I see this more often than I should: Players get in the rough, and they stay in the rough!
Play it smart when in the rough: Assess the lie, the lay of the land, and the exact yardages to potential options.
Assess the lie. If your ball is sitting pretty, use a hybrid. The hybrid is a great choice out of the rough with its wide face and sole. It glides easier than an iron. An iron’s face can shut {close} pretty easily out of the rough, sending your ball left.
I get a yardage for both options to determine if going for it is a wise move. I determine that attempting to carry the rough with this lie for a shorter approach shot is not the smart play here. If I miss even a little, then guess what? I’m still in the rough! Select the right club for the job. If sitting pretty, go for it. I like hybrids out of the rough. If your lie looks like this, I suggest punching out with a PW or 9 iron. A higher lofted club makes the punch-out back out to the fairway an easier endeavor. Club selection counts! Check the lie: If half the ball or more is nestled down in the grass, then your best bet is to punch the ball back into a flat area of the fairway. An open set up will promote a steeper angle of attack, an out-to-in path that cuts through the rough more easily.The Set Up: Play the ball farther back if nestled down to ensure more of the clubface gets on the ball. Stand a bit closer to the ball to encourage a steeper angle of attack. Grass between the ball and your clubface impedes distance control.
MY DECISION: I’m punching out!
I determined that with my lie, I had minimal chance of making good contact. Punching out was a wiser decision.