Playing from the Rough...

   Most people try to play a shot from the
rough that is either too difficult or a
low percentage shot. The way the ball sits
in the rough dictates the type of shot you
can play and the club you need.

   There are three basic types of lies in
the rough. For example, one is when the
ball sits on top of the grass, a flier lie.
From this lie you can use just about any
club in the bag. The ball tends to go a
little further than expected so don't
choose too much club. Another instance is
when half of the ball sits down in the
rough, or the half buried lie. In this case
using a long iron or wood would be difficult.
You need some loft to cut through the grass.
The ball can react in two ways. It either
jumps off the clubface or is a muffled shot.
Or you can be faced with a ball that sits all
the way down in the rough, the buried lie.
Your only possibility is to use a lofted iron,
maybe nothing more than a 7 iron. Too much
grass will get caught between the club and
ball. There is no real way of telling how far
the ball will travel.

   It is important to identify the type of
lie you have because it will determine your
club selection. It is a good idea to make a
practice swing before you attempt the shot.
Feel how much resistance the grass creates
and how deep the ball settled in the grass.
Sometimes it might be more or less than you
think. Finally, expect the ball to roll more
once it lands because the grass takes the
spin off the ball.

   Don't try to be a hero out of the rough.
Play smart. Get the ball back in the fairway.