Sean,
I hear you. The rough is awful this year but the ball is just about findable in most places. Left of 7, 8, right of 9 off the tee and left for second shot, way left of 12...all game over.
This year has been an exception at North Berwick due to an unusually wet and warm last 6 weeks or so. They definitely are taking the fairways in and I don't really care for a few of the poorly positioned new tees that none of us will ever use, that merely add to the bottom line yardage rather than any strategic improvement.
I have zero interest in playing in Medals....not that I ever have. One poor shot and round over.
The rough at Muirfield is as bad as ever and I'm not just talking about the deep stuff. The beauty of foursomes matchplay is walking ahead to have more chance of finding balls, score not mattering, and playing "East Lothian Rules". Drop laterally in the fairway, one shot penalty, you cant win the hole.
Simon