How this ‘viral’ shot can boost your bunker game

Earlier this year, Keith Mitchell stunned golf fans when he nearly made a brave greenside bunker shot during the 2025 Texas Children’s Houston Open. The risky shot in question? A Thai spinner – a shot made famous by Kiradech Aphibarnrat, who is from Thailand.

For many golfers, it was the first time they saw this shot executed from the sand. But according to Parker McLachlin, a GOLF teacher to watch, this could be the key to improving your bunker play on the green.

In a recent Instagram post, McLachlin, also known as Short game chef– revealed that hitting Mitchell’s unique shot from the bunker is a great way to train shallow arc depth and low point control – one of the most important keys in the sand.

Why the Thai spinner can boost your bunker game

The reason it works is because it teaches you to hit the sand at the right time. If you watch Mitchell in the clip above, you’ll see that his club goes into the sand directly under the ball, not behind it – a common mistake amateurs make from the bunker.

“Look how little sand it takes,” says McLachlin. “It’s actually a throw from the bunker.”

As nerve-wracking as it may be to hit a pitch shot from this lie, practicing it can also help you understand whether you’re using the bounce of your club correctly and help you avoid digging into the leading edge.

To copy what Mitchell does above, take the shot with a slightly narrow stance. Play the ball in the center of your stance. Notice how his wrists are relatively straight as he rotates his body and arms back and forth to power the movement.

“It looks like a putting stroke,” Mitchell says.

If you do it right, the ball should come out low yet controlled with plenty of roll. With enough practice, you can hit bunker shots on the green with more confidence, knowing you’ve dialed in your low point.

ShortGameChef.comCreated by PGA Tour winner Parker McLachlin, it provides golfers with a comprehensive tool to improve their short game. Through personalized tips, drills and expert insights, Parker helps players of all levels gain confidence and a deeper understanding of their short game to lower their scores. That’s possible View membership options here.