By Chet Nowak
Golf Digest
June 2006

Chet Nowak (shown below) is an instructor at the Golf Digest School at PGA National Resort and Spa, Palm Springs, Fla.

Photographs: Erik Rank

Breaking 100

For the 100-shooter, the fairway-bunker shot is one of the most intimidating in golf. To avoid some of the tension associated with this shot, don't worry about hitting the ball to the green. Just try to get it back in play. Select a club that you know has enough loft to get the ball over the lip of the bunker, and try to find a safe landing area in the fairway for your next shot. Take a normal stance with the ball positioned slightly closer to your back foot, and make an easy swing. Remember, you're only trying to advance the ball to a better position, so there's no need to take chances until you're more confident in your technique. Remember: Grounding your club is against the rules.

Breaking 90

If you're looking to break 90, you might not be ready to aim at the flagstick, but you should be thinking about setting up your next shot as opposed to just getting the ball out of the sand. Choose a club that will advance your ball to your favorite distance for the next shot, and make a three-quarter swing. Avoid playing over other bunkers or hazards. You want your next shot to be as easy as possible.

Breaking 80

A good player approaches this shot as confidently as any other and expects to get the ball on the green. From a fairway bunker, you're looking for ball-first contact. At address, shift your weight to your front foot, as you dig in with your back foot. Favoring the front foot will allow you to make a steep downswing, helping to ensure you hit the ball first. Dig in with the back foot to stabilize your lower body and restrict your backswing, which is ideal for controlling a fairway-bunker shot.