There’s an old adage in golf that says, “Bunkers aren’t hazards; they’re just another shot.” But if you’ve ever found yourself thigh-deep in soft sand with an awkward stance, you know that saying is about as useful as telling someone to “just make more putts.” The truth is, bunkers come in all shapes and sizes, and knowing what type you’re dealing with—and how to escape efficiently—can mean the difference between saving par and adding an unnecessary double bogey to your card.

Let’s take a tour of the different types of bunkers you’ll encounter during a round and break down the strategies to play them best.

Fairway Bunkers: The Silent Traps

They sit out there like forgotten landmines—until your perfectly shaped draw leaks just a bit too much right. Fairway bunkers aren’t necessarily designed to punish, but they do force you to make a decision: Do you go for it, or do you play smart?

How to Play It:

• Ball First, Then Sand: Unlike greenside bunkers, where you want to splash the ball out with an explosion of sand, fairway bunker shots require precision ball-first contact.
• Club Up: Take one extra club because the lack of firm turf means less compression and reduced ball speed.
• Stable Base: Dig your feet in slightly for stability, but don’t bury them so much that you lower your swing arc.
• Smooth Swing: Maintain balance and avoid an aggressive transition—this isn’t a hero moment. Think three-quarters speed with an emphasis on clean contact.
• Club Selection: A long iron or hybrid can be an option if the lip isn’t too high, but if there’s any risk of catching it thin, stick with a mid-iron to ensure safe escape.

Greenside Bunkers: The Great Equalizers

No one ever intentionally aims for a greenside bunker, but when a tightly tucked pin is flirting with the edge of the fringe, sometimes it’s not the worst outcome. The best greenside players treat bunkers like an art form, mastering their technique to turn an intimidating hazard into an up-and-down opportunity.

How to Play It:

• Open the Face, Open the Stance: Your sand wedge is designed to be used with an open face—let the bounce do its job.
• Thump the Sand: The goal is to hit about an inch behind the ball, using the sand as a cushion to lift the ball out softly.
• Commit to Acceleration: A half-hearted attempt will leave you in the bunker, so make sure you follow through with conviction.
• Use the Right Tool: If the sand is firm, a lower-lofted wedge like a gap wedge (52°) might be the play. If it’s fluffy, stick with your 56° or 60°.

Waste Bunkers: The Wild Cards

Think of these as the rebellious cousin of the fairway bunker. Waste bunkers are often sprawling, natural-looking sand areas with no real penalty for grounding your club. Some courses, like Whistling Straits and Kiawah Island, blur the lines between bunkers and waste areas, making them even trickier to approach mentally.

How to Play It:

• Treat It Like the Fairway: Since you can ground your club, take a normal practice swing and ensure your stance is stable.
• Check the Lie: Some waste areas have compacted, almost gravel-like sand. Others are soft and deep. Your lie dictates whether you can be aggressive or need to simply advance the ball.
• Pick the Right Shot: If the sand is firm, you can take a normal iron swing. If it’s soft, adjust like you would for a fairway bunker shot.
• Club Selection: Long irons and hybrids can work well from firm waste bunkers, but if the lie is poor, consider using a more lofted club to ensure clean contact.

Pot Bunkers: The Tiny, Merciless Pits

If you ever find yourself in one of these little nightmares, common on links courses like St. Andrews, don’t think about making the green in regulation. Think about just getting out.

How to Play It:

• Go Straight Up: There’s no room for a hero shot here—loft is your friend. Grab the highest-lofted wedge in your bag.
• Forget Distance, Focus on Escape: Sometimes sideways or even backwards is the only option.
• Steepen Your Swing: A steeper angle of attack will help pop the ball up and out.
• Club Selection: A lob wedge (58°-60°) is often the best bet, as it provides the necessary height to clear steep bunker faces.

Church Pew Bunkers: The Psychological Warfare Hazards

Found at courses like Oakmont, these bunkers have strips of thick grass dividing sections of sand. Get stuck in the wrong spot, and you might have to hit backwards just to find a safe exit.

How to Play It:

• Check Your Lie and Stance: Are you in a strip of sand or perched awkwardly on a grassy ridge? This determines everything.
• Avoid the Ridges: If you’re in a playable spot, your priority should be advancing past the next ridge, even if it means sacrificing distance.
• Sometimes, Take Your Medicine: If the only realistic option is punching out, take it. A double bogey is always better than a triple.
• Club Selection: Depending on the situation, a mid-iron or wedge may be necessary to clear ridges and avoid further trouble.

The Final Takeaway

If there’s one thing all great bunker players understand, it’s that confidence is key. The moment you step into the sand with doubt, you’re already in trouble. Bunkers are meant to test your game, not ruin your round—so approach them with the right mindset, a sound technique, and a clear strategy. You won’t always get up and down, but if you follow these guidelines, you’ll be turning bunker shots from hazards into opportunities in no time.