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What’s new? How much does it cost? And how does it perform? Jack Backhouse brings you the low down on the Ping BunkR wedge.
There’s no hiding it, a lot of club golfers tend to struggle hitting out of bunkers. Ping knows this, and in recent years, they’ve made a habit of designing clubs specifically to solve such problems. First came the ChipR, and now, with the BunkR wedge, they’ve taken aim at everyone’s sand trap struggles.
So is this new addition to Ping’s short game stable a genuine game-changer, or just another gimmick? Find out in our full Ping BunkR wedge review…
If you are struggling to get out of bunkers then this really is the club for you. Throughout testing, not once did I fail to get out on any bunkers.
I do have some reservation over the Ping BunkR wedge’s versatility on the golf course. I did find it a challenge to produce sufficient height on some strikes and for the better players amongst you it may not be worth sacrificing a club to put this in the bag.
All in all though, this does exactly what it is designed to do and does it very well.
PROS
The most suitable golf club to use out of bunkers on the market
Classic Ping i2 shaping
Feels consistent out of bunkers
CONS
Limited benefits if you don’t particularly struggle out of the bunker
Great out of shallow but more difficult out of deeper bunkers
If bunkers have long been your nemesis, if the mere sight of a greenside trap gives you the sweats, then the Ping BunkR wedge could be a revelation. Its simplicity makes it ideal for higher handicappers and those who find the complexity of traditional sand play daunting.
NCG Verdict
The Ping BunkR, pronounced just like “bunker,” is a purpose-built sand wedge with a simple mission: get you out of the trap, every time. It’s a bold aim, but one that Ping has come remarkably close to delivering on.
This wedge features 64 degrees of loft and a super-wide sole with 14.5 degrees of bounce. I found that combination allowed the club to glide through sand effortlessly. Importantly, Ping recommends you don’t open the face when using it, which is a stark contrast to traditional bunker technique. I believe that simplification could make the difference for amateur players who struggle with complicated sand play mechanics.
With a square stance, square face, and a chip-like swing, I was able to produces some results that were reliable sand escapes, time after time. Even from a downslope or a plugged lie, I found the BunkR offers impressive forgiveness. The club simply refuses to dig, and the ample bounce ensures the sole stays moving through the sand.
This isn’t just theory. Ping’s own John Solheim, a scratch golfer with a lifelong bunker aversion, reportedly took the BunkR to Pinehurst and came away more confident than ever in the traps.
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However, no club is perfect, and the BunkR does come with some compromises. Versatility is the main concern I had. It’s not a club you’d want to chip or pitch with from tight lies or the fairway. I found the generous bounce lifts the leading edge off the ground, making clean contact a challenge.
It also demands a serious rethink of your 14-club setup. The BunkR really only does one thing: get the ball out of sand. If you’re not struggling with bunkers, it might not justify a spot in the bag.
Another limitation is its surprisingly low launch. Despite the high loft, shots don’t get up quickly, and if you’re trying to clear a steep bunker face or stop a shot quickly on a firm green, this could be an issue.
Final Verdict
Overall, I think the Ping BunkR wedge is a bold, brave product from Ping. It’s not trying to be all things to all golfers, it’s laser-focused on helping people escape the sand with ease. It looks like a classic Ping i2, feels consistent in bunkers, and performs its single job better than almost anything else on the market. It just helps with popping the ball out the bunker. But it’s not versatile. It’s not elegant. And it’s not for everyone.
Still, for those who struggle most in the sand, it might be the best club they’ve never tried.
