I am a low single digit handicap golfer. I have used this technique for years with great success. You are the first person I have ever seen teach it. It is WAY easier than the usual technique that is taught. It is more similar to a chip shot or short pitch shot around the green technique. When I used to try the standard method I would often shank the ball. I first started using this method in desperation. I use a 60 degree wedge with a very wide sole with some bounce. That produces more height on the shot. It is almost impossible to dig too deeply into the sand with this shallow club head path and minimal wrist cock. I agree the lack of wrist cock minimizes dig and makes the results consistently good. In general I swing about 50 percent harder, or less, than from grass for the same distance. When needed, you can make the ball spin more by entering the sand a little closer to the ball. It will fly farther, but bite. This method is better also when the pin is very close to the sand. It is easier to control a minimal swing than with the "standard" method.
Very interesting reading. I currently find short bunker shots difficult using this method. My handicap 7..i will persist trying this method for a few more weeks..cheers
@@bonjovi7120I’m a 5 handicap and have been struggling with varied bunker shots. Instead of shooting 73-78, I’m now 4-5 strokes higher when I get into a bunker and have lost all confidence. I tried this method last summer and helped for a while, but still searching for a technique that I’ll stick with. Also, we don’t often play bunkers that the pros play where all bunkers are consistent, amateurs often play hard compact bunkers and cannot apply most of the advice given on TH-cam.
Unlike 8042 I am a double digit handicap golfer who spends a lot of time in bunkers and needs all the help he can get. I definitely will try this. Thank you.
Yesterday I bladed one into the front wall after following the usual mantra “dig into sand, open the face, let club overtake the hands”, yadda-yadda. Then I told myself to just pitch it out and it did come out very well! I am quite good in pitching but struggle from the sand and two holes later I repeated the maneuver and got up and down from a very intimidating bunker. And here your video! So true, why complicate matters unnecessarily?!
Hi James. As promised I returned to the practice bunker to give your method a real effort. It was like magic! I used a 60,54, 50, Pw and 9iron. I played 8 balls out of various lies with each club. I shanked my first effort with my 60 and then reeled off 39 beautiful sand saves. The key for me was to just barely open the face. I now have a dialed in method for bunker play. Just change the club for distance out and I’m good to go. Now I’m struggling morally with sharing this with my golfing buddies or keeping it to myself. For now, I’ll be keeping it a secret. Thank you so much. Later today I’m gonna look through all of your vids looking for another secret. Thanks man!
I’ve struggled for years with sand play. Tried many techniques and taken a few lessons. Nothing worked consistently and I can’t count the number of times I’ve left the ball in the bunker. Your method is so simple to implement and produced immediate results for me. I’m now confident I can get out of the sand every time. It only took an hour of practice and a little on course experience. I mostly use a 54 degree wedge, using a 58 for just the short ones. Thank you!
For years my golf was "avoid the bunker at all costs". Saw yr video this morning. Went to the practice bunker this evening and after 10 minutes was hitting out consistently. Finally - thanks very much.
I thought I had heard & saw everything until this! I went to our short game area to give this a test drive. I was blown away by how easy this method is and it works every time. I shared this with one of my golf buds. He had a similar reaction. I didn't really struggle with sand shots, but just didn't have that confidence that I thought I should have. Thank you doesn't begin to express my thanks. I am now a subscriber
Thankyou, I am a high handicapper that fears the bunkers, I regularly hit deep into the sand and if I get out it usually just gets over the lip. Look forward to trying your technique out.
This is great: applying a solid pitching technique to sand.I tried it yesterday when I finished in a bunker and pitched out to two feet.Very simple and effective.Many thanks James and keep up the good work.
After watching this video, I used this technique yesterday at a course where the bunkers have little sand (the new owners are slowly improving the course). The two green-side bunkers I was in required short shots. This worked very well! I usually play bunkers with the traditional open club face. I am a senior, my handicap is now high but my bunker play is still OK!
Great video! After many lessons and wasted hours practising bunker shots, finally someone explains clearly why what instructors were teaching me doesn’t work for me and for most week-end golfers. Opened club face and stance are gone now and more consistency showing up. No more double bogeys from greenside bunkers should finally bring down the handicap to single digit (from 11). Thanks!
This is a simple and brilliant technique. Thanks for sharing. I tried this on the course yesterday with a lot of success. You saved me many strokes and F Bombs.
I'm horrible from the bunker, but I actually started to use this technique recently before seeing this video. Glad to see it's a good idea! I still struggle but this technique has improved my bunker play. Thanks for posting.
I've tried this technique twice in Practice and found i was getting out easily and close rather than my previous traditional approach where i would dig in sometimes and skull it other times! I love this technique and video, most helpful.
My fav tip: if there is more than one bunker you are actually allowed to take practice shots out of the OTHER bunker (hitting sand and all), you just can't do it from the same bunker your ball is in.
