Earlier this year, Keith Mitchell stunned golf fans when he nearly holed a gutsy greenside bunker shot during the 2025 Texas Children’s Houston Open. The risky shot in question? A Thai spinner — a shot made famous by Kiradech Aphibarnrat, who’s from Thailand.
For many golfers, it was the first time they had seen this shot executed from the sand. But, according to Parker McLachlin, a GOLF Teacher to Watch, it might be the key to improving your greenside bunker game.
In a recent Instagram post, McLachlin—also known as Short Game Chef—revealed that hitting Mitchell’s unique shot from the bunker is a great way to train a shallow arc depth and low point control—one of the most important keys in the sand.
Why the Thai spinner can boost your bunker game
The reason it works is because it teaches you to enter the sand at the right time. If you watch Mitchell in the clip above, you’ll see that his club enters the sand directly under the ball, not behind it — a common mistake amateurs make from the bunker.
“Watch how little sand he takes,” McLachlin says. “It’s basically a pitch shot out of the bunker.”
As nerve-wracking as it may be to hit a pitch shot from this lie, practicing it can also help you understand if you’re utilizing the bounce of your club correctly and help you avoid digging the leading edge.
To copy what Mitchell is doing above, set up to the shot with a slightly narrow stance. Play the ball in the middle of your stance. Notice how his wrists are relatively straight as he lets his body and arms turn back and through to power the motion.
“It’s like a putting stroke,” Mitchell says.
If you’re doing it right, the ball should come out low yet controlled with a lot of roll. With enough practice you can hit greenside bunker shots with more confidence, knowing you have your low point dialed in.
ShortGameChef.com, created by PGA Tour winner Parker McLachlin, provides golfers with a comprehensive resource to improve their short game. Through personalized tips, drills, and expert insights, Parker helps players of all levels gain more confidence and a deeper understanding of their short game to lower their scores. You can browse membership options here.
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