Greenside Bunker Philosophy

Often times golfers don't fully realize that a greenside bunker is indeed a hazard.  They 'get' the idea that you can't ground your club in a bunker.  Believe me, everyone 'gets it' now after Dustin Johnson's mishap.   But what they don't often realize is that when you in a greenside bunker your first goal should be to get out in one shot. You would always strive to have a putt for the next shot.  Initially it doesn't even matter how long the putt is.  Once you're assured of getting the ball on the green then you can be more specific how close you can it the ball to the hole.  This pertains to all levels of golfers.  I see low handicap golfers every week who don't put enough emphasis on having a putt for their next shot after being in a bunker.

At any level, minimize your times when you take multiple shots around the green and you're guaranteed to shoot lower scores.