I had to go straight out and try this, despite the rain! It worked better than anything I have previously tried, and, believe me, I have tried, with great optimism, so many different “foolproof” methods. Some have worked a bit, but none as well as this. To give you a point of reference, I once took 27 shots to get out of a bunker (I was practising, not playing). Today I hit 30 balls and got cleanly out with 27 of them. Lots more work to do, but I am hopeful.
A golf training for mortals. Excellent K.I.S.S. I also the same technique for basic chipping and it works great. The standing up really stops those chunks.
Thank you James, this is amazing and every amateur NEEDS to watch this. I've struggled with bunkers for years. Always trying different methods and techniques but still usually taking more than one attempt to get out. Since watching this a couple of weeks ago I've got out first time, every time, and even holed out from a bunker today. It's also made me less nervous on approach shots as I'm not worrying about pulling/pushing it into a bunker cos I know I can get out first time. What a difference it's made, I can only thank you again
One important detail I've noticed is that you need to keep the body moving throughout the shot, like a good pitch shot. Keeping the arms and body as one piece seems to do the trick. Off to Ireland next week so really appreciate James's input! Comments welcome!
Thanks James! As a 18hcp, I finally understand my deep divots in bunkers and why the simple chip method works so well for me. I still need to remember to finish the swing and not decelerate, but getting out first time 9 out of 10 times now instead of taking 4 to get out. Handicapp is back on the decline!
I tried this technique today and it worked great! I play at Firestone CC which has large, deep bunkers. I had been struggling but am sold and plan to use this technique from here on out. Thanks so much and I am subscriber now!
Am looking forward to trying this approach. Even when I was much younger and a single figure handicap golfer, my bunker play was never really consistent. I still recall twice hitting from a clay-based, minimal sand bunker (rarely did I see "nice" sand) straight over the green and OOB (on two different courses, one was over the clubhouse on my then home course!)... trying to dig down and blast what *looked like* good sand but wasn't. This idea would have been much better, even if I over-hit it would not have gone that poorly. Many times I have resorted to trying to hit out of sand like I'm hitting off a super hard surface. So this looks very promising instead, thanks.
Thank you James! I've struggled terribly in the bunkers with so many complicated swings. This is simple and the sand at our course is similar to what you're playing in this video. Many thanks! Will practice this tomorrow.
Like the advice. Initial results were40 yards through the green and still struggling between to far and just clearing the lip. Definitely user error on my part as I’ve been struggling a bit with distance control from sand over recent months!!! Going to keep trying as makes ultimate sense😊
Thank you so much for this video, I USED TO BE terrified of going in a bunker until I started using your system now not only am I getting out in one I’m getting close to the flag, thank you once again.
I have to try this technique. In the past golf courses, particularly good courses used to have very soft sand but now they are more granulated and when the sprinlers wet the bunkers they are as hard as concrete. My technique was suitable in the past but now I have to change .
At last some advice for the recreational golfer. I have a decent bunker player but for some reason of late I have been generally fairly poor usually having problems getting any distance out of the bunker. Ie just clearing the bunker😊😊
THIS METHOD looks pretty good and simple James, like most amateur golfers i have a lot of trouble getting out of bunkers, however next time i play i will give this a try,,,,..thanks
I needed to see this! I was good earlier in the year out of the sand, then I lost my way when my club got all new sand for the bunkers! Some are soft and fluffy, some are more "wet" like on the beach. I was thinking last weekend I need to just treat them like a pitch shot. Thank you!
Great video! I'm another single digit who uses a similar technique and have for awhile. Except I use an open 52 and align the leading edge with the direction I want the ball to travel. I control distance with the amount of open/closed and swing speed. I'm going to incorporate some of your thoughts about staying more upright to control shallow depth and see how it goes. Appreciate the lesson!
This video is amazing! I've been struggling with bunker shots for a very long time. Going to try this method for sure as it seems so simple and makes so much sense. Thank you.
I have struggled with green bunker shots a lot. I have tried all orthodox styles - only uncertainty. Your instructions have already helped me get the ball close to the flag where I've never been successful before except by luck. Thank you!
A while back, I bought a Callaway Sure Out 2. I had seen. I think it was an advertisement and it was claimed that you didn’t open your stance and swing across the ball with a open face, but instead you hit it like a regular shot. I tried that a couple of times, but didn’t have too much luck. but now I think I didn’t give it enough of a chance. I should’ve worked out a little bit more. Now having seen this video I think I’m going to head out to the practice marker and see if I can’t use this technique.
Dear James,I really hope this works for me I seem to have tried everything bunkerwise including lessons and no one has suggested simplicity before so we will see.Also at my course no 2 bunkers are the same sandwise.
The technique I use is as simple as I can make it. Quite similar to this. 1. Stand square to the direction I want. 2. Have the ball about 2 inches left of my centre line 3. Use a completely symmetrical swing, same distance through as back. 4. The length of swing is decided mostly by the amount of sand, a big swing if there is a lot to short if very little. 5. Use a 54 degree wedge mostly, 60 degree if there is a big lip, 52 degree for a long shot I get up and down about 50% of the time.
i have been working on this, but fairly open I send the ball way over the green. I do hit the sand first, but I guess too shallow. The good news is that the ball does come out!
