First, let’s demystify wedge bounce

Ellie gets asked about wedge bounce all the time and it’s a lot simpler than it sounds, it’s basically how your club interacts with the sand. But here’s the technical explanation: bounce is the angle formed between the leading edge of the clubface and the lowest point of its sole. When it comes to sand shots, bounce can prevent your wedge from digging too deeply into the bunker.

How to stand to the ball

Aim and alignment can be confusing when you’re just starting out but Ellie has a few rules of thumb for you to follow: * If you’re setting the clubface a little open, ensure that your stance is slightly open too. * If you’re playing the shot with a square clubface, take up a square stance relative to the target. * If you’d like to add extra loft to the club, stand square to the target.

Set up for the shot

1. Take up a stance that is wider than usual. You don’t want a lot of lower half action for a bunker so this will help you to stay stable throughout the shot. 2. Next, squat down just a little. A solid bunker shot requires knee flex. 3. Open up your left foot by turning it out by around 30°, this will allow your hips to turn through the shot. Also make sure that about 75 percent of your weight is resting on this foot. 4. The ball position should be played forward in the stance, just ahead of centre. Don’t worry if you feel like your body is slightly behind the ball, this is how it’s supposed to feel.