Playing a bunker shot is affected to two main things; what type of shot you are required to play - steep face on bunker ... is it a green side bunker or a fairway bunker where ditance is required. The other is the quality of the sand - is it large grains with stones ... wet sand ... how deep the sand is.

The main thing that can go wrong is, because the ball is quite near to the green, people tend to quit on the shot. You MUST always follow through. Because you play from an open stance off the left heel for a normal bunker shot most of power is taken out of the shot anyway.

TIP: If the ball is plugged, play the ball back, grip firmer in the left hand and close the club face a little - the sand drags the face open. Always feel as your swing is going down and down until you feel the club come up naturally, Never try and scoop the ball.

Having said that, there is no rigid rule for bunkers. The trick is to absorb all the thoughts and consequences of your choice of shot; it really is trial and experience. I wish people would put more practice in for bunker play but it's not that easy as some club don't have practice bunkers.

Paul