Pot Bunker
A pot bunker is a small, deep sand bunker with steep walls whose shape is reminiscent of a pot.
The pot bunker, internationally usually called a Pot Bunker, is the classic bunker form of the Scottish links courses. Unlike flat, widely sprawling bunkers, it is round and deep, often only a few meters in diameter, but with vertical grass or revetted walls. This construction makes it one of the most feared hazards in golf: anyone who plays into it almost certainly loses a shot. On windy coastal courses it sits strategically exactly where the safely played tee shot lands.
In practice the pot bunker demands humility rather than heroism. For example: your ball lies one meter in front of the steep front edge, the flag only fifty meters away. A direct attack on the green is impossible because the ball would have to climb steeply immediately. The right decision: Wedge and play sideways or even backwards onto the Fairway, accepting the penalty stroke. Anyone who attacks the wall instead often stays in the bunker — and the second attempt is rarely better.
A typical mistake is the underestimated escape line: the ball has to go almost vertically upwards, not forwards. Take a wide stance, swing steeply, ball in the middle — and aim for safety instead of distance. Anyone who knows the pot bunker plays the hole smartly beforehand: away from the bunker matters more than close to the flag. The technique for this is covered in the article on the bunker shot.
FAQ
What is the best way to play out of a deep pot bunker?
Take your wedge, set up wide and swing steeply so the ball climbs almost vertically. Deliberately aim to get out short and safe instead of at the green — the steep wall makes distance impossible anyway. The exact technique is in the lexicon article on the bunker shot.
What do I do if my ball lies directly against the steep bunker wall?
Swallow your pride and play sideways or even backwards out onto the fairway. An attack over the wall is practically impossible from this lie, and every attempt almost certainly costs you another stroke in the sand. A smart bogey beats a botched triple.
How can I avoid pot bunkers when choosing my shot?
Pot bunkers lurk exactly where the “safe” tee shot lands — so study the hole before the shot and deliberately lay the ball short of or beside them. Rather a longer second shot from the fairway than a guaranteed penalty stroke in the pot. On windy links courses the rule is: the short side is often the safe one.