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Escaping Deep Rough With A Wedge | SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | JUNE 2024 | 23 Navigating the lush green fairways of a golf course can be a serene experience. However, every golfer encounters the challenge of deep rough at some point during their round. Whether due to an errant tee shot or an unpredictable bounce, finding your ball nestled in thick rough can seem daunting. But fear not, for with the right technique and mindset, you can successfully navigate your way back onto the fairway and keep your game on track. ASSESS THE SITUATION: Before making any decisions or taking a swing, take a moment to assess your situation. Evaluate the depth and density of the rough around your ball. Is it thick and tangled, or relatively manageable? Assess the lie of the ball – is it sitting down or nestled among the grass blades? Understanding these factors will help you determine the best approach to escape the rough. CHOOSE THE RIGHT CLUB: In most cases, a wedge is your best friend when faced with deep rough. The loft of a wedge helps lift the ball out of the grass and provides better control over trajectory. Opt for a sand wedge or a lob wedge, depending on the distance you need to cover and the height of the rough. Remember, the goal is to get the ball back into play, so prioritize accuracy over distance. ADJUST YOUR STANCE AND GRIP: To effectively navigate through deep rough, adjust your stance and grip. Position the ball slightly back in your stance to ensure clean contact with the ball before hitting the grass. Open your stance slightly to allow for a more sweeping motion through the rough. Grip the club firmly but not too tightly, maintaining a relaxed grip to maintain control and feel through impact. EXECUTE THE SWING: With your setup in place, it's time to execute the swing. Take a smooth, controlled backswing, focusing on maintaining a consistent tempo. As you swing through the ball, accelerate the clubhead through impact, ensuring that the clubface remains square to your target line. Aim to strike the ball cleanly, striking the back of the ball to maximize distance and trajectory. FOLLOW THROUGH: After making contact with the ball, follow through with your swing to complete the shot. Allow the clubhead to continue along its natural path, extending your arms toward the target. Maintain balance and stability throughout the follow-through, keeping your eyes on the ball until it leaves the clubface. A smooth follow-through ensures better control and accuracy, helping the ball find its way back onto the fairway. By assessing the situation, choosing the right club, and executing the proper technique, you can successfully escape the rough and get back into play. Remember to remain calm, focused, and confident in your abilities, and with practice, you'll become a master at navigating even the thickest rough. Play well! ~ Daniel Miller

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