Long Bunker Shot
Also known as: long greenside bunker shot, 40 yard bunker shot, 30 yard bunker shot, 50 yard bunker shot, long sand shot, long bunker shots
For a 30 to 50 yard bunker shot, take a less lofted wedge, such as a gap or pitching wedge, and keep the face closer to square. Hit the sand a little closer to the ball and take a thinner layer. Make a smooth, longer swing rather than a harder one.
A long bunker shot from beside the green is one of the hardest in golf. The normal splash with an open sand wedge sends the ball high and short. Swinging harder with the same setup usually takes more sand and leaves the ball short anyway.
Changing the club changes the distance more reliably. A gap or pitching wedge launches lower and runs farther with the same splash. Square the face more than for a short bunker shot and play the ball slightly forward of center. Dig your feet in for balance. Enter the sand a little closer to the ball than usual and take a shallow, thin layer. Make a three-quarter to full swing with a smooth tempo and finish facing the target.
Expect a lower flight and more roll than a normal sand shot, and land it well short of the flag. When the sand is firm and the lip is low, some players pick the ball cleanly with a slight descending blow. That strike is riskier. From a poor lie or under a high lip, playing to the middle of the green is the smart choice.
Tips by skill level
In practice, make the same smooth bunker swing with your sand wedge, gap wedge and pitching wedge. Note how much farther each one goes.
From firm sand with a low lip, a clean pick with a slight descending blow can work. Practice it before you try it on the course. A thin strike can fly the green.
Example
Her ball is in a greenside bunker with the flag 40 yards away at the back of the green. Instead of a full blast with her lob wedge, she takes her pitching wedge, squares the face and makes a smooth three-quarter swing. The ball comes out low and runs up to the hole.
Why it matters
Long bunker shots often turn into two more shots. A club change instead of a harder swing makes the distance far easier to control.
Common mistakes
- Swinging harder with an open sand wedge
- Taking too much sand behind the ball
- Opening the face out of habit
- Slowing down and leaving the ball in the bunker
Frequently asked questions
How do I hit a 40-yard bunker shot?
Take a gap or pitching wedge instead of a sand wedge and keep the face closer to square. Hit the sand a little closer to the ball with a smooth three-quarter swing. Expect a lower flight with more roll.
What club should I use for a long bunker shot?
A gap or pitching wedge is a common choice. It flies lower and farther than a sand wedge with the same swing. Some players use a 9-iron for very long ones.
Should I swing harder for a longer bunker shot?
Usually not. Swinging harder with the same club often takes more sand and comes up short. Change to a less lofted club and take a little less sand instead.
Related terms
- Greenside Bunker TechniqueGreenside bunker technique uses an open stance and face. The club enters the sand a few inches behind the ball and never touches the ball on a good shot.
- Bunker ShotA bunker shot is any stroke played from a sand hazard. The two families play nothing alike: greenside, where the club never touches the ball, and fairway, where clean ball-first contact is the whole objective.
- Explosion ShotAn explosion or splash shot is a standard greenside bunker shot. The club slides under the ball in a spray of sand, lifting the ball out without touching it.
- Fairway Bunker TechniqueFairway bunker technique puts clean, ball-first contact ahead of distance. It uses a slightly narrower stance, a more level swing, and often one extra club.
- Gap WedgeThe gap wedge, usually 50° to 52° of loft, fills the gap between a pitching wedge and a sand wedge. Some brands call it an approach wedge, or A-wedge.
- Sand SaveA sand save is an up-and-down from a greenside bunker: one bunker shot, then one putt. This harder statistic judges bunker play in particular.
Related guides & benchmarks
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