This article will teach you how to improve your Bunker Play.  A "bunker" is a hazard that is a hole or depression that has been filled in with sand. Bunkers vary greatly in size and shape and depth. They are most commonly found serving as greenside hazards, but also often show up in fairways and alongside fairways.  It's a good idea for all golfers to improve their Bunker Play.

The official definition of "bunker" from the Rules of Golf is this: "A 'bunker' is a hazard consisting of a prepared area of ground, often a hollow, from which turf or soil has been removed and replaced with sand or the like.

An amateur’s chance for successful bunker play shots relies mainly on technique and a minor amount of strength. Strength is not necessary if your technique is right. The two most common mistakes amateurs make while trying to get out of a bunker are leaving the ball in the bunker (swinging too slow) or swinging too hard and hitting a line drive.

Let’s take a look at the three set up requirements for good Bunker Play.

1. Position the ball across from your left heel.

This assures that the clubhead is directed down into the sand at impact and not up.

2. Make sure 75% of your weight is on the front foot.

With a bunker shot you are trying to hit the sand, not the ball, so don’t transfer your weight from your front leg. This ensures the clubhead swings down at the bottom of the swing.

3. Make sure that the grip end of the club is pointing to your belt buckle.

This makes sure the bounce on the bottom the clubhead impacts the sand at the correct angle

You can be sure of this happening and improve your bunker play with this set up.

J. Cavell is an amateur golfer from New Jersey who loves the game of golf. Like others, he wants to improve his golf game to make it a more pleasurable experience. He is a valued contributor to Golf Driving Tips Blog.

J. Cavell
June 9, 2008

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