Alright, let’s not delay this promise any longer — 2026 is definitely, almost certainly, absolutely going to be the year you finally get better. There are a ton 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. So in an effort to get you started toward your 2026 goal, we’re rolling out five key tips to focus on next year. Now read up and get to work.
No. 1 — Instantly make more putts
No. 2 — Fix your chipping
No. 3 — Add speed to your swing
No. 4 — Find more fairways
5 key tips for 2026: How to escape every bunker
To escape greenside bunkers in one swing, you must take just the right amount of sand. Most contact issues in the bunker come 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 clubhead to hit the sand too early.
Fortunately, Tim Cooke, a GOLF Top 100 Teacher, says all you need are five simple keys to build a reliable bunker shot that generates a solid strike and splashes the ball out every time. Follow along to find what they are and add this shot to your arsenal in time for next season.
1. Wide stance, level 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 help you enter the sand cleanly and consistently.
2. Ball position even with your shirt logo
For most players, the ideal ball position is roughly in line with the middle of the left chest — or in line with your shirt logo for right-handed players. This helps the club enter the sand at the correct spot, allowing the ball to pop out softly and land consistently on the green.
3. Close your toe line slightly
Aim your feet just right of the target. Cooke explains this small adjustment stabilizes your lower body, preventing forward sliding and keeping your upper body from leaning back. The result is a smoother, more controlled swing through the sand.
4. Focus on the top of the ball
Find a dimple on top of the ball and focus on that. According to Cooke, this will give you a simple visual cue that helps you time the club’s entry into the sand, minimizing fat or thin shots and boosting consistency.
5. Think: throw the medicine ball
Your final key is to imagine throwing a medicine ball and emulate a motion similar to that. Cooke says this should help your chest rotate over your lead leg without your low body collapsing.
With these setup and swing adjustments, fat and thin bunker shots become 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.
