If anything can turn the game and round score upside down, it’s the misjudgment of the rough. Well, rough and deep rough are two different scenarios, which, as a golfer, you would understand. For instance, hitting the ball from rough is fairly easy, but when it comes to deep rough, there have to be many calculations before the club hits the ball. For an intermediate-level golfer, it is tough to make the right decision considering the various factors. So here are 5 tips that will help every golfer choose the right club when hitting from deep rough.

Escape from deep rough made easy

Analyze the distance

It is unfortunate to land on the deep rough, but it would be even worse if the analysis isn’t right. With the ball in the deep rough, it is essential to check the distance to the greens or fairway in order to make the choice. When the ball lies between 100 and 220 yards from the target, it becomes difficult to analyze and select the right club. Well, in that case, it is important to know the base distance coverage of the club. Take the example of a 9 iron that covers 145 yards, approximately, or the pitching wedge that covers 130 yards. Additionally, based on the textbook or personal achieved distance, keep a buffer of 5-10 yards depending on the resistance of rough, wind, fast greens, or many other factors that are listed below.

Assess the lie

The situation can get worse when the lie is not addressed promptly. Based on the ball’s position, choosing the club will be beneficial. However, it is important to check which lie is the obstacle, along with the distance to cover.

• Buried Lie: When half or more of the ball’s surface is in the grass, then aiming to reach the greens isn’t the best idea. The dig out that a professional does smoothly, takes a lot of practice with high swing speed and control on impact. In order to save par in such a situation, instead of choosing long clubs, prefer short clubs like a 9-iron or wedge. These clubs will help in making contact with the ball, unlike the longer ones that will make contact with the grass first.
• In-Between lie: As compared to the buried lie, in-between is a much better position to be. However, it is important to notice where the grass grows against you or with you. Based on the analysis, hitting the ball and choosing the club will become easier. Grass against the ball will create resistance, while on the other hand, grass with the ball will offer more distance coverage easily.
• Fluffy lie: Though it might look like an ideal position, with the grass contact before the ball, the amount of backspin is reduced to a great extent. Choosing a club for a longer distance is fine, but choosing a club for spin would be a tricky choice here.

Play through the blockage

After distance and lie analysis, it is important to understand the obstacles that might affect the shot. Well, the most common obstacle that comes in the way is trees. But there is an old saying in golf that “trees are 90 percent air.” Well, to bring out the ball as expected, finding a window to pass through is what will be the key. Based on the lie and distance, choosing a viable option to pass through will help in reaching the cup. However, considering the angle will make the decision easier.

Check for grass resistance

If there is anything that can turn the preparation to vain, it is the resistance in the grass. Harder grass could easily turn the club head and resulting in hitting the shot just opposite of what was planned. It is advised to check for grass resistance by hitting a practice swing near the ball to understand the required swing speed and the angle to reach the ball.

Club position

The final tip would be to choose the club that could easily glide through the rough grass. Depending on the lie, adjusting the clubface—such as opening it for certain bunker shots—can aid in making better contact. Usually, when hit with a full face, the speed is reduced due to the grass affecting the impact position. However, with the open face, it becomes more convenient and easier to hit.

With thorough analysis and understanding of the rough, extracting the ball becomes more manageable. These five steps are key to making the ball reach the fairway easily. What are the steps that you use when the ball is in deep rough? Share with us in the comments below.