Okay, let’s not put off this promise any longer: 2026 will absolutely, almost certainly, absolutely be the year you finally get better. There are loads of ways to do that – reading GOLF Magazine, watching our videos, booking a lesson and getting fit for clubs – but you can also learn a lot just by reading this website. In an effort to get you moving toward your 2026 goal, we’re introducing five key tips for you to focus on next year. Now read on and get started.
No. 1 — Make more putts immediately
No. 2 – Fix your chipping
No. 3 — Add speed to your swing
No. 4 — Find more fairways
5 important tips for 2026: How to escape from every bunker
To escape from bunkers on the green in one move, you need to take just the right amount of sand. Most contact problems in the bunker stem from subtle setup errors – playing the ball too far forward, tilting the shoulders away from the target or focusing behind the ball – all of which cause the club head to hit the sand too early.
Luckily, Tim Cooke, a GOLF Top 100 teacher, says you only need five simple keys to hit a reliable bunker shot that generates a solid swing and pops the ball every time. Follow along to find out what they are and add this shot to your arsenal in time for next season.
1. Wide posture, flat shoulders
Cooke recommends a slightly wider stance to make hinging at the hips easier while maintaining a neutral spine. Keep your shoulders level; any tilt can disrupt your swing plane. Together, these keys will help you hit the sand cleanly and consistently.
2. Ball position, even with your shirt logo
For most players, the ideal ball position is approximately in line with the center of the left chest – or in line with the logo on your jersey for right-handed players. This helps the club enter the sand in the right spot, allowing the ball to pop out gently and land consistently on the green.
3. Close your toe line slightly
Point your feet exactly to the right of the target. Cooke explains that this small adjustment stabilizes your lower body, preventing forward sliding and your upper body from leaning backward. The result is a smoother, more controlled swing through the sand.
4. Focus on the top of the ball
Find a hole on top of the ball and concentrate on it. According to Cooke, this gives you a simple visual cue to help you time the club’s entry into the sand, minimizing fat or thin shots and increasing consistency.
5. Think: throw the medicine ball
Your final key is to imagine throwing a medicine ball and mimic a similar motion. Cooke says this should help your chest rotate over your lead leg without causing your lower body to collapse.
With these setup and swing adjustments, thick and thin bunker shots are a thing of the past. Focus on timing, body position and a consistent swing path, and you’ll soon be confidently splashing the ball out of any bunker like a pro.
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