Fairway bunker shots can be a challenging aspect of golf for many players, as they are often among the least practiced shots. The PGA Tour average for getting on the green from a fairway bunker is just over 50 percent, so it’s understandable to feel uneasy when faced with this situation. However, with some simple adjustments to your setup and swing, you can increase your odds of success.
One key adjustment to consider is improving your stability in the sand. This can be done by widening your stance, digging your feet into the sand slightly, and leaning your ankles inward. Additionally, gripping down on the club and positioning the ball so your sternum is slightly ahead of it can help improve your contact with the ball.
Another important setup key to keep in mind is standing a little taller over the ball. By adopting a more upright posture, you can focus on catching the ball first and picking it off the sand. This means maintaining a more vertical spine angle at address, which can help you achieve better contact with the ball.
When it comes to the actual swing, aiming to play a fade shot can be advantageous when faced with a fairway bunker shot. A fade encourages a steeper club path, which can aid in achieving ball-first contact, and the open clubface in relation to your path can help get the ball up and over the lip of the bunker.
Regardless of the shot shape you choose to play, focusing on making a smooth, three-quarter swing is essential. Keeping your chest “on top of” the ball and maintaining a quiet lower body can help you achieve more consistent results from fairway bunkers. It’s important to avoid lurching up during the swing and to err on the side of hitting the ball thin rather than fat.
While fairway bunker shots may never feel as pure as hitting an iron off the fairway, with practice and familiarity with the technique, your confidence from the sand will improve. By implementing these simple adjustments to your setup and swing, you can increase your chances of successfully navigating fairway bunker shots and potentially lower your scores on the course.
