Try the simple tips below if you rarely get up and down from greenside bunkers and you often catch the 40 yard bunker shot either fat or thin.

There is no doubting that the long bunker shot is the hardest in the game. Finding the right distance is possible but it requires a more creative approach.

In my experience the most consistent results come when you employ your usual splash shot technique but replace your sand wedge with a 9- or even an 8-iron.

Taking your usual greenside bunker club, such as your lob wedge, and trying to take less sand in order to obtain more distance is a risky way to play this shit.

The consequences of executing it poorly can be devastating, causing the ball to go twice as far as intended.

The technique, essentially, is exactly the same. Open the clubface and move your hands down the grip to replicate the length of a sand wedge.

Stand to the ball with an open stance and the ball forward of centre. From here simply swing along the line of your body, sending the club into the sand an inch and a half before the ball and driving through to a full finish. As long as you treat this as a normal splash shot you’ll find control and some crucial added distance.

Top tips

• Employ your usual splash shot technique but replace your sand wedge with a 9- or even an 8- iron.
• The technique is essentially identical. Open the club face and move your hands down the grip to replicate the length of a sand wedge.
• Address the ball with an open stance and the ball positioned forward of centre.
• Swing along the line of your body, entering the club head into the sand about an inch and a half before the ball
• Drive through to a full finish.
• This should see you play a long splash shot with increased control and crucial added distance.