There’s one place on the golf course that can make even confident golfers feel uneasy.
The bunker.
For some players, it’s almost automatic:
“I’m probably going to need two or three shots to get out.”
If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
Greenside bunkers intimidate golfers of every skill level.
But here’s the good news:
Most bunker shots aren’t difficult because of the sand.
They’re difficult because of the way most golfers approach them.
Let’s fix that.
The Biggest Mistake Happens Before You Swing
Ask most golfers why they struggle in the bunker and they’ll say:
“I always hit it too thin.”
Or,
“I leave it in the sand.”
The real problem usually starts before the club even moves.
Many golfers set up exactly the way they would for a normal chip shot.
But bunker shots require a completely different approach.
The goal isn’t to hit the golf ball first.
It’s to let the sand carry the ball onto the green.
Once you understand that, bunker shots become much less intimidating.
Trust the Sand
This is the hardest concept for many golfers to accept.
You are not trying to make perfect contact with the golf ball.
Instead, your club should enter the sand about one to two inches behind the ball.
The sand acts like a cushion, lifting the ball out of the bunker.
Trying to “pick” the ball clean almost always leads to disaster.
Trust the sand.
It’s there to help you.
Let the Club Do the Work
Another common mistake?
Trying to scoop the ball into the air.
When golfers try to lift the ball, they slow down through impact.
That’s when they either leave the ball in the bunker or blade it across the green.
Instead, commit to the swing.
Accelerate through the sand.
Let the loft of the club, and the bounce on the sole, do the work.
You don’t have to help the ball get airborne.
The club was designed to do that for you.
Ball Position Matters
Small setup changes make a huge difference.
For most standard greenside bunker shots:
✔ Play the ball slightly forward in your stance.
✔ Dig your feet into the sand for stability.
✔ Open the clubface before taking your grip.
✔ Aim your body slightly left of the target (for right-handed golfers).
These adjustments encourage the club to glide through the sand instead of digging too deeply.
Good bunker shots begin with a good setup.
Don’t Decelerate
Fear causes golfers to slow down at the worst possible moment.
They worry about hitting the ball too far.
So they quit on the swing.
Ironically, that’s exactly what causes poor bunker shots.
Once you’ve committed to the shot…
Stay committed.
Make a confident swing.
Finish with your chest facing the target.
Confidence produces much better bunker shots than hesitation.
Practice the Right Way
If you want to become comfortable in the sand, don’t practice by aiming at the flag every time.
Instead, focus on one simple goal:
Can you consistently splash the sand in the same spot?
Draw a line in the bunker.
Practice entering the sand just behind it.
Once you can repeat that motion, the golf ball becomes much easier to control.
Consistency always comes before precision.
The bunker doesn’t have to be your enemy.
In fact, with the right technique, it can become one of the most predictable shots in your game.
The next time you find yourself in the sand, remember:
✔ Trust the sand.
✔ Open the clubface.
✔ Keep your speed through impact.
✔ Let the club do the work.
Golf becomes much more enjoyable when you stop fearing the bunker, and start seeing it as just another opportunity to save par.
Ready to Master Greenside Bunkers?
Whether you’re trying to eliminate costly bunker mistakes or sharpen your short game, the right coaching can help you play with more confidence. Download the Golf Connection app, available on Google Play and the App Store, and keep improving your game one shot at a time.
