Playing Golf Shots From The Rough
Most amateur golfers approach the rough like it’s a roulette wheel—sometimes they get out clean, other times they chunk it five feet or blade it over the green. It doesn’t have to be that way.
At ATX Golf Performance, we help players build repeatable mechanics, including specialty shots like escaping thick rough. And if you’re tired of guessing and hoping, this is where that changes.
What Changes in the Rough?
The biggest mistake golfers make is treating a lie in the rough like a fairway shot. Here's what actually changes:
Grass resistance slows the clubhead down
Face angle is more likely to shift at impact
Club path needs to be steeper to minimize grass interference
A 2022 study in the International Journal of Golf Science found that higher launch variability from the rough is directly linked to poor angle of attack and inconsistent face contact.
Translation? Your swing needs to adapt.
How to Strike the Ball Better from the Rough
1. Adjust Your Setup
Grip firmer than normal to reduce clubface twisting
Move the ball slightly back in your stance
Put more weight forward to promote a steeper strike
2. Change Your Swing Shape
Focus on a steeper angle of attack
Shorten your backswing slightly for better control
Avoid trying to lift the ball—hit down through it
3. Choose the Right Club
Take more loft—don’t force a long iron from deep grass
Consider a hybrid or wedge with enough bounce to slide through thick lies
Training Tools Are Only as Smart as the Golfer Using Them
Swing trainers can reinforce mechanics, but they don’t correct misunderstandings. We use tools to train:
Wrist stability at impact
Downward strike patterns
Shaft lean and body rotation
But none of that matters if you’re guessing what to do. That’s why we pair tools with instruction, movement feedback, and real swing data.
Build a Swing That Adapts Anywhere
At ATX Golf Performance, we don’t just teach you how to hit a ball—we coach you to adapt, adjust, and execute under pressure. Whether you’re in the rough, a fairway bunker, or just trying to hit more greens, we’ll give you the structure and feedback to own your swing.
Book a game evaluation today and learn how to strike the ball clean—no matter the lie.