Ian Poulter Video lesson

In this Ian Poulter Video Lesson, the Englishman explains how to hit a hybrid from the rough to attack the green even when the lie is poor

Ian Poulter Video Lesson: From the rough

With the ball sitting down in the rough, you know it isn’t coming out perfectly. But there is a way to play it to get up towards the green… In this instance I have just over 200 yards so my hybrid is the ideal option but I need to make some simple changes to try and get the strike spot on. Here’s how I play this particular shot.

Watch Ian's Hybrid Basics Video

Watch Ian's Fairway Bunker Video

Alignment

To find the strike you need in this scenario, I make a few changes to my address position. I aim slightly further left with my feet and I add loft to the club by opening the face just a little. That obviously gives you more loft but I find that it also helps the ball jump out of the rough. So it is basically a cut swing shot that you’re looking to play. Again, like with the bunker shot, I’m trying to hit down on the ball through impact for a clean strike. As you make contact, the grass gets trapped between the clubface and the ball and it jumps, giving you great distance and you might even just get the ball to the green. Obviously, you are not going to have quite as much control when the ball hits the ground so aim to run this one into the flag if you can. If if you don't get it quite right, this technique should get you up there somewhere near the green. From there, you've got a great chance of saving your par. Give this a try the next time you practice, its the best way to hit a hybrid from the rough.

Neil Tappin
Editor

In July 2023, Neil became just the 9th editor in Golf Monthly's 112-year history. Originally working with the best coaches in the UK to produce instruction content, he has also presented many Golf Monthly videos looking at all areas of the game from Tour player interviews to the rules of golf. 

Throughout his time with the brand he has also covered equipment launches that date back well over a decade. He clearly remembers the launch of the Callaway and Nike square drivers as well as the white TaylorMade driver families, such as the RocketBallz! If you take a look at the Golf Monthly YouTube channel, you'll see his equipment videos dating back over a decade! He has also conducted 'What's In The Bag' interviews with many of the game's best players like Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson and Jon Rahm. Over the years, Neil has tested a vast array of products in each category and at drastically different price-points. 


Neil is currently playing: Driver: TaylorMade Stealth Plus Fairway Wood: Titleist TSR2 Hybrid: Titleist TS3 Irons: PING Blueprint S (4&5), PING Blueprint T (6-PW) Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM7 50˚, 54˚, 60˚ Putter: Odyssey Triple Track Ten Ball: Titleist Pro V1X