Every golfer has been there—you step up to the ball, stuck in thick rough just off the green, hoping for a smooth chip. Instead, you either stub it short or send it flying way past the hole. Frustrating, right? Don’t worry, you’re not alone, golf fans. Even experienced golfers struggle with these tricky lies. But the good news? You can turn these tough situations into scoring opportunities with the right approach.

To help you nail those chips and get out of thick rough like a golf pro, we’ve got some expert tips straight from PGA Coach Mike Barge and LPGA professional Maria Palozola. A little wisdom from the veterans might just be what you need to sharpen your short game!

Tips to improve in golf

1. Understanding your lie

The first thing you need to do before you even think about taking a swing is assess your lie. How the ball sits in the grass determines everything—your club choice, stance, and overall approach. Ignoring this step can turn a tricky shot into a total disaster. PGA Coach Mike Barge emphasizes that your goal should always be to get the ball back into a playable position rather than making things worse with multiple failed attempts. Some lies give you a bit of room to work with, while others require a more conservative, strategic approach.

You’ve got options if your ball sits up nicely on the grass. In fact, you might even use a hybrid to sweep the ball cleanly onto the green. But if your ball is buried deep, you’ll need to take a different approach—one that prioritizes control over distance.

2. Choosing the right club matters in golf

Once you’ve assessed your lie, it’s time to set up correctly. Thick rough isn’t forgiving, so your stance and club selection are crucial. According to Barge, if your ball is buried, you must make a few key adjustments.

First, position the ball toward the back of your stance. This helps you create the steep angle needed to strike the ball cleanly. Next, deloft your club by leaning the handle slightly forward. This ensures a downward strike, which is exactly what you need to get out of the rough. Choosing the right club is just as important—Barge recommends using a pitching wedge but delofting it to resemble an 8-iron. This allows you to cut through the grass more efficiently.

There’s one more thing to keep in mind: your grip. Thick grass can easily twist your clubface at impact, leading to unpredictable shots. To prevent this, tighten your grip slightly, just enough to maintain control without becoming too rigid.

3. Executing the shot

With the right setup in place, it’s time to focus on execution. One of the biggest mistakes golfers make is hesitating. When you’re standing over the ball, trust your setup and commit to the shot. A confident, decisive swing is far more effective than a nervous, half-hearted attempt.

Another important thing to remember is to strike down on the ball. A steep, descending blow will help you escape the rough cleanly, rather than getting tangled up in the grass. And whatever you do, don’t try to lift the ball into the air. It’s tempting to scoop it up, but that’s a recipe for disaster. Instead, let the club’s loft do the work—your job is to make solid contact.

4. Chipping around the green

If your ball lands in deep rough near the green, the strategy shifts slightly, especially if the greens are fast. LPGA professional Maria Palozola has a different approach to these tricky situations, and her advice might surprise you.

Before taking your shot, consider how much roll the ball will have. Fast greens mean the ball will keep moving after it lands, so choosing the right landing spot is crucial. A sand wedge is a great option in this scenario—it’s heavy enough to cut through the rough and has plenty of bounce to prevent your club from getting stuck. Opening the clubface slightly will add even more bounce and help launch the ball higher.

To execute this shot properly, lean your weight slightly onto your left side (for right-handed golfers) and hinge your wrists early to pick the club up quickly. Follow through low to the ground for better control, and make sure you hold the club firmly—long grass can grab the hosel and twist the clubface if your grip is too loose.

Chipping from thick rough isn’t easy, but it’s not impossible either. The more you practice and trust your technique, the more comfortable you’ll feel when faced with these shots. So the next time your ball is buried in deep grass, don’t panic—take a deep breath, remember these tips, and step up to the shot confidently.

You’ve got this. Golf is an easy sport. It just takes practice, like all sports!