[Kim Maengnyeong's Golf English Conversation] "Escaping the Rough Comes First"

In deep rough, the priority is to open the face and make strong contact to escape onto the fairway.

'Rough'.

In golf, it refers to the areas on the course excluding the green and penalty zones, other than the fairway (Grass allowed to grow longer than that of the fairway). If the grass length is 2-3 inches, it is called 'shallow rough', and if it is 4-6 inches, it is called 'deep rough'. In Europe, especially, the rough is often left in its natural state, making it more challenging. It is interesting that there is a Scottish proverb: "The longer the grass in the rough, the more loft of the club you need."

This is because the ball is buried in the grass. In practice, you should forget about trying to be greedy and focus on escaping by opening the clubhead and swinging strongly. The grass is tough, so apply pressure with your pinky, ring, and middle fingers to avoid losing grip on the club. Usually, a sand wedge is suitable. The shot technique is similar to a bunker shot. Take an upright backswing and make solid contact with the ball to ensure a proper follow-through.

When the ball is sitting up in shallow rough, you sweep it with the clubhead. Even if there is a long distance left, it is better to avoid a 3-wood. Instead, use a 5-wood or 7-wood with relatively higher loft, or a hybrid. Shots from the rough often cause a flier effect. This happens because foreign substances like grass or dirt get between the clubhead and the ball. The ball does not spin properly and flies farther than the standard distance. Deep rough is called deep or thick, and shallow rough is called thin or shallow.

A: Your ball landed over there in the rough.

B: Oh no. Is it sitting up or buried?

A: It's sitting in a pretty good position.

B: How would you play this shot?

A: If it were me, I'd definitely use a wood rather than an iron.

B: That's good advice. Any other tips?

A: Well, I suggest you stand farther back than usual and keep a strong grip.

Written and photographed by Kim Maengnyeong, Golf Columnist