The short-game master’s simple bunker advice from his best year on the PGA Tour

Phil Mickelson is known for his incredible wedge game, and in 2005, it seemed like he was getting up and down from everywhere. Mickelson tied a career high with four wins on the PGA Tour that year, including his second major, the PGA Championship at Baltusrol Golf Club.

While he is renowned for using his 60-degree wedge to hit flop shots, Mickelson was pretty good from the sand, too, ranking 15th on the PGA Tour in bunker saves that season.

Golf Digest was lucky enough to spend a lot of time with Mickelson on the lesson tee during his prime, and one such visit netted some great greenside bunker advice, starting with how to set up: “I can’t emphasise enough that your weight has to stay forward on bunker shots,” he said. “To get a feel for this, lift your back foot’s heel slightly off the ground as you hit practice shots. With no [way] to shift your weight, you’ll be forced to keep it forward.”

With your weight staying forward, you reduce the risk of skulling it into the lip or hitting too far behind it, Mickelson said.

Here is the rest of his advice from 2005 on how to play from firm or fluffy bunker lies.

FROM A FIRM LIE

“In packed sand, you don’t want your wedge to hit the ground too early and bounce into the middle of the ball. To prevent that, set your weight forward and tilt your spine towards the target. You’ll automatically hit closer to the ball. You’re playing this shot with an open clubface so you won’t have any trouble getting the ball up. Remember to accelerate through and finish low. Note how my spine angle at impact matches its position at address.”

FROM A FLUFFY LIE

“This shot is the standard explosion you’re used to hitting. Your weight should be spread evenly between your feet with your stance a touch open and your spine tilted slightly away from the target. Notice how I set my head further back here. I’m going to hit two inches behind the ball, directly below my chin. Try to skim the club through the sand, underneath the ball, with plenty of speed. Look how I finish high and my body is more upright.” 

Images: Christian Petersen/getty images