How to Overcome Obstinacy and Master Sand Shots: The Simple, Effective Technique to Finish Your Swing and Project the Ball Out of the Bunker

Obstinacy in bunkers: a common mistake

Among the various “capital sins” of the amateur golfer, obstinacy in bunkers is formidable.
It shows up when the player focuses only on the ball, forgetting the essential mechanics of a good sand shot: the sand lifts the ball out, not the club alone.

Result? Balls stay in the bunker, frustration builds, and scores skyrocket.

The right approach: hit the sand, not the ball

The goal of a good bunker shot is not to hit the ball directly, but to strike the sand just underneath.
More precisely:

• The club must enter the sand a few centimeters before the ball.
• The energy of your swing must project a small amount of sand – and with it, the ball – onto the green.
• And above all, you must finish your swing: the momentum does not stop at impact.

These are the fundamentals of a successful bunker shot.

Why does obstinacy trap you?

1. You “search” for the ball

When you become obsessed with the ball, your swing freezes, you stop your movement at impact, or worse: you try to lift the ball.

This is exactly the opposite of what you should do.

2. You don’t trust the mechanics

You have to trust the technique: the sand lifts the ball, provided you finish the swing. If you stop your swing, you don’t generate enough speed to project the sand (and therefore the ball).

3. You stay stuck in a failure loop

One missed shot, then a second missed shot… and you stubbornly try to “correct” by digging the club in even more. This spiral of failure is typical of the sin of obstinacy.

The key: project the sand onto the green

The best mental image? Aim to send the sand onto the green. Forget about the ball.
Think of a small shovel of sand you want to deposit on the green. Your club is that shovel. And the ball will naturally follow this movement.

This visualization changes everything.

3 practical tips for your bunker shots

1. Set a clear intention

Tell yourself: “I want to send a plate of sand toward the flag.” This refocuses your attention on the real objective.

2. Emphasize the finish

Your swing must finish high, toward the target. The follow-through is essential to give the sand enough energy.

3. Practice without a ball

At the driving range, practice projecting sand alone. This helps you feel the right point of entry into the sand and eliminates fear of contact.

In summary: to get out of the bunker, stop being stubborn

Obstinacy leads you to make the wrong move, to interrupt your motion, and to aim at the ball instead of the sand.
The right strategy rests on three pillars:

• Break through the sand under the ball
• Project that sand onto the green
• And above all: finish your swing

By abandoning this form of technical pride and trusting the mechanics of the swing, you will transform your bunker shots into solid, effective shots… and much less stressful ones.

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