The two major factors to note in bunker shots are the loft of the club-face and the bottom of the swing. First, the control of the loft of the club-face is critical to the launch angle, distance and direction the ball travels. The club-face is governed by the grip and the position of the right hand and right wrist. In other words, the right wrist should remain relatively flat in relation to the right forearm (right palm up, for right handed players). If the right hand and right wrist remain the same during the swinging motion, then the loft of the club remains the same. The second factor we must consider is where the club contacts the sand or the bottom of the swing. The arms with the proper right wrist can swing the club back in front of the body, then back down in front of the body, contacting the sand at the desired point while swinging through in front of the body with rotation of the shoulders and chest to the finish.

Now let us go to the drill. Using a sand wedge draw a line in a practice bunker. Take your stance with your forward foot two inches in front of the line. Open the club-face and then grip the club. Let your arms hang from your shoulders and your hands will be on the line drawn in the sand even with the club head. As you look down, the hands and club should be hanging over the line drawn but above the sand.

Now, make some practice swings and see where your club bottoms out in the sand. The idea is to swing the club back and through contacting the sand in front of the line drawn. Keep making practice swings until the club consistently enters the sand in front of the line.

Then, place a ball two to four inches in front of the line and make the same swing. Note, keep the club moving through the sand and the ball will come out with ease.

Neil Wilkins, Director of Instruction at Sienna Plantation Golf Club