Irons · Drill
Practice Your Way Out of Deep Rough
Part of our irons programs for uneven lies. Build a program with it
Deep rough is easier when you've practiced it. Find thick grass at your practice area. Drop a few balls. Grab plenty of loft, a wedge or short iron. Move the ball a little back in your stance. Widen your feet so you stay steady. Open the face slightly to add loft. Lean your weight toward the target a little. Then hit down and chop through the grass. Try it from a few different lies.
The drill
- Drop balls in thick practice rough.
- Use a wedge or short iron.
- Ball back, stance wide.
- Open the face a little.
- Lean forward and hit down.
Why it works
Thick grass wraps the hosel and slows the clubhead, so a shallow swing loses speed and the face closes. A wide stance, a ball slightly back and weight leaning toward the target make the club arrive on a steeper path with less grass between face and ball. A lofted club and a slightly open face then lift the ball out even though little grass-free contact is possible.
Common mistakes
- Using a long iron or hybrid to gain distance.Take the wedge or short iron and accept a shorter shot that gets the ball out.
- Trying to sweep or scoop the ball out of the grass.Keep your weight leaning toward the target and hit down into the back of the ball.
- Stopping the swing after contact because the grass grabs the club.Grip firmly and chop through the grass, finishing with your chest turned toward the target.
How you'll know it's working
- The ball leaves the rough and travels forward every time, even if it is low.
- You feel the club cut through the grass at the ball without twisting in your hands.
- The ball starts near your target line instead of pulling hard left (for a right-hander).
Make it easier or harder
Easier: Start with the ball sitting up in lighter rough and move to thicker grass as the contact gets reliable.
Harder: Choose lies where the ball sits down in the grass, or pick a target 20 to 30 yards away and try to land the ball near it.
Common questions
What club is best for deep rough?
A wedge or short iron is usually best because the loft lifts the ball out and the shorter shaft helps control. Longer clubs tend to get tangled in the grass.
Why does my ball go left out of the rough?
Thick grass grabs the hosel and closes the face at impact. Opening the face slightly and holding the grip firmly helps keep it square.
