Gary Player reveals his secrets for elite bunker play

Golf instruction is ever-evolving, but the best advice stands the test of time. In GOLF.com’s new series, Timeless Tips, we’re highlighting some of the greatest advice teachers and players have dispensed in the pages of GOLF Magazine. Today look back at Gary Player’s bunker secrets from our March 1989 issue. For unlimited access to the full GOLF Magazine digital archive, join InsideGOLF today; you’ll enjoy $140 of value for only $39.99/year.

Gary Player is known as many things — major champion, world traveler, unparalleled storyteller — but one that sometimes get overlooked is elite bunker player. While his game was tidy all around throughout his career, his bunker play often stood out.

That’s a concept that’s foreign to most recreational players. Bunkers are seen as scorecard killers for most weekend warriors, and they look to avoid them at all costs.

That wasn’t the case for the Black Knight. While he may not have been aiming for the bunkers, he sure wasn’t timid once he found himself in the sand.

This success can be attributed to a fearless attitude and exquisite technique. And while we can’t teach Player’s fearlessness, we can give you some insight into his technique.

Check out below some of Player’s best secrets from the sand from the March 1989 issue of GOLF Magazine.

Gary Player’s bunker secrets

I’m honored that many great players and teachers consider me the best bunker player ever. I’m too modest to agree, but such a ranking would put me in esteemed company.

My own list of sand geniuses includes some well-known players, such as Bobby Locke, Julius Boros, Sam Snead, Byron Nelson, Chi Chi Rodriguez and Seve Ballesteros. I also count Jerry Barber, Norman von Nida and Doug Ford among the lesser-known, but no less skilled, masters of sand. 

If I am one of the greats, it’s for one simple reason: No bunker shot has ever scared me, and none ever will. The key to this bravado is practice.

I’ve practiced and experimented from hundreds of lies with various swings, in effect creating a data bank in my memory that I can call on no matter what kind of sand shot I’m facing. Just as important, I’ve developed my imagination to the point that I’m confident I can think my way out of any bunker, no matter how tough the lie.

I think you get the message: There are no shortcuts; you must practice. Start with the basics — which are outlined below — then climb the ladder of experience, adding tougher shots to your repertoire.

The basics

First things first: There’s a club designed specifically for bunkers, so use it. A sand wedge should have a big sole, with its leading edge actually higher than the back of the flange. This angle is called “bounce.” Wedges vary in their amount of bounce, with the greater the bounce usually for softer sand. The sole will slide into the sand, pushing it up and throwing out the ball.

Which raises another key point: Except when hitting with a club other than the sand wedge — in a fairway bunker, for example — the club doesn’t hit the ball. The club hits the sand, which moves the ball. If you don’t understand this, you’ll have trouble with all the advice that follows.

I said before confidence is important to sand play. Approach every bunker shot with the feeling that you’re going to hole it. Magnify your confidence by using your basic swing, merely modifying it for particular situations.

The setup

In a greenside bunker, take an open stance: Aim your feet, knees, hips and shoulders left of the target. (Don’t dig your feet in too deeply, otherwise you’ll restrict leg action and disturb your balance.) And open the clubface to make entry into the sand easier.

The open stance will force you to swing outside the line going back and across the ball coming down. This puts cut-spin on the ball, so it will fly left-to-right. Compensate for that by aiming left of the target. But only hours of practice will teach how how far left to aim, with the length of the swing dependent on the shot at hand.

For shorter shots, open your stance and the clubface more; this creates a higher, shorter shot. For longer shots, set your body and the club closer to square.

The swing

While you should use your | basic swing technique, some modifications are necessary. 

Facing a clean lie — when the ball sits up on the sand — your swing should be more shallow, almost U-shaped. Put about 60 percent of your weight on the left foot and swing the club primarily with your arms.

When the ball is at all buried, make an up-and-down, V-shaped swing. Set the clubface square; put 75 percent of your weight on the left foot; cock the wrists early in the backswing and pull the club down with your hands.

Once you’ve mastered these two shots, try them in other situations. For example, a V-shaped swing is helpful for a very short sand shot; the same action that “knifes” the ball from a buried lie also pops it up so it lands and stops quickly. The U-shaped swing is good for longer bunker shots when you must make a fuller motion.

Ball position also can help. You can hit a higher shot by playing the ball forward in your stance, starting ing with your hands behind and keeping more weight on your right foot. Reverse those steps for a low shot (which also rolls more after landing).

As your experience and confidence grow, you should experiment. In a low-lipped bunker from just off the green, try putting the ball out. The putter also might get the call when facing a steep downhill shot off hard sand.

I’m against chipping from greenside sand. Trying to nip the ball is a low-percentage shot, and you’re likely to stub it, hit it fat or catch it thin. Don’t do it.

Fairway bunkers

First, use a club with enough loft to get over the lip; even if you end up short of the green, at least you’ll be out of the trap. Second, hit the ball cleanly; don’t hit the sand. Third, when hitting a fairway wood, focus on the front of the ball; this encourages a sweeping hit. Now it’s up to you.

Practice, build your confidence in the sand, and your entire game will improve.