Hi James I just discovered you today and just at the appropriate moment. I’m from Wisconsin where bunkers are heavy compacted sand. I’m visiting Florida today and went to the practice range to work on bunker play. The sand here is beautiful white fluffy deep sand. I was hammering away in the bunkers and although I could get out it was just barely. I was way too deep with my 60 wide open. High speed open face shots were just getting buried deeply. Terribly frustrating. I can hardly wait to get back there tomorrow and try this technique. I hit my pitch shots using this method so I’m very familiar. I’ll let you know how I get on. I look forward to much more content from you. Thank you so much!
I don't suffer from over the top or open club face issues, quite the opposite for both, and yet this technique allows me now to comfortably get out of reasonably shallow bunkers. Doesn't work too well for steep bunkers (I end up hitting sideways when I'm too close to a steep face).
Hi James. Tried this today as the course I play is links and has a ton of pot bunkers similar to the one you used in the vid. Glad to say they do not hold the same fear as they did prior to seeing this. Thanks
Absolutely love all your videos. Saw this one for bunkers and thought it was the answer to my dreams. Sadly I just cannot make it work. Our bunkers are mostly vertical faces and despite trying your method the club seems to ‘slide’ across the sand and send the ball (at speed) into the face of the bunker!! I am currently sitting in a corner crying. Any other time for getting out of the dreaded (steep)bunkers.
@@JamesRidyardGolf hey, thanks for getting back to me James. I would say yes. The top inch is soft enough, but right under that is feels like concrete. Definitely not soft sand all the way down. Your feet do not sink into the sand like a beach and unlike some courses where the ball would plug on landing.
Wish I came across this years ago. Would have saved me a bundle on bunker lessons as well as some high numbers especially a medal round. Why hasnt the numerous instructors adopted this reaching method. Its absolutely brilliant. Simple to execute. Almost a standard pitch shot. The odd thinner but every single one came out , most making that nice fluffy sound. What causes the thin one that goes long James?
Came over because of the video you did with Lockey. So glad to find you have your own channel. Completely bowled over by the stuff you share! I used to have a decent bunker game but no ideal why the same setup and feels dont work anymore and I'm taking 2-3 shots to get out now. Gonna try this method this weekend, cant wait to aim at some bunkers :)
Hi James, I have to say this is one of the best tips I have ever received for getting out of bunker. It works a treat , I don’t even think about it now the ball comes out every time. Regards
No way you can stop the ball quickly doing this. Everything you’re claiming is wrong with the traditional method is actually an advantage. You don’t want lots of speed on the ball, and you do want spin.
@@charlesmarshall8046 it’s meant to get you out not spin it a foot from the hole. It also depends on what type of sand you have in bunkers. But I come out every time using this method.
@@charlesmarshall8046 Hi Charles, I think you need to view what I've said here in the context it's presented. That is the relevance to the average golfer who for the most part struggles to consistently get the ball out, especially in deeper sand. Whether you can stop the ball quickly doing this is another conversation.
I lost 6 shots to terrible green side bunker play. I’ll definite practice this before my next round as it makes sense. Reminds me of toe up 8i chipping. One question is since you are apparently using 50% less efforts or 50% less distance with a pitch, why shouldn’t Bryson have used your technique for his crucial 50 yard green side bunker shot that helped him win the recent US open?
Thanks so much for posting this. Just got done with a golf trip where they had a lot of fluffy sand in the bunkers which is the opposite of the minimal hard sand I am used to at my local muni. This video would've saved me some headache, but I'm glad to know now! My technique will travel better in the future!
James, good video. Tried this and was thinning/blading once in a while. Any suggestions? Would like to see your set up face on to see your ball position.
My bunker play has been wrecking my scorecards so found this technique, different to anything else I've seen online and worked brilliant, hopefully I can now get down from the unlucky 13Hcp - Liked and subscribed, thanks James
Thank you so much for this! I’m planning on getting back into the game, and I’ve always been a fan of the short game. I love the bunkers. I personally enjoy the challenge of being out of them, but haven’t had the best instruction on how to do it. I think this is probably be the easiest way for me to get out and feel like I can answer the challenge. I am starting completed from scratch and need new equipment and everything. I am definitely going to put money into lessons more so than equipment. I did have one question though. Where is the ball in your stance when you’re standing tall like that and basically doing a chip shot? Again, thank you so much for this and will practice as soon as I get my equipment.
Hi Ted, this is an indication that you're swinging the clubhead down the target line too long, even this swing is in to square to in. Chances are you're in to out on it.
Do you keep more weight on your front foot like you would in a chipping action? I'm glad you agree that the old traditional bunker instruction is not for the avg rec player.
I'll try this out as I hate bunkers and this seemed easier to do. By the way your manner of presentation is excellent, calm, clear and quiet. I just subscribed :)
James, brilliant video. The only question I have is for a short, high bunker shot, use the 60 degree, but same no wrist swing? Or for a 30-50 yard bunker shot, same swing/set up but use a PW or 9 iron? Thank you!
