In the figure above, you can see that I have set up to hit a bunker shot from a clean lie.  My body is aligned to the left of the target, wide open, and I have opened the face of a 56° sand wedge.  The ball is played approximately in the middle of the stance, and the weight should be kept mainly on the left side throughout the swing to encourage a downward blow.  The philosophy of these shots is simple-Our goal is to cut a layer of sand out from under the golf ball.  The force of the sand being blasted from the bunker will throw the golf ball up and onto the putting surface.  The aim point is approximately 1-2 inches behind the golf ball.  The nice part is that we have a pretty large margin of error in these shots because our objective isn’t even the ball, but, instead, is the sand itself.  By laying the sand wedge open at address, we create a bounce effect which allows the golf club to glide through the sand under the ball.  In the face on view shown below, you can see how I have set up to the ball and notice where my aim point is.

Most golfers who come to me for lessons have trouble in bunkers because they either hit too far behind or in front of their spot.  You must be able to consistently strike the sand at your aim point.  A terrific drill to help you with this problem is to go to the practice bunker and use your club or a rake to make a long line in the sand.  Beginning at one end of the line, make swings and see where your club enters the sand.  With a bit of practice doing this, you should be able to more consistently strike your aim point.

Pictured above I have begun to execute a bunker shot.  Notice that I have tried to set my wrists a little earlier than for a normal golf swing.  This helps to create a steeper angle, a more V-Shaped swing which helps in the execution of these shots.

The next picture shows the impact position.  I try to keep a very firm left side through impact to give the ball maximum elevation.  Remember, the weight must be on the left side in order to hit down and through all golf shots.  But for bunker shots, it is particularly crucial.

Finally, the followthrough.  As with most short game shots, I try to keep the upper body rotating through with the club.  This helps to prevent the “flipping” of the hands and wrists.  The left side should remain firm throughout the swing, and the right hand should not go past the left at any point.  You must swing fairly hard because of the fact that we have the club opened up so much, and also that we are not actually striking the ball itself.