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Step 1
Determine how deeply the ball is buried in the sand. If the ball is resting on top of the sand, you are in the best position. If the ball is partially buried or mostly buried (called a "fried egg"), you will need to swing much harder.
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Step 2
Analyze where the ball is positioned in the sand trap compared with where you want to land the ball on the green. You will need to make adjustments to your swing if you are close to the edge of the bunker, on an upslope or on a downslope.
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Step 3
Step into the bunker and note how firm or soft the sand feels under your feet. Fluffy sand requires a slightly harder swing.
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Step 4
Take your normal stance with the ball positioned in the middle of your stance. Aim slightly left of your intended target (for righthanders).
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Step 5
Shift your front foot 2 inches inside your body and shift your back foot 2 inches outside your body. The ball should now be 2 inches forward in your stance. You can gauge how much you moved by looking at your footprints in the sand.
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Step 6
Maintain your normal grip but turn the wedge to the right (for righthanders) to open up the club face. The face of the club should have more loft, but your hands should be in a normal position on the grip.
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Step 7
Open your stance slightly by moving your forward foot away from the ball 3 to 4 inches.
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Step 8
Focus on the sand 2 inches behind the ball, not the ball.
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Step 9
Swing the golf club 3 times harder than you would for a shot of the same distance from the fairway. For example, a 20-yard bunker shot will use a swing similar to a 60-yard shot from the fairway.
