A standard splash shot from a good lie in a greenside bunker is very learnable. The trouble starts when the ball plugs in the face, sits on a downslope, rests in wet, compacted sand or is 40 yards from the flag. These shots need different techniques, and a realistic plan. Here is how to tackle golf's toughest bunker shots, and when to settle for simply getting out.
The basic splash shot
Every difficult bunker shot builds on the basic technique: open stance and face, ball forward, weight on the lead side, swing to strike the sand about two inches behind the ball and accelerate through. Read how to hit bunker shots first.
Plugged and fried-egg lies
A plugged lie is when the ball is buried in its own pitch mark. A "fried egg" is when the ball sits in a crater with a ring of sand around it.
Technique
- Face: square or slightly closed, so the leading edge digs rather than the bounce bouncing.
- Ball position: centre of the stance.
- Weight: firmly on the lead side.
- Swing: steep, with an early wrist hinge, striking the sand just behind the ball.
- Follow-through: short; the club stays in the sand.
The ball will come out low with little spin and roll a long way. Aim to land it well short of the flag, and accept that getting out onto the green is a good result.
Uphill lie in a bunker
- Tilt your shoulders with the slope, so most weight is on the trail foot.
- Ball position: forward.
- Swing with the slope, into the hill, harder than for a flat lie, because the slope adds loft and the ball flies high and stops quickly.
- If the ball is close to a steep face, dig in more and expect a very short shot.
Downhill lie in a bunker
The hardest bunker shot for most golfers.
- Tilt your shoulders with the slope, weight on the lead foot.
- Ball position: back of centre.
- Open the face to add loft.
- Steep backswing, with an early wrist hinge to avoid the sand behind you.
- Chase the sand down the slope after impact, keeping the club low.
The ball comes out lower and runs. Aim for the widest part of the green.
Ball above or below your feet
- Ball above your feet: grip down, stand taller; the ball will tend to go left, so aim right.
- Ball below your feet: bend more at the knees, widen your stance, stay down; the ball tends to go right, so aim left.
Read how to play uneven lies.
Different types of sand
| Sand | Behaviour | Adjustment |
|---|---|---|
| Soft, fluffy, deep | Club digs too much | More open face, more bounce, longer swing |
| Wet or compacted | Club bounces | Squarer face, less bounce, shallower entry, less sand |
| Firm, thin layer | Club bounces off hard base | Low-bounce wedge, pick the ball more cleanly |
| Coarse | Ball comes out lower | Slightly more open face |
Read golf wedges guide: loft and bounce.
Long greenside bunker shots (30 to 50 yards)
Long bunker shots are among the hardest in golf.
- Use less loft: a gap wedge, pitching wedge or even a 9-iron with a splash technique, taking less sand.
- Square up the face and stance a little.
- Make a longer, smooth swing.
- If the lie is clean and the lip low, play a "picked" shot like a fairway bunker shot.
Fairway bunkers
- Choose a club with enough loft to clear the lip comfortably.
- Dig your feet in slightly and grip down by the same amount.
- Ball slightly back, quiet lower body.
- Strike the ball first, before the sand.
Read golf trouble shots.
Close to the lip
When the ball sits close to a steep face, open the face fully, play the ball forward and swing steeply up into the face. If there is no realistic way out towards the flag, play out sideways or backwards.
When to take a penalty
If the shot is near impossible, you can declare the ball unplayable. In a bunker, for one stroke, you may drop in the bunker; for two strokes, you may drop outside the bunker on a line back from the hole. Read golf bunker rules.
Practice
- Practise plugged lies by stepping on balls in the sand.
- Practise from slopes in the practice bunker.
- Try different wedges from long distances.
- Play the bunker circle game. Read golf practice games.
Frequently asked questions
How do I hit a plugged ball out of a bunker?
Square or close the face, put the ball in the centre, weight forward, and make a steep swing that digs in behind the ball. Expect it to run.
Why do I thin bunker shots on firm sand?
The club's bounce hits the firm sand and skids into the ball. Use less bounce, a squarer face and a shallower entry.
What club should I use for a long bunker shot?
Often a gap wedge, pitching wedge or 9-iron with a splash technique, or a clean pick if the lie and lip allow.
Can I test the sand before playing?
No. You may not deliberately touch the sand to test its condition. Read golf bunker rules.
The bottom line
Difficult bunker shots need adapted techniques: dig for plugged lies, tilt with the slope, adjust bounce to the sand and use less loft for long shots. Above all, be realistic: when in doubt, get out. For more short-game help, read how to hit a lob shot.