How to Hit High Soft Shots from Thick Rough: The Essential Short Game Technique

Every golfer faces the same frustrating scenario: a ball buried in thick rough just off the green with minimal green to work with and a pin tucked close to the edge. Traditional chipping techniques fail miserably in these situations, sending balls racing across greens and into trouble. This comprehensive guide reveals the specialized technique for hitting high, soft shots from tall grass that every serious golfer must master.

Why Traditional Chipping Fails in Thick Rough

The Problem with Standard Technique:

Traditional Setup Issues:

• Hands forward creates delofted impact
• Steep angle struggles through thick grass
• Ball-first contact impossible from deep lies
• No backspin generated from poor contact

Disastrous Results:

• Low trajectory shots that run too far
• Inconsistent contact from grass interference
• No stopping power when you need it most
• Lost strokes from poor course management

When Traditional Chipping Works:

Limited Applications:

• Plenty of green to work with (30-40 feet)
• Shorter rough around greens
• Chunk-and-run acceptable for pin position
• No obstacles between ball and hole

The High Soft Shot: Your Rough Rescue Technique

Essential Characteristics:

Shot Requirements:

• Maximum loft to clear thick grass
• Soft landing with minimal roll
• Consistent execution from varying lies
• Distance control from 5-20 yards

When You Need This Shot:

• Thick fescue or bluegrass rough
• Pin close to edge of green
• Limited green to work with
• Elevated green surfaces
• Firm conditions requiring soft landings

Setup Fundamentals: The Bunker Shot Approach

Club Selection:

Minimum Requirements:

• 60-degree wedge preferred for maximum loft
• 56-degree wedge acceptable alternative
• Highest lofted club in your bag
• Avoid lower lofted clubs entirely

Face Position:

Clubface Setup:

1. Open face significantly before taking grip
2. Point leading edge at target
3. Face angle determines stance openness
4. Wide open position for maximum loft

Visual Reference:

• Square position = normal face angle
• Open position = face rotated clockwise
• Target position = leading edge aimed at flag
• Maximum loft = face pointing skyward

Stance and Alignment:

Body Position:

• Open stance dramatically to match face angle
• Shoulders and feet aligned with clubface direction
• Body lines work together for consistency
• More open face = more open stance

Weight Distribution:

• Slightly favoring front foot
• Stable base for consistent contact
• Athletic posture for dynamic swing
• Balanced setup throughout motion

The Swing Technique: Hinge and Release

Backswing Mechanics:

The Hinge Action:

• Early wrist hinge creates L-shape with lead arm
• Vertical club position at halfway back
• Minimal body rotation keeps face open
• Short, controlled backswing length

Key Positions:

• Lead arm and club form 90-degree angle
• Clubface maintains open position
• Wrists fully hinged early in motion
• Body quiet during backswing

Downswing Sequence:

The Critical Release:

1. First move = unhinge wrists immediately
2. Early release allows club to work through grass
3. Let clubface strike turf before ball
4. Trust the loft to elevate ball

Common Mistakes:

• Holding angle too long (traditional chipping)
• Late release causes thin or chunked shots
• Fear of hitting behind ball
• Trying to help ball up

Follow-Through Keys:

Face Position:

• Clubface pointing straight up at finish
• No rotation through impact zone
• Open face maintained throughout
• Similar to slice pattern with driver

Body Action:

• Turn through impact naturally
• Let body support arm swing
• Maintain open stance alignment
• Finish balanced and in control

Distance Control System

The Speed Control Method:

Consistent Technique + Variable Speed:

• Same setup for all distances
• Same swing mechanics always
• Only variable = swing speed
• Practice specific yardages

Target Distances:

Essential Yardages to Master:

• 5 yards = gentle swing for tight pins
• 10 yards = medium swing for normal situations
• 15 yards = firm swing for longer shots
• 20 yards = aggressive swing for maximum distance

Practice Protocol:

Systematic Development:

1. Master 10-yard shot first
2. Add 5-yard version for tight situations
3. Develop 15-yard shot for versatility
4. Add 20-yard shot for longer situations
5. Practice transitions between distances

Course Conditions and Adaptations

Grass Types and Adjustments:

Fescue Rough:

• Very thick and grabby
• Maximum face opening required
• Aggressive swing needed
• Expect some inconsistency

Bluegrass Rough:

• Dense but manageable
• Standard technique works well
• Good bite on clubface
• Consistent results possible

Bermuda Rough:

• Grabby against the grain
• Extra speed required
• Face opens more easily
• Practice essential for timing

Environmental Factors:

Firm Greens:

• Extra height needed for soft landing
• Maximum loft essential
• Perfect technique critical
• Alternative routes if too risky

Soft Greens:

• Technique still applies
• Slightly less loft needed
• More stopping power available
• Confidence builder for learning

Common Mistakes and Fixes

Mistake 1: Insufficient Face Opening

The Problem:

• Not enough loft for thick grass
• Ball comes out too low
• Runs too far after landing
• Doesn't clear grass effectively

The Fix:

