Mastering Fairway Bunkers: A Casual Guide for Every Golfer
Last month, I was out on the course with one of my younger students, a competitive golfer full of spirit and enthusiasm. Picture this: he strides confidently into a fairway bunker, just 140 yards from the green. The lie? Perfect. The view of the flag? Crystal clear. Plus, he was nailing his iron shots all day long. What could possibly go wrong?
Then came the swing. Smooth, rhythmic—except for one little detail: the ball barely traveled 30 yards, rolling right back to his feet. Ah, the infamous “chunk” rears its ugly head again—a ghost that haunts so many golfers in the dreaded fairway bunker. After two more swings, and each one getting worse, he walked away with his head hung low, adding unnecessary strokes to his scorecard on what should have been an easy par-4.
“I don’t get it, Coach B,” he said, visibly frustrated. “I was trying to pick it clean!” Sound familiar? If you’ve ever found yourself face-to-face with a bunker, trying to hit from the fairway and ended up in the sand, you know exactly how he feels. Let’s dive into the common mistakes and some simple tips to make fairway bunker shots much easier.
Why Fairway Bunkers Can Be Your Worst Nightmare
Here’s the truth: the biggest myth surrounding fairway bunkers is that you must “pick the ball clean.” This misconception leads to topped shots that send you right back into the sand. If you fall into this trap, you’ll find yourself struggling time and again.
Instead, treat those fairway bunker shots like regular iron shots. Focus on hitting the ball first and then taking a bit of sand—just like you would from grass. The divot, my friends, should happen after you make contact with the ball, not before. It’s all about getting that ball airborne and out of trouble. Remember, your goal is to advance the ball, not to nail the perfect shot every time.
Club Selection: Picking the Right Weapon
Another big issue? Poor club selection. Lots of amateurs grab a club that doesn’t have enough loft to help them clear the bunker face. The right amount of loft is essential for getting airborne and out of that pesky trap.
So here’s a nifty little trick: before you pick your club, do a quick test. Step on your club just outside the bunker, facing it with the clubface pointing up. The angle of the shaft will tell you whether you can make it over the lip. If the shaft points above the lip, you’re good to go. If it looks like you might clip the edge, opt for a club with more loft.
Thinking about using a 5-iron? Go for a 7-iron instead. Trust me, it’s better to come up short and keep playing than to hit the perfect shot… and still find yourself stuck in the sand.
Setting Up for Success
Your setup for a fairway bunker shot is nearly the opposite of what you would do for a greenside bunker. Here’s how to get it right:
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Ball Position: Put the ball in the center-almost slightly back from center. This positioning ensures you’re hitting the ball first, just before the lowest point of your swing.
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Stance: Make it a bit narrower than usual for more consistent contact. This will help limit the areas where the club can hit the ground and encourage a rotary motion rather than a lateral one.
- Footing: Dig into the sand just enough to give yourself some stability. You’re not trying to excavate a hole like you would near the green—just a sturdy, grounded position.
Two Distance Killers to Avoid
Let’s get real for a moment. There are two action-killers that can wreck your chances of a solid shot from a bunker:
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Swinging Too Hard: Trying to crush the ball will usually send your club sliding through the sand instead of hitting the ball cleanly. Relax; control is key.
- Trying to Help the Ball Up: This is another mistake I see all too often. Golfers hang back on their trailing foot, trying to scoop the ball into the air. Let the club’s loft do that work for you.
The System That Gets You Out of Trouble
Wanna know the secret sauce? Here’s a step-by-step guide that’ll have you saying goodbye to costly golf strokes:
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Check Your Lie: If it’s a clean lie, feel free to be a bit more aggressive. If it’s not, play it safe.
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Check the Lip: Do that shaft test each time you’re faced with a bunker shot.
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Club Up: Use one more club than you would from grass. That 130-yard shot? Grab an 8-iron instead of a 9-iron.
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Proper Setup: Ball back in your stance, narrow your stance, and ensure you’ve got solid footing.
- Swing Smoothly: Always prioritize control over power.
The trick is to make that ball-first contact, then just brush the sand afterward. This is the mindset you want to adopt. Forget about picking it clean; think “ball first, sand second.” That’s what will serve you well throughout your golf game.
Overcoming Fairway Bunkers: Your New Mindset
Fairway bunkers don’t have to ruin your round. With the right approach—proper club selection, solid contact, and a calm mindset—you can turn these troublesome shots into just another aspect of your game. Next time you find yourself in a fairway bunker, take a breather, trust your swing, and view the bunker as just another challenge to tackle.
Conclusion: Taking Control of Your Game
Trust me, you’ve got this. With a little patience, practice, and just the right knowledge, fairway bunkers will no longer be intimidating. Instead, they can become another opportunity for you to shine on the course. So next time you hit a fairway bunker, remember these tips and tricks. Embrace the challenge and watch your game improve. Happy golfing!
