Struggling to escape bunkers with confidence and consistency? You’re not alone. Bunkers can intimidate even the most experienced golfers, but a simple drill shared by LPGA pro Danielle Kang can help you refine your technique and approach. With a practical focus on improving sand play, this drill is a game-changer for golfers at any level.
Danielle Kang demonstrated this drill in one of her practice videos, emphasizing its importance for developing the right mechanics in bunker shots. The process begins with a straightforward concept: drawing a line in the sand about an inch behind the ball. This line serves as a visual marker for where the club should ideally enter the sand during the swing.
How the Drill Works
- Draw a Line in the Sand: Use your wedge to draw a line in the sand approximately an inch behind where your ball will sit. This line represents the ideal entry point for the club.
- Focus on the Entry Point: Practice swinging without a ball, aiming to strike the sand precisely on the line. This helps build muscle memory and reinforces proper technique.
- Add the Ball: Once you’re consistently hitting the sand at the correct spot, place a ball in front of the line and replicate the swing.
Why This Drill Is Effective
The drill trains you to trust the sand. A successful bunker shot relies on the sand to lift the ball out, so you must be confident taking a full, aggressive swing. For many golfers, the common mistakes include hitting too far behind the ball (leaving it in the bunker) or making direct contact with the ball (sending it flying uncontrollably). This drill helps eliminate those errors by focusing on consistent contact with the sand.
If you find yourself skimming the ball or digging too deeply into the bunker, this exercise encourages you to develop the right swing depth and contact point.
Mastering Bunker Play
The next time you find yourself in a bunker, don’t panic. Use this simple drill to improve your technique, and you’ll not only escape the sand with ease but also gain the confidence to see bunkers as an opportunity to showcase your short-game skills. With practice, those intimidating bunker shots might just become one of the strongest parts of your game.