Struggle with greenside bunkers? Try this simple drill

Escaping from greenside bunkers is essential for consistent scoring. If you struggle with leaving the ball in the sand - or even firing it 40 yards over the back of the green - you're wasting valuable shots.

Here, PGA Professional Craig Dickie gives you a simple drill you can try when you're out on the practice area.

Step 1: Establish your target line

Once you have identified your target, draw a line in the sand with your club head.

(Remember, you can only do this when practicing and not in normal play!)

Step 2: Line up your golf balls

Take four golf balls and line them up side-by-side towards your intended target, two or three inches ahead of the line you've drawn in the sand.

Step 3: Take practice swings

Step back from the ball. Take a few practice swings, feeling like your club head makes contact with the line you've drawn before the ball, slides under the golf ball and keeps the sand on the club face through impact - this will mean your club faces slightly upward at impact.

Why is this important? 

If you're coming through impact and the sand is thrown away to the side, this could mean you're reducing the loft at impact and exposing the bounce. This can results in fat and thin shots.

Step 4: Practice, practice practice!

Now it's time to practice this routine using the golf balls you've lined up, but with the same feelings throughout the swing. Hit each of the four balls and repeat until you see the ball pop out of the sand with a much more controlled strike.

Watch the full tutorial below:

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