Tom Motley
Understanding how to play bunker shots effectively is a crucial skill for any amateur golfer, but so many are struck with fear each time their ball rolls into the sandy pit of despair.
Despite their being a wealth of brilliant bunker tips, sadly this area of the game is often neglected in player's practice routines, but with these expert tips even the most bunker-averse golfers will be racing to try them out.
In this article, Golf Monthly Top 50 Coach Tom Motley analyses the silky smooth technique of short game sorcerer Shane Lowry, and shares a few simple steps to improve your performances from the sand...
Tom Motley has been a PGA professional since 2005. He offers a high level of coaching, utilising the best possible coaching technology eg Swing Catalyst with pressure plates, TrackMan 4 along with a vast array of training aids. Tom continually develops his skills through spending time with some of the best coaches across the globe.
1. Fundamentals
The ideal ball position for a routine bunker shot is just inside the lead heel, with weight favouring the lead side around 60/40 to 70/30. Shane Lowry has talked in the past of how he has been guilty of sitting back at times, affecting his angle of attack. Note how he flares open his lead foot about 45° to help him pivot around the lead leg and retain loft through impact. Great bunker players release the club past the hands, which you can just about see here.
Shane Lowry hitting a bunker shot at The Memorial Tournament in June 2024
2. Keep It Smooth
Average club golfers get quite anxious about getting the ball out, leading to quick, jerky swings. Watch Lowry and you’ll see a lovely smooth backswing. Of course, it helps when you know you have the basics covered and can trust them. He also likes to picture his shots – a great asset when you need to get creative. He can soften his elbows for softer shots or open up his arms for longer ones.
3. Hone Your Strike
You rarely see tour pros make a poor connection; they’ll hole more than they leave in the trap. To develop your feel from bunkers, draw a line in the sand and practise hitting it ten times in a row with no ball involved. Just aim to clip that line, taking the same amount of sand each time – as a guide, 4-6 inches is enough. Then, try hitting a few balls. It’s a drill that ties the basics together and really helps boost confidence.
Oh, And One More Thing...
Like anything in golf, you need to practise to not only improve but also work out how to adapt to different types of sand and lie. So, the next time you head to the range, get yourself onto the short game area and specifically the practice bunker. Your scores will thank you later!
At Golf Monthly, we are all about helping amateur golfers to play better golf – so why not check out some of our expert tips from top players and legends of the game...
- 5 Timeless Lessons From Jack Nicklaus
- Jordan Spieth: How To Play The One Hop And Stop Shot
- Denny McCarthy: 5 Putting Tips From The Best Putter On The PGA Tour
- Collin Morikawa's Top Tips To Becoming A Better Golfer
- Rickie Fowler's Tee To Green Masterclass
-
The Best Bits From Jack Nicklaus and Johnny Miller’s US Open Press ConferenceThe two legends were at Oakmont for the third round of the US Open, where they spoke to the media on a range of topics
-
4 Players Making Their Ryder Cup Cases Even Stronger At The 2025 US OpenThe 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black will soon be upon us, and there are a few players making a strong case for selection at the 2025 US Open
-
How To Play The Toughest Bunker Shot In Golf – Can You Escape The Sand Unscathed?Bunker shots can be hard at the best of times, but this scenario is perhaps the toughest challenge of all. Fortunately, our pro can help you escape the sand
-
Golf Warm-Up Exercises: 5 Things Every Golfer Should Do Before Their RoundGolf warm-up exercises are crucial to improving your scoring and give you the best chance of success in competitions... but many golfers foolishly overlook them
-
'It Sends Shivers Down My Spine' – How To Play The Scariest Shot In GolfThere are some golf shots that instantly strike fear into even the bravest of weekend warriors... but making three simple changes can remove that fear
-
3 Things The Best Golfers In The World Do On The Tee Box (And Why You Must Copy Them)Copying the best golfers in the world is difficult due to their elite technical ability, but every amateur golfer can do these 3 things to improve off the tee
-
Want To Play Better Golf This Weekend? I Can Cure Your Slice In 60 Minutes...So many amateurs are plagued with a slice, which hampers their scoring potential on the golf course. However, with my expert tips, I can cure you in 60 minutes
-
Forget Push Ups And Squats – Try 3 Simple Tips To Gain 10 Yards Off The TeeGain 10 yards off the tee without the need for tiresome workouts and lengthy gym sessions – Top 50 Coach John Jacobs has the perfect distance-boosting formula
-
Recognise This Fault In Your Golf Swing? It's Time 'Elvis Leg' Left The Building...Plenty of people try to emulate the great Elvis Presley, but doing so on the course rarely leads to success in the golf swing. Tom Motley explains...
-
I Can Help You Strike The Golf Ball Better Than Ever Before (And All You Need Is A Towel)Better ball striking and low scoring go hand in hand, but with practise time in short supply it's important to find the right drills. Grab a towel and let's go!
