Wind Play

[tejama]

I live very close to the ocean (the North Atlantic at that) and that makes for typically windy conditions. I also tend to hit the ball very high which naturally makes things pretty difficult for me in terms of controlling direction.

I'm now trying to alter my game to hit the ball on a lower trajectory and I'm looking for any tips or articles you guys can give.

[Burg]

My advice is to play the ball slightly back in your stance (center or a touch further back) and try to sweep the ball instead of hitting down. I would also recommend taking an extra club or two and swinging more with the arms as opposed to the full body because the harder you hit down on a ball, the higher it will usually go in the air.

You could also try to keep your hands in front of the ball for longer after contact and work on a short follow-through. This would lead to more of a punch-like swing which should keep the ball flight down.

[Spectrums]

Take a longer club with less loft and put the ball in the back of your stance.

I try to pin the ball into the ground with my iron shots and that keeps them low for me.

Finish shorter as well.

[JtotheD]

I play in the panhandle of texas, we get about 2 months of the year without wind (5-15 mph) the rest is 20-25 mph on average.

TIPS:

1. short follow through.....short follow through.......short follow through, even with driver.

2. play a knockdown type shot with minimal spin.

3. forget "STICKIN IT", just concentrate on trajectories and run.

4. For REAL windy conditions (25 mph+) never use below a 7-iron (8-sw).

say 7-iron typically goes 175.
When presented with a 120-130 yrd shot (with no trouble in front, & flat) use 3/4 7-iron and aim for 20-30 yrds in front of green. Wind up to 25 mph probably wont even affect it too much.

*Try different clubs at the range to see how far the knockdown shot will carry AND roll.*

This shot has helped tremendously in lower my scores by having this as sort of a go to shot in all types of conditions (wind, rain, trouble, when rattled, etc...). Good luck to ya

[Ben]

I'm now trying to alter my game to hit the ball on a lower trajectory and I'm looking for any tips...

You don't necessarily need to change your trajectory, although it is helpful to have a punch shot, if not for wind play, than at least getting yourself out of tree trouble.

Anyway, The course I work at has a windy season from November to March, I'm talking severe winds too, as much as 3 club differences. I've learned that the best way to play the wind is to use it, not fight it. Just suck up your ego and take extra club when hitting into the wind (and of course, less club when following).