5 easy steps to hit a high-lip bunker shot

There are few shots in golf more intimidating than staring into a bunker between the ball and the green. The margin for error is small—scrape it with the blade and you’ll catch the lip; hit it too far and you’ll get a trap.

However, with the right technique, you can perform these shots without fear. Here are five keys to achieving a high-yet-soft escape.

1. Open the clubface as early as possible

Before you take your stance, open the clubface. Then Hold your hand. This increases loft by pointing the clubface more toward the sky, and exposes bounce—the part of the club that helps the club glide through the sand. The leading edge only works in a hidden position, so getting the right combination of loft and bounce is crucial here.

2. Check your settings

Pushing the ball forward slightly helps hit the ball higher. Widen your stance and lower your hands and shaft angle – this will increase loft and encourage you to hit the shallow, skimming shots you want in the sand.

3. Take a thin layer of sand

Your goal is to slide the club under the ball while getting a thin layer of sand. Since sand can significantly slow down the club, you need more speed than most golfers realize. focus on throw The sand underneath the ball and on the green – not the “hit” ball itself.

4. Avoid this big mistake

Most golfers instinctively step back with their back foot, thinking this will help lift the ball. In fact, it does exactly the opposite. Suspension back will move the low point too far behind the ball and you will almost certainly carry away too much sand.

5. Commit to follow-up actions

Aggressive arm swing is key. Continue to accelerate through the sand and let the club hit the ball high and far. This complete release helps provide the height needed to clear lips.

If you can stick to these settings and swing keys, your sand trap game will quickly improve—and high-profile escapes will start to feel less scary.