Let’s start from the beginning. When I approach a golf ball in deep rough the first question I ask myself is “if I hit a perfect shot what can I expect the results to be”. Then I work backyards. Can I reach the green or not? If it hits the green is it going to stop? What are my chances of making great contact with this lie? 

I think you are starting to get it. Let’s do our homework first before we pull out a 3 wood and try and advance the ball 235 yards down the fairway over a lake, on to the green and have it stop next to the hole.

Now with this thinking it eliminates the second problem which is the miracle shot. If you want to learn how to play out of deep rough, watch a couple of the Open Championships this summer and you wont believe how many times the players take out their wedges and pitch the ball back in play. 

Now that I have you checking the lie and working from the ball to the hole, let’s spend some time on the technique of advancing the ball from deep rough.