How to Hit a Fairway Sand Trap Shot

As if playing a lengthy golf hole such as a par 5 weren't difficult enough, some courses add fairway bunkers to make the course even more difficult. Hitting out of a fairway bunker is much different than hitting from a bunker by the green, due to the distance that needs to be covered and the sand composition, which is usually more compact, Taking the right approach with the right club and swing can enable you to recover from landing in fairway sand and still make eagles and birdies.

Instructions

    • 1

      Choose a club with enough loft to lift the ball over the lip of the fairway bunker and with enough length to get your ball near the green, such as a 5 iron or a 6 iron.

    • 2

      Adjust your stance to have the ball situated slightly closer to your back foot. Stand with your feet parallel to each other and close to the ball so that you create more of an upright swing. Settle your feet into the sand firmly, but not too deeply.

    • 3

      Hold the club firmly using a slightly choked-up grip, at least 1 inch from the end of the grip.

    • 4

      Take the wind into consideration and choose a desired landing area near or on the green.

    • 5

      Use a three-quarter back swing instead of a full back swing to give you more control over the shot.

    • 6

      Try to hit the ball first, then the sand (which is opposite than the way to hit a ball out of a greenside bunker), so that you get more distance on the shot as well as more backspin. Accelerate through the ball upon impact and follow through normally.