I can manage to get my ball onto the green from a sand bunker if it only has to travel a few metres but what is the best way of playing this if you are in a large bunker and need to clear 10+ metres to get up on green?

Dunno.
I usually try zeroing out the #3 accumulator (clubshaft to left arm angle) either by setting up left wrist uncocked or gripping in the palm) and then try a vertical hinged pitch shot, trying to turn everything over to the subconscious. Visualize the ball landing just short of the stick, and fire away. Usually results in a semi-pick, lots of loft and lots of “stuff” on it. Oddly, I tend to overshoot it.
Vertical hinging is an actual reverse roll of the left forearm through impact such that the clubface looks directly up at the sky in follow-through. Practice that in basic motion, two-feet back, two-feet through sans pivot and wristcock, either right forearm paddlewheel thrust or right shoulder throw.
Of course in the trap you’re going to need more power, so it’s a pitch shot. Don’t overswing.

But you should take my words with a grain of salt.

Loren – A lot of your stuff is good but you could be elligible for “drivel of the week” with this paragraph. Where do you get this stuff from?

GSS – Go to youtube or a thousand other sites that give video instructions – then practice a lot

You zero out no 3 for bunker shots, never heard of that before?

GSS, your normal sand shot is probably a flip underneath the ball. For a longer one try taking less sand and less flippy, a bit firmer through impact rather than flicking the clubhead under. Make sure to take a long enough swing and accelerate through it too. Also open the face less and look at taking a 9 iron or 8 iron if required.

I can manage to get my ball onto the green from a sand bunker if it only has to travel a few metres but what is the best way of playing this if you are in a large bunker and need to clear 10+ metres to get up on green?

I was taught by Glenn McCulley’s Golf School – once your setup is ok ie ball off front foot, open stance (away from target about 5 feet) and clubhead open – for short distance grip light, medium distance mid grip and longer distance grip it tight… worked and still works for me – also always remember that it’s not the leading edge that digs into the sand, thus the bounce… I suppose a trial will answer whether right or wrong.. hope this helps! I’m not up there, only off 15 and usually don’t offer advice..goodluck!

GSS,

I will be as basic as possible in explaining how to play the 10m to say 15m bunker shot.
1. Always play to a part of the green that is going to be the best possible option of having 2 putts if you are a mid to high handicapper. There is no need to go at the hole and be a hero. You have a shot on the hole, maybe 2, be wise and use those handicap shots.
2. A longish bunker shot with a wedge is possibly the most difficult shot to play and execute well for many players, even your good ones.
3. A fluffy, medium, or firm lie has a myriad of playing options as does wet sand, coral type sand in bunkers, red dirt, very fine beach sand etc…
4. You then have to consider if there is a lip on the bunker, are you in a bad lie in the bunker etc.
5. So how do you play the shot? You can have the textbook set-up for this shot but it means nothing at times. It is up to you to experiment with many different clubs from your LW/SW/PW/GW/9 and 8 irons from various bunker lies and distances on the range. Learning to discover what you can do with each of these clubs is going to be your best way over time.
6. Remember, don’t try and be a hero, play the percentage shot and only take that risk when you are more than confident of pulling it off.

Creativity…....

I’ll go with swedeas on this one.

Practice, practice, practice.

Find out what works then learn to trust it.

Personally I like to feel my right arm is extending through the ball when I play bunker shots. They generally come out very well.

Whitednj, thanks, I think.

I’m rarely nominated for any kind of honor, but I’ve looked at the competition (present company excluded) and I don’t think this one stands a chance.

You’re right, though, I should have said “There is no ‘the way’, but there are lots of ‘my ways’.”

Where’d I get it? I just reasoned it out.
Let’s see, reduce ‘wristy’, loft, land soft, straight roll or check up, something I can hit pretty hard without worrying too much about flying over the green, wide margin for error, it’s a pitch shot.
That’s what I came up with. But do it your way, as long as you know why you’re doing it.
I’ll chip it sometimes with a less lofted club depending on the firmness of material and height of any obstacles. But that’s a long chip you’re asking about.

I respect Swedeas also. What’d he say?
Play it safe, it’s a difficult shot, there are different textures and materials offering a myriad of options, there may be a lip, you may have a bad lie, experiment with less lofted clubs and different lies and distances on the range, don’t try to be a hero, and be creative.
Sounds good. Couldn’t agree more, except I rarely play it safe.

GottaStart, you are aware of “bounce” of a sand wedge I presume, and the conventional wisdom ball forward, weight forward in the sand. Not sure that applies in all situations.
I’m not keen on the slashing cut shot, but use it sometimes, not in this situation.