Equipment Needed
Step-by-Step Instructions
In a practice bunker, draw a straight line in the sand, about 4–5 feet long. Make it straight and even.
Set up with the line centered between your feet as if the line were directly under a golf ball. Assume your bunker stance: feet a bit wider, weight slightly forward, and the clubface a bit open.
Practice your bunker swing (which is a splash of the sand) aiming to strike the sand exactly on the line. The goal is to take a shallow divot of sand starting at the line and extending forward (toward the target).
Ignore distance at first – just focus on consistency of where the club enters the sand. After getting comfortable, place a ball just ahead of the line (about 2 inches forward of it). Then swing to splash the sand at the line; if done correctly, you'll hit the sand behind the ball and carry the ball out on a cushion of sand.
Repeat until you can consistently hit near the line. This ingrains the correct entry point (a couple inches behind the ball) for bunker shots.
Professional Endorsement
This is a classic bunker drill taught by virtually all tour coaches. Players like Luke Donald (known for excellent bunker play) have practiced with the line drill to ensure they're striking sand in the right spot every time.