Golf Swing Open Stance How to Use It for Fades and Bunker

Overview

The golf swing open stance how to use it for fades and bunker shots is a focused approach to shape the ball and manage sand play by changing alignment, foot position, and swing path. In this guide you will learn measurable setup cues, swing path and clubface control, and practice drills that produce consistent fades and cleaner bunker exits. You will also learn how to adjust ball position, grip pressure, and lower-body restriction to get predictable results.

Why this matters: the open stance encourages an out-to-in swing path with a slightly closed face relative to that path, which creates a reliable fade. In bunkers, an open stance and opened clubface helps the club slide under the sand, control launch, and reduce digging. These moves lower score by improving recovery and shot-shaping options.

Prerequisites: basic familiarity with grip, address, and ball striking; comfortable with hitting full shots and half shots on the range and in a practice bunker. Equipment: your clubs, alignment stick (or spare club), a practice bunker, and about 60-90 minutes per session.

Time estimate: ~90 minutes total practice to work through drills and feel the changes.

Golf Swing Open Stance How to Use It for Fades and Bunker

shots

This H2 repeats the exact SEO keyword so you can reference practice goals later. Use this header to center your session: one practice block dedicated to fades and one to bunker shots.

Set a measurable objective: hit 10 controlled fades (3-4 yards left-to-right for right-handed golfers) and 10 bunker exits that land on a specific target area. Track progress by videoing 5 swings before and after the session.

Step 1:

Set up the open stance

Action to take:

1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
2. Rotate your front foot (left foot for right-handers) 10-20 degrees away from the target so toes point left of the target.
3. Move your back foot slightly further from the target line so hips open relative to the target.
4. Align your shoulders to match the feet - open to the target line.

Why you’re doing it:

An open stance creates a body alignment that encourages an out-to-in swing path and reduces lateral hip blocking. This path is a key ingredient to produce a fade and to allow the club to slide under the sand in bunker shots.

Commands/examples:

1. Place an alignment stick on the ground pointing at the target.
2. Place a second stick parallel to your feet line to ensure the open stance angle is repeatable.

Expected outcome:

You will feel your body “aim” left (for right-handers) while the clubface remains aimed closer to the target. This sets up the geometry for a left-to-right ball flight.

Common issues and fixes:

• Issue: Feet too open and balance feels unstable. Fix: Reduce front foot rotation to 10 degrees and widen base slightly.
• Issue: Shoulders still square despite feet open. Fix: consciously turn shoulders to mirror foot rotation; set up slowly and check mirror or video.

Time estimate: ~10 minutes

Step 2:

Ball position and grip adjustments for a controlled fade

Action to take:

1. For full irons, move the ball slightly forward of center (one finger-width).
2. For short irons and bunker shots, move the ball back of center or even slightly back in stance.
3. Grip slightly lighter on the lead hand and maintain neutral to slightly weak right-hand placement (for right-handers).
4. Keep clubface square to the target line at address, then slightly open it for sand shots.

Why you’re doing it:

Forward ball position with an open stance helps create a lower-to-higher swing arc giving a softer fade. For bunker shots, a more back-ball position with an opened face helps the sole slide and explode sand with loft.

Commands/examples:

1) Open stance;

2) Ball forward for long fade;

3) Slightly weaker right-hand grip;

4) Clubface square-to-open depending on shot. 2. Quick test: hit 5 half-swings focusing on ball position; observe flight.

Expected outcome:

Ball flight will start left of the target and curve back right for a fade. In bunker shots, the club will enter sand cleanly and the ball will pop onto the green with controlled spin and trajectory.

Common issues and fixes:

• Issue: Ball ballooning high with too open face and forward ball. Fix: close face slightly and move ball one step more centered.
• Issue: Topping bunker shots when ball too far forward. Fix: move ball back a finger or two and ensure downward strike.

Time estimate: ~10 minutes

Step 3:

Swing path and clubface control for the fade

Action to take:

1. Take a relaxed takeaway that follows the body rotation, not an inside flip.
2. On the downswing, allow the chest to rotate open while keeping the trail elbow tucked.
3. Swing on a shallow out-to-in path relative to the target line.
4. Maintain the clubface slightly open to the path but aimed near the target to produce left-to-right side spin.

