Short Game · Technique

Take bunker shots back straight for more control

For bunker shots, the instructor addresses the common question of whether to take the club back straight in line with the target or a little outside. She notes beginners are usually taught to take it outside because it creates a steeper angle into the ball, letting them blast into the spot even from a slightly difficult lie, but she finds that less consistent and says it puts a right cut/spin on the ball. She prefers going square and straight back on plane, and suggests intermediate to advanced golfers take it straight back for better distance, spin, and direction control. She notes that when the ball is sitting down it is shallower around the ball and harder to hit your spot, sometimes leading to a fat shot.