Here we look at how to pitch onto the green from the rough. When you miss a green and the ball is not in a bunker the first thing you will note when you come upon your ball is how it is lying in the grass. Next you look up and find the pin, note the characteristics of the green between you and the hole, and begin to configure a shot to play that will either go in the hole or leave you a tap-in for your next shot. All of these factors are important in choosing your club and the technique you would like to use. Here we take a look at a fairly standard play from 4 different lies, ranging from good (pretty much the same as being in the fairway), decent (minor changes necessary), worse (more changes), and horrific (time for the “chop” shot).
As the lies get deeper and thicker there are a few things to consider changing or adding to your approach: first, the worse the lie the more you need to squeeze the grip with both hands. Second, the worse the lie the more steepness you need in your angle of attack, thus more wrist cock is in order. Third, since the ball is being hit harder in order to get it to travel out of the grass the hands will tend to be further ahead, which means that you will need to open the face more at address (especially if you want the ball to land somewhat softly). I always play to hit the ball before the ground, even if I know for sure that I will hit the grass before the ball (guaranteed if there is grass behind the ball). This is an important idea, since I am choosing to swing at the ball as though I am going hit it first, but factoring in the grass behind the ball in the equation. This is quite different from aiming at the grass and trying to hit “fat” on purpose, what I would term a “flop” shot. I rarely play this type of shot, and reserve it for the worst lies to the tightest pins. I much prefer the “chop”, wherein the finish is low and the blow is delivered in an extremely downward fashion.
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