How To Cope With Different Wind Directions While Playing The Golf Links- Finding The Fairway

Hello Golfer,

Benign coastal conditions are rare to get and in the game of golf, stiff breezes will test your control of the ball on all areas of the course. There, coping with different wind directions and knowing when to attack are crucial skills from the tee. How do we combat this? You might ask....Well, let's start with the downwind.

Downwind

In this situation, you make a full and athletic backswing, ensuring that your left shoulder moves underneath your chin. In this position, 65% of your weight should be located on your right side. Through impact, ensure that your head and hands remain behind the ball - this will fractionally increase your launch angle in your favour. It is however still important that your weight shifts from right to left through the ball.

Then, release your arms powerfully after impact and swing through to a full finish position, maintaining your balance. Concentrating on making a full finish will help you commit to this aggressive tee shot and launch it long.

Into The Wind

In these condition, many players look to hit the ball harder - but a fast swing costs control. Tee the ball lower and make a three-quarter backswing. Your weight should be split evenly in this position. Now when your arms return for the strike, your head and hands should be directly over the ball. This prevents extra loft from being added at impact and gives a flatter and more controllable ball flight. Feel your weight moving onto your left side.

As your weight moves towards the target, make a restricted follow through to help reduce the backspin generated on the ball at impact. The ball should pierce through the wind on a far lower trajectory than usual.

Crosswinds - Left To Right


Left to right crosswinds are regarded as the most difficult to conquer or master. As the wind gusts across your body, preventing a wild slice from ruining your card is your only consideration. Leave your driver in the bag and go for a 3 wood. Before taking hold of the club, turn the top of the grip so the face aims to the left edge of the fairway. Make a normal swing and the right to left spin imparted at impact will hold the ball on line in the wind.

Crosswinds - Right To Left

When the wind blows from right to left, make a practice swing concentrating on extending your right arm powerfully through the ball. Imagine that you are driving the clubhead away from your body as far as possible after impact.

Happy Golfing

Chijioke Onwunle

P.S. - Get a good golf instructor and read good golf books. You can't teach yourself golf. Read and practice what you have read under your tutor.Knowledge is power