Roughing It

How to escape the rough unscathed

By Richard Nagle

The game of golf has its ups and downs. Players strive for accuracy both off the tee and on approach shots. However, the reality is that golfers often find themselves in the rough, where a number of different lies can affect ball-flight. Therefore, it would benefit all golfers to learn the proper techniques for handling the situation when they find themselves in the rough.

The first step a golfer must take when he or she is in the rough is to make a decision about their lie. Determine if the ball is sitting deep in the rough or sitting on top of the rough. If there is grass growing all around the ball, it is called “sitting down,” meaning it is in deep rough, which will cause the grass to interfere with clean contact between the clubface and the ball. If the ball is sitting up on the grass and it appears the grass is growing toward the target, it is called a “flyer lie.” It is easier to make clean contact with a “flyer lie,” but there is much less spin, making it more difficult to control. They also will not hold greens very well.

If a ball is “sitting down” in the rough, you will lose distance on your shot. You should avoid using fairway woods and long irons and instead use utility woods, rescue clubs or mid-to-short irons (5-iron down to wedges). Use a tighter grip for this shot because the grass tends to grab the clubhead and turn it through impact. Stand closer than normal to the ball to promote a more upright swing and a descending downswing. Swing a little harder than usual because you may not be able to have much of a follow-through. The key is to concentrate on staying with the shot and getting the ball airborne.

With a “flyer lie” select your normal club for that distance, or perhaps one club less to allow for the extra roll you will get. The club will make clean contact, but will appear to come out “hot,” with little or no spin. Swing the club easy, at about 70 percent of your maximum effort.

Golfers that learn how handle the rough will improve their shots and, in turn, lower their golf scores.