Dear James Great video indeed. Thanks for your efforts. Want to know the ball position for this shot. If the ball is near the bunker wall then how to play the shot. Thanks.
Hey James, this definitely worked for a good bit, then I started to hit the hosel. I started reverting back to the traditional open the face method. I’m going to try this again this weekend. Would a 56/58 degree wedge with a lower/mid bounce help get the ball to come out higher for closer bunker shots?
Great technique! I have seen it before on a video by Coach Lockey (which you also know quite well, I think) although your video came out before and it works so fine for me.
Would have been helpful to see front-on perspective for ball positioning in stance. Also the sand in this video is perfect. Let’s see some unraked uneven hard sand! The way visiting Sunday golfers leave it for us on a Monday!😂
Also helps to have a sand wedge with a wide sole that is rounded below the leading edge of the clubface so the club bounces/rides over the sand and does not dig in.
I gotta try this! I splash through and if the bunker is filled with good sand... I can hit some great shorter shots. Needing more distance and I'm on struggle street. The worst thing is when there's bunkers that don't have much sand in it or they're wet and hard. When you try splash through those you end up blading the ball 100 m down over the green!
Hi James. I agree with your statement we’re being given advice not applicable to our game. I struggle in the bunker I suppose because of all these manipulations and over complicating a simple maneuver. I like your ideas
James I have been using this since I first saw the video and confirm it’s like magic thank you. Question though given the summer weather we’ve had…what do I do if it’s wet sand?
Good to hear Dale. I would just play it a little further back to add some steepness in set up as digging won't be a problem. If you need height same thing but you will need to open the face a little.
Hi James I have started using your method. It’s been trial and error. I have hit some bladed ones and also ones that have flown the green completely. I like it, but, it’s going to take a bit of time to get the right speed and setup. What happens with more plugged lies, does this method work then? Cheers Ben, Sydney, Australia
Very useful video James. I’ve been trying it in a practice bunker. One thing I’ve noticed is that I have a tendency to catch the ball clean and it flies out of the bunker. Should I move my weight slightly to my lead leg or concentrate on standing tall?
I’ve seen 200 different bunker shot videos, and still I’m terrible from there. Tried everything. And if there’s the slightest opportunity to use the putter I do that 😚
(1)Hands Up at address (2)Square Club Face at address (3)No Wrist Cocking Take Back (4)Shallow Attack Angle Excellent! Very simple way to hit, not at all different from chipping from the greenside.
I am a low single digit handicap golfer. I have used this technique for years with great success. You are the first person I have ever seen teach it. It is WAY easier than the usual technique that is taught. It is more similar to a chip shot or short pitch shot around the green technique. When I used to try the standard method I would often shank the ball. I first started using this method in desperation. I use a 60 degree wedge with a very wide sole with some bounce. That produces more height on the shot. It is almost impossible to dig too deeply into the sand with this shallow club head path and minimal wrist cock. I agree the lack of wrist cock minimizes dig and makes the results consistently good. In general I swing about 50 percent harder, or less, than from grass for the same distance. When needed, you can make the ball spin more by entering the sand a little closer to the ball. It will fly farther, but bite. This method is better also when the pin is very close to the sand. It is easier to control a minimal swing than with the "standard" method.
Bobpgram8042
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. It is very helpful to hear a regular guy endorse and explain this technique. 😊
Very interesting reading. I currently find short bunker shots difficult using this method. My handicap 7..i will persist trying this method for a few more weeks..cheers
Low single digit golfer watching YT videos about getting out of a bunker. Right…….
@@bonjovi7120I’m a 5 handicap and have been struggling with varied bunker shots. Instead of shooting 73-78, I’m now 4-5 strokes higher when I get into a bunker and have lost all confidence. I tried this method last summer and helped for a while, but still searching for a technique that I’ll stick with. Also, we don’t often play bunkers that the pros play where all bunkers are consistent, amateurs often play hard compact bunkers and cannot apply most of the advice given on TH-cam.
@@rubelukeable bh ha🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Unlike 8042 I am a double digit handicap golfer who spends a lot of time in bunkers and needs all the help he can get. I definitely will try this. Thank you.
This is the best bunker tip I have ever seen. It works every time. Thanks!
Yesterday I bladed one into the front wall after following the usual mantra “dig into sand, open the face, let club overtake the hands”, yadda-yadda. Then I told myself to just pitch it out and it did come out very well! I am quite good in pitching but struggle from the sand and two holes later I repeated the maneuver and got up and down from a very intimidating bunker. And here your video! So true, why complicate matters unnecessarily?!
Sometimes I think we want what is hard to have vs giving ourselves the best chance of a good score!
I didn’t catch where you play the ball,in your stance.
