A greenside bunker shot can feel difficult because the ball sits in sand and the club must interact with the surface differently from a normal shot. The following advice covers a common greenside bunker shot; a long fairway bunker shot or an unusual lie may require a different approach.
Choose a safe target and club
Look at the bunker lip and choose a landing area on the green with enough room for the ball to stop. A sand wedge is commonly used because its loft and sole can help the club travel through the sand, but the lie, lip height, distance and sand condition affect the choice.
Set up with balance
Many players use a stable stance, open the feet slightly toward the target, and position the ball forward in the stance for a typical greenside splash shot. These are common starting points, not universal rules. Avoid grounding the club in the sand immediately around the ball before making the stroke; the Rules of Golf restrict touching the sand in certain circumstances, with specific exceptions.
Let the sand help lift the ball
For a standard greenside bunker shot, the club enters the sand behind the ball and continues through it. The displaced sand helps carry the ball out. Trying to scoop the ball with the hands or stopping the club at impact can make the result less predictable.
Practise first without a ball, focusing on a consistent entry point and a smooth follow-through. Then add a ball and aim to send it to a safe part of the green, rather than trying to hole it immediately.
Leave the bunker ready for the next player
After your shot, rake the area according to the course’s instructions, smoothing footprints and the mark left by the shot. Always check where the rake should be left.
Common mistakes
Decelerating before impact, choosing a target that does not clear the lip, using the same swing length for every distance and forgetting to rake the bunker can all cause trouble. If the ball repeatedly stays in the sand, ask a qualified instructor to check your setup and contact point.
Frequently asked questions
Which club should I use?
A sand wedge is common for greenside bunkers, but club choice depends on the lie, lip height and distance.
Can the club touch the sand before the shot?
The Rules of Golf prohibit certain actions in a bunker, including grounding the club immediately near the ball in many circumstances, but there are exceptions. Check the current rules before competition play.
Next lesson: learn how to chip a golf ball onto the green when you are just off the putting surface.
