Bunkers are never fun to get caught in, even at the best times of the year.
Costing countless golfers everywhere stroke after stroke, some bunkers seem completely inescapable. But this feeling can be intensified in winter.
The winter conditions can actually make bunkers more of a nightmare than usual, even with the most advanced golf wedges in your bag.
Luckily, with the right know-how, you can shift your play ever so slightly to accommodate these seasonal differences and hit the best bunker shots of your life.
In short, yes, you need to play bunkers differently in winter. Keep reading to find out more.
The differences to consider when playing bunkers in winter
Wet sand
In spring and summer, we know what to expect when getting caught in a bunker, and can rely on tried and tested techniques to get us out of a jam.
But sand reacts differently to our feet and our golf clubs in the winter.
Firstly, if it’s been raining or snowing, there will be a lot of moisture on the ground. The same is true if it’s been a particularly cold morning with a lot of dew to be found.
This moisture makes the sand react in a completely different way compared to when it’s dry; you’ll have noticed this if you’ve spent a lot of time at the beach, too.
Wet sand feels far heavier and more compacted than dry sand, making it more resistant to even the most veteran bunker players.
It’s when playing in sand like this that you should consider doing away with your sand wedge, and opt for a higher-lofted club like a lob wedge instead.
A club with a higher loft will help you cut through the dense sand and lift the ball more easily, hopefully resulting in a successful escape.
Speaking of which…
Divot size
Traditionally, when learning the game, new golfers are encouraged to strike the ground several inches behind the ball when playing a bunker shot, taking a very large, sandy divot.
This is in the hopes the added sand being lifted between the ball and the clubhead should also help lift the ball out of the trap.
But in winter? This is completely different.
Playing this technique in cold and wet conditions will likely result in your ball going nowhere, with your leading edge planted firmly in the sand like a flagpole.
One solution you can try - combined with your higher-lofted wedge - is to take a much smaller divot, treating it like a short iron shot as opposed to a bunker shot.
With less resistance to force your way through, the chances of you raising the ball out of the sand and onto the green successfully are increased.
Even though you may not have made much of a mess, just remember to reset the bunker as much as possible when you’re done - etiquette is always key!
Ball position
This is one element that doesn’t necessarily need to change; you may wish to even increase your effort in this regard.
Keeping your ball position forward in your stance helps you scoop under the ball in any bunker scenario. Including when playing in winter.
The more forward in your stance the ball is, the more the angle created will be of assistance, helping to slice (not the bad kind) under the ball and lift it onto the grass.
So if you’re worried you will struggle getting under the ball when playing bunkers in winter, try positioning the ball a little bit further forward to boost your chances of a successful shot.
Looking for golf wedges for sale? Clarkes Golf has you covered
If you’re currently stuck with a sand wedge as your “get out of jail free card” on the golf course and you feel as though something else may be of better use in the scenarios mentioned above, don't rely on second-hand golf clubs; choose a sparkling new model from Clarkes Golf.
We’re home to a huge selection of clubs, whatever wedge loft or wedge bounce you need - including the latest releases with unrivalled golf wedge technology - from all the major brands in the game, so we’ll always have something to help you get out of trouble.
Whether you're considering a new pitching wedge for enhanced distance control, or a gap wedge for something a little less intense, you'll find your perfect pairing to make all the difference in our extensive collection.
Take a look at our range of golf wedges at the links above, or reach out to Clarkes Golf if you need a helping hand.