Why you’re doing it:

A fade is produced by an out-to-in swing path with a clubface that is open relative to that path but close to the target line. Controlling path and face relationship creates consistent side spin and shape.

Commands/examples:

1. Drill routine:

• Step 1: Place two tees 6 inches apart along your intended target line.
• Step 2: Practice swinging so the clubhead travels slightly outside that line on the takeaway and crosses inside on follow-through.

2. Video cue: record face angle at impact and path. Look for face open to path by 3-6 degrees.

Expected outcome:

You will create a controlled left-to-right curvature on full swings and better directional control on approach shots.

Common issues and fixes:

• Issue: Slicing (excessive curve). Fix: reduce out-to-in angle; strengthen grip slightly and ensure body rotation completes through impact.
• Issue: Hooking (ball curves right-to-left). Fix: relax lead wrist rotation and open clubface a touch more relative to path.

Time estimate: ~15 minutes

Step 4:

Open stance in the bunker - setup and swing changes

Action to take:

1. Open stance and open the clubface 15-30 degrees for most greenside bunker shots.
2. Position ball forward for higher splash; back of center for lower bunker shots that need to run out.
3. Dig feet in slightly to create a stable base and lower your center of gravity.
4. Aim the clubface at your target (not the body), then align your feet left of that target to maintain open stance.

Why you’re doing it:

An open stance and opened face increase effective loft and allow the sole to glide under the sand. Addressing the ball with feet flared gives better body rotation and prevents steep digs.

Commands/examples:

1. Setup sequence: 1) Open clubface;

2) Ball forward/back by shot type;

3) Open stance;

4) Dig feet in;

5) Aim face at target. 2. Swing cue: accelerate through the sand with a shallow entering angle and keep lower body quiet.

Expected outcome:

Cleaner exits with reliable splash distances and consistent stopping behavior on the green.

Common issues and fixes:

• Issue: Club digs too deep. Fix: move ball slightly forward, shallow the attack angle, and soften grip pressure.
• Issue: Contact thin (blade). Fix: aim to hit the sand 1-2 inches behind the ball and ensure weight slightly on front foot at impact.

Time estimate: ~15 minutes

Step 5:

Drills to train fades with open stance

Action to take:

1. Alignment-stick gate drill: place two sticks on the ground forming a narrow lane slightly outside-to-inside relative to target line to encourage out-to-in path.
2. Weighted swing drill: hold a towel under both armpits and make 10 slow half-swings maintaining connection and body rotation.
3. Flight control ladder: hit 5 balls aiming for small target rings 30, 40, 50 yards with incremental rightward curvature.

Why you’re doing it:

These drills isolate path (gate), connection and rotation (towel), and flight control (ladder). They build motor patterns needed for a repeatable fade with an open stance.

Commands/examples:

1. Gate drill steps: 1) Place sticks 12 inches apart;

2) Set ball in center;

3) Make 20 swings without touching sticks. 2. Sample practice block (code-style list):

# Practice block
1. 10 warm-up half-swings open stance
2. 20 gate drill swings
3. 15 ladder shots at 30-50 yards
4. 10 full shots focusing on feel

Expected outcome:

Improved out-to-in path consistency, cleaner impact, and predictable fade curvature.

Common issues and fixes:

• Issue: Over-rotation producing hooks. Fix: slow the swing tempo and repeat towel drill to keep connection.
• Issue: Loss of feel for clubface angle. Fix: use video or alignment stick to confirm face aims at target.

Time estimate: ~15 minutes

Step 6:

Drills to train bunker shots with open stance

Action to take:

1. Splash-and-stop drill: place coin on green/target; aim to splash sand so the ball lands on the coin and stops within a small radius.
2. One-count rhythm drill: use 1-2 tempo (count “1” at start of downswing, “2” at finish) to maintain acceleration through sand.
3. Distance control ladder: use 6 balls to create landing spots at 5-yard intervals to learn splash distances.

