Finding your ball 'plugged' in a hole or footprint in the bunker can be incredibly annoying.

The shot looks a nightmare but don't panic - there is a way out.

All you have to do is reverse all the principles of the 'splash' bunker shot.

Close the stance and the clubface and set up with the ball near the middle of your feet with most of your weight on your left side.

You need a steep line of attack so hinge your wrists early in your backswing.

You should feel as though you are almost lifting the club vertically up.

Accelerate the clubhead down into the sand, concentrating on making sure the leading edge of the club hits the sand first.

On this occasion you do not want to club to 'bounce' as it will simply bounce across the top of the ball and could plug it even further.

The ball will come out low and fast with not much spin so only play this shot if you have a large area to aim at.