Unfortunately, the British climate means that it will be unlikely that you spend much time playing golf in ideal conditions, and you will more than likely be battling the elements such as wind and rain. But, that doesn’t mean you have to pack up your kit and go home. Instead, you just need to master how to play in these conditions, and even use them to your advantage! Cash Fore Clubs are here to help with our handy guide on how to play golf in the wind.
What is classed as ’windy’ when playing golf?
In order to learn how to play golf in windy conditions, you first need to know what counts as ‘windy’. Typically, wind speed of more than 20 mph is considered ‘windy’ when playing golf. That might seem like a lot, but after following the tips in this guide (and practise – of course), you should be able to smoothly navigate the course with relative ease.
Once the wind hits 30 mph, it’s unlikely that beginners or even intermediates will have much success at achieving a decent score, and if the wind speeds hit 40 mph plus, it’s probably a good idea to retire your clubs for the day. It’s safer (and warmer) in the clubhouse.
How to play golf in windy conditions
While you might think that the best way to play through the wind is by hitting the ball harder, that is – in fact – the opposite of what you should be doing. But, have no fear – here are our tips for how to play in the wind!
Slow down
If you’ve been playing golf for a while, you have probably heard the saying “when it’s breezy, swing easy”. And there’s a reason that this phrase is thrown around.
You should dial back your swing to around 75% to 80% of your usual speed. If you hit the ball at full speed, you are likely to see it soaring high up into the air, only to veer off-course, far away from where you wanted it to go. So, take a deep breath, slow it down, and keep control over your swing. That way, you’ll have a better chance of keeping that ball on track and hitting your intended target.
Remember, lower scores come from hitting the greens. Instead of trying to hit the ball as fast and as far as possible, aim to land your shots on the greens consistently. This will improve your chances of getting lower scores overall.
Consider the direction of the wind
It may seem obvious, but it is often overlooked, especially if you panic at the thought of playing in the wind. Think about where the wind is coming from, and use this to influence your shot. For example, if you’re facing a left-to-right wind, then adjust your aim to the left a bit more than your usual approach.
Embrace the wind; you can’t beat it, but you can master how to play with it. When you find yourself playing against the wind, keep in mind that any substantial breeze will magnify any misses you make. So, stay focused, make those adjustments, and let the wind help you, rather than hinder you.
Keep calm
If you’re relatively new to the game, your first response might be to panic if you notice that it is windier than usual. However, most golfers know that, when playing in the wind, it is as much about patience as it is skill. Sure, you might end up with a few bogies, but that’s absolutely fine. Let’s face it, not many golfers can pull off a flawless round in windy weather, so make sure you’re managing your expectations. Stay positive, stay focused, and remember that every shot is an opportunity to learn and improve.
Pay attention to your club selection
Since you’ll be swinging with a gentler pace, it’s a good idea to ‘club-up’, using a longer club. This will help you gain better control over your shots. Keep in mind that many of us tend to think we can hit the ball farther than we actually can, so it’s important to be realistic about your abilities.
Play the ball further back
When playing golf in windy conditions, consider playing the ball about an inch further back in your stance. By positioning the ball back from your usual position, you can achieve a more penetrating ball flight. This lower trajectory will help the ball cut through the wind with less resistance, giving you better control over your shots and reducing the impact of strong gusts. Just remember to adjust your aim accordingly to accommodate the new ball position.
How Cash Fore Clubs can help
Every golfer, regardless of level, can struggle when playing golf in the wind. The ones who accept that they have to change their approach and try to play with the wind, rather than against it, will score better.
At Cash Fore Clubs, we offer a range of different golf clubs for sale, both new and second hand, so you have more clubs at your disposal when it comes to weathering those windy conditions.
As well as this, we offer lessons at our Chippenham store, so we can teach you sometips and tricks to improve your game, regardless of the weather! Contact us today to discuss your requirements and find out how we can help you!
