There are several shots that we need to pull out of the bag and playing out of thick rough is one of them. It's not easy, but with the right technique it can be done.
There are several shots that we need to pull out of the bag and playing out of thick rough is one of them. It's not easy, but with the right technique you should be able to get back on the fairway.
ASSESS THE LIE
Getting out of thick rough is tough and it’s important to think carefully about your club selection. You need to attack the ball with a descending blow and this requires an iron, but which one depends on how the ball is sitting. A 9-iron is always a safe bet. Aim to get the ball back into play, if you play the ‘Tiger line’ you could end up with a hefty score!
SET-UP
Position the ball further back in your stance, so your hands will be set forward of the ball. Your body weight should dominate the front foot (around 70%), so you are very slightly leaning towards the target. Keep your grip quite firm to avoid any twisting of the clubhead at impact as the grass will snag the clubface. Pick a spot in front of the ball to go over and stick to it.
SWING
Hinge your writs quite early on in the takeaway so the club swings up on a steep angle, enabling you to really attack and hit the back of the ball on the way down. There is rarely a full follow through as energy is absorbed behind the ball. The clubface may feel like it gets stuck and is turning, keep your wrists firm and the clubface as square as you can. The ball will pop out quite quickly, rise in the air and run as it lands.
