Youth Inc. Recommends: Five Resources to Help You Hit a Bunker Shot

For many players, bunker shots are the most intimidating part of the game — but they don’t have to be. With the right technique and mindset, sand can become just another part of your short game toolbox. These five resources cover everything from Tour-level touch to simple 3-step fixes for beginners, helping you get out clean and close.

How to Hit a Simple Bunker Shot

What it is: A back-to-basics guide from Golf Digest that walks through the most reliable bunker setup — open stance, open face, swing through the sand.

Why we like it: No fluff. Just a clean, visual primer that builds confidence and teaches the most repeatable technique for most players.

Rory McIlroy’s Go-To Technique for Bunker Shots 

What it is: A quick tutorial based on Rory’s personal method for greenside bunker shots, including ball position and follow-through keys.

Why we like it: Parker McLachlin explains it in a way that’s easy to absorb — even for juniors. It’s also a great reference for players who want more spin and control around the green.

5 of the Best Bunker Tips in One Place

What it is: A Golf Monthly roundup of essential bunker advice, covering everything from confidence to setup, tempo, and finish.

Why we like it: It covers both technical and mental sides — and it’s all clearly structured. Great for players who’ve been taught the basics but still struggle to commit.

How Wrist Action Affects Bunker Shots

What it is: A deeper look into how wrist flexion and extension impact bunker performance, with visual guides and drills to improve strike quality.

Why we like it: This one’s great for more advanced players or coaches. It helps you understand why the ball sometimes explodes… and sometimes stays in the trap. 

3 Steps to a Great Bunker Shot (for Beginners)

What it is: A beginner-focused guide from US Sports Camps that breaks bunker shots into three simple checkpoints: setup, entry point, and follow-through.

Why we like it: Super digestible and non-intimidating — perfect for players who fear the sand or are just starting to develop short game fundamentals.