Why you’re doing it:

Bunker shots are more repeatable when you control entry point and acceleration. These drills enforce consistent entry depth, face opening, and tempo.

Commands/examples:

1. Drill sequence:

• 1. Warm-up: 10 practice splashes without ball.
• 2. Splash-and-stop: 10 reps aiming for target coin.
• 3. Ladder: 6 balls for distance control. 2. Simple checklist:

- Open stance set
- Face opened to target
- Ball position set
- Weight slightly forward
- Accelerate through sand

Expected outcome:

Cleaner bunker exits, better landing control, and improved confidence from the sand.

Common issues and fixes:

• Issue: Overly steep swing causing heavy contact. Fix: shallow the swing and practice splashes without ball.
• Issue: Not opening face enough. Fix: set clubface to target, then rotate feet to open stance; feel loft increase.

Time estimate: ~15 minutes

Testing and Validation

How to verify it works:

1. Create measurable targets: pick a spot 50 yards away and mark a 10-yard landing zone for fades; place a coin or small towel on the green for bunker landings.
2. Baseline test: film 5 shots from your standard stance and 5 shots using the open-stance fade setup. Compare launch direction and curvature.
3. Bunker test: perform 5 standard bunker shots and 5 with open stance; note how often the ball lands within the target area.

Checklist to validate:

• Ball starts left of center and curves back right on at least 7 of 10 fade attempts.
• Bunker shots land on or within 5 feet of target on at least 7 of 10 attempts.
• Impacts show club entering sand 1-2 inches behind ball for bunker shots.

If you meet these criteria consistently across two sessions, the method is working.

Common Mistakes

1. Over-opening feet or clubface: excessive openness destabilizes balance and produces thin or fat shots. Avoid by limiting front foot flare to 10-20 degrees and checking face alignment visually.
2. Confusing open stance with weaker body rotation: keep hips and torso rotating through impact; do not reverse pivot or stop rotation.
3. Incorrect ball position: forward ball for fades can balloon if face too open; back-ball in bunker leads to thin shots. Use small incremental adjustments.
4. Over-swinging tempo: speed creates loss of path control. Use tempo drills like the towel or one-count to preserve path and strike.

How to avoid them: use short practice blocks with video feedback, start slow, and gradually increase swing length and speed as repeatability improves.

FAQ

When Should I Use an Open Stance Fade Versus a Square Stance Shot?

Use an open stance fade when you need a controlled left-to-right curve around obstacles, or when you want softer landing with backspin control. Use a square stance for maximum distance and straight-line accuracy.

How Much Should I Open My Clubface in the Bunker?

Open the face initially 15-30 degrees depending on sand firmness and distance. Aim the face at the target, then open your feet to create the stance; this keeps the face targeted while increasing effective loft.

Will the Open Stance Reduce My Distance?

A controlled fade typically reduces distance slightly compared to a draw, but it increases accuracy and stopping power. Practice will optimize trajectory to minimize distance loss.

How Can I Avoid Digging in the Bunker When Using an Open Stance?

Dig your feet in for a stable base, move the ball slightly forward (for higher splashes), and accelerate through the sand with a shallow entry. Ensure weight is slightly forward at impact.

How Many Practice Repetitions Before Seeing Consistent Results?

Expect initial feel improvement in one session, but plan 4-6 focused practice sessions (30-60 minutes each) to build reliable muscle memory and shot control.

Can Left-Handed Golfers Apply the Same Steps?

Yes. Reverse left/right references accordingly. The principles of open stance, path, and face relationship are identical for left-handers.

Next Steps

Repeat this sequence weekly: one session focused on fades (drills from Steps 1-3 and 5) and one focused on bunker play (Steps 1, 2, 4, and 6). Record video every other session to monitor face angle and path at impact. Gradually introduce these techniques on-course in low-stakes holes to build confidence and integrate shot choice into your scoring strategy.

Further Reading

• Golf Swing Path Drills to Eliminate Hooks and Slices Forever
• Golf Swing Plane Diagram Understand Your Swing Geometry
• Golf Swing Takeaway Drills to Start Your Motion on Plane
• Golf Swing Tempo Drills for Rhythm Control and Distance