How to Execute a Longer Greenside Bunker Shot with Confidence
A longer bunker shot does not always require a high, soft trajectory: try a lower-lofted wedge and a pitch-like motion.
- With the Presidents Cup coming to Medinah Country Club and the recent redesign of the greenside bunkers, players are likely to face more challenging longer bunker shots.
- Most golfers find it easier to master a short bunker shot—10–15 yards from the pin—but struggle with longer shots.
- Experienced golfers, especially single-digit handicappers, can experiment with an even lower-lofted wedge while keeping the same 10–15-yard greenside bunker setup and swing.
- Sarah Stone’s advice: watch the Presidents Cup players closely this week when they hit this shot.
With the Presidents Cup coming to Medinah Country Club and the recent redesign of the greenside bunkers, players are likely to face more challenging longer bunker shots. Most golfers find it easier to master a short bunker shot—10–15 yards from the pin—but struggle with longer shots.
The good news is that this shot does not have to be complicated. You generally have enough distance to launch the ball with some carry without trying to hit the high, soft shot required for a shorter bunker shot.
Start with a sand wedge. If you need more carry, try a lower-lofted wedge, such as a gap wedge or pitching wedge. Swing more like you would for a pitch shot rather than using the soft, high motion you might choose from a greenside bunker. Make a wider, slightly slower takeaway and allow the clubhead to enter the sand closer to the ball. This produces more ball contact and less sand contact.
“One of my favorite ways to practice this shot is to start off the grass. Get comfortable with the pitch-like motion and lower trajectory, then take that same motion into the bunker. You’ll quickly notice that the ball won’t travel quite as far from the sand as it does from the grass, so give yourself time to adjust.”
It takes some practice to trust a longer bunker shot, but once you do, it can become a valuable option around the green. Instead of trying to manufacture a high, soft shot from every bunker, you can use a lower-lofted club and a familiar motion to remove some of the guesswork.
Experienced golfers, especially single-digit handicappers, can experiment with an even lower-lofted wedge while keeping the same 10–15-yard greenside bunker setup and swing. Changing the loft may give you another useful option when the pin is farther away.
Sarah Stone’s advice: watch the Presidents Cup players closely this week when they hit this shot. You can learn a lot from how they execute these tricky, longer bunker shots.
Based on an article by GOLF.com. By Sarah Stone, a Top 100 Teacher.
Read more on this topic
