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Long Approach Shots from the Rough

Many of us don’t always land our ball in the fairway despite the attempt and end up with a lie in the rough. If you are in the rough and going for the green (a long approach shot), let’s look at a technique that might improve your shot. Try using a high-lofted wood such as your 7 wood or a hybrid club instead of an iron to play a punch and run shot. Your goal is to land the ball short of the green and let it run up to the hole. What’s the advantage of a wood or hybrid? Since the wood or hybrid is lighter in weight, you will generate more clubhead speed in order to get the ball out of the deep grass (rough). The wider sole of the club glides through the grass easier. The shallowness of the clubface and lower deeper center of gravity of the wood or hybrid allow you to launch the ball easier into the air.

Next time you are in the rough with at least 120 yards to go for the flagstick, try a wood or hybrid. Your goal is to land the ball about 20 yards short of the green and let it run toward the hole. You may be impressed with the results!