Finding it hard and bouncy?

I have been in the UK for the past two weeks and when I left the course was playing nice and soft and you could stop the ball where you wanted.

Those two weeks have made a massive difference to the way the course plays right now. But I can tell you, I would rather be playing on a course that's hard and bouncy with the temperatures we have here in Bahrain than playing in Britain's current weather!

I have noticed that at this time of year more shots are lost in a poor short game than anywhere else on the golf course. People practice their drives and long irons at the range but really a good short game is even more important. However it's easy to lose confidence in your short game after a few bad shots - we've all thinned a ball through the back of the green or duffed it agonisingly short. This is where the bump and run shot comes in.

A bump and run shot closely resembles a putting stroke, but is usually played with a mid to short iron. The key is to give the ball a low trajectory so that it runs along the ground and onto the green - just like a putt.

The club you should use for this shot will vary depending on the distance. My advice is to try and make the swing a consistent length and then change club on how far the shot is. The bump and run shot is easier than a pitch for beginners but it still requires a lot of practise. You can use anything from a pitching wedge right up to a 4 iron for this - any club will do but you want a lot of roll.

How to play a bump and run shot:

Approach the shot like a putt

Keep your feet close together

Choke down on the club shaft for more control

Position the ball back slightly in your stance

Shift your weight onto your front foot

Keep your hands ahead of the ball

The key is to approach the shot like a putt and not like a pitch. A pitch goes up in the air with a lot of spin - we don't want that.

Consistency is absolutely key with this shot. You simply must practise to get a feel for how hard to hit the ball and the length of your backswing. You must also factor in the speed of the greens and any potential hazards along the ground. If there is heavy rough between you and the flag, consider a standard pitch shot instead.

Enjoy using this shot on the course. Good luck and happy practicing!