I have actually had some of my best success when it blows very hard because it makes me focus on rhythm and pace more than anything else. I never try to overpower the ