You set up for a perfect second shot… and bam, the ball lands in the rough. Yes, that taller, thicker grass that can turn a simple shot into a real challenge. But don’t worry, you’re not alone — we’ve all been there. The key is not to get intimidated and to learn how to play from the rough with confidence and strategy. Here are the best tips so those shots don’t get stuck on you, and you can escape the tall grass like a true pro.
Understand the Type of Rough
Not all roughs are the same. Before hitting, take a good look at where the ball lies:
- Light rough: The ball rests on longer but loose grass. You can be more aggressive, almost like you’re on the fairway.
- Medium rough: The ball is partially buried. Here you need control and precision.
- Thick or “nests” rough: The ball is barely visible. This is the toughest and demands a technical and conservative shot.
Reading the situation correctly is the first step to making good decisions.
Choose the Right Club
One of the most common mistakes is trying to make the same shot you would from the fairway. But from the rough, you need a club that helps you lift the ball and get clean contact.
- Use clubs with loft: like a 7-iron, 8-iron, or a wedge. The thicker the grass, the more loft you need.
- Avoid long irons or woods, unless the ball is well placed and you have lots of experience.
- In very dense rough, the sand wedge or pitching wedge are your best allies.
Adjust Your Stance and Grip
From the rough, you need a firmer and more direct swing. Make these simple adjustments:
- Grip the club a little tighter than usual. The grass can twist the clubface, and this helps you maintain control.
- Position the ball slightly back in your stance. This encourages a descending angle of attack, key to getting out of thick grass.
- Put more weight on your front foot (about 60%). This prevents leaning back and ensures better contact.
Make a More Vertical and Firm Swing
Forget a long, flowing swing. From the rough, you need a more compact, vertical, and decisive swing. Imagine you’re “chopping” through the grass:
- Raise your arms higher on the backswing.
- Accelerate through impact.
- Follow through, but no need for a big extension.
The important thing is to cut through the grass and hit the ball with power and precision. If you hesitate or slow down, it’s easy for the clubface to get caught in the rough and the ball won’t move.
Visualize a Conservative (and Realistic) Shot
From the rough, it’s crucial to lower your expectations. Your goal is not to make the perfect shot but to get out well and leave the ball in a good position for the next shot. Often, trying to reach the green from a bad lie only makes things harder.
Play strategically: can you get it back to the center of the fairway and secure? Is it worth attacking the pin or better to play safe?
Practice Shots from Different Grass Types
On the driving range, we usually practice in perfect conditions… but the course reality is different. Whenever possible, practice shots from tall grass, uneven terrain, or partially buried balls. That way, when you’re on the course, you’ll know what to expect and how to react.
Conclusion
Mastering shots from the rough isn’t about brute force but about reading the situation well, choosing the right club, adjusting your stance, and executing a firm, decisive swing. And above all, using your head: sometimes the smartest shot is the simplest one. So next time your ball ends up in the tall grass, breathe, analyze… and hit it with confidence. Because the rough doesn’t have to ruin your hole — if you know how to play it.
