A splash bunker shot is the basic method you can use to get your ball out of the sand and on to a green.

The splash bunker shot sees the club sweeping down into the sand just behind the ball and skimming it out on a fine carpet of sand. The splash bunker shot only takes a limited amount of sand out of the bunker when compared to a blast bunker shot which shifts much more.

Because this technique only requires a small amount of sand to be taken, you should not use the splash bunker shot from buried or plugged lies.

The splash bunker shot – with a sand wedge

1. For the splash bunker shot, open up the club before taking the grip. The higher the golfer wants to hit the ball, the more they should open up the club face.

2. Golfers can grip the club high on the handle to help avoid quitting on the shot or hold the handle nearer the shaft for more control. The key is to make adjustments in the posture to suit the grip.

3. Grip the club more firmly with the back two fingers of the top hand to help hold the club face open through impact.

4. Take a square stance with the ball slightly forward of centre and the club face aimed right of the target.

5. To complete the set up, move the left foot, hips and shoulders left until the club face aims at the target and place 60% of weight on to the front foot.

6. To ensure a crisp, sweeping motion under the ball make a long, smooth swing along the body line, hinging the wrists upwards before swinging down and entering the sand an inch behind the ball.

7. The swing should flow about an inch under the ball taking out a divot the size of $1 bill. The divot should start an inch behind the ball and extend through and after.

8. Extend through the ball and finish in a full position. The ball should fly towards the target on a carpet of sand.

Many golfers fear bunker shots but by using this technique more balls will find their way out of the sand and on to the green. Because of the small amount of sand taken from underneath the ball, there can be a large amount of friction created between the club, sand and ball. This usually means the ball will leave the sand loaded with backspin.

The splash bunker shot is a challenge to learn, however, as many players find it difficult to swing down into the sand and sweep underneath the ball. There is always an urge to hit the ball first as you would off the fairway. However, the length of a bunker swing means a direct contact with the ball could send the resulting bunker shot firing over the green.

A splash golf bunker shot, also known as a bunker shot or a sand shot, is a golf shot played from a sand bunker around the green. The objective of this shot is to get the ball out of the bunker and onto the green, ideally close to the pin.

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to play a splash golf bunker shot:

Select the appropriate club: Typically, you'll want to use a sand wedge for bunker shots. The sand wedge is designed with a higher loft and a wider sole, which helps to glide through the sand more easily.

Set up your stance: Position your feet shoulder-width apart with a slightly open stance. By opening your stance, you'll create room for the clubhead to enter the sand behind the ball.

Aim slightly left of your target: Bunker shots tend to produce more backspin, so aim a little left of your target (for right-handed golfers). The ball will likely have some left-to-right spin upon landing.

Dig your feet into the sand: To maintain stability and prevent slipping during the swing, dig your feet into the sand. This will anchor your lower body.

Position the ball in the middle of your stance: Unlike other shots, you want to play the ball slightly forward in the middle of your stance. This will help you strike the sand before making contact with the ball.

Swing with an open clubface: Open the clubface slightly by rotating it open at address. This will increase the loft and enable the club to glide through the sand effectively.

Take a full swing: Bunker shots require a fuller swing compared to other shots. Swing the club back fully and accelerate through the sand with a controlled downswing.

Aim to strike the sand about 1-2 inches behind the ball: The key to a successful bunker shot is to hit the sand, not the ball. Aim to strike the sand a few inches behind the ball, allowing the club's bounce to lift the ball out of the bunker.

Follow through with your swing: After striking the sand, continue your swing and let the club follow through. This will ensure the ball gets enough height and distance to land on the green.

Remember, practicing bunker shots is crucial to develop a feel for the right distance and technique. With time and experience, you'll become more proficient at executing splash golf bunker shots.

The splash bunker shot is a great weapon to have and can be used on most ‘standard’ bunkers shots but before unleashing the new technique during a medal round, golfers should first practice.