Online Golf Tips Blog

Does the wind ever give you fits. Watching a well struck shot move way off line as it sails through the air puts a knot in my stomach, how about you?

The key to playing well in windy conditions is to make the proper adjustments, something we discussed in a prior article, and to make solid contact. The wind exaggerates even the slightest miss hit.

However when it is windy even a perfectly struck golf ball will not arrive at its intended destination if the player failed to judge the wind correctly. It is vital under these conditions to know how much wind and from what direction for the player to know how much club to use as well as determine how much draw or fade is required.

Understanding how to assess the clues from your environment becomes an important skill for the serious golfer. Double D, my partner says,”This is not an exact science but rather more of a judgment call. The player needs to hone his wind reading skills over time through practice and on course experience.”

There are multiple clues available to the savvy golfer needs almost everywhere you look on the typical golf course. Trees, water, and flags are just a few of elements of a golf course that help you diagnose the wind factors. You will need to know what to look for and discern what information is being offered.

Here are some of the clues Double D uses to judge wind speed and direction:

Objects on the ground moving? Leafs, litter, etc
Trees - check how far down the tree the limbs are moving.
Clothing - hats, pants & shirt show movement caused by the wind
Skin - feel it on exposed skin and hair.
Long grass - will move in the lightest wind.
Water - check the ripples to learn direction.
Flag - wind at the green?
Grass toss or a sample size baby powder.

Now that you know where to look and what to study to observe the effects of the wind, what are some guidelines to help you determine just how much wind is involved? That is the real key to choosing the right club and selecting the right shot shape.

Use the evidence gathered from these clues to help you choose the right club and the right shot shape to master the those windy days. There is no reason you shouldn’t be able to beat the wind and score as you normally would despite the wind.

I’ll bet you’ll find there will be a lot fewer knots in your stomach too.

Find your trouble shots instruction here: Golf Swing Improvement

Wayne Hudler is an avid golfer of over 30 years and golf writer. He writes reviews of golf improvement products sharing his opinion and experience.

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