Rory McIlroy Bunker Drill
This Rory McIlroy bunker drill is from the Golf Practice Planner.
Name
Rory McIlroy Bunker Drill
Category
Wedge Practice Drills
Difficulty
4 out of 10
Time
5 minutes
Props
Sand wedge. Bunker. Golf Practice Planner.
Overview
The Rory McIlroy Bunker Drill is a simple way to improve your bunker play. There are two main bunker techniques/styles.
The old-school technique is “open face, aim left, and cut across it”, which works well (Jason Day uses this technique…click here to see it).
The modern-school technique is setting up “square and hitting a draw” from the sand. The ball will come out high and soft. The more skilled players tend to use the modern-school technique because it’s regarded to be more consistent.
Steps
Step 1: Watch
Watch the video.
Step 2: Draw Lines & Aim Right
Draw a straight line to the pin, and a perpendicular line (making a T). Place your left heel on the T (see image below).
Match the club shaft over the line drawn. Have your clubface open (more open than you think). The ball will come out on the “path” you swing, not on the face angle (so don’t worry…your open face won’t cause the ball to go right).
Aim right of the pin. This will encourage a draw motion.
Step 3: Open Left Foot & Lean Forward
Open up your left foot and place 70% of your weight on the lead foot. Stay on the left side throughout the shot (don’t transfer weight back and through).
Step 4: Set Angle
Set the angle in the wrists and arms on the backswing to allow you to unleash the clubface underneath the golf ball.
Step 5: Draw
Feel like you’re hitting a draw from the sand. The ball will come out high and soft.
Step 6: Keep Score
Hit 10 balls from 10 yards. Tally how many balls you got within 2 yards.
Hit 10 balls from 20 yards. Tally how many balls you got within 3 yards.
Hit 10 balls from 30 yards. Tally how many balls you got within 4 yards.
Give yourself one point for each shot you get within the 2, 3 or 4 yard radius of the hole. The maximum score is 30 points.
If you enjoyed this free golf practice drill, you might like my Golf Drills Practice Planner. If you're a golf nerd, you're gonna love it.
