This is a lie in which we can often find ourselves, so playing a golf shot from the rough requires a few changes to both our club selection, technique and thought process.

This is a lucky or unlucky lie in the clover which four of my GolfingGirls now have the knowledge to play due to a successful course management session. This “clover” lie is really tough as it is a dense and tightly knitted plant which causes problems for the golfer!

My golden rule is “Respect” Playing a golf shot from the rough must be given the respect it deserves with any expectation levels lowered according to the standard of player.

So, firstly from an equipment perspective maximum loft should be used from this particular lie with a recommendation to aim slightly further to the right in conjunction with a more open clubface. The rough, heather or clover will “grab” the hosel of the club as you approach the ball resulting in a low left shot. This is the major reason behind the use of a much more lofted club regardless of the yardage remaining to the flag. I often see player’s using a club with too little loft resulting in a shot which scuttles a short distance in front of them.

I personally like to increase the grip pressure in the last three fingers of my left hand, this I feel helps me to maintain the desired clubface position at impact rather than one which turns left in the rough.

A “rough” lie calls for a steeper angle into the ball with increased clubhead speed, so place the ball position closer to your non-target leg with increased weight on your target side. Additional shaft lean towards the target will all assist in creating this steeper strike to achieve your number one goal.. “Avoid the first obstacle and get the ball back in play”

Enjoy the lucky clover!