Hi James. As promised I returned to the practice bunker to give your method a real effort. It was like magic! I used a 60,54, 50, Pw and 9iron. I played 8 balls out of various lies with each club. I shanked my first effort with my 60 and then reeled off 39 beautiful sand saves. The key for me was to just barely open the face. I now have a dialed in method for bunker play. Just change the club for distance out and I’m good to go. Now I’m struggling morally with sharing this with my golfing buddies or keeping it to myself. For now, I’ll be keeping it a secret. Thank you so much. Later today I’m gonna look through all of your vids looking for another secret. Thanks man!
Great to hear! Let's keep it between ourselves...
I’ve struggled for years with sand play. Tried many techniques and taken a few lessons. Nothing worked consistently and I can’t count the number of times I’ve left the ball in the bunker. Your method is so simple to implement and produced immediate results for me. I’m now confident I can get out of the sand every time. It only took an hour of practice and a little on course experience. I mostly use a 54 degree wedge, using a 58 for just the short ones. Thank you!
WOW..I could never have imagined how simple a bunker technique could be. Thanks tons.
Tried this today. Works especially well in thin wet sand. Takes a bit to get the speed right. Struggled for ever until this. Thank you!!
For years my golf was "avoid the bunker at all costs". Saw yr video this morning. Went to the practice bunker this evening and after 10 minutes was hitting out consistently. Finally - thanks very much.
That is awesome!
I tried this yesterday after having a horrible time in the bunker last week. I can’t believe how well this works! Thank you!
Glad it helped!
Excellently articulated and demonstrated James thank you.
I really think that this will solve my fear of bunker shots. Great tips and well explained. Thank you.
I thought I had heard & saw everything until this! I went to our short game area to give this a test drive. I was blown away by how easy this method is and it works every time. I shared this with one of my golf buds. He had a similar reaction. I didn't really struggle with sand shots, but just didn't have that confidence that I thought I should have. Thank you doesn't begin to express my thanks. I am now a subscriber
Thanks for the support! 👊🏻
Thankyou, I am a high handicapper that fears the bunkers, I regularly hit deep into the sand and if I get out it usually just gets over the lip. Look forward to trying your technique out.
This is great: applying a solid pitching technique to sand.I tried it yesterday when I finished in a bunker and pitched out to two feet.Very simple and effective.Many thanks James and keep up the good work.
Nice work! Thanks for the feedback 👍🏻
After watching this video, I used this technique yesterday at a course where the bunkers have little sand (the new owners are slowly improving the course). The two green-side bunkers I was in required short shots. This worked very well! I usually play bunkers with the traditional open club face. I am a senior, my handicap is now high but my bunker play is still OK!
Try hitting 100 balls from a practice bunker...!! Then post your experience - you will be proud.
Great video! After many lessons and wasted hours practising bunker shots, finally someone explains clearly why what instructors were teaching me doesn’t work for me and for most week-end golfers. Opened club face and stance are gone now and more consistency showing up. No more double bogeys from greenside bunkers should finally bring down the handicap to single digit (from 11). Thanks!
Great to hear!
This is a simple and brilliant technique. Thanks for sharing. I tried this on the course yesterday with a lot of success. You saved me many strokes and F Bombs.
F bombs might be a new way of measuring the success of a round!
I'm horrible from the bunker, but I actually started to use this technique recently before seeing this video. Glad to see it's a good idea! I still struggle but this technique has improved my bunker play. Thanks for posting.
I've tried this technique twice in Practice and found i was getting out easily and close rather than my previous traditional approach where i would dig in sometimes and skull it other times! I love this technique and video, most helpful.
Great job!
My fav tip: if there is more than one bunker you are actually allowed to take practice shots out of the OTHER bunker (hitting sand and all),
you just can't do it from the same bunker your ball is in.
Wow! Thats crazy.
I had to go straight out and try this, despite the rain! It worked better than anything I have previously tried, and, believe me, I have tried, with great optimism, so many different “foolproof” methods. Some have worked a bit, but none as well as this. To give you a point of reference, I once took 27 shots to get out of a bunker (I was practising, not playing). Today I hit 30 balls and got cleanly out with 27 of them. Lots more work to do, but I am hopeful.
27 out of 30! We'll take that! Well done!
A golf training for mortals. Excellent K.I.S.S. I also the same technique for basic chipping and it works great. The standing up really stops those chunks.
Thank you James, this is amazing and every amateur NEEDS to watch this. I've struggled with bunkers for years. Always trying different methods and techniques but still usually taking more than one attempt to get out. Since watching this a couple of weeks ago I've got out first time, every time, and even holed out from a bunker today. It's also made me less nervous on approach shots as I'm not worrying about pulling/pushing it into a bunker cos I know I can get out first time. What a difference it's made, I can only thank you again
Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment! Nothing is guaranteed but for the majority this is as easy as it gets.
One important detail I've noticed is that you need to keep the body moving throughout the shot, like a good pitch shot. Keeping the arms and body as one piece seems to do the trick. Off to Ireland next week so really appreciate James's input! Comments welcome!
Thanks James! As a 18hcp, I finally understand my deep divots in bunkers and why the simple chip method works so well for me. I still need to remember to finish the swing and not decelerate, but getting out first time 9 out of 10 times now instead of taking 4 to get out. Handicapp is back on the decline!