• Open face more than feels comfortable
• Point leading edge directly at target
• Trust the extreme loft
• Practice with exaggerated positions

Mistake 2: Late Release of Club

The Problem:

• Holding wrist hinge too long
• Steep attack angle
• Inconsistent contact through grass
• Low ball flight

The Fix:

• Release immediately starting downswing
• Let club work through grass first
• Trust early unhinge action
• Practice slow motion swings

Mistake 3: Trying to Help Ball Up

The Problem:

• Scooping action through impact
• Inconsistent contact
• Loss of loft
• Poor distance control

The Fix:

• Trust the loft of club
• Hit down through grass
• Let technique create height
• Focus on solid contact

Mistake 4: Rotating Face Through Impact

The Problem:

• Face closes during swing
• Reduces loft at impact
• Ball comes out lower
• Less stopping power

The Fix:

• Maintain open face position
• No rotation through impact
• Face points up at finish
• Think slice action

Practice Drills for Mastery

Drill 1: Static Position Practice

Purpose: Build muscle memory for correct positions Execution:

1. Set up with open face and stance
2. Hinge to L-position
3. Hold position and check angles
4. Repeat until automatic

Drill 2: Slow Motion Swings

Purpose: Feel correct release timing Execution:

1. Take setup position
2. Swing in slow motion
3. Focus on early release
4. Feel club working through grass

Drill 3: Distance Ladder

Purpose: Develop distance control Execution:

1. Hit 5 balls at 5 yards
2. Hit 5 balls at 10 yards
3. Hit 5 balls at 15 yards
4. Note speed differences

Drill 4: Varying Lies

Purpose: Adapt to different rough conditions Execution:

1. Find different rough lengths
2. Practice same technique
3. Adjust speed as needed
4. Build confidence in variety

Mental Game and Course Management

Shot Selection Decision Tree:

When to Use High Soft Shot:

• Thick rough around greens
• Limited green to work with
• Pin close to your side
• Need maximum stopping power

When to Consider Alternatives:

• Plenty of green to work with
• Pin far from edge
• Firm conditions make shot too risky
• Uphill lie provides natural loft

Building Confidence:

Practice Requirements:

• Regular sessions in varying rough
• Different course conditions
• Pressure situations during practice
• Success tracking for confidence

Course Application:

• Start with lower-risk situations
• Build success gradually
• Trust your practice
• Accept occasional misses

Equipment Considerations

Wedge Selection:

Loft Requirements:

• 60-degree preferred for maximum versatility
• 56-degree minimum for technique
• Gap wedge insufficient for thick rough
• Multiple wedges for various situations

Bounce and Grind:

Optimal Specifications:

• Moderate bounce (8-12 degrees) for versatility
• Trailing edge relief for open face work
• Not too much bounce for firm conditions
• Professional fitting recommended

Advanced Applications

Varying Trajectories:

Ultra-High Shots:

• Maximum face opening
• Aggressive swing required
• Shortest roll possible
• Emergency situations only

Medium-High Shots:

• Moderate face opening
• Controlled swing speed
• Balanced height and roll
• Most common application

Shot Shaping:

Left-to-Right Movement:

• Extra face opening
• Swing slightly across body
• Natural fade pattern
• Useful around obstacles

Straight Shots:

• Standard technique application
• Face pointing at target
• Neutral swing path
• Most reliable option

Troubleshooting Guide

Problem: Ball Coming Out Too Low

Likely Causes:

• Insufficient face opening
• Late release of club
• Trying to help ball up
• Wrong club selection

Solutions:

• Open face more dramatically
• Release club earlier
• Trust the loft
• Use higher lofted wedge

Problem: Inconsistent Contact

Likely Causes:

• Varying setup positions
• Inconsistent release timing
• Poor distance from ball
• Tension in hands and arms

Solutions:

• Establish consistent routine
• Practice release timing
• Check setup fundamentals
• Relax grip pressure

Problem: Poor Distance Control

Likely Causes:

• Inconsistent swing speeds
• Varying technique between shots
• No practice with specific yardages
• Mental uncertainty about requirements

Solutions:

• Practice specific distances
• Maintain consistent technique
• Develop speed awareness
• Build confidence through repetition

Conclusion: Master the High Soft Shot

The ability to hit high, soft shots from thick rough separates good short game players from great ones. This technique requires a fundamental shift from traditional chipping methods, but the investment in learning pays immediate dividends around the greens.

Key Takeaways:

• Open clubface and stance dramatically for maximum loft
• Early wrist release allows club to work through grass
• No rotation through impact maintains loft
• Distance control through swing speed only
• Practice essential for confidence and consistency

Your Development Plan:

1. Start with 60-degree wedge on practice green
2. Master setup with extreme face opening
3. Practice hinge and early release pattern
4. Develop distance control for 5, 10, 15, 20 yards
5. Test in varying rough conditions
6. Build course management confidence
7. Integrate into regular short game practice

Remember: This shot feels dramatically different from normal chipping, but trust the technique. The extreme setup and early release create the high, soft trajectory that stops quickly on greens. Master this shot, and you'll save strokes every round.