How to Spin Your Bunker Shots

2 min
Added on May 18, 2022
When your golf ball finds a greenside bunker, do you feel a sense of dread? Or do you see it as a scoring opportunity? If sand traps bring you to the brink of panic, Titleist staff member Jonathan Yarwood has a cure.

As Jonathan demonstrates in this video, there are a few simple adjustments to your setup and your mental approach that will allow you to put sizzling spin on your bunker shots – the key to control and leaving yourself tap-ins. Devote some practice time to your bunker game and focus on these keys from Jonathan:

• Open the clubface of your wedge and aim the face at 12 o'clock (at your target).
• Align your feet, knees, hips and shoulders slightly open (11 o'clock, for a right-handed golfer).
• Position the golf ball forward in your stance (closer to your lead foot).
• Hover the club about an inch behind the ball and get your hands down (lower the handle) and back (tilt the shaft away from the target slightly).
• Widen your stance and squat down slightly to lower your body's center of gravity.
• Allow your body to turn and make a FULL backswing. To spin the ball you need FRICTION and SPEED!
• On the downswing, shallow the club and swing with CONVICTION. You can't be timid in the bunker.
• PRO SECRET: As you deliver the club, allow the handle to slow down and accelerate the clubhead past your hands as you strike the sand. This release should feel like your trail hand is scooping through impact. As the club exits the sand, the club face should continue to face the sky.

Instruction

459 Videos

  1. Categories
  2. Long Game
  3. Iron Game
  4. Wedge Game
  5. Putting
  6. Mental Game
  7. Course Strategy
  8. Golf Fitness
  9. At Home
  1. Instructor
  2. Brad Faxon
  3. Dr. Mo Pickens
  4. Me and My Golf
  5. Peter Finch
  6. Cameron McCormick
  7. James Sieckmann
  8. Mark Blackburn
  9. Michael Breed
  10. Trillium Rose
  11. Jonathan Yarwood
  12. Dave Phillips
  13. Brandon Stooksbury
  14. Justin Parsons
  15. Phil Kenyon
  16. Joe Plecker
  17. Layne Savoie
  18. Dr. Rob Neal
  19. Dr. Greg Rose
  20. Skip Guss
  21. Jason Baile
  22. John Kostis
  23. Jennifer Hudson
  24. Ryan Hager
  25. Corey Lundberg
  26. Tom Patri
  1. Drill
  2. Speed and Power
  3. Fundamentals
  4. Swing Biomechanics
  5. Clubface Control
  6. Turf Interaction
  7. Consistency
  8. Trajectory
  9. Shot Shaping
  10. Bunker Play
Clear All Filters
Brad Faxon Putting I.Q. Test
user icon
2 min

Brad Faxon Putting I.Q. Test

Titleist staff member Brad Faxon poses a simple putting riddle to all the players he coaches. Picture two golf...

How Do You Shallow and Steepen Your Golf Swing?
New
user icon
3 min

How Do You Shallow and Steepen Your Golf Swing?

In this video, TPI co-founder Dave Phillips discusses planing mechanisms - the ways in which you can shallow or...

Titleist Tips: The High Splash Bunker Shot
user icon
2 min

Titleist Tips: The High Splash Bunker Shot

The bunker shot is said to be the easiest shot for tour pros, and yet it remains one of the hardest shots for...

Dial in Your Distance Wedges
user icon
7 min

Dial in Your Distance Wedges

Distance wedge shots (shots inside 120 yards or so) require three ingredients. First, you need to know how far away...

Max Out Your Wedge Spin by Understanding Spin Loft
user icon
2 min

Max Out Your Wedge Spin by Understanding Spin Loft

Spin Loft in golf is defined as the difference between the attack angle of the club and the loft of the club face...

The Data Behind Aldrich Potgieter’s TOUR-Leading Distance
Featured
user icon

The Data Behind Aldrich Potgieter’s TOUR-Leading Distance

At just 20 years old, Titleist Brand Ambassador Aldrich Potgieter is leading the PGA TOUR in average driving...

First Lesson Ever: Can Justin Parsons Help a 10 Handicap Break 80?
user icon
The Golfer's Journal
1 hr

First Lesson Ever: Can Justin Parsons Help a 10 Handicap Break 80?

TGJ Content Producer Alec Yoder has competed in the Olympics, but he’s never had a golf lesson. In his pursuit of...

Build a Reliable Pre-Shot Routine
user icon
4 min

Build a Reliable Pre-Shot Routine

To play your best, you need to think well on the golf course. Many dedicated players believe that this begins and...

Fine Tune Your Short Game Strategy
user icon
4 min

Fine Tune Your Short Game Strategy

In this video, Titleist staff member Michael Breed shares some of his keys to help you fine-tune your short game...

How to Increase Swing Speed in Your Golf Game
user icon
9 min

How to Increase Swing Speed in Your Golf Game

Adding speed to your golf swing can help you take your game to the next level. In this video, Lance Gill, President...

 How Understanding Rotation and Improving Sequence can Eliminate "Over the Top"
New
user icon

How Understanding Rotation and Improving Sequence can Eliminate "Over the Top"

TPI co-founder Dave Phillips explores one of the most common swing characteristics - "Over the Top". The ability to...

How to Start the Golf Swing Correctly with Pressure
user icon
7 min

How to Start the Golf Swing Correctly with Pressure

In this video Titleist staff member Joe Plecker uses Swing Catalyst Dual Motion Plates to discuss the crucial role...

Results loading...
No results