“Cut it out of the Rough”
The rough in Arizona isn’t known for being extremely penalizing, but it can prove to be difficult in the summer months. Often the ball will sit down in the Bermuda grass making it difficult to catch solid contact. If a golfer makes a standard swing, the grass has a tendency to catch the clubface and flip it closed just before impact resulting in a hooked shot. When facing this difficult lie, try cutting the ball out of the rough by following these steps:
- Take one extra club for the distance.
- Place the ball slightly farther back in your stance than normal.
- Weaken your grip position to neutral and choke down an inch or so.
- Swing on a slightly steeper angle than usual.
- Think of dragging the heel of the club towards your target.
Good luck and good golfing!