Get Out Of The Bunker Every Time

A Simple Guide to Better Sand Shots

In this article:

• How to hit a basic bunker shot
• The 5-step bunker setup Trent recommends
• The biggest mistake golfers make in bunkers
• How to practice bunker shots
• What to do when facing a deep or difficult bunker

If your first thought when your golf ball lands in a bunker is “I just want to get out!”, you are not alone.

Bunker shots can be intimidating for golfers of all skill levels. And after taking a group of golfers to Scotland recently, Trent saw firsthand just how intimidating they can become when the bunkers get really deep, steep, and unforgiving.

But navigating those bunkers brought up a few simple tips that can help golfers anywhere, including right here at in Pullman, Washington.

So… “How Do You Get Out Of The Bunker Every Time?”

You just need the right setup,  a couple minor adjustments, and some practice. We can help with the first two ⬇️

Trent’s Fool-Proof Process To Get Out Of The Bunker – Beginner Friendly

Widen Your Stance:

Start with your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.

A wider stance gives you a more stable base and helps you stay balanced as you swing through the sand.

Put More Weight on Your Left Foot

Before you swing, shift your weight slightly toward your left foot (for a right-handed golfer).

This helps encourage the club to enter the sand in the proper location instead of hitting too far behind the ball.

The goal isn’t to shift dramatically. Just create a slightly more forward-weighted setup.

Open the Clubface:

Open your clubface approximately 30 degrees.

This helps the club glide through the sand rather than digging too deeply into it.

An open clubface also helps the ball get up and out of the bunker.

Open Your Stance:

Next, open your stance approximately 30 degrees to the left (for right-handed golfers).

Your feet and body should be aimed slightly left of the target while the clubface remains open and points more toward the target.

This setup can feel strange at first.

That’s okay.

You’re intentionally creating a setup that allows the club to move through the sand and help the ball escape.

Swing Through the Sand:

Here’s the part that can feel counterintuitive:

Don’t try to hit the golf ball directly.

Instead, your goal is to swing through the sand underneath the ball, throwing the sand up and onto the green.

Think:

Wide stance → Weight left → Clubface open → Stance open → Swing through the sand

Let the sand carry the ball out.

The Biggest Bunker Mistake: AVOID THIS!

One of the most common mistakes golfers make when they struggle with bunker shots is thinking they need to swing harder.

It’s understandable.

You’re standing in a pile of sand with a golf ball buried in it, and your brain says: “I need to really go after this thing.” But swinging harder and taking an enormous amount of sand isn’t necessarily the answer.

In fact, golfers can make bunker shots more difficult by trying to blast through too much sand.

Instead, focus on making a confident swing using the techniques we just shared, and let the club move through the sand underneath the ball.

You don’t have to fight the bunker.

Work with it.

How to Practice Bunker Shots

If bunker shots make you nervous, don’t wait until you’re staring down a bunker during an important round to practice them.

Spend some time practicing the setup first.

At a practice facility, work through the sequence:

1. Widen your stance.
2. Move your weight slightly left.
3. Open your clubface.
4. Open your stance.
5. Swing through the sand under the ball.

Start with smaller swings and focus on getting the club to move through the sand consistently.

Once you’re comfortable with the feeling, gradually build up to a fuller swing.

The goal isn’t to hit the ball as hard as possible.

The goal is to learn how the club, sand, and ball interact.

What If You’re Playing a Really Deep Bunker?

Not every bunker shot is created equal.

A shallow greenside bunker is different from a deep, steep-faced bunker. The amount of sand, the lie of the ball, and the distance to the green can all change the shot you’re trying to play.

That’s part of why course experience and practice matter.

If you’re preparing for a golf trip, especially one where you’ll be playing unfamiliar courses, practicing different bunker situations before you leave can help you feel much more prepared.

And if you’re a golfer in the Pullman or Moscow area who wants help figuring out what you’re doing in the sand, working with a golf professional can be a great way to get personalized feedback instead of trying to troubleshoot everything yourself.

Want More Golf Tips From Trent?

This is part of our Tips with Trent series at Airway Hills Golf Center, where Trent breaks down common golf questions and challenges with simple, practical advice you can actually use on the course.

Have a golf question you’d like Trent to answer?

Send it our way ⬇️ Your question could be the next Tips with Trent topic.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to get out of a greenside bunker?
For a basic greenside bunker shot, start with a slightly wider stance, put more weight toward your left foot, open the clubface and stance, and swing through the sand underneath the ball. The goal is to throw the sand—and the ball—onto the green.

Why do I keep hitting the ball too far or not getting out of the bunker?
A common mistake is swinging too hard or trying to take too much sand. Instead, focus on a confident, controlled swing and let the club move through the sand underneath the ball.

Should I take a golf lesson if I’m a beginner?
Absolutely. Golf lessons can help beginners build good fundamentals and confidence before bad habits become ingrained. A PGA professional can also tailor instruction to your individual swing, goals, and experience level.

Can intermediate golfers benefit from golf lessons?
Yes. Intermediate golfers often benefit from lessons that identify specific swing issues, improve consistency, and develop course-management skills. Even small adjustments can make a noticeable difference in your game.

Where can I get golf lessons near Pullman, WA?
Airway Hills Golf Center in Pullman offers golf instruction for golfers at different experience levels. Lessons can help with everything from basic fundamentals to specific swing challenges and improving overall course confidence.

How should I prepare for a golf trip?
Practice the shots you’re most likely to encounter, including uneven lies, bunkers, short-game shots, and course-management decisions. It’s also helpful to play or practice on unfamiliar layouts so you’re more comfortable adapting to different course conditions.

What should I practice before going on a golf trip?
Rather than only working on your full swing, spend time practicing shots that can save strokes: putting, chipping, bunker shots, and shots from different lies. Being comfortable around the green can make a big difference when playing an unfamiliar course.

Can a golf simulator help me improve before a golf trip?
Yes. Golf simulators can provide a controlled environment to practice your swing, play virtual courses, and use data to better understand things like club speed, ball speed, launch, and shot shape.

How can I become more confident on the golf course?
Confidence comes from understanding your game, practicing situations you’re likely to encounter, and having realistic expectations. You don’t need to hit every shot perfectly—you need to know how to recover when things don’t go according to plan.