Written by John Elliot Jr., Director of Golf Instruction

The easiest way out of the bunker is the same way you got in… just walk out!! Haha.

In all seriousness, to get the ball out of the bunker, it’s all about the location of the divot. When setting up, you want the ball in line with your front heel. Where your divot occurs will determine your fate. In other words, if you can learn to bottom out just forward of the zipper of your pants each time, you are a winner.

Here’s the Killer…

The killer in greenside bunker shots is inconsistent contact with the sand. ALL divots should occur between the zipper of your pants and front heel, even with your practice swings. Remember: because it’s sand and you are bottoming out behind the ball, swing through the sand, as it will slow down your club.

Take a look at the video below for a demonstration:

In summary, learn to hit the ground in front of your left thigh consistently. Play the ball forward to hit behind it and BOTTOM OUT forward of the zipper of your pants. The key to distance is being able to hit the sand in the same place every time. Blast away baby!