Good day golfers. Tim from Woodinville, who was watching the British Open this week, needs some tips about playing in the wind.
There are a few things to consider. First of all is the planning process. We all know that the ball will go farther than normal down wind and shorter than normal into the wind. When facing these situations, you must alter your club selection based on the strength of the wind.
The part that most players don’t think about is cross wind. You must decide if you want to play with the wind or against the wind. If you play with the wind (hitting a right to left shot when the wind is coming from right to left) the ball will travel slightly farther and have a tendency to roll once the ball hits the ground. If you play against the wind, it will act like a backstop and the ball won’t go as far.
Unless it is necessary, I always choose to play against the wind. This allows for more control of the ball and it will land softly without as much roll.
Now the technique. When playing in the wind, your set up and swing won’t change much unless you’re playing into the wind. Consider these elements.
First, you must place the ball farther back into the stance. This will de-loft the club and set you up to hit a shot with a lower trajectory. Second, take more club. Most players understand and make these changes when playing into the wind, but can have problems with one last step.
Most players will get set up correctly and when they make their swing, they really hit down on the ball to keep it low. This is actually the opposite of what you want to do. By hitting down on the ball which is farther back in your stance, the ball will be hit with an extreme descending blow imparting a high rate of backspin.
The backspin will cause the ball to rise very fast once the wind catches it. This is what is referred to “ballooning” the ball, which keeps it from going very far.
What you must do is make a three quarter swing that is shaped like a U, not a V. The sweeping motion by a U-shaped swing will keep the ball down and create that boring trajectory that will cut right through the wind.
Control is the key to playing in the wind. The wind will have less effect on a ball that is solidly struck. Next time you play in the wind, choose more club and make a controlled swing that allows you to make solid contact.
Keep those questions coming.
Tyrone Hardy is co-owner of Hardy Golf LLC and the Director of Golf at Ballinger Lake GC and Gleneagle GC. He can reached via e-mail at: tyroneh@ballingerlakegolf.com.
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