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How to chip from deep rough?

Published in Golf Chipping 5 mins read

Chipping from deep rough requires a specific approach that prioritizes getting the ball cleanly out of the thick grass and onto the green. The key is to make solid contact with a steep angle of attack, leveraging the club's design to minimize interference from the surrounding grass.

Mastering the Chip from Deep Rough

Successfully chipping from deep rough involves careful assessment, the right club, adjusted setup, and a decisive swing. Here's how to execute it:

1. Assess the Lie and Choose Your Target

Before you even select a club, judge the lie of your golf ball within the deep rough. This is paramount because it dictates how aggressive your swing needs to be.

  • Sitting Up: If the ball is sitting somewhat on top of the grass, you might have a slightly easier time.
  • Buried Deep: If the ball is submerged, you'll need a much steeper, more powerful approach to extract it.

Once assessed, don't aim for a tucked pin. Instead, prioritize getting the ball out and onto the green, aiming for the largest, safest landing area.

2. Club Selection: Embrace the Loft

When faced with thick rough, it's crucial to use a club with more loft. Your best options are typically a sand wedge (SW) or a lob wedge (LW). These clubs are designed with higher bounce angles and significant loft to prevent the leading edge from digging too deep into the turf and to help the club glide through the grass, getting the ball airborne quickly.

  • Sand Wedge (54-58 degrees): A versatile choice for most deep rough lies, offering a good balance of loft and bounce.
  • Lob Wedge (58-62 degrees): Ideal for extremely buried lies or when you need maximum height and a very soft landing with minimal roll.

3. Setup for a Steeper Attack

To ensure a clean strike from the rough, you need to setup for a steeper swing. This adjustment promotes a descending blow, which is essential for getting the club under the ball before hitting the grass.

  • Ball Position: Position the ball slightly back of center in your stance. This encourages a downward strike through the ball.
  • Weight Distribution: Shift approximately 60-70% of your weight onto your lead foot (the front foot). This helps establish a natural angle for a descending blow.
  • Shaft Lean: Lean the club shaft slightly forward towards the target. This subtly delofts the club at address, but it's crucial for ensuring your hands are leading the clubhead through impact.
  • Open Stance (Slight): A slightly open stance can help promote a steeper, outside-to-in swing path, which can aid in getting the club through the rough effectively.
  • Grip Down: Grip down on the club by about an inch or two. This provides more control and can help prevent the clubhead from getting snagged too high in the grass.

4. Execute with a Steep, Hands-Leading Motion

The actual swing needs to be assertive and steep. Play the shot with a steep motion down into the grass. The primary goal is to make contact with the ball first, then the grass directly beneath it.

  • Hands Lead: A critical component is ensuring your hands lead the clubhead through the impact zone. This prevents the clubhead from decelerating or getting caught in the thick grass before reaching the ball. The natural motion of leading with the hands, combined with the resistance from the grass and the ground, will help propel the ball out of the rough effectively.
  • Hinge and Hold: Use a brisk wrist hinge on the backswing to create the necessary steep angle. On the downswing, maintain that wrist hinge as you drive the clubhead down towards the ball. Avoid any attempt to "scoop" or lift the ball.
  • Aggressive, Decisive Swing: Do not be tentative. A hesitant swing will almost certainly lead to the club getting entangled in the rough. Commit to an aggressive, downward strike. Think of it more as a "chop" down on the ball rather than a gentle sweep.
  • Committed Follow-Through: Ensure a full, committed follow-through. This confirms that you've maintained your steep attack angle and have successfully driven through the ball and the grass.

Practical Insights for Success

  • Practice is Key: Chipping from deep rough is a nuanced skill. Dedicate time to practice these shots in a designated short-game area to build confidence and refine your technique.
  • Commitment: Once you've decided on your strategy, commit fully to the swing. Any hesitation will likely lead to poor contact.
  • Eyes on the Ball: Maintain your focus on the back of the ball throughout the swing to ensure a solid strike.
Aspect Standard Chip Chip from Deep Rough
Club Selection PW, 9-iron, 8-iron SW, LW (higher loft)
Attack Angle Sweeping or slightly descending Steep and aggressively descending
Ball Position Middle to slightly back Slightly back of center
Weight Shift Even or slightly forward More on lead foot (60-70%)
Hands Leading Important for control Absolutely critical
Swing Feel Smooth, controlled Aggressive, decisive, chopping

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Decelerating: Slowing down the clubhead just before impact will cause the club to get snagged in the rough, resulting in a "fat" shot or leaving the ball short.
  • Scooping Motion: Trying to lift or "scoop" the ball up will lead to inconsistent contact, often a thin shot over the green, or a complete miss.
  • Insufficient Loft: Using a club with too little loft will make it difficult to get through the thick grass and achieve the necessary height for the ball to clear the rough.
  • Lack of Commitment: A half-hearted or tentative swing from deep rough is almost always unsuccessful, reinforcing the need for conviction in your shot.

By incorporating these techniques and understanding the unique demands of chipping from deep rough, you can significantly improve your short game performance and save valuable strokes. For more comprehensive golf tips, explore resources from reputable sources like the USGA or Golf Digest.