Excellent!
Life saver! Confidence out of the bunker was rock bottom last week. Have hit every single one out (and reasonably close) since watching this vid
So good to hear! Sometimes it's worth taking a different approach!
I tried this technique today and it worked great! I play at Firestone CC which has large, deep bunkers. I had been struggling but am sold and plan to use this technique from here on out. Thanks so much and I am subscriber now!
Thanks Doug! Happy to hear you're having success with it
What about when the ball is closer to the front of the bunker and you can’t follow through? Love this btw😊
I practiced this today, it works good. I still have to get used to it but when done correctly it works great
Am looking forward to trying this approach. Even when I was much younger and a single figure handicap golfer, my bunker play was never really consistent. I still recall twice hitting from a clay-based, minimal sand bunker (rarely did I see "nice" sand) straight over the green and OOB (on two different courses, one was over the clubhouse on my then home course!)... trying to dig down and blast what *looked like* good sand but wasn't. This idea would have been much better, even if I over-hit it would not have gone that poorly. Many times I have resorted to trying to hit out of sand like I'm hitting off a super hard surface. So this looks very promising instead, thanks.
STILL watching and using this simple method. Thank you.
Great to hear!
Thank you James! I've struggled terribly in the bunkers with so many complicated swings. This is simple and the sand at our course is similar to what you're playing in this video. Many thanks! Will practice this tomorrow.
Hope it's going well Neil!
Like the advice. Initial results were40 yards through the green and still struggling between to far and just clearing the lip. Definitely user error on my part as I’ve been struggling a bit with distance control from sand over recent months!!! Going to keep trying as makes ultimate sense😊
I have now tried this method and it works a treat. Thank you!
Thank you so much for this video, I USED TO BE terrified of going in a bunker until I started using your system now not only am I getting out in one I’m getting close to the flag, thank you once again.
I have to try this technique. In the past golf courses, particularly good courses used to have very soft sand but now they are more granulated and when the sprinlers wet the bunkers they are as hard as concrete. My technique was suitable in the past but now I have to change
.
At last some advice for the recreational golfer. I have a decent bunker player but for some reason of late I have been generally fairly poor usually having problems getting any distance out of the bunker. Ie just clearing the bunker😊😊
THIS METHOD looks pretty good and simple James, like most amateur golfers i have a lot of trouble getting out of bunkers, however next time i play i will give this a try,,,,..thanks
Let me know how it goes!
I needed to see this! I was good earlier in the year out of the sand, then I lost my way when my club got all new sand for the bunkers! Some are soft and fluffy, some are more "wet" like on the beach. I was thinking last weekend I need to just treat them like a pitch shot. Thank you!
Definitely worth exploring!
Great video!
I'm another single digit who uses a similar technique and have for awhile. Except I use an open 52 and align the leading edge with the direction I want the ball to travel. I control distance with the amount of open/closed and swing speed.
I'm going to incorporate some of your thoughts about staying more upright to control shallow depth and see how it goes. Appreciate the lesson!
This video is amazing! I've been struggling with bunker shots for a very long time. Going to try this method for sure as it seems so simple and makes so much sense. Thank you.
Loved this as I deal with wet sand on the course I play on southern Vancouver Island.
super simple, I tried and it works great. I almost use the same method as a chip putt!
I struggle with bunkers. Always thin them about 50 yards as I have always followed the big explosive swing approach. This looks much easier!
I have struggled with green bunker shots a lot. I have tried all orthodox styles - only uncertainty. Your instructions have already helped me get the ball close to the flag where I've never been successful before except by luck. Thank you!
Good to hear Juha!
A while back, I bought a Callaway Sure Out 2. I had seen. I think it was an advertisement and it was claimed that you didn’t open your stance and swing across the ball with a open face, but instead you hit it like a regular shot. I tried that a couple of times, but didn’t have too much luck. but now I think I didn’t give it enough of a chance. I should’ve worked out a little bit more. Now having seen this video I think I’m going to head out to the practice marker and see if I can’t use this technique.
Dear James,I really hope this works for me I seem to have tried everything bunkerwise including lessons and no one has suggested simplicity before so we will see.Also at my course no 2 bunkers are the same sandwise.
The technique I use is as simple as I can make it. Quite similar to this.
1. Stand square to the direction I want.
2. Have the ball about 2 inches left of my centre line
3. Use a completely symmetrical swing, same distance through as back.
4. The length of swing is decided mostly by the amount of sand, a big swing if there is a lot to short if very little.
5. Use a 54 degree wedge mostly, 60 degree if there is a big lip, 52 degree for a long shot
I get up and down about 50% of the time.
Sounds like a solid method
Thanks for your input!
i have been working on this, but fairly open I send the ball way over the green. I do hit the sand first, but I guess too shallow. The good news is that the ball does come out!
