Playing golf can be tricky at the best of times but the weather conditions add a whole new dimension to a round of golf.
Depending on where you play, you may find the wind can be a real nuisance on the golf course. If you play on the coast for example, chances are there is going to be at least a breeze and on other days, this could change into a strong wind.
Playing in wind can be tough but today we have some great tips which will help you when playing golf in windy conditions.
When the wind is blowing, especially against you, the tendency is to try and swing the club harder to compensate for the loss of distance you are anticipating. Swinging the club harder and faster is the last thing you should be doing in the wind.
Trying to hit the ball harder usually results in mistakes and the wind will only make these mistakes worse. If you hit the ball harder, it will fly higher and this means the wind can take a firmer grip of the ball and drag it off course more easily.
Instead of hitting the ball harder into the wind, think about making a more controlled, smooth swing at about 80%. This will take some spin and height off the shot, which will mean the wind has less impact on the ball.
When playing into the wind, try taking an extra club to what you would in calm conditions and grip down on it. This will help to stiffen the shaft and give the club more control. You can also move the ball back in your stance, which will help in hitting down on the ball. If you can keep a bit of weight on the front foot, this will help to keep your hands ahead of the ball at impact. All these elements combined will help in keeping the ball low and out of the strong wind.
Judging the direction of the wind can be difficult and you may see players throwing up some grass to try and get a judgement. However, the best thing you can do is look at the trees. Which way are they blowing at the top? This will give you a good indication as to how the wind is behaving at the sort of height your ball will be travelling. You can also use the flag to get an idea of wind direction, if there are no trees around you.
Don’t forget, the wind is not always a bad thing and sometimes you can use it to your advantage. If you are playing a hole with a dogleg left and the wind is blowing from right to left, why not allow for the wind to help push your ball around the corner? The wind could be blowing from behind you, down the fairway of a long par-5. This could be a great opportunity for you to hit the ball long and attempt to get on the green in two.
The wind is not always your enemy, so think about ways you can use it to your advantage. However, on very windy days, it is best not to risk anything and use the tips above to keep control of your ball.
Recent Comments