NEWS

Overcoming Thick, Greenside Rough

By Jim Pike, PGA
Published on
Overcoming Thick, Greenside Rough

The rough at Sahalee Country Club during the 80th PGA Championship measured anywhere from 4-6 inches. Our members had been playing those conditions for the few months leading up to the event and have a better understanding of the shots required to recover from the high, dense grass. One of the toughest recovery shots is the short chip shot just off the green.

Strategy:

1.) Use a sand wedge or lob wedge and open the clubface;

2.) Align your body to the left of the target;

3.) Play the ball off your front heel;

4.) Point the end of shaft to the center of your body;

5.) Take a fairly long backswing and stop the forward swing about 2 feet after impact.

Results: The ball will come out high and soft and will be easy to stop next to the pin.