Is missing the fairway roughing up your game?
The upcoming U.S. Open provides the perfect opportunity to learn from the pros

Mid-June brings what is arguably the most important golf championship in North America, the U.S. Open.  Often depicted as the ultimate examination, the U.S. Open is known for very fast greens and deep rough and regularly the winning score is over par. The 2007 venue, venerable Oakmont Country Club in western Pennsylvania and host of several previous Opens, will easily continue this trend and the winner will not only have a deft touch on the greens, more than most, he will have avoided the treacherous long grass that penalizes wayward drives.

As you view the championship you can learn from these great players some tips that will help you play from the rough during your round at the club. First you will note that even the best in the game will acknowledge that long grass, in many cases, limits their ability to advance the golf ball all the way to the green. They will show great discipline by selecting a very lofted club and assuring that they return the golf ball to the fairway for the next shot, a valuable lesson even for the club golfer.

All too often I see the amateur try a golf shot from the rough that they have little or no chance of pulling off. Long grass has a tendency to wrap itself around the hozel or neck of the golf club. The result is the club-head slows down, the toe turns left and down keeping the golf ball from getting in the air and your next shot is from the same rough.  Make sure you use a club with enough loft and pick a line that will ensure your next shot will be from the short grass. As the saying goes, take your medicine and live to play another day. Rely on the percentage play and keep the big numbers off your card.

Here’s a tip for putting on very fast greens - grip your putter as lightly as possible and still control your stroke. On faster greens play even more break than you read, as quick greens break more than they seem.  Therefore, try to die the golf ball into the hole. On downhill putts strike the golf ball out near the toe of your putter, this will have the golf ball come off softer.

One last note about Oakmont, the eighth hole, a par three that has been lengthened to 288 yards, will play as the longest three-par in championship history. The majority of the players will be forced to hit driver to this “short hole”. I’m betting this bizarre golf hole will play a pivotal role in deciding the 2007 U.S. Open.   

Enjoy the greatest of games,