Course Strategy · Strategy

Clear the lip first, then pick your club

The golden rule of the fairway bunker shot is to always make sure you can clear the lip; catch the lip and you stay stuck at the front and rack up a score. Let the lip dictate the club, not the yardage: you might want a 5-iron for 200 yards, but if the lip is in the way you may be forced into an 8- or 9-iron. Respect the lip and choose the club that guarantees you get out.