Overview
Bunker games are a simple way to practice greenside bunker shots with a clear target and measurable feedback. In this challenge, you choose a distance and difficulty level, hit a set number of bunker shots, then score each ball based on how close it finishes to the hole.
This format works well for tracking progress in the HandyGolf app and making bunker practice more competitive and purposeful.
What You Need
- A practice bunker
- A green with a target hole or landing area
- Golf balls, ideally 9 total
- A wedge to help measure short distances
- The HandyGolf scoring app or another way to record scores
Step 1: Select Your Target and Challenge
Before hitting any shots, pre-select your target.
For example, you might choose a 25-yard bunker challenge. Once you have selected the distance, choose your difficulty mode:
- Easy mode: larger scoring zones
- Hard mode: tighter scoring zones
Your goal is to hit bunker shots toward the target and record where each ball finishes.
Step 2: Hit Your Bunker Shots
Throw down your golf balls in the bunker and hit your shots.
A good structure is:
- 3 sets of 3 golf balls
- 9 total shots
You can use any rotation you like, but hitting three balls at a time keeps the practice organized. After each set, walk up to the green and record your scores before collecting the balls.
Step 3: Score Hard Mode
Hard mode uses tighter dispersion circles around the hole:
| Scoring Zone | Distance from Hole |
|---|---|
| Zone 1 | 0 to 3 feet |
| Zone 2 | 3 to 6 feet |
| Zone 3 | 6 to 9 feet |
A wedge can help you estimate these distances. Many wedges are roughly 3 feet long, so you can use the club as a quick measuring guide.
Example Hard Mode Scoring
- If the ball finishes inside one wedge length, score it in the 0 to 3 foot zone.
- If it finishes inside two wedge lengths, score it in the 3 to 6 foot zone.
- If it finishes inside three wedge lengths, score it in the 6 to 9 foot zone.
After identifying the correct zone, mark the result in the app.
Step 4: Score Easy Mode
Easy mode gives you larger scoring circles, which makes it better for newer players or for longer bunker shots.
| Scoring Zone | Distance from Hole |
|---|---|
| Zone 1 | 0 to 6 feet |
| Zone 2 | 6 to 12 feet |
| Zone 3 | 12 to 18 feet |
Because these zones are larger, it may be easier to pace them off rather than measure with a wedge.
Example Easy Mode Scoring
- A ball around 9 feet from the hole goes in the 6 to 12 foot zone.
- A ball around 4 to 6 feet from the hole goes in the 0 to 6 foot zone.
- A ball around 15 feet from the hole goes in the 12 to 18 foot zone.
Record each result in the app, collect the balls, and continue until all 9 shots are completed.
Practice Tips
- Pick the difficulty level that matches your current skill.
- Use the same target distance for a full session so you can compare results.
- Hit the shots in small groups to make scoring easier.
- Record every shot, even the poor ones, to get accurate feedback.
- Repeat the same challenge over time to track improvement.
Summary
To play a bunker challenge, choose your target distance and difficulty mode, hit a set of bunker shots, then score each ball based on how close it finishes to the hole. Hard mode uses 0–3, 3–6, and 6–9 foot zones, while easy mode uses 0–6, 6–12, and 12–18 foot zones. Use a wedge or pace off the distances, record your results, and repeat until all shots are complete.
