Thinking of hitting a 3-wood from the rough? Here’s how to actually execute it

Most players think that using a 3-wood from the rough is a sin. But if you ask many of those same golfers, there’s a good chance that they’ve never had success with the shot, so they opt for a wedge instead.

As someone who doesn’t have great length both off the tee or with his irons, I rely on the 3-wood a lot to try and make up extra yardage on those long par 5s. I’m guessing there are plenty of you reading this who can relate.

Of course, when you’re scattering your tee shots in the rough down either the left or right side, things can get tricky. Not only are you a long way from the green (in most cases), but you’ve got thicker grass to navigate.

If you’re worried about mishitting your 3-wood, it’s time to overcome those fears — and the video below shows you how.

How to hit a 3-wood from the rough

Navigating the rough is always a tricky proposition. But as the video above shows, a 3-wood can still be a good option for players (like myself) hoping for more distance on an approach shot.

While using a 3-wood from the rough isn’t necessarily recommended — since it’s easy for the thicker grass to catch the clubface and turn it down towards the ground — the instructor in the video, GOLF Top 100 Hall of Fame Teacher Hank Haney, still offers a quick tip towards hitting it better when you’re feeling bold.

“When you’re playing out of the rough, you have to have a steeper angle of approach,” Haney says. “If you come in too shallow, you’ll catch grass behind the ball and you won’t have any speed.”

As Haney demonstrates in the video, notice the difference in his club path, as he’s using a much more over-the-top motion to help get the club to the ground. It almost resembles a motion similar to chopping an ax.

“Take the club more up, and bring the club more down. That will help you to hit the shots out of the rough with your fairway woods,” he adds.

So if you find yourself in the rough on a long hole and need some added distance, don’t be afraid to grab the 3-wood. It’s always difficult to play from that area (so be sure to assess your lie before deciding on your club choice), but with Haney’s tip, you can have the success you’re hoping for.

All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team.
If you buy a linked product,
GOLF.COM may earn a fee. Pricing may vary.

Callaway 2023 Big Bertha REVA Custom Fairway Wood

$299.99

More women are playing golf than ever before, and we’ve worked extensively with data and individual player feedback to create a best-in-class new women’s lineup that’s ideally suited for every level of player. That’s how we’ve developed the new Big Bertha REVA Family, precisely engineered for women who want to play with more confidence, more distance, more accuracy, and hit their best shots on the course.Many players struggle with fairways woods, but Big Bertha REVA fairways are designed to be the easiest to hit in our entire Callaway lineup. It all starts with an easy-to-launch shape, more loft and a shallow face. This is paired with slightly shorter shaft lengths and powerful distance technologies to give you the confidence to go straight at every green.
SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR WOMEN
Big Bertha REVA fairway woods are designed specifically for female golfers. Lofts, swingweights,shafts and even progressive shaft lengths are designed for confidence, high launch and powerful distance.
EASY LAUNCH FROM FORGIVING BERTHA REVA SHAPE
Big Bertha Fairway woods are optimized for players seeking forgiveness. The oversized profile and shallow face design inspire confidence at address and deliver a high, easy launch. Big Bertha REVA fairway woods also use progressively shorter shaft lengths to promote consistent contact for improved launch and carry distance.
BIG BERTHA REVA POWER FROM JAILBREAK WITH BATWING TECHNOLOGY
Jailbreak with Batwing Technology stabilizes the body, allowing the face to flex for power and incredibly fast ball speeds.
FAST BALL SPEEDS FROM AN A.I. DESIGNED HIGH-STRENGTH FACE
Big Bertha REVA fairway woods are designed with cutting edge A.I. technologies to enhance speed across the face. Each face is uniquely designed throughout the lineup to optimize performance.
EASY DISTANCE FROM A LIGHTWEIGHT PACKAGE
Featuring a triaxial carbon crown and lightweight components, Big Bertha REVA fairway woods are easy to swing and launch. Adjustability on the 3-wood and 5-wood models allow players to further dial in launch and spin.
 

Buy Now

View Product

Nick Dimengo

Golf.com Editor