[Kim Maengnyeong's Golf English Conversation] "Rough and Fliers"

In the flyer lie, take one club smaller than usual and make a half swing.

The summer weather is in full swing.

Except for the fairways and greens, the rough is thick. The flier phenomenon occurs when the ball is struck in deep rough or when the grass is damp. At impact, moisture or matter (grass/dirt) gets trapped between the clubface and the golf ball, preventing the club from sliding through smoothly.

Because backspin is not generated well, the ball rolls farther than usual even after landing on the green (‘Fliers’ fly without any spin and go farther than normal). Naturally, distance control becomes difficult, and even professional players find it challenging. The flier phenomenon occurs when the grain of the rough is with the grain rather than against it. To compensate for this, you should select one club less or adjust the ball flight to a fade shot.

When teeing off on a par 3 hole, be careful to avoid the flier phenomenon. Tee the ball so that the grass does not rise up to the ball’s position. In English, both ‘Flier’ and ‘Flyer’ are used. For a flier lie, it is advisable to use one or two clubs less than usual or to use a half or quarter swing. For reference, ‘frequent flyer’ is an airline term referring to a regular customer who frequently flies.

A: Look! The ball is partially buried in the grass. It’s a flier lie. I hate it.

B: Calm down! It’s not the end of the world.

A: How would you play the shot if you were in my shoes?

B: I would definitely hit one less club than usual.

Written and photographed by Kim Maengnyeong, Golf Columnist