Fairway bunkers can be a major point of frustration for many amateur golfers, as hitting from them properly requires specific skills and strategies. In order to successfully navigate fairway bunkers and avoid unnecessary strokes on a hole, golfers must focus on their setup and technique. With over 50,000 clubhead and shaft combinations, True Spec Golf offers custom fitting services to ensure that golfers have the most well-constructed and precise set of golf clubs to help them tackle fairway bunkers effectively.
One of the most important aspects of hitting from a fairway bunker is making ball-first contact. Unlike greenside traps where sand-first contact is acceptable, fairway bunkers require players to hit the ball first and then take some sand. Failing to do so can result in thin and topped shots that do not launch high enough to clear the lip of the bunker. In addition, golfers should focus on club selection to ensure they have enough loft to clear the lip of the bunker and get the ball back into play.
Proper weight distribution and finishing forward in the swing are essential for success in fairway bunkers. Golfers should ensure that all the weight is on their front foot when finishing the swing and avoid the temptation to lift or lean back. Additionally, correct ball position and a narrow stance can help golfers make clean contact with the ball and avoid taking too much sand. By wedging the back foot into the sand and narrowing the stance, golfers can eliminate excessive lateral body motion and improve their chances of a successful shot from a fairway bunker.
For golfers looking for additional distance and clearance over the lip of the bunker, using a lofted hybrid club may be beneficial. Depending on the lie in the fairway bunker, golfers may need to play more conservatively and focus on getting the ball back into play rather than being aggressive. Practicing fairway bunker shots is crucial for improving ball-striking skills and understanding how to impact the ball properly in various situations. By practicing and mastering fairway bunker shots, golfers can lower their scores and become more well-rounded players on the course.
