What’s the best way to get out of thick rough?

Firstly, don’t get greedy – so put the 7-iron away and take out your sand wedge, because you want plenty of loft. Move the ball back in your stance a little, which encourages a downward angle of attack. Note how I’ve picked the club up steeply, which helps me to drive down into the ball.

Having a little more pressure on the lead side (60-70 per cent) also helps. Tighten your grip a fraction, too, to stop the club turning over. Put this all together and you’ll advance the ball 60 yards or so – and that’s all you really need to be thinking about.