fairway trap shots

In this instruction video, Golf Monthly Top 25 Coach Andrew Jones explains how to play fairway trap shots...

How to play fairway trap shots

Unlike with the greenside splash shot, where you play that with plenty of knee flex, the fairway bunker shot is all about maintaining your height for a clean strike. That's why you need to make some subtle changes to your normal approach. But before we get into the technique, remember that you must take a club with enough loft to clear the lip. Being greedy, hitting a good shot and firing it into the face is one of the most frustrating mistakes you can make on a golf course. For the sake of a few yards, it is not worth taking the risk so if you're worried about hitting a 5-iron, take a six instead!

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Now let's concentrate on the technique - start by moving your hands down the grip a fraction. Then as you address the ball - taking care over your ball position and ensurimng your stance is as secure as possible - stand a little taller than usual. Both of these elements are designed to bring the bottom of the swing arc up a fraction to ensure you clip the ball cleanly off the top of the sand. Finally, make sure your leg action doesn’t get too aggressive during the swing itself. A big weight shift into your left side at the start of the downswing can cause you to lose your footing through impact and catch the shot fat. Ian Poulter explains how to the play the fairway bunker shot nicely here. So try to remain passive in your lower body, certainly do not try to hit the ball too hard and maintain your balance. If you can take these pointers on board, you should be able to clip the ball away off the top of the sand with power and accuracy.

Neil Tappin
Editor

In July 2023, Neil became just the 9th editor in Golf Monthly's 112-year history. Originally working with the best coaches in the UK to produce instruction content, he has also presented many Golf Monthly videos looking at all areas of the game from Tour player interviews to the rules of golf. 

Throughout his time with the brand he has also covered equipment launches that date back well over a decade. He clearly remembers the launch of the Callaway and Nike square drivers as well as the white TaylorMade driver families, such as the RocketBallz! If you take a look at the Golf Monthly YouTube channel, you'll see his equipment videos dating back over a decade! He has also conducted 'What's In The Bag' interviews with many of the game's best players like Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson and Jon Rahm. Over the years, Neil has tested a vast array of products in each category and at drastically different price-points. 


Neil is currently playing: Driver: TaylorMade Stealth Plus Fairway Wood: Titleist TSR2 Hybrid: Titleist TS3 Irons: PING Blueprint S (4&5), PING Blueprint T (6-PW) Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM7 50˚, 54˚, 60˚ Putter: Odyssey Triple Track Ten Ball: Titleist Pro V1X