Hi James I just discovered you today and just at the appropriate moment. I’m from Wisconsin where bunkers are heavy compacted sand. I’m visiting Florida today and went to the practice range to work on bunker play. The sand here is beautiful white fluffy deep sand. I was hammering away in the bunkers and although I could get out it was just barely. I was way too deep with my 60 wide open. High speed open face shots were just getting buried deeply. Terribly frustrating. I can hardly wait to get back there tomorrow and try this technique. I hit my pitch shots using this method so I’m very familiar. I’ll let you know how I get on. I look forward to much more content from you. Thank you so much!
Brilliant! You talk about the exact problems I tend to have in the bunkers
Hopefully helps!
Thank you, thank you and thank you…. I know when I try it won’t be as easy… hopefully just one out no matter how far from the flag… 🥰
I don't suffer from over the top or open club face issues, quite the opposite for both, and yet this technique allows me now to comfortably get out of reasonably shallow bunkers. Doesn't work too well for steep bunkers (I end up hitting sideways when I'm too close to a steep face).
Normal chipping stance just helped me . Start opening it up your adding more variables
Really interesting. This makes all kinds of sense. I always take too much sand. Looking forward to trying this technique. Thanks so much.
Let me know how it goes!
Simple and very effective advice to manage bunker play….first time subscriber…impressed
Hi James. Tried this today as the course I play is links and has a ton of pot bunkers similar to the one you used in the vid. Glad to say they do not hold the same fear as they did prior to seeing this. Thanks
Great to hear Neil 👏🏼
Absolutely love all your videos. Saw this one for bunkers and thought it was the answer to my dreams. Sadly I just cannot make it work. Our bunkers are mostly vertical faces and despite trying your method the club seems to ‘slide’ across the sand and send the ball (at speed) into the face of the bunker!! I am currently sitting in a corner crying. Any other time for getting out of the dreaded (steep)bunkers.
Is the sand very firm?
@@JamesRidyardGolf hey, thanks for getting back to me James. I would say yes. The top inch is soft enough, but right under that is feels like concrete. Definitely not soft sand all the way down. Your feet do not sink into the sand like a beach and unlike some courses where the ball would plug on landing.
This is a perfect technique for golf courses like mine that don’t have the a ton of white fluffy sand, and also after it has rained! It works try it.
Wish I came across this years ago. Would have saved me a bundle on bunker lessons as well as some high numbers especially a medal round. Why hasnt the numerous instructors adopted this reaching method. Its absolutely brilliant. Simple to execute. Almost a standard pitch shot. The odd thinner but every single one came out , most making that nice fluffy sound. What causes the thin one that goes long James?
I'd check the ball isn't creeping too far forward
This looks so easy, definitely trying this 👍🏻
Brilliant! Ty. This makes more sense for me.
Came over because of the video you did with Lockey. So glad to find you have your own channel. Completely bowled over by the stuff you share!
I used to have a decent bunker game but no ideal why the same setup and feels dont work anymore and I'm taking 2-3 shots to get out now. Gonna try this method this weekend, cant wait to aim at some bunkers :)
Thanks for coming over! Hopefully we can get you back on track
Hi James, I have to say this is one of the best tips I have ever received for getting out of bunker. It works a treat , I don’t even think about it now the ball comes out every time. Regards
Thanks Jeff, great to hear!
No way you can stop the ball quickly doing this. Everything you’re claiming is wrong with the traditional method is actually an advantage. You don’t want lots of speed on the ball, and you do want spin.
@@charlesmarshall8046 it’s meant to get you out not spin it a foot from the hole. It also depends on what type of sand you have in bunkers. But I come out every time using this method.
@@charlesmarshall8046 Hi Charles, I think you need to view what I've said here in the context it's presented. That is the relevance to the average golfer who for the most part struggles to consistently get the ball out, especially in deeper sand.
Whether you can stop the ball quickly doing this is another conversation.
@@jeffworthington9286 That's exactly the point Jeff, thank you!
Like this - looking forward to trying out on pracrice green. Would you use a 52 or 56 degree?
I lost 6 shots to terrible green side bunker play. I’ll definite practice this before my next round as it makes sense. Reminds me of toe up 8i chipping. One question is since you are apparently using 50% less efforts or 50% less distance with a pitch, why shouldn’t Bryson have used your technique for his crucial 50 yard green side bunker shot that helped him win the recent US open?
Thanks James You solved my bunker swing problem.👍🏻🙏🏼
Great to hear!
Thanks so much for posting this. Just got done with a golf trip where they had a lot of fluffy sand in the bunkers which is the opposite of the minimal hard sand I am used to at my local muni. This video would've saved me some headache, but I'm glad to know now! My technique will travel better in the future!
I'm sure it will Evan, let me know how it goes!
James, good video. Tried this and was thinning/blading once in a while. Any suggestions? Would like to see your set up face on to see your ball position.
My bunker play has been wrecking my scorecards so found this technique, different to anything else I've seen online and worked brilliant, hopefully I can now get down from the unlucky 13Hcp - Liked and subscribed, thanks James
Great to hear! Let's bring those scores down
Love this vid, I’ll definitely be trying this, I’m useless at bunkers shots and this looks super easy.
