Hitting into a fairway bunker shouldn’t make you shutter with fear because escaping a fairway bunker is actually pretty simple.

If you want to escape a fairway bunker there are only a few things to keep in mind. The biggest and most important thing that you should keep at the front of your mind is “contact with the ball before the sand”. Super important. Without that one fundamental you may feel like you’re in jail every time you hit into a fairway bunker.

Now in order to make contact with the ball before the sand you need to run through a quick checklist. Ball in middle of stance. Ground yourself. Keep your head level. And your feet quiet. Done. Swing away.

Lastly, you’re going to want to figure out if you’re going for the green or laying up in the fairway. This is a personal preference but a very important one nonetheless. Play smart.