- GolfeTips.com

by Jack Moorehouse

Most golfers dislike hitting from a greenside bunker. They dislike it even more when they have to hit a high shot that lands softly on the green to get out of the bunker. The key to hitting this shot is the angle of attack.

Achieving the appropriate angle of attack for this type of bunker is simple. Knowing the right bunker technique helps removes some of the fear players have of this shot.

Below are six keys to the high bunker shot:

• Dig in for a solid foundation

• Aim left and open clubface

• Take the right path

• Turn at the top of the swing

• Use an extra steep angle of attack

• Hit down and through

Use your basic bunker set-up. Start by opening the clubface and then take your grip, choking down on the club. This ensures that the clubface stays open during the swing and improves control. Align your shoulders, hips, and feet left of the target line. Digging in provides a stable base.

Normally, you’d keep your wrists passive as the club is swept away from the ball. Here, however, you need a steep angle of attack, so hinge your wrists as soon as possible and swing your arms up instead of low and around.

As the body turns, sense that the club is “cocked” to the sky, then hit down and through the ball with extra force. The path of the clubhead should run parallel to the alignment of shoulders, hips, and feet. The combination of left alignment and open clubface sends the ball straight while the angle of attack drives the ball high, landing it softly on the green.

To practice the high bunker shot, try the “head cover drill.” Place a head cover a few inches behind a ball in a steep greenside bunker. Take the club back without hitting the head cover, hinging your wrists during the takeaway as soon as possible.

Practice the takeaway several times without hitting the ball. Then, try some shots without hitting the head cover either on the takeaway or at impact.

The High Trajectory Bunker Shot

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