How might a player minimize the amount of grass trapped between the clubface and the ball when hitting from the rough?

Minimizing the amount of grass trapped between the clubface and the ball when hitting from the rough is primarily achieved through a steeper angle of approach. When a player adopts a steeper angle, the clubface can more effectively cut through the grass, creating less interference between the club and the ball. This technique helps to make cleaner contact, allowing for better control and more consistent ball flight, which is especially important in thicker lies where grass can easily impede performance.

In contrast, options such as a flatter swing path or lighter grip pressure may not address the issue of grass interference directly. A flatter swing path could result in glancing contact with the ball and increased chances of hitting more grass, while lighter grip pressure might not influence the angle of approach at all. Using a higher lofted club can assist in making cleaner contact, but it is not as directly related to the angle at which the club enters the grass. Thus, optimizing the angle of approach remains the most effective strategy.