The “3-Step Bunker Rule”

Most golfers tense up the moment they see their ball in the sand — but bunker shots don’t have to be scary. In fact, once you understand a few simple moves, they can become some of the easiest shots in golf.

Forget complicated technique or endless swing thoughts — here’s a dead-simple system anyone can use to escape the bunker with confidence every time.

I call it The “3-Step Bunker Rule.”

1️⃣2️⃣3️⃣⛳

1️⃣ Set up right

✅ Ball: Front foot
✅ Feet: Wiggle down for stability
✅ Weight: Stay forward (about 70% on your lead foot)
✅ Clubface: Open before you grip it

That’s it. Don’t overthink alignment or angles.

2️⃣ Pick a spot in the sand

✅Look 1–2 inches behind the ball — that’s what you’re trying to hit.
✅Forget the ball completely.

👉 You’re splashing sand, not striking golf balls.

3️⃣3️ Swing and finish

✅Take a smooth, full swing (not hard)
✅Hit the sand spot and follow through to a high finish
✅Keep your weight forward the whole time

If the club makes a nice “splash” sound, you did it right.

💡 Quick Reminders

✅ Don’t scoop — just swing through.
✅ The ball rides out on the sand.
✅ Listen for a soft “thwump,” not a dig or thud.

Once you’ve got the 3-Step Bunker Rule down — setup right, hit the sand, and finish high — it’s time to make that motion automatic.
You don’t need hours on the range or fancy training aids. Just five focused minutes in the bunker can lock in the feel for life.

Here’s the simple routine I teach players to master the “splash” — the sound, the entry point, and the confidence.

It’s called The 5-Minute Splash Drill.