Short Game · Strategy

Use a stronger loft to make long bunker shots easy

Instead of a sand wedge, play the long bunker shot with a much stronger-lofted club such as a nine iron, pitching wedge, or 50/52 degree. Mentally you no longer feel you must hit it hard, so you swing smoother, and the narrower sole skips through the sand quicker. Apply your normal short (around 15 yard) bunker swing in speed and length, but the stronger loft sends the ball much further, effectively letting the club do most of the work.