PGA Tour Pro Shows Off Brutal Rough At Genesis Invitational

Torrey Pines' South Course is known to be a tough test of golf and, if this video from Ben Griffin is anything to go by, we can expect similar challenges once again

Ben Griffin hits a shot from the rough
(Image credit: Getty Images/X: @bengriffingolf)
Matt Cradock's avatar
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When competing in tournaments, professional golfers will play the golf course in the best conditions, but also the toughest.

Firm and fast greens, narrow fairways and tough pin placements are usually the norm, but one other aspect is the rough which, at this week's Genesis Invitational, is set to be tough, especially if Ben Griffin's post on X/Twitter is anything to go by.

Playing the third Signature Event of 2025, the tournament hosted by Tiger Woods is being staged at Torrey Pines' South Course instead of Riviera Country Club, due to the recent fires in Los Angeles.

Torrey Pines held the Farmers Insurance Open just a fortnight ago and, as the best of the PGA Tour head to California, Griffin has given viewers and fans an insight into what lies ahead for the game's elite.

Posting to his social media, Griffin holds the golf ball up to the camera before throwing it into the rough, with it digging in so deep that you can only just see the top of it. Along with the video, the caption sums up the scenario perfectly, as the American writes: "Better hit the fairways this week."

Sahith Theegala hits from the rough at Torrey Pines

Sahith Theegala hits from the rough during the 2025 Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Over the last few years, videos of golf balls being dropped into thick rough have entertained many golf fans on social media. At Oak Hill during the 2023 PGA Championship, the thick, dense rough played a big part throughout the week as players and caddies claimed that the lowest lofted club they could use to get out of it was an 8-iron.

We often see The Open Championship and US Open providing players with a challenge in terms of long, thick rough, with Torrey Pines set to be a similar story.

Using primarily Kikuyu grass, which is known for its thick, tangled growth, it makes the rough particularly challenging to play from, while also providing great lies from fairways. What's more, it's a type of grass that needs almost constant warmth, which is why it is found in states like California.

► Watch The Genesis Invitational Round One: Live Streams, TV Coverage, Tee Times For Thursday's Play

Matt Cradock
Matt Cradock
Staff Writer

Matt joined Golf Monthly in February 2021 covering weekend news, before also transitioning to equipment and testing. After freelancing for Golf Monthly and The PGA for 18 months, he was offered a full-time position at the company in October 2022 and continues to cover news and social media.

Taking up the game when he was just seven years of age, Matt made it into his county squad just a year later and continues to play the game at a high standard, with a handicap of around 2-4. To date, his best round came in 2016, where he shot a six-under-par 66 having been seven-under through nine holes. His favorite player is Rory McIlroy, despite nearly being struck by his second shot at the 17th during the 2015 BMW PGA Championship.

Matt’s current What’s In The Bag?

Driver: Honma TW747, 8.75°

Fairway Wood: Ping G430 LST 15°, 19°

Irons: TaylorMade P.7CB

Wedges: Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 Tour Satin, 50°, 56°, 60°

Putter: Cleveland TFI 2135 Satin Cero

Ball: Titleist Pro V1

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