The rough is usually grown to two levels - the short or light rough which is between one and two inches - and the long rough which can grow as high as the greenkeeper lets it.

Though a player is allowed to move grass aside while looking for his or her ball, he must replace it as it was when he or she plays the shot – even if it means the ball is hidden from view.

If it is necessary to pick the ball up to see if it is the correct ball it must be marked and replaced exactly as it was.