How To Punch One from a Fairway Bunker

How To Punch One from a Fairway Bunker
Sometimes it's easier to
roll the ball to the green
than to fly it there

By Rod Lidenberg
Top 100 Teacher

This story is for you if...
• Your main goal in a
fairway bunker is to
escape — you don't think
about hitting the green.
• You tend to hit behind
the ball in fairway sand
and leave the shot short.

The Situation
You're in a fairway
bunker, but close enough
to the green that a full
swing with a short iron
would come out too hot
and roll off the green.

The Solution
If the front of the green
is clear of obstacles, play
a punch shot that lands
short of the green and
works its way on.

How To Punch It On From Sand

Since all you're looking to
do is to punch the ball, your
finish is of little consequence.
Focus on the backswing and
impact cues below.

Step 1
Choose a 6-, 7- or 8-iron,
depending on your distance to
the pin. With a 6-iron, a bunker
punch will give you 100 yards
of carry and 50 yards of roll.
The ball will fly low and run
out onto the green.