Welcome to Play Smart, a regular GOLF.com game-improvement column that will help you play smarter, better golf.
Finding a bunker is never good news. Most recreational players are just hoping to get the ball out of the sand — getting the ball close is a bonus.
Much of this ineptitude from the bunker stems from lack of practice, and the rest is because of incorrect technique. We’ll have to leave the practice element to you, dear reader, but as far as technique goes, we’ve got something that can help.
There are several different techniques you can employ when hitting from the sand (depending on the type of shot you want to hit), but today we’re going to focus on the high shot with lots of spin. Check out the video below from GOLF Top 100 Teacher Jonathan Yarwood for a breakdown, or read on for more.
Gonna need to hit high, soft, spinning bunker shots at Augusta. Here’s an easy way with a key move through the ball. #jonathanyarwood #golfswing #jy #golf @GOLF_com @golfmagazine @titleist @golfchannel #teamtitleist @golfdigest #golfdigest pic.twitter.com/SyBMg1Jx81
— JonathanYarwood (@JonathanYarwood) April 10, 2024
How to hit the high bunker shot
If you’ve got a high lip to clear from the bunker — especially when you’ve got little green to work with — you’ll need to hit the ball high and make it stop fast. You’ve likely seen pros hit this shot countless times, but have never quite figured it out for yourself. Luckily, the shot is easier to execute than you might think.
First and foremost, you’ve got to make sure you’ve got the proper equipment. A fresh golf ball made to spin is a must, and having a clubface free of debris is crucial as well. With these two things taken care of, you can create lots of friction which will result in a high spinning shot.
When you set up to the ball, make sure you’ve got an open stance. Put the ball in the front part of your stance, get your weight forward and hover the clubhead about an inch behind the ball. Get your hands nice and low and then also get them a little bit behind the ball.
From here, you’ve got to commit to the shot. Make a full backswing to the top and then when you make your downswing, slow the handle down near impact and release the right hand so the clubhead can skid underneath the ball through the sand.
“That little move there of slowing the handle down and releasing the right hand makes the ball climb on the face, stick to the face and makes a massive amount of friction and spin,” Yarwood says. “That gets the ball up in the air. That gets it spinning and buzzing.”
Practice this shot a bit and you’ll be prepared next time you find yourself in a tricky spot in the bunkers.
