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The other bunker shot every golfer needs to know
TL;DR
Golfers need to master the long bunker shot, which requires a lower, hotter trajectory to carry sand and reach the green. This technique is essential for shots where the ball must travel over a significant distance before landing on the putting surface.
Key points
- Long bunker shot requires lower trajectory
- Carry sand before reaching the green
- Adjustments needed for effective execution
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JD Cuban
The opposite of the standard high-lip bunker shot is the long one, where you have to carry a lot of sand or rough before you get to the green (above). In this instance, you want the sand and the ball to come out on a lower, hotter, more forward trajectory instead of straight up in the air.
In the photo above, I have about 15 yards of sand in front of me before I reach the lip of the bunker, and Iâve got a good 40 yards to the pin. The typical high-lofted splash shot wonât get me anywhere near the green. To get the ball on the putting surface, I need to carry it more than 20 yards. Itâs not the easiest shot, but itâs certainly manageable with the following adjustments.
First, set up to the ball as you would for a pitch shot of the same distance from the fairway. Your feet and shoulders should be relatively square to your target line, and your hands should grip the club at their natural heightâdon't choke up. Next, while it might sound counterintuitive, open the clubface some so that the club encounters less resistance when it impacts the sand. The squarer the face, the more the club will dig.
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JD Cuban
The big key is the finish. Much like a punch shot, you want the clubhead to finish below your shoulders with both arms straight (above). This abbreviated finish helps the face stay in the sand longer and extend toward the target, so the sand and the ball are propelled forward, not upward. Provided you have the right amount of loftâI prefer a gap or pitching wedge hereâand you maintain a slightly open face, the ball will come out lower with enough power to get there.
Dan Carraher, a Golf Digest Best Young Teacher, is based at the Golf Club at South Hampton in St. Augustine, Fla.
Q&A
What is the long bunker shot in golf?
The long bunker shot is a technique where the golfer must carry a significant amount of sand before reaching the green, requiring a lower trajectory.
How do you execute a long bunker shot?
To execute a long bunker shot, adjust your stance and swing to achieve a lower, hotter trajectory instead of the typical high-lofted splash shot.
When should golfers use the long bunker shot technique?
Golfers should use the long bunker shot technique when faced with a bunker that has a considerable distance to the pin and a lot of sand to carry.
