“A more conservative approach to setups, for example, with lower rough or hole locations six steps away from the (green’s) edge rather than four."

In the August 16th Golfweek, Jim Achenbach presents a Q&A analysis of the USGA/R&A groove rule change. On the question of dissenters who question the ruling, Achenbach offers this:

Tom Wishon, founder of Tom Wishon Golf Techology, questioned the effect on big hitters. "The bomb and gougers are still going to spin it more out of the rough," he said. If the goal is to increase the penalty for being in the rough, this isn't going to do it. Two to 2 1/2 inch rough is nothing to a guy who can swing an iron at 90 to 95 m.p.h."

In the same issue and also online, Bradley Klein talks to Rees Jones (he's elated rough will be rough), Tom Fazio (as usual, has no insights) and Mike Davis about the impact of the rule change:

One thing that may change is the severity of course setups. Mike Davis, USGA senior director for rules and competitions, anticipates that in the face of the new rule, national championships probably would consider “a more conservative approach to setups, for example, with lower rough or hole locations six steps away from the (green’s) edge rather than four,” he said.