Line In The Sand — Golf Drill

Bunker shots intimidate golfers at every level, but the solution is simpler than most players realize. As James Ridyard explains, golfers struggle because they're overthinking the bounce – it happens naturally without forcing it. The key lies in mastering fundamental setup and contact principles that top instructors have refined into actionable techniques. Danny Maude's simple pre-shot routine of drawing a line in the sand transforms your practice by developing consistent contact point and depth

How to practise it

  1. Draw your target line 2 inches behind ball position Use your wedge or finger to create a clear line in the sand. This marks your ideal contact point for greenside bunker shots.
  2. Open clubface to 1 o'clock position before gripping Following AlexElliottGolf's method, rotate the face open from neutral 12 o'clock to create proper bounce angle. Take your grip after opening the face.
  3. Practice slow-motion swings hitting the line only Make rehearsal swings focused on contacting your drawn line consistently. Don't worry about ball contact yet.
  4. Hit shots while maintaining shaft lean through sand entry As James Ridyard emphasizes, avoid releasing the club to vertical until after impact. Keep the shaft leaning forward through the sand.
  5. Vary lie conditions with same line technique Practice from different sand textures and slopes while maintaining your 2-inch-behind contact point discipline.

What is the line-in-the-sand technique and how do I set it up?

The line-in-the-sand technique involves drawing a line in the sand to practice proper club entry point, as demonstrated by Alex Elliott Golf. You open your clubface to about 1 o'clock position, take your grip, then widen your stance and sit down into the shot. This simple setup drill helps ensure co

How far behind the ball should I aim to hit the sand?

Most golfers should aim to enter the sand about 1-2 inches behind the ball, which the line-in-the-sand drill helps you practice consistently. James Ridyard emphasizes that you don't need to force the bounce - it will naturally engage when you hit the sand at the right spot. Drawing that reference li

Why do I keep fatting or thinning my bunker shots even when I try to hit behind the ball?

According to Danny Maude, many golfers lack confidence and consistency because they don't have a clear reference point for where to enter the sand. The line-in-the-sand technique provides that visual reference, while proper setup (wider stance, sitting down) ensures you can execute the shot reliably

How each of them teaches it

Coaches who demonstrate the line in the sand drill, each linked at the second they start.

  1. Padraig Harrington: Bunker Play Breakdown | Padraig Harrington (from 2:35). Draw a line in the sand and practice making swings along it to ensure your club enters the sand right on or slightly ahead of the line while keeping weight on the lead side.
  2. Meandmygolf: Why You Keep Leaving the Ball in the Bunker (from 3:30). Draw a line in the sand to represent your target entry point and practice striking the line with a full swing to build entry control and commitment.
  3. ChrisRyanGolf: Strike Lines Just WORK. Draw a reference line in the bunker aligned with the center of your stance to visually monitor and improve where your club enters the sand.
  4. AlexElliottGolf: Get out The SAND FIRST TIME EVERY TIME #golfclub #golf #golftips (from 0:23). Draw a line in the bunker and practice striking the sand exactly on that line with a consistent depth to avoid fat or thin shots.
  5. Your guide to better golf - Marcus Edblad PGA Pro: I used to hate the sand but now it’s my best teacher… (from 2:48). Draw a line in the sand perpendicular to your target and practice hitting the line exactly with the club head to master entry point control.
  6. James Ridyard: The EASIEST Bunker Shot System you have EVER seen!! Forget EVERYTHING you think you need.. (from 5:24). Draw a line in the sand and practice creating a repeatable divot of consistent depth and length that starts at the line.
  7. Danny Maude: Before You Hit a Bunker Shot, Do This (Takes 5 Seconds) (from 1:18). Draw a line in the sand to practice landing the club in the same spot every time, positioning the lead heel on the line to ensure consistent entry point.
  8. Your guide to better golf - Marcus Edblad PGA Pro: Better impact - You will find it in the sand… (from 1:23). Draw a line in the sand perpendicular to the target and practice striking the sand exactly on that line to master low-point control.
  9. Hannah Holden Golf: This Bunker Shot Technique Is SO EASY You'll Be Shocked | Hannah Holden Golf (from 4:54). Drawing a line in the sand and practicing hitting that specific entry point consistently to improve strike precision.
  10. Golf Life: Golf Instruction: Sir Nick Faldo Bunker Tip (from 0:21). Draw a line in the sand with a rake and practice swinging to hit the sand directly on the line, ensuring proper chest and arm synchronization and low-point control.
  11. Peter Knight Golf: Easiest Bunker Shot Technique (from 6:17). Draw a line in the sand and practice making the club enter exactly on that line to improve contact consistency.

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