Playing Great Golf in the Wind

We had some brutal conditions at the Ballantine’s Championship. Man, it was so windy there were times when I thought I was playing golf on a Scottish links! In some ways it suited me, because I’ve always been able to adapt my game to tough conditions. It’s one of the reasons I’ve done so well in the British Open. You have to make adjustments or your score simply gets blown away on the wind. Here are a few of my own key thoughts.

The wind can cause you to swing harder and faster, almost without you noticing, so make a conscious effort to maintain your natural rhythm.

Don’t take the same clubs as you do normally and try to hit it harder; take more club and swing it better. Three-quarter shots are very effective.

Keep your pitch shots down; often a little half-shot with an 8- or 9-iron works better than a fuller shot with a wedge.

Strong winds affect putts, so make allowances. Maybe widen your stance, too. It’ll help you remain steady in the stroke.

Stay patient! Wind makes a tough game even tougher and it’s the golfers who keep their heads who tend to score best.

Click for Swing Tip archive