3. Take a thin layer of sand
Your goal is to slide the club under the ball while taking a thin layer of sand. Because sand slows the club down significantly, you need more speed than most golfers realize. Focus on to throw the sand under the ball and on the green – not by ‘hitting’ the ball itself.
4. Avoid this big mistake
Most golfers instinctively fall back on their trail foot, thinking it will help lift the ball. In reality it does the opposite. If you hang back, the low point shifts too far behind the ball, almost guaranteeing that you’ll be taking way too much sand with you.
5. Commit to follow-up
An aggressive arm swing is key. Continue to accelerate through the sand and let the club finish long and high. This full release provides the height you need to clear the lip.
If you can stick to these setup and swing keys, your bunker play will quickly improve – and high-lip escapes will feel a lot less scary.
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