Let me know how it goes!
Thank you so much for this! I’m planning on getting back into the game, and I’ve always been a fan of the short game. I love the bunkers. I personally enjoy the challenge of being out of them, but haven’t had the best instruction on how to do it. I think this is probably be the easiest way for me to get out and feel like I can answer the challenge. I am starting completed from scratch and need new equipment and everything. I am definitely going to put money into lessons more so than equipment. I did have one question though. Where is the ball in your stance when you’re standing tall like that and basically doing a chip shot? Again, thank you so much for this and will practice as soon as I get my equipment.
Nice video, I really like this simple technique. The only issue I have is that I sometimes double hit. Never did that when I used an explosion swing.
Hi Ted, this is an indication that you're swinging the clubhead down the target line too long, even this swing is in to square to in. Chances are you're in to out on it.
Do you keep more weight on your front foot like you would in a chipping action? I'm glad you agree that the old traditional bunker instruction is not for the avg rec player.
I'll try this out as I hate bunkers and this seemed easier to do. By the way your manner of presentation is excellent, calm, clear and quiet. I just subscribed :)
Thanks Eric!
James, brilliant video. The only question I have is for a short, high bunker shot, use the 60 degree, but same no wrist swing? Or for a 30-50 yard bunker shot, same swing/set up but use a PW or 9 iron? Thank you!
I like this ! what if youre up against a lip and you need to get the ball up quicky?
As always, enjoyable and well articulated video. Length and content just about right.
Keep up the good work!
Thank you! 👊🏻
Dear James Great video indeed. Thanks for your efforts.
Want to know the ball position for this shot. If the ball is near the bunker wall then how to play the shot. Thanks.
Thank you for this! Finally something easy to do!
No problem!
Hey James, this definitely worked for a good bit, then I started to hit the hosel. I started reverting back to the traditional open the face method. I’m going to try this again this weekend. Would a 56/58 degree wedge with a lower/mid bounce help get the ball to come out higher for closer bunker shots?
Great technique! I have seen it before on a video by Coach Lockey (which you also know quite well, I think) although your video came out before and it works so fine for me.
Cool, thanks!
Would have been helpful to see front-on perspective for ball positioning in stance. Also the sand in this video is perfect. Let’s see some unraked uneven hard sand! The way visiting Sunday golfers leave it for us on a Monday!😂
great tutorial, James, very different with other coach teach it. Greetings from beautiful Indonesia.
Thanks a million!
Also helps to have a sand wedge with a wide sole that is rounded below the leading edge of the clubface so the club bounces/rides over the sand and does not dig in.
Yeah, this something I’m going to seriously work toward.
Subscribing.
I gotta try this!
I splash through and if the bunker is filled with good sand... I can hit some great shorter shots.
Needing more distance and I'm on struggle street.
The worst thing is when there's bunkers that don't have much sand in it or they're wet and hard.
When you try splash through those you end up blading the ball 100 m down over the green!
Let me know how it goes!
Great lesson, I wish instructors would spend less time on what “NOT” to do and focus only on what “To Do”. 🤙🏼🤙🏼
Thanks. Will continue on this track!
I was taught about imagining a glass of wine rather than a glass of water.
I did think the pro teaching me was slurring his words a bit of 🤔
Hi James. I agree with your statement we’re being given advice not applicable to our game. I struggle in the bunker I suppose because of all these manipulations and over complicating a simple maneuver. I like your ideas
Thanks! Will be producing more of the same in future
James I have been using this since I first saw the video and confirm it’s like magic thank you. Question though given the summer weather we’ve had…what do I do if it’s wet sand?
Good to hear Dale. I would just play it a little further back to add some steepness in set up as digging won't be a problem. If you need height same thing but you will need to open the face a little.
Hi James
I have started using your method. It’s been trial and error. I have hit some bladed ones and also ones that have flown the green completely. I like it, but, it’s going to take a bit of time to get the right speed and setup. What happens with more plugged lies, does this method work then?
Cheers
Ben, Sydney, Australia
Very useful video James. I’ve been trying it in a practice bunker. One thing I’ve noticed is that I have a tendency to catch the ball clean and it flies out of the bunker. Should I move my weight slightly to my lead leg or concentrate on standing tall?
If you're getting it clean try standing a little closer to it, should give you a bit more depth in the sand
Different approach, worth giving a try.👍
Thank you. I will work on this and I’m sure it will help.
Let me know how it goes Linda!
@@JamesRidyardGolf I will. 😁
Great advice. How about where does the club meet the ball or how far in front should hit the sand.
I’ve seen 200 different bunker shot videos, and still I’m terrible from there. Tried everything.
And if there’s the slightest opportunity to use the putter I do that 😚
(1)Hands Up at address
(2)Square Club Face at address
(3)No Wrist Cocking Take Back
(4)Shallow Attack Angle
Excellent! Very simple way to hit, not at all different from chipping from the greenside.
Pretty similar for many just a bigger swing!
Fantastic! Great presentation style also. Thank you!
Thank you! 👊🏻