I’m writing you from my Vegas, indoor office today. Typically, being a golf pro, my office is outside! However, today it’s crazy windy. Most of my students prefer to reschedule their golf lesson when it’s windy. And honestly, I prefer it too, because I want them to have a fantastic experience. Plus, if we wanted to work on distance that day and hitting into 40 or 5o mph winds, we will not be accomplishing our goal!
However, I highly recommend at least practicing during a windy day. That way you will feel a little more confident on the course during those days when you do battle the elements. I learned a lot about playing in the wind when I lived and taught at Kapalua in Maui. Those Trade-winds were rough! However, makes for a fun round too! I have hit some extremely long drives, but then also hit some extremely short ones too! Many people have a tendency to swing faster than their normal swing during windy conditions. Even during a non-windy day, we all know that’s a train wreck right there, trying to swing faster! Good, easy tempo is key. Yes, the ole saying “Swing easy when it’s breezy” is one to use. Don’t try and swing harder and faster just because it’s windy.
First determine the direction of the wind, into or downwind. To do so, pick some grass and throw it in the air. You always see the tour players and their caddies do it, so, you should too! But also, look up toward the tops of the trees and see if they are moving around. Sometimes, you can toss some grass and it doesn’t move, but if you look up, those trees could be moving around quite a bit. Always look at the flag stick too! See what direction that’s moving, if it is. And again, look at the tops of the trees around the green. Once the ball gets above the tree line, the ball could be hitting a wall of wind!
Once you have determined the direction, then determine your club selection. For ever 10mph of wind, use one extra or less club. So, if you typically play a 7 iron at 130 yards and you are hitting into a 20 mph wind, use 2 extra clubs. So, pull out a 5 iron or one of your hybrids. If it’s downwind, then use a 9 iron. It’s not unusual to use 4 or even 5 extra clubs if you are hitting into some big gusts. If the wind is moving sideways, then change your alignment to hit into the opposite direction and let the wind move the ball in that direction. Keep in mind, the more sidespin you have on your ball, slicer or hooker, the more the wind will take over. So, you must adjust.
When hitting the ball down wind, I recommend having your nice easy tempo swing, with the correct club selection. If you are using a driver, then “tee it up high and let it fly!” If into the wind with a driver, then tee slightly lower than normal. If hitting into the wind, then hit a knock down shot, by intentionally keeping the ball on a lower, flatter trajectory. I recommend practicing these shots on a regular basis, even without wind. By practicing these, you will be a better ball striker and help you to keep the handle (grip) forward through impact. So, determine your club then play the ball back slightly, swing through be having your hands more forward through impact, or in front of the clubhead and have a low finish, like a chip shot. And ALWAYS in balance. I like to have my students imagine as if they have tree branches in front of them and need to knock the ball out under the branches, without a high finish.
So, next time it’s windy, hit the range and have some fun with it, use different clubs, aim for different targets and hit some knockdowns. By using these simple steps and applying them on the practice range first, you will now be prepared and have more confidence on the course. And more confidence equals playing better and having more fun!