Yesterday we focused on developing consistency with your pitch shots. Today we’ll move to another area of the short game which gives a lot of golfers fits - the bunker.

I can think of few shots that can intimidate the amateur golfer more than hitting out the bunker (okay, maybe whiffing on the first tee would rank higher). And like the pitching tips from yesterday, much of what I’ll share today will seem a bit counter-intuitive.

But stay with me, there’s a method to the madness…

The most common results of a poor bunker shot are a line drive over the green or having the ball move just a few inches forward in the sand. The last result usually happens because the golfer is afraid of hitting it over the green.

Let’s start with the set-up.

1. Position the ball across from your front heel

2. Like for most pitch shots, place about 75% of your weight on your front foot

3. And point the grip end of your club towards your belt buckle.

Now that you the proper set-up, you’ll want to keep your weight forward during the backswing and follow-through. This will help you hit down through the sand which is key to a good bunker shot.

Having the proper set-up is your first step to developing a reliable result from the bunker.

Good luck, Michael Kosmala

Master the bunker shot and use it to your advantage like the pros starting today!