From the rough, what swing characteristic helps keep the clubface trailing contact and reduce grass interference?

From the rough, what swing characteristic helps keep the clubface trailing contact and reduce grass interference?

• A. Steeper angle of approach
• B. Shallower angle of attack
• C. Wide stance
• D. Open clubface

Answer: (A)

From the rough, you want a steeper angle of approach. The thicker grass underfoot makes it easy for the clubface to catch and for the grass to wrap around the leading edge, which derails contact. A steeper, more downward strike helps you reach the ball first and compress it before too much turf is grabbed, so the face stays on a square path through impact and grass interference is minimized. This downhill contact also helps the ball pop up with enough loft to get airborne despite the rough. Shallower angles tend to skim the surface and invite more grass to grab the clubface, while a wide stance or an open clubface doesn’t specifically address the issue of clean, descending contact from quite thick rough.

From the rough, you want a steeper angle of approach. The thicker grass underfoot makes it easy for the clubface to catch and for the grass to wrap around the leading edge, which derails contact. A steeper, more downward strike helps you reach the ball first and compress it before too much turf is grabbed, so the face stays on a square path through impact and grass interference is minimized. This downhill contact also helps the ball pop up with enough loft to get airborne despite the rough.

Shallower angles tend to skim the surface and invite more grass to grab the clubface, while a wide stance or an open clubface doesn’t specifically address the issue of clean, descending contact from quite thick rough.