Best Way to Play a Wood Shot from a Fairway Bunker

Should the ball be sitting very well and the sand be not too soft, it may be possible to use a lofted wooden club (the 4, 5 or 7 wood) from the bunker.

Grip

Make sure that the club head is open before taking your grip. Remember to take your practice swings outside the bunker to create feel for the shot you are about to play.

Stance

Plant the feet firmly in the sand, with the right foot angled inwards to assist stability. The ball is played slightly less forwards than usual, as the back edge of the club sole bounces on the sand at contact.

Posture

Stand high, with the knees only very slightly flexed and with your weight centred. Keep the hands in line with the ball, with the club open and, of course, not in contact with the sand.

Aim slightly to the left, as the open club face will cause the ball to curve to the right in the air.

Movement

Make a smooth and controlled backswing followed by an unhurried downswing that allows the club to bounce at impact on the back edge of its sole, as you continue to a full and well-balanced finish.

Wood shots from a fairway bunker_

If the ball is lying well in a fairway bunker, the sand is not too soft and there is a low lip between the ball and the target, you may consider using a lofted wood.

1. With the ball in the centre of the stance, hold the club so that the face is open and not in contact with the sand. The right foot is angled strongly so that the inside presses into the sand.

2. The backswing is slightly shorter and steeper than for a fairway wood shot due to the lack of leg movement (caused by the right ankle position).

3. The arms continue freely into the follow through, the weight being pulled over on to the left leg and the lower body turning towards the target.

Courage and confidence are necessary with sand shots, and these will only increase if you practice regularly. You must be able to play bunker shots well enough to avoid losing a stroke, so be sure to spend at least some time every week in the practice bunker