For many golfers, escaping the bunker can feel more like guesswork than skill. Soft sand, steep lips, and unpredictable lies often combine to derail even the most promising rounds. The PING BunkR Wedge is purpose-built to take some of the uncertainty out of sand shots and give golfers a bit more help around the greens.
Whether you are battling the deep pot bunkers of coastal links or the softer traps on inland courses across New Zealand, the BunkR is worth a look for players of all levels, particularly those who find the sand a frustrating part of the game.
Designed to glide through the sand
The PING BunkR Wedge has a high-bounce wide sole designed to glide through the sand rather than dig into it, which leads to cleaner and more consistent escapes. Unlike traditional wedges that can punish a slightly mistimed strike, the BunkR’s rounded leading edge and compact shape produce smoother turf interaction and more forgiving performance, not only in bunkers but also in heavy rough and awkward greenside lies.
Key features of the PING BunkR Wedge
High-bounce wide sole. Crafted to help the club slide under the ball with ease, the wide sole reduces the risk of chunked shots and improves consistency.
Optimised grooves. The precisely milled grooves increase spin and control, which is especially useful when opening the face for delicate, soft-landing shots onto the green.
Rounded leading edge. Minimises the chance of the wedge digging into the ground, promoting better contact from a variety of lies.
Refined compact shape. Inspires confidence at address and improves control through impact, which makes it easier to commit to the shot.
Confidence in the sand, even for higher handicappers
Bunker play is often the weakest part of the average golfer’s game, and it is easy to see why. It demands a very different technique to a standard chip or pitch. Judging sand density, accounting for lip height, and finding the correct entry point all add variables that make bunker shots far more complex than they look on television. One poor strike and the ball stays in the trap, or worse, flies over the green into deeper trouble.
A club with genuine bounce and a forgiving sole will not fix technique on its own, but it does widen the margin for error, which is exactly what most club golfers need from the sand. If you want to work on the method as well as the equipment, I have written up how to get out of a bunker.
Available now from Golf 360
If bunkers have been a weak point in your game, the PING BunkR Wedge is available now in New Zealand from Golf 360. You can order it online, or come and see it in store at Mount Maunganui.
It is also worth thinking about how it fits alongside the rest of your short game. I have covered that in what wedges you should carry, and if your contact around the greens is the real issue, have a read of the three biggest chipping mistakes I see. You can also browse our full range of golf wedges.
FAQs
What makes a good bunker wedge?
A good bunker wedge has enough bounce to glide through the sand rather than dig, helping you splash the ball out consistently. Sole design and loft both play a big part.
What loft is best for bunker shots?
Most golfers use a sand wedge around 54 to 56 degrees for greenside bunkers, though a higher-lofted lob wedge can help from softer sand or when you need extra height.
Do I need a special wedge for sand?
You don’t strictly need one, but a wedge designed with the right bounce and sole makes bunker shots noticeably easier and more forgiving.
Happy golfing,
Scott Pickett
PGA Professional
Founder – Golf 360
Mount Maunganui
