Performing a shot from a dry golf bunker can prove a big enough nightmare for many amateur players as they struggle to control their golf balls and this challenge worsens in many cases when the hazard becomes wet.

However, writing for Golf Magic, European Seniors Tour professional John Hoskison has offered some advice on how to play the shot when the sand becomes harder and more compact.

Rather than automatically reaching for the sand wedge with the most loft, players may be better to change to a different golf wedge or even one of their golf irons because a club with less bounce will be more up to the job.

He said: "Using a sand iron will make the club bounce off the surface and make it nearly impossible to get underneath the ball.

"I suggest you experiment with your pitching wedge or even your nine iron, designed differently to help cut into the turf [and therefore the sand] rather than bouncing off it."

Mr Hoskison added that becoming more flexible with their golf wedge choices could prove valuable for players, as different conditions may require variation in shot selection.

When playing from bunkers, golfers are also advised to strike the sand behind the ball, with the shorter the shot, the further away a player should aim.

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