learn how to play golf in windy conditions

5 tips for playing golf in windy conditions

• Loosen up your swing. Think you can beat the wind by simply hitting the ball harder? Think again. Swinging harder will...
• Hit under the wind. This might sound easier said than done, but with a simple adjustment to your ball position you might...
• Adjust your shots. Sometimes you just have to accept there’s a crosswind out on the...

Full Answer

What happens when you play golf in the wind?

A windy day is a new challenge and a chance to test our skills in a different way, but that doesn’t mean it’s not frustrating at the same time. When playing golf in the wind, there are a couple things you can do to improve your chances of scoring well.

Are You Ready to play golf in windy conditions?

Those days will be over! The only way to become educated in playing in windy conditions is to spend some time hitting golf shots in those conditions. The next time you are faced with a blustery day, find some time, and head to the practice range, and hit plenty of shots in the wind.

How do you hit a golf ball in the wind?

It’s possible to use a side wind to hit the ball farther too. If you’re standing on the tee with a right to left wind, aim right and hit a shot that moves right to left (a draw for a right-handed player). This will allow you to “ride” the wind for more distance rather than fight it.

Should you swing harder or harder in the wind?

That’ll throw off your timing and balance; two things you don’t want to sacrifice in windy conditions. A harder swing also increases your spin rate, which will either cause the ball to elevate too much or dramatically curve with the direction of the wind. The truth is, most people can’t beat a strong wind just by swinging harder.

How do you play golf when its windy?

To play good golf in the wind, you should consider hitting more lower-flighted shots; taking more club and swinging easier to reduce backspin on the ball; try to shape in ball into the wind to help it hold its line better; and have good control over the height of your ball.

How much wind is too windy for golf?

At what wind speed is golf unplayable? Frankly, even with what is said above, winds of 20 mph are going to be tough and demand exacting ball striking. As we move closer to 30 mph it becomes extremely difficult and beyond that will be next to unplayable.

Is it good to practice golf in the wind?

Swinging harder messes up your timing and swing mechanics for one. But perhaps even worse, the harder swing puts more spin on the ball. Balls that spin more in windy conditions are more out of control and go farther off line. Swing easier in windy conditions.

What wind speed makes golf difficult?

40 mph winds: Anything above 40 mph typically calls for a delay or postponement of the match. You may notice twigs breaking off branches and that it is quite difficult to walk against.

How do you play golf at 30 mph winds?

12:4818:58Golf In 30 MPH Winds!!! Can I survive Nine Holes?! | Bryan Bros GolfYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipDon't try to hit a hundred percent like today i don't think i've hit it drive more than 80 even thisMoreDon't try to hit a hundred percent like today i don't think i've hit it drive more than 80 even this one back here 80 85 tops even even downwind.

How much does a 20 mph wind affect a golf shot?

Calculating distance in the wind - Downwind 100-yard shot with a 10mph tailwind = 95 yards. 200-yard shot with a 10mph tailwind = 190 yards. 100-yard shot with a 20mph tailwind = 90 yards. 200-yard shot with a 20mph tailwind = 180 yards.

Is 15 mph considered windy?

So it's all about the sustained wind speed when we're talking about the difference between breezy and windy, not the gusts. Breezy is described as a sustained wind speed from 15-25 mph. Windy is a sustained wind speed from 20-30 mph.

How do you hit a driver in the wind?

How to Hit Driver Into the WindDrive the ball into the wind with a smooth, solid swing. ... Stay on balance during your swing when playing in windy conditions. ... Swing with a downward strike on the ball, as you would do when hitting an iron shot.More items...

How much does a 10 mph wind affect a golf shot?

In my research, I have found that a 10 MPH breeze will move your ball 1 club worth of distance in the direction it is blowing. That means that a 10 MPH breeze will move your ball 12 yards if that is the yardage you hit between clubs, 8 yards if that is the gap between clubs, etc.

How do you hit the ball low in the wind?

1:553:33How to play golf into the wind - How to hit a low golf shot - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipKeep the balance throughout the shot and visualize a little bit left of target to make sure that theMoreKeep the balance throughout the shot and visualize a little bit left of target to make sure that the ball is gonna go come out very low and then turn at the end a little bit to the. Right.

How do you compensate for wind in Ultimate golf?

7:0612:25Ultimate Golf - How to Adjust for Wind for Beginners! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipDirectly where i was aiming. It's gonna roll out nice with the top spin. And be right in the middleMoreDirectly where i was aiming. It's gonna roll out nice with the top spin. And be right in the middle of the fairway. So here we get it to land get it to bounce we get it to roll.

Is 20 mph winds strong?

Sustained wind speeds around 20 mph, or frequent gusts of 25 to 30 mph. " No Discernable Threat to Life and Property from High Wind." The sustain wind speeds are non-threatening; "breezy" conditions may still be present. Note: In "High Wind" conditions, small branches break off trees and loose objects are blown about.

The Nature of Wind

According to the National Geographic Society, “wind is the movement of air, caused by the uneven heating of the Earth by the sun and the Earth’s own rotation.”

