Golfers’ Guide: 3 Tips for Putting Successfully From Rough
Putting successfully from the rough is a challenge that every golfer faces at some point, yet it remains a critical skill for lowering your scores and maintaining confidence on the course. The rough’s thick, uneven grass makes it difficult for the ball to roll smoothly, often causing putts to lose speed or veer off course. However, with the right techniques, you can improve your ability to navigate these tricky lies and save valuable strokes. This golfers’ guide highlights three essential tips to help you putt successfully from the rough, blending expert strategies with practical advice that works for players of all levels.
The first tip in this guide is to consider swapping your traditional putter for your driver when putting from the rough. While it might seem unusual, the driver’s larger clubhead is better suited to cut through tall, thick grass, helping you make cleaner and more powerful contact with the ball. The driver allows you to get the ball moving with enough speed to escape the rough’s grip while maintaining control. However, it’s important to practice this technique since drivers are typically designed for long-distance shots, and controlling the power and accuracy on shorter putts requires adjustment. With persistence, you can develop the finesse needed to use your driver effectively in these situations.
Secondly, adopting a chip shot approach using your putter can significantly improve your results. This means modifying your stance by lowering your lead shoulder and shifting most of your weight onto your lead foot. By stroking down through the ball with a smooth follow-through, you minimize the loft on the ball, keeping it low to the ground and preventing it from bouncing unpredictably on the rough grass. This controlled chip-like motion helps you get the ball closer to the hole in a more consistent way. Even though putters aren’t traditionally used for chip shots, adjusting your swing and body position to mimic this style offers a practical solution to putting challenges in the rough.
The final tip is to change your grip to a cross-hand putting grip, which many experts recommend for rough putting. This grip places your dominant hand at the top of the grip and your other hand just below, promoting straight wrists and better stability. A steady wrist position reduces unwanted wrist breakdowns during the stroke, allowing the clubhead to slice cleanly through the rough and lift the ball gently out of the thick grass. When combined with the chip shot technique, the cross-hand grip maximizes control and power, making it easier to execute successful putts from difficult lies.
In summary, by using your driver for better contact, approaching the shot like a chip, and switching to the cross-hand putting grip, you’ll be well-equipped to putt successfully from the rough. These three tips require some practice and patience but will greatly enhance your ability to handle one of golf’s toughest challenges with confidence and skill.
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