Rough
Course Areas
Explained Simply
The longer, thicker grass bordering the fairway and other course areas. Harder to hit from than the fairway.
Example
“Your drive veers right into the rough — long grass grabs the club at impact, reducing distance and control.”
Why it matters
Rough penalizes inaccurate shots by making the next shot harder. In deep rough, sometimes just punching the ball back to the fairway is the smartest play.
Common beginner mistake
Trying to hit a long club from deep rough. Take a more-lofted club and get back to the fairway safely.
Related
beginner
Course Areas
Related
- FairwayThe short-mowed strip of grass between the tee box and the green. This is where you want your ball to land.
- Lie (Ground Lie)The situation your ball is sitting in — whether it's on the fairway, in rough, on a slope, or in a divot.
- Punch Shot (Knockdown)A low, controlled shot hit with a shorter swing and the ball back in your stance, so it flies under the wind or out from under tree branches.