Getting out of deep rough and back into play is a situation where many golfers lose valuable stokes and see unwanted inflation in their scores.
As always, the rough can be treacherous at U.S. Opens, and in the Philadelphia area the rough in June is thick and deep at most of the area's courses.
And that will definitely be the case this week at Merion, Golf Club site of the 2013 U.S. Open, especially given all of the rain that has fallen in the Philadelphia area as of late.
No matter where you play, at this time of year you will face your fair share of shots from difficult lies.
And that’s going to happen no matter how good your game is. It's just a part of playing golf in June in most places.
The best way to approach most shots from deep rough is like playing a shot out of firm sand.
The club's heel must lead the way, meaning you’ll want to open the clubface slightly, and the bottom of the swing should happen right behind the ball.
A steep approach into impact with a high finish also will help you get back in the fairway.
Additionally, it's a good idea to take one extra club on the longer shots you face from thick lies because the rough will slow the clubhead down.
And finally, make sure you keep the club moving through impact to a full finish for your best result.
Try these tips the next time you’re faced with a difficult lie in the rough and you’ll be able to escape with more success.