At What Wind Speed is Golf Unplayable?

The wind speed chart created by the PGA tour will not answer this question. Golf becomes unplayable when the ball begins to move from a stationary position on the putting surface. There are two key variables combined with the wind speed that will make golf unplayable. The first variable is the speed of the putting greens.

Understanding Spin and Spin Loft

The most important concept to understand in playing strong wind is the effect of ball spin on the golf ball’s flight.

Playing in the Wind

With a clear understanding of spin loft, a golfer has a realistic chance of turning a stiff wind into a scoring ally! Yes, the wind can be your friend if you implement the following strategies on the golf course.

Against the Wind

There is no way around it. Playing against the wind is the enemy. Here is a simple question to set the tone for playing against the wind.

Practice Strategies for Taming the Wind

The only way to become educated in playing in windy conditions is to spend some time hitting golf shots in those conditions. The next time you are faced with a blustery day, find some time, and head to the practice range, and hit plenty of shots in the wind. The following is a ball striking practice plan that Tom Watson would be proud of:

How hard should you swing when golfing in the wind?

One of the most common misconceptions of playing golf in the wind is that in order to get your ball to pierce through the conditions, you must swing harder.

Compensating for wind in golf: How much club to take?

Figuring out which club to hit into a headwind or with a tailwind can be the difference between scoring a birdie or bogey.

How to keep your golf ball low with driver

Keeping your ball low and out of the wind off the tee with driver can be the difference between finding the fairway, or being blown out of bounds.

What is the best golf ball for windy conditions?

When playing golf in the wind, you want a ball that has low spin through the air, but still spins and checks when it lands on the green.

Final message

To play well in the wind, above all else you need exceptional control of your ball flight both off the tee and from the fairway, accompanied by good club selection.

How to get better at golf in wind?

This helps reduce the backspin on the ball and will help it fly into the breeze. By taking more club and swinging slowly , you will see much better results.

What is the importance of playing golf in the wind?

Much of playing golf in the wind is about patience and managing expectations. On a windy day, you need to strike the ball well as this will help the ball battle the wind, if you don’t it can be trouble, but that’s ok.

How fast does wind affect putting?

On fast greens, a wind speed of even 10mph can affect your ball on the putting surface. You should also change your set-up on windy days to maximise your performance. Widening your stance is a highly recommended adjustment as this gives you a more stable base and will prevent you from being moved by the wind.

What does it mean to keep the ball low?

Keeping the ball low means taking as much spin off of the ball as possible and that can only be achieved with a nice slow, smooth swing. Many golfers try to hit it harder in the wind, that’s the worst mistake you can make, in the breeze, swing with ease. 3. Tee the Ball Lower.

Why is it important to play percentage golf?

Too often, golfers try to play the hero shot or one that most of the time they just won’t pull off. In the wind it is especially important to play “percentage golf” and reduce risk as much as possible. By keeping your ball on the short stuff, playing tactically and strategically, you will end up with a better score. 1.

What is the hardest wind to play in?

In my opinion, a side wind is one of the hardest conditions to play in. Wind is never constant, it’s more often gusty and this is where it gets tough. When you’re playing into or down wind, you could be a few yards out in length and usually that’s ok.

What happens to shaped shots in the wind?

Many of you will know what happens to any sort of shaped shot in the wind, it becomes very amplified. This means that you have to consider your landing zone when you are hitting your shots, you really must play for where the space is. The biggest punishment that the wind can dish out is the lost ball, avoid that and your scores will benefit immediately.

How to keep the ball lower while playing?

This is a specific shot that keeps the ball lower by changing the location of the ball and changing up your swing. This shot will require some practice to get down as it resembles a chipping motion more than your typical full swing.

Why do golfers throw up grass?

Many golfers will throw up a piece of grass to get a good idea of the speed and direction the wind is headed.

What does it mean to club up or down?

The expression to ‘club up or down’ refers to changing the club you would typically use to a stronger or less powerful one depending on the specifics of your next shot. Using a more powerful club (moving to a lower number) is typically done with greater wind when you’ll need a bit more power than you usually would allow the ball to travel the same distance.

What is a par 5 hole?

These are the holes where you can consider playing it safer, especially in high winds. ‘Laying up’ is hitting the ball a shorter distance in order to keep control of the ball. While you may be able to play it further, you minimize the risk of errors related to wind.

Can you hit a golf ball without wind?

Letting the wind dictate where your ball goes can actually put you into more favorable positions that would be difficult to hit without the wind.

Is golf a mental game?

Golf is just as much of a mental game as it is physical. Adding additional frustrations such as wind can take you out of the game, wavering your confidence and calmness. These can largely impact future shots and ultimately lead to a worse score. To prevent this, you can take advantage of some strategies to use wind to your advantage and not let it get to your head.

Can you play into the wind?

While it is difficult to play into the wind, you may find yourself wanting to swing harder to make up for the shorter distance the ball will travel. We recommend clubbing up instead of changing your swing. For full shots, use the same power and force as you normally would if the wind were not there. This leads to overall greater consistency in your playing.