Bunker shots can be one of the most challenging parts of golf, but with the right practice drills, you can build confidence and improve your skills. These drills focus on enhancing your technique, helping you to get out of the sand and onto the green with ease. Here are three diverse examples of bunker practice drills for sand shots that will help you refine your game.
This drill is designed to help you feel the proper technique of hitting the sand and getting the ball airborne. It’s ideal for beginners who want to develop a good foundation.
Begin by finding a practice bunker and set up with your feet shoulder-width apart. Position the ball slightly forward in your stance. Focus on making an open-faced swing that strikes the sand about 1-2 inches behind the ball. The goal is to create a splash of sand that carries the ball out of the bunker.
Practice this drill in sets of 10, focusing on your follow-through to ensure you’re not just hitting the sand but also getting the ball up in the air. This will build muscle memory for your swing and improve your confidence in the bunker.
Notes/Variations: You can vary the distance you hit the ball by adjusting your stance or the amount of sand you take. Try to progressively move further from the ball as you become more comfortable.
This drill simulates various lies and helps you practice different types of bunker shots, which is crucial for real-game situations.
Set up a series of targets (like towels or clubs) at different distances from the bunker, creating a ladder-like formation. Start by making a basic splash shot towards the closest target, focusing on a clean strike into the sand. Once you feel comfortable, move to the next target, adjusting your swing speed and angle to hit the ball softer or harder as needed.
Continue this process, moving through all the targets. This will help you adjust your technique depending on the distance and desired trajectory of each shot.
Notes/Variations: You can also adjust the height of the targets to practice hitting higher or lower shots, simulating different bunker scenarios.
This drill focuses on your ability to manage two different types of shots, helping you to develop versatility and adaptability in the bunker.
Place two balls in the bunker: one in a deep lie and one in a shallow lie. Start with the deep lie first. Set up by digging your feet into the sand for stability, and focus on making a downward strike that allows you to follow through. After hitting the deep lie shot, take a moment to reset before moving to the shallow lie.
For the shallow lie, your stance and swing will differ slightly—aim for a more sweeping motion with a clean contact to avoid digging too deep. Alternate between the two shots for about 15 minutes, paying attention to how each lie affects your swing.
Notes/Variations: You can increase the difficulty by varying the type of sand (soft vs. firm) or by adding obstacles in the bunker that you must navigate around while practicing.
By practicing these bunker drills regularly, you’ll not only become more comfortable with sand shots but also improve your overall game. Remember, consistency is key, so make these drills a part of your routine, and watch your skills grow!