Greenside bunker shots are arguably one of the toughest skills in golf to master. Some players have a fear of blading it across the green. For others, it’s the anxiety of leaving the ball in the sand and watching a good round slip away. Either way, most golfers step into a bunker with more doubt than confidence—and that usually comes down to technique.
The reality is, bunker play isn’t one-size-fits-all. Success depends on using the right fundamentals and adjusting based on sand conditions and the shot at hand.
Here are seven tips to help you hit solid, consistent greenside bunker shots:
1. Don’t hit the ball—hit the sand.
Your goal is to let the sand carry the ball onto the green. To do this, lean slightly into your front side and focus on striking the sand about a dollar bill’s length behind the ball. If you hit the sand first, the ball will come out.
2. Read the sand before you swing.
Not all bunkers are created equal. In soft, fluffy sand, consider using a sand wedge (or even less loft) and make an aggressive, accelerating swing. The extra sand and speed will help lift the ball.
3. Adjust for firm or thin sand.
When the sand is compact or shallow, switch to a lob wedge and keep the clubface more square to reduce bounce. You’ll need to dig a bit more under the ball, so move the ball back some in your stance. The ball will come out lower.
4. Make a committed backswing.
Take a slightly longer backswing and allow your wrists to hinge naturally. The key is generating enough speed so the club is moving fastest as it enters the sand.
5. Control the clubface.
In most standard bunker shots, open the clubface at address and maintain that openness through impact. However, in firm conditions, keep the face square. Either way, avoid letting the club roll over like it would on a full swing—this is not a typical iron shot.
6. Keep your body moving through impact.
Turn your upper body through the shot and commit to a full finish, similar to a longer pitch shot. Deceleration is your enemy in the bunker.
7. Practice different lies and clubs.
Great bunker players aren’t guessing—they’ve built experience. Spend time hitting from soft, firm, wet, and uneven sand. Experiment with different wedges and trajectories to understand how the ball reacts. Just because your club says “sand wedge” doesn’t mean it’s always the right choice.
Mastering bunker play takes repetition, feel, and a willingness to adapt. Put in the work on the practice green, build confidence in your technique, and you’ll start to see greenside bunker shots as an opportunity—not a mental punishment.
Watch this video for additional tips and a demonstration of good technique.