How to Get Every Bunker Shot Close
The secret for longer and shorter shots is in your release

By Eden Foster
Top 100 Teacher

This story is for you if...

• You're happy with just getting out of bunkers...
• ...and don't even think about leaving the ball close to the hole.

The Problem
You're not a very strong bunker player, and when you do get out of the sand on your first swing, the ball never lands close to the hole, making it difficult to save par.

The Solution
The trick is to match how you release the club to the distance you're facing — everything else in your bunker swing should stay the same.

For bunker shots of less than 10 yards...
Make an abbreviated finish with your hands stopping below waist height. As you do this, keep your right arm from turning over your left so you don't release the club like you do on your regular full swing. Notice how this non-release keeps the clubface open and creates a softer ball flight. The softer the shot, the shorter the distance it will carry.

Credit: Marc Serota