Consistent bunker play reduces strokes and lowers anxiety around the greens. Instructional authorities such as Dave Pelz of the Dave Pelz Scoring Game School emphasize the importance of reliable contact with sand rather than the ball, and PGA of America teaching materials underscore setup, face control, and acceleration. Effective drills train repeatable contact, balance, and adaptability to course conditions.
Technique drills
The Splash drill trains the single most important skill in bunker shots: striking sand at a consistent spot behind the ball. Set up with an open stance and open clubface, place a target line in the sand two inches behind the ball, and swing to “splash” sand toward a chosen landing area. Dave Pelz recommends focusing on the amount of sand displaced rather than feeling for the ball. This drill reduces fat and thin shots by reinforcing a forward-leaning center of mass and aggressive acceleration through impact.
Feel and control drills
The Feet-together drill sharpens balance and forces rotation from the body rather than the hands. Hitting a series of bunker shots with feet together encourages a stable lower body and consistent low-point control. The one-handed drill, practiced with the lead hand only, isolates wrist hinge and release, producing a cleaner entry into the sand. Titleist Performance Institute materials link improved balance and controlled rotation to greater shot repeatability, which translates into fewer blown bunker shots under pressure.
Alignment and contact drills
A simple line-in-sand drill uses a carved groove or a rake line as a visual cue for club entry. Aim to contact the sand at the same point relative to the line every swing; consistent entry point leads to consistent explosion and distance. Using a towel or alignment stick to square or open the face before each repetition builds reliable setup habits. PGA of America coaches commonly recommend pre-shot routines that combine face checks with a consistent ball position to reduce variability.
Environmental and practice context
Bunker behavior varies by region and maintenance. The USGA Green Section explains that sand grain size, moisture, and rake frequency change how the club interacts with turf and sand. Soft, deep tropical bunkers require a steeper, more aggressive attack. Firmer, coastal links sands may call for shallower contact and bump-and-run techniques. Practicing only one sand type can produce false confidence; mix drills across varied conditions and simulate pressure by limiting practice attempts or adding simple consequences for misses. Cultural course styles matter too: links play in Britain and Ireland often emphasizes lower, running bunker recoveries, while many inland American courses expect full “explosion” shots.
Reliable bunker play is the product of targeted drills, realistic practice conditions, and instruction grounded in established teaching. Consult a PGA teaching professional or well-known short-game coaches such as Dave Pelz for personalized feedback, and use resources from Titleist Performance Institute and the USGA Green Section to align technique with the sand and turf you’ll face.