When amateurs play trouble shots, whatever the type–from the trees, out of a bunker, etc.
–the mistakes I see them making which lead to a loss of multiple shots are:

1. Simply not playing the odds, trying to pull off the one in a million shot–DON’T!!
   Remember how you got there in the first place, because you didn’t have command of your golf motion. What makes you think you will now suddenly be able to control your ball perfectly. Get the ball safely back in play.
   .
   
2. Set Rehearse the shot carefully that you are about to execute.
   If you usually take one practice swing, take several. Be sure of what surrounds you and think and rethink your game plan. Eliminate all physical as well as mental don’ts.
   

Don’t turn one swing into multiple lost strokes!!!