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Steep bunker faces are one of the most daunting situations in golf, but PGA Golf Coach Sue Shapcott has a clear plan to help you get the ball up and out. Filmed at Baison Beach in Guernsey, this video covers the key setup and swing adjustments that make the difference. If steep-faced bunkers have been getting the better of you, this one is worth your time.
Sue Shapcott – Short Game
Sue Shapcott breaks down exactly what needs to change — from club selection to shaft angle — when you need to get the ball climbing fast out of a steep-faced bunker. The advice is practical and straightforward, covering three areas: equipment choice, setup position, and swing speed. Whether you play off a mid or low handicap, these adjustments are easy to take straight to the practice bunker.
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Key Takeaways Choose the right club and bounce:
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A 60-degree sand wedge with around eight degrees of bounce gives the club the best chance of sliding cleanly under the ball and launching it steeply upward.
Set up to maximise loft:
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Open the clubface at address, move the ball slightly forward in your stance, and keep the shaft pointing at the centre of your body rather than leaning it forward, which would deloft the club.
Swing faster and strike it clean:
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Generate more swing speed to create spin, and aim to take as little sand as possible — a clean strike is what gets the ball climbing quickly off the face.
Next time you find yourself in a steep-faced bunker, run through these three checks before you swing: lofted club with low bounce, open face with neutral shaft, and a committed, fast swing with a clean strike. This video suits golfers at Play Better Golf and Single Figures level who want a reliable method for one of the trickier situations the course can throw at them.
Sue Shapcott, PhD, PGA GB&I is a former tour player with a passion for helping recreational players reach their potential. She trained with the British PGA and spent 5 years developing technical expertise with Hank Haney in Dallas, TX. Sue is also an educational psychologist and will sneak that into video content!
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