One of the biggest challenges golfers face is playing on a windy course, as it can significantly affect ball flight and requires adapting and making smart decisions to get good results on every shot.
In this article, we’ll explore some key strategies for dealing with the wind on the golf course and improving your game.
The strategy to play golf with wind
Hits and Effects
Mastering spin shots is a crucial skill for any golfer who wants to hit the wind successfully. Here, we highlight two important effects:
The fade effect is used when the wind blows from right to left. To play this shot, the golfer hits the ball so that it takes a curved path from left to right. This spin helps counteract the influence of the crosswind and keep the ball on a straighter line towards the target.
On the other hand, the draw effect is used when the wind blows from left to right. To achieve this, the player must hit the ball so that it takes a curved path from right to left. The draw allows you to better control the flight of the ball and prevent the wind from deflecting it too much.
Clubs Typology
The proper choice of clubs is essential when facing the wind in golf. Here are some recommendations:
- Downwind: It is advisable to use a shorter club than normal and with more loft.
- Headwind: It is suggested to play with a longer club than normal and grip it a little lower than usual for better control.
- Lateral and Cross Wind: It is advisable to play as if the wind was blowing against you, but adapting the direction of the blow depending on where the wind is going.
Wind Detection and its Force
Correctly identifying the direction and strength of the wind is essential to adjust our game strategy. Here are some tips to do it:
- Observe the Wind: Before each blow, we must look at the flags, the leaves of the trees and any other element that indicates the direction of the wind.
- Check Continually: The wind can change as we move across the course, so it is essential to check its direction and strength before each shot.
- Grass Test: A traditional technique is to tear up some grass and throw it into the air. This way, we can observe how the wind affects its trajectory and adjust our stroke accordingly.
Playing golf on a windy course can be an exciting challenge for golfers. Mastering the strategies to hit with spin, selecting the right clubs and correctly detecting the direction and force of the wind, will allow us to improve our performance in each shot. Remember that practice and experience are key to honing these skills.
If you are looking to enjoy an unbeatable golf experience, we invite you to visit the Chaparral Golf Club, located in a natural environment just 20 minutes from Marbella. Our golf course offers a unique challenge for golfers of all levels and has first class facilities.
Come and enjoy golf surrounded by nature!
