The 2 Best Drills for Practicing Bunker Shots, According to a Bunker Expert

Most recreational golfers feel anxious when playing from bunkers, whether because of limited practice or incorrect technique. David Armitage, a GOLF Top 100 Teacher, specializes in bunker play and recommends two drills to improve it.

Rake drill

Place a rake about a foot behind the ball. If you sway or fall back during the backswing, you will hit it. The drill helps golfers feel how vertical the swing needs to be for a proper bunker shot.

“If I drift off the ball on the backswing, I’m gonna hit the rake,” Armitage says.

The rake also helps golfers create a steep downswing and control the correct low point. Start slowly so you do not accidentally hit the rake, using the drill to build the feel of the proper motion.

“Do it slowly,” he says. “Maybe just do it in very slow motion just to get the image and the feeling.”

Once the movement becomes familiar, gradually build up to a faster swing.

Line drill

Armitage says the second drill comes from Ernie Els. Els would draw two lines in the sand, take a wide stance and make swings focused on contacting the sand between the lines. He would make two or three such swings before hitting a ball.

“That’s what the pros do, and one of the best players in the world,” Armitage says.

Amateurs should do the same: rather than immediately hitting balls, first practice the setup and the strike.

“Do the line drills first, get that impact where you want it, and then take that to the ball,” he says.

The drill helps build a feel for controlling the low point of the swing and for where the clubhead should enter the sand. If you can consistently contact the sand between the lines, you should have no trouble splashing the ball out of a bunker on the course.