When your ball comes to rest near the green with a bunker between you and the hole, there are usually two options:
There could be a third choice you haven’t considered: Bouncing the ball through the bunker. Conditions must be just right, of course. A quick survey of the situation should tell you whether it’s a go, or not. Look for these factors:
- A small lip (or none at all) between the sand’s surface and the green.
- Firm sand; sand that’s smooth and compact from rain is ideal.
- A lie that allows you to get plenty of club on the ball and play a low, running shot. If the ball is nestled in thick grass, consider a different option.
One more prerequisite: You must be confident in your ability to get the ball out of the sand should your attempt come up short. If you dread hitting from bunkers, it may be best to take your medicine and go around.
If all conditions are met, hitting the shot is relatively simple. It’s a basic Bump-and-run, executed like this:
- Choose a less-lofted club that lets you keep the ball low – a 7-iron, for example.
- Pick a spot inside the bunker or just short of it where you want the ball to land.
- Take a narrow stance with the ball toward your right foot (left foot for lefties).
- The hands should be ahead of the clubhead, the shaft leaning toward the target.
- Don’t get cute; focus on hitting the ball hard enough to get it through the bunker, even if it means going past the hole.
- Make a short backswing and follow through, accelerating through the shot and keeping the hands ahead of the ball at impact.
You’ll need a little luck, of course, to get the ball on the green and near the hole. But as long as conditions are in your favor and you execute correctly, your next shot should at least be clear of the sand.
Q&A:
Q1: When should I consider bouncing the ball through a bunker instead of attempting a traditional bunker shot? A1: You should consider bouncing the ball through a bunker when the traditional shot is not feasible due to a high bunker lip, limited green to work with, or other obstacles that make it challenging to execute a standard bunker shot.
Q2: What type of club should I use for the bounce shot? A2: A sand wedge or a lob wedge is generally the best club for the bounce shot. These wedges offer enough loft to lift the ball over the bunker lip while providing control for the shot.
Q3: How do I set up for the bounce shot? A3: Take an open stance with your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. Position the ball slightly forward in your stance, toward the target-side foot.
Q4: Should I open the clubface for the bounce shot? A4: Yes, opening the clubface slightly will add more loft to the shot, encouraging a higher trajectory for the ball.
Q5: What is the key to executing the bounce shot successfully? A5: The key to executing the bounce shot successfully is to strike the sand just before the ball, allowing the club's bounce to interact with the sand and pop the ball up and out of the bunker.
Q6: How do I control the distance of the shot? A6: Controlling the distance of the bounce shot requires practice and feel. Experiment with different swing lengths and follow-through to control the distance the ball travels after bouncing in the bunker.
Q7: How do I generate enough backspin to stop the ball quickly on the green? A7: To generate backspin, focus on striking the sand a bit behind the ball and letting the loft of the club create the necessary spin. A shallower angle of attack and a smooth follow-through can help promote backspin.
Q8: Is this shot difficult to master? A8: Like any golf shot, the bounce shot requires practice and patience. While it may be challenging at first, with consistent practice, you can become more proficient at executing the shot effectively.
Q9: Can I use the bounce shot from any bunker lie? A9: The bounce shot is most effective from bunkers with softer sand and a consistent surface. Hard-packed or wet sand may not produce the desired results, so consider the lie before attempting the shot.
Q10: Should I visualize the shot before attempting it? A10: Yes, visualization is an essential part of successful golf shots. Before executing the bounce shot, visualize the trajectory and landing spot you want to achieve to improve your chances of hitting the shot as planned.
Q11: Can I use the bounce shot for longer bunker shots as well? A11: The bounce shot is more suitable for shorter bunker shots where you need to clear the lip quickly and stop the ball on the green. For longer bunker shots, a standard explosion shot may be more appropriate.
Q12: Are there any other tips to keep in mind when attempting the bounce shot? A12: Keep a relaxed grip, trust the loft of the club to do the work, and practice the shot regularly to gain confidence in executing it on the course.
Update:
When you find yourself in a challenging situation in a bunker with limited options, one effective technique is to “bounce” the ball through the bunker. Here's a golf tip on how to execute this shot:
- Assess Your Options: Before attempting the shot, assess the lie and the green's slope to determine if a traditional bunker shot is feasible. If the bunker lip is high or there are other obstacles in your way, bouncing the ball through the bunker might be the best choice.
- Select the Right Club: Choose a club with enough loft to lift the ball over the bunker lip but not too much that it sends the ball too far. A sand wedge or lob wedge is usually suitable for this shot.
- Setup and Ball Position: Take an open stance with your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. Position the ball slightly forward in your stance, toward the target-side foot.
- Open the Clubface: Open the clubface slightly to add more loft and encourage a higher trajectory for the shot.
- Swing Technique: In this shot, you want the ball to bounce once or twice in the bunker before landing on the green. Take a controlled swing with a shallow angle of attack, making sure to strike the sand just before the ball. Your goal is to pop the ball up and out of the bunker while creating enough backspin to stop it quickly on the green.
- Follow Through: Keep the clubface open throughout the swing, and make a smooth follow-through. Avoid “scooping” at the ball; instead, let the loft of the club do the work.
- Practice: Like any golf shot, practice is essential. Spend time on the practice bunker to develop a feel for the distance and trajectory needed to execute the shot effectively.
Additional Tips:
- Manage Your Expectations: Understand that this is a challenging shot, and it may not work out perfectly every time. However, with practice, you can become more proficient at it.
- Use the Bounce: Utilize the bounce of the club to interact with the sand and launch the ball softly over the bunker lip.
- Keep a Relaxed Grip: A tight grip can inhibit the club's ability to bounce off the sand properly. Maintain a light grip to promote better clubhead movement.
- Visualize the Shot: Before executing the shot, visualize the trajectory and landing spot you want to achieve. Mental preparation is crucial for success.
Remember, the key to mastering this shot is practice and understanding the dynamics of the bunker and your equipment. As with any golf technique, experiment with different setups and swing motions to find what works best for you.
