Tackling Thick Rough Like a Pro: Tips for the U.S. Open at Oakmont

The excitement is in the air as we gear up for the 125th U.S. Open, happening at Oakmont Country Club just outside of Pittsburgh for an impressive 10th time. If you’re as pumped as I am, you know this isn’t just another golf tournament—it’s a nail-biter where lightning-fast greens and high scores are practically a given.

Now, let’s get real: when we think of U.S. Opens, what jumps to mind? It’s that thick, punishing rough that makes even the best pros sweat. So, how do the players tackle this tricky terrain? What’s the game plan when the ball decides to nestle in that thick stuff? And, truth be told, can you actually hit out of it successfully? Grab your clubs because we’re diving in!

The Key to Surviving Thick Rough: Play It Smart

First off, let’s set the stage. After chatting with some players who’ve braved the U.S. Open, the consensus is clear: don’t go all guns blazing when you find yourself in that thick rough. Seriously, safety first!

Take it from Dustin Johnson, who snagged his first major at Oakmont in 2016. He knows what’s up. Johnson stresses a laid-back approach to rough situations. “If you miss the fairway, just chip it out and make par,” he advises. If you’re out there practicing before the tournament, he even intentionally drops some shots in the rough to evaluate how to make the best of it.

He gets it—each lie is different, and you need to read it right. “All your shots are going to come out differently,” he says, emphasizing that practice makes perfect when it comes to navigating thick rough.

So, Should You Hit Down on the Ball?

Alright, let’s tackle the burning question: Should you hit down on the ball when you’re in the thick stuff? The short answer is: sometimes. But let’s break it down, courtesy of Brendan Steele, a five-time U.S. Open competitor.

Steele suggests that depending on the lie, your angle and position will vary. That’s right—there’s no one-size-fits-all rule here. Sometimes, that grass can act as a cushion, and you end up with a perfect fluffy lie. In this case, you might want to take a more level swing, almost sweeping the ball off the grass.

However, if the ball is nestled deep, prepare to dig in a bit more. Steele advises, “Get way steeper and use a lot of acceleration.” You’ll want to play the ball forward in your stance to help with that lift. It’s all about adjusting your tactics based on that grass you’re dealing with.

Key Steps to Mastering Your Escape from the Rough

So what can you actually apply when you’re stuck in the rough? First thing’s first—assess that lie!

• Sitting Up: If the ball is perched high, ease up on the angle of attack and play the ball more towards the middle of your stance. You might even sneak in a lower-lofted club because the grass won’t offer too much resistance. Keep in mind you’ll probably send it further—so club down!

• Sitting Down: On the flip side, if it’s buried, you’ll need to take a steeper swing. Get ready to grab that wedge to help lift it out and aim higher in your stance for added loft. Here, your main goal? Just get it back in play and limit the damage as best as you can.

Mindset is Half the Battle

Now, let’s shift gears to something equally important: the right attitude. Harold Varner might not be playing this week, but his wisdom rings true. To him, enjoying the challenges is just as crucial as technique. “Have fun with it! Everyone’s dealing with it,” he laughs, though he wryly acknowledges his caddie keeps him grounded.

Most of us don’t have a caddie, so keeping it real is essential—set sensible expectations. Don’t hesitate to grab a higher-lofted club if necessary; you want to play smart out there.

Learn from the Masters: How Top Pros Prepare

Look no further than Patrick Reed. With five top-20 finishes in the U.S. Open, he’s got some game. Reed insists that every rough situation is unique: “You need to see if you can get a good club on it or if you need to lay up.” It’s all about mindset and being flexible with your approach.

The mental game is pivotal. Reed reminds us to enter the week expecting tough conditions—not just with the rough, but with the overall layout of Oakmont. It’s a challenging test, so be ready.

Getting in the Zone Before a Major

Xander Schauffele is another player who’s making waves in the major scene. He won at Valhalla last year, and now he’s gearing up for Oakmont. When tackling a new course, Schauffele focuses on everything, but particularly on chipping from thick rough.

His approach? Find techniques that might not be easy to practice at home. “Usually, we’re racing around familiar courses,” he explains, making a solid point about the need for preparation on unknown terrain.

The Final Brush-Up

As the U.S. Open unfolds at Oakmont, keep an eye on how the pros navigate that thick rough. You’ll see them grappling with various lies, adjusting their angles, and maintaining a steady mindset.

So whether you’re cheering from the sidelines or heading out for your own round, take these insights with you. Remember: play smart, adjust as needed, and most importantly, keep that head in the game. Because when it comes to thick rough, it’s not just about brute strength—it’s about finesse and strategy.

You got this—now get out there and conquer that rough like a champ!