My Golf Blueprint
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MY GOLF BLUEPRINT

Playing from rough: assess what the lie allows

A green golf course with rolling fairways, trees and a winding cart path.
Photo: Calvin Seng / Pexels

Rough can interfere with contact and change speed, launch or spin. The first decision is whether a normal approach is realistic.

Work through it

  1. Check how much of the ball is visible.
  2. Assess grass behind the ball and the room for the club.
  3. Choose a shorter controlled shot when clean contact is doubtful.
  4. Use a target with extra margin for uncertain distance.

A practical example

A short iron back to the fairway can be a better route than a long approach that is likely to stay in heavy grass.

Practice task

In an approved practice area, compare light and deeper rough with the same club. Record carry and contact; do not assume every rough lie behaves alike.

Common mistakes

Avoid choosing a long low-lofted club simply because the target is far away. Do not force a swing near roots or hidden obstacles.

Keep learning

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