At last summer’s U.S. Open at Oakmont, players faced some of the toughest play they’d seen all year. But whether you’re playing in a major on a Saturday morning or with your friends, knowing how to handle heavy cabbage is a game-changer, and it starts with reading the lie.
Before you swing, ask yourself: How much grass is behind the ball? In thick rough, no two lies are ever the same, even if they look alike. A ball that sits deep needs a steeper angle and more speed to get through. If it sits a little more upright, you can get more creative.
For the deeper, buried lie, move the ball slightly forward in your stance and use more loft – about 60 degrees. You’ll want to catch it in the turning arc later so you can actually get under it and jump out. If the ball is higher, move it slightly back in your stance to catch it sooner, which will reduce grip and keep the face straight at impact.
Once you make the stroke, make a hinge and release the movement. Trust what the lie tells you. If you read it right, you’ll give yourself a recipe to escape and maybe even save.
McLachlin is a GOLF Top 100 teacher and PGA Tour short game coach. Read more from McLachlin at shortgamechef.com.
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