What is the area on a golf course that lies on either side of the fairway called?

The area on a golf course that lies on either side of the fairway is called the rough. This zone is characterized by longer grass and can be more challenging for golfers compared to the fairway, which is closely mowed to provide a better surface for hitting the ball. The rough serves as a transition area between the manicured fairway and the natural surroundings of the golf course, often leading to increased difficulty in play because the longer grass can impede the movement of the golf ball and make it harder to hit clean shots.

In contrast, the green refers to the area surrounding the hole where the grass is kept very short to facilitate putting. A sand trap, also known as a bunker, is an area filled with sand that can pose additional challenges to golfers. The tee box is the area where players start each hole, and it is typically a designated flat area that provides a good stance for the initial tee shot. Each of these other options represents specific areas found on a golf course, but the rough distinctly refers to the grass-covered area flanking the fairway.