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How to Hit Downhill Bunker Shots Like a Pro
Ryan Robillard
January 23, 2026
In partnership with
How to Hit the Downhill Greenside Bunker Shot
Downhill bunker shots are one of the toughest challenges in golf—slippery slopes, unpredictable contact, and the looming fear of blading it across the green. But with a couple of key setup adjustments, you can take control and turn a nightmare into a confident, repeatable shot.
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✅ Match Your Shoulders to the Slope
The first move is simple, but powerful: tilt your shoulders to match the slope. If the ground is falling away from you, your shoulders should too. This allows the club to enter the sand on the correct angle, helping avoid the dreaded fat or thin contact.
✅ Get Your Weight Forward
The second key is to shift your pressure toward your front foot. This helps stabilize your low point and encourages clean contact. Staying centered or leaning back can lead to catching too much sand—or worse, blading the ball.
With these two moves—shoulders with the slope and pressure forward—you’ll dramatically increase your chances of escaping downhill bunkers cleanly and confidently.
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Thanks for reading!
—Ralph Bauer
About Ralph Bauer
Ralph Bauer has coached on the PGA Tour since 2009. He’s worked at all four majors, the Olympics, and has helped two of his players win major championships. His students have earned over $400 million in PGA Tour earnings. He’s coached on five continents and at every level of the game—and he co-created the Tour Read system to make green reading easier for every golfer.
Let me know if you have any questions—I’d love to hear how it’s working for you.
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