How to Hit Better Bunker Shots: Sam Burns’ Tips

Bunkers don’t have to cost you strokes, as long as you know the right approach.

Five-time PGA TOUR winner Sam Burns shares his tips for mastering bunker shots as he breaks down how to control your entry point, manage sand depth, and get consistent spin and launch on each shot.

Choosing the Right Wedge for the Shot

One of the first things Burns highlights is the importance of club selection. The right wedge can make all the difference when it comes to bunker play, and Sam stresses that club choice should always match the playing conditions.

“With this much into the wind and softer sand,” Burns explains. “I’ll use a 56-degree, just a little more bounce, to help in the soft sand.”

Your setup starts with this simple decision: match your wedge bounce and loft to the type of sand and shot you are facing.

  • Soft sand - Use more bounce (like a 56° wedge) to keep the club from digging too deep.
  • Firm sand - Use less bounce (like a 60° wedge) for cleaner contact.
  • Short shots - Go for more loft to help the ball pop up quickly.
  • Longer shots - Go with a lower-lofted wedge for more release and rollout.

With the right wedge, you’ll increase your shot consistency out of the sand and approach every bunker with confidence.

Setup and Technique for Short Bunker Shots

For shorter bunker shots, Burns shares a few essential setup tips: “Keep the face pretty open and try to create as much loft as I can… should be able to add speed and spin,” said Burns.

To replicate his setup and motion, follow these three steps: 

  • Club Setup: Start by opening the clubface before taking your grip. That small adjustment lets the leading edge of the club face slide under the ball instead of digging into the sand. 
  • Stance: Set your stance slightly open to the target and swing along your body line, almost feeling like you’re brushing the sand toward the hole. 
  • Swing: Acceleration is key; slowing down at impact reduces both spin and height of the ball. Keep the same momentum throughout the entire swing.

These fundamentals allow you to use the club’s wedge design to your advantage. Your club will glide under the ball, creating a high, soft-landing shot that stops quickly on the green.

Pro Tip: Practice shots that land about halfway to the pin and roll a few feet forward.This builds touch and allows you to learn to trust your wedge’s loft and spin.

Adjusting for Long Bunker Shots

Long bunker shots can be daunting and difficult to judge correctly. Burns explains that it isn’t about swinging harder or faster, it’s about having a smarter setup. For a 30 to 40-yard bunker shot, Burns uses a lower-lofted wedge to encourage the ball to roll once it lands.

“For about a 40-yard bunker shot, I’ll use a lower loft… either a sand wedge or gap wedge… and try to hit a ball that releases a little bit more.”

To make this work, he adjusts his alignment by closing out his stance and shallowing out the swing path to reduce the chance of digging before striking the ball. With this alignment, a gentle draw spin is added to help the ball release for extra rollout. Unlike the shorter shot where the focus is height and spin, the longer shot is more about trajectory and tempo.

Common Mistakes Golfers Make in the Bunker

Burns recalls a recurring theme he sees from players struggling with bunker shots, and it starts before they even take their club back.

“A lot of times I see amateurs get in there with a really square face,” he says. “They’ll hit a ball that comes out really low with no spin at all, or they hit too much ball and because they don’t have any loft it goes way too far.”

Having a square clubface setup removes the very tool designed to help - the club’s loft and bounce. Instead of fighting the sand, Burns suggests letting your wedge do the work. 

Opening the clubface slightly, so the leading edge sits just off the ground, will add loft and allow the sole to slide under the ball. From there, allow the club to move through the sand smoothly rather than digging in. 

Lastly, he emphasizes the importance of maintaining your speed through contact. It’s easy to get in your head at the top of the swing and slow down during the swing, but maintaining full speed all the way through your motion will result in a more reliable shot.

Improve Your Bunker Game at PGA TOUR Superstore

Sam Burns demonstrates that great bunker play isn’t all about strength, as technique and setup are equally important. With the right combination of loft and bounce from their wedge, every golfer can improve their performance in the sand.

The in-store experts at PGA TOUR Superstore can help you elevate your short game through a personalized approach that includes: 

  • Custom Wedge Fittings - Find the wedge that best suits your swing with a STUDIO fitting session; designed to match your technique, angle of attack, and preferred feel.
  • Professional Golf Lessons - Take your bunker play to the next level with guidance from our certified instructors.

The Latest Wedge Selection - Explore the latest selection of wedges from top brands like Titleist’s Vokey Wedges, Callaway, TaylorMade, and Cleveland, which are all engineered to deliver top-notch performance in any condition.