You NEED to know THIS to become a BETTER Bunker Player! Hitting great bunker shots just got easier
James Ridyard challenges conventional bunker wisdom by explaining how excessive 'traditional' bounce engagement can lead to poor results in moderate or compact sand. He demonstrates how to use body rotation and perceived shaft lean to deliver a functional amount of bounce for more consistent escapes. The video provides specific adjustments for varying sand depths, from firm to deep fluff.
Conventional advice of laying the face open and leaning the shaft back often creates excessive bounce (up to 45°+), which causes the club to skip into the ball in firm sand.
Delivering slight shaft lean (relative to the target) with an open face actually maintains a functional amount of bounce for most conditions.
In compact or firm sand, move the ball slightly back and ensure the chest moves forward and left through impact to prevent the club from bouncing off the surface.
Only reintroduce 'old school' methods (cupped wrists and clubhead throw) when the sand is very deep and fluffy to prevent the leading edge from digging.
True bounce engagement is measured from a camera angle lined up with the leading edge, not just the front-on target view.
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