Bunker Play: The Game Changing Arm Swing Method

Struggling to escape the sand? You’re not alone. For many golfers, bunker shots feel unpredictable, inconsistent, and downright intimidating. But what if there was a simpler way—one that gave you reliable contact and predictable distance control every time?

This lesson introduces Mike Bender’s game-changing arm-swing method, a proven technique that fixes common bunker issues by focusing on arm-swing acceleration instead of body-dominant movement. With the right setup and a progressive drill sequence, you’ll learn how to find the perfect low point every single time.

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Why Bunker Shots Go Wrong

Most golfers make the mistake of trying to “help” the ball out of the sand with their body. Overactive body motion shifts the low point all over the place, leading to fat shots, thin shots, and inconsistent distance.

The key is learning how to accelerate your arms independently, letting your body follow naturally. This gives you the predictable bottom that makes bunker play consistent.

What You’ll Learn in This Lesson

1. The 3 Essential Skills for Consistent Bunker Play

• Establish a reference line in the sand.

• Control weight distribution for stability.

• Learn arm-swing acceleration to control the low point.

2. Setup Fundamentals

A good bunker shot begins before you even move the club:

• Draw a line in the sand just behind the ball.

• Place your weight slightly forward to encourage a descending strike.

• Keep your stance balanced and relaxed.

3. Why Body-Dominant Swings Fail

When your body takes over, the swing arc gets inconsistent. By quieting the body and letting the arms lead, you regain precise control of where the club enters the sand.

4. The Arm-Swing Acceleration Drill

Practice swinging your arms briskly while minimizing body turn. The goal: hit the sand on the line every time. This builds trust in your arms as the true engine of the bunker swing.

5. Practice Drill: Hit the Line Without Body Rotation

Mark a line in the bunker and make repeated swings, clipping the line with your clubhead using just your arms. Once you can do this consistently, you’ve built the foundation for reliable contact.

6. Progressive Integration: Add the Body Back

Once your arm swing is consistent, allow your body to move naturally with the motion. The body follows—not leads—ensuring your arms still control the low point.

7. Softer Joints = More Speed

Tension kills bunker shots. By softening the elbows and wrists, you create whip-like acceleration. This is how you produce effortless speed without forcing it.

Final Takeaway

Great bunker play doesn’t require a magic touch—it requires the right sequence. By learning to trust your arms first, you’ll:

• Control the low point.

• Eliminate fat and thin shots.

• Create effortless speed.

• Gain predictable distance control.

Once you master this method, you’ll step into bunkers with confidence, knowing exactly how to splash the ball onto the green.