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How to Hit the Ball Out of the Rough
Hitting it out of the rough is a great subject as play is about to begin for the 2006 US Open. The rough is very high, very thick, and will be penalizing for any ball hit into it. Speaking with Phil yesterday, they cut the rough a little, but not a significant amount.
As discussed previously any ball finding the rough will be at least one penalty stroke if not more. Keeping it in the fairway from tee to green will be one of the keys for whoever wins the 2006 US Open.
I also thought it to be a very good topic to discuss because as amateurs we probably find the rough a little more often than the pros. I remember a few years back playing a course with thick Bermuda rough. You could not get the club through it and let's just say I had a few frustrating shots. I actually spoke with Phil about the round a few days after.
His reply, in that type of rough you must hit the ball first by taking a steep angle to the ball. Easier said than done, but it did help in my approach. I recall some other rounds say in the Palm Springs area where the rough was not a problem. The club would just slide through it, making it much easier (less spin on the ball, but still able to hit it well).
It appears to me playing out of the rough first comes down to the type of grass. Secondly, the height of the grass becomes a concern. I remember being over at the British Open where you have this knee high stuff that is as penalizing as Bermuda.
So what is the amateur to do?
It requires some adjustments; possibly in your swing, address, club selection, and shot selection. Ending up in the rough and playing the exact same club, and shot if the ball were in the fairway might not be realistic, or even the best choice.
Hitting out of the rough requires a different approach, it also requires a little more out your body.
Shots out of the rough often times require your body to generate more power, hold the clubface as it cuts through the rough, and maintain better balance.
It simply requires more strength and power from your body. This is the reason why many in the media say Tiger is so good out of the rough. He is so strong and powerful it allows him to execute the shot with greater ease.
To sum it all up when we get into the rough and do not want to make a mess out of the hole. Let's realize what is required of the shot, what adjustments need to be made, and how our body can help in the process.
Play begins tomorrow at the 2006 US Open. Weather reports look good for a nice four days of golf. Phil tees off at 7:55 tomorrow and I will be looking forward to an exciting weekend.
Make It Happen!
Sean Cochran
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