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Struggling to get out of the sand? PGA Golf Coach Erika Larkin and True Swing certified coach Don Mercer break down the most common bunker mistake — the big swing and quit — and explain exactly how to fix it. If greenside bunkers fill you with dread, this video will change how you think about them.
Erika Larkin – Short Game
Erika Larkin and Don Mercer tackle one of the most fear-inducing situations in golf: the greenside bunker. Drawing on years of lesson and school experience, they walk through the psychology behind the deceleration habit and the simple technical adjustments that make getting out of the sand far more consistent. This is practical, reassuring advice for anyone who regularly leaves it in the trap.
Key Takeaways
Commit to the follow-throughQuitting on the swing is the number one reason golfers stay in the bunker — keep your energy moving towards the flag, not stopping at the ball.
Commit to the follow-throughQuitting on the swing is the number one reason golfers stay in the bunker — keep your energy moving towards the flag, not stopping at the ball.
Enter the sand an inch behind the ballDraw a line in practice to mark your entry point, position the ball slightly forward of centre, and focus on displacing that small section of sand rather than striking the ball itself.
Use a fuller swing than you think you needFor a typical 10–15 yard greenside bunker shot, think of the swing size you would use from the fairway — the sand does the work of slowing the ball down, so committing to speed is what gets it out high and soft.
Head to a practice bunker, draw a line an inch behind a ball, and make a few swings focused solely on splashing that sand over the lip with a full follow-through. Whether you are building confidence in the sand for the first time or looking to make your short game more reliable, this video offers clear, actionable guidance that is well worth your time.
