Bunker etiquette & technique - rake it right, play it smart
For many golfers, bunkers can be a source of frustration, but they don't have to be. With the right mindset, sound technique, and proper etiquette, sand traps can become just another part of your game, not a disaster waiting to happen.
Whether you’re struggling to get out cleanly or annoyed at the unraked mess left behind by another player, this week’s Caddy’s Corner explores how to approach bunkers the right way, from etiquette to execution.
Bunker etiquette: do your part for the course and other players
Golf is a game rooted in tradition, fairness, and respect for the course, your playing partners, and those coming after you. Nowhere is this more visible than in the way we treat bunkers. Poor etiquette in the sand can ruin someone else’s round. Good etiquette sets the standard.
Basic bunker etiquette rules
Avoid climbing up steep faces or dragging your trolley near the lip, which can damage turf and collapse edges.
Rake where you stood, walked, and especially where you hit. Don't leave footprints or deep grooves.
Pull the sand back as you exit to avoid pushing piles forward, which can cause uneven lies.
Leave the rake outside the bunker, ideally parallel to play and flat to the ground, to avoid interfering with incoming shots.
Bunker shot basics: splash, don’t scoop
Now let’s talk about how to actually get out of a bunker. The key to most greenside bunker shots is to hit the sand, not the ball, and let the clubface do the work to lift it out.
Here’s a quick breakdown of bunker shot technique for standard greenside sand:
Setup and execution
Use a sand wedge (54°–58°) and rotate the face open slightly. This adds loft and bounce, helping the club glide through the sand.
An open face points right, so aim your feet and body slightly left to compensate.
Place the ball slightly forward in your stance.
Your target is 1-2 inches behind the ball, where the club should enter the sand.
Dig in with your feet and stay balanced. A stable base is crucial.
Don’t stop your swing! A full follow-through ensures the club keeps moving and the ball escapes the bunker with spin and height.
Pro Tip: Use the line drill in practice - draw a line in the sand and focus on striking it consistently. This builds precision and confidence.
Common mistakes to avoid
This leads to fat shots or the club getting stuck in the sand.
Trust the loft and let the sand lift the ball.
This can cause a thin, low shot that races over the green.
Bonus: when to play smart and take your medicine
Not every bunker shot is a chance for heroics. If you're plugged, on a downslope, or near a high lip, your best option might be to just get it out sideways and avoid a double or triple bogey. Playing the smart shot is always better than playing the highlight reel shot that doesn’t come off.
Want to master the sand?
Improving your bunker play can quickly cut strokes off your score and make you more confident approaching greens.
• Book a bunker-specific lesson to learn how to handle different lies, distances, and sand textures.
• Join one of our short game clinics and sharpen every aspect of your scoring game.
• Ask about TrackMan short game analysis where available, for real-time data and swing feedback.
