ost amateur golfers I know hate playing in the wind
. And I am no exception. So we searched for some golfing tips online on how to play better under crummy conditions.
Chuck Evans, a Golf Magazine Top 100 Teacher, shared some excellent golfing tips in a recent article on The Golf Channel. Specifically: how to control your golf ball in the wind.
Here are his tips:
1. Take more club: Obviously your golf ball isn't going to go as far with your usual club when hitting into the wind. But down wind you could take a smaller club and get the same distance.
2. Make sure to swing easier: The harder you try and hit your golf ball the more spin results. And, of course, the more spin the more the wind affects the shot.
3. Take a wider stance: A blowing wind moves you around and affects your balance. By widening your stance, you lower your center of gravity and maintain a solid base on the ground.
4. Shorten your stroke: The longer your backstroke the more chance you have of over swinging. Which, in turn, creates balance problems. By keeping the backstroke shorter, you'll have more control.
5. Let your golf ball "ride the wind": Now not everyone agrees with this idea. Some players like to try and "work" the ball into the wind, which straightens out the flight. But almost all great wind players let the ball ride the wind. If it's blowing right to left then they will hit a shot that goes in the direction of the wind.
6. Take a wider stance for putting: Most European players use a much wider stance for putting then do their US counterparts. It creates a more solid foundation and steadies their stroke.
The next time you're playing in windy conditions use these tips. Your game and score will benefit even if it's blowing like a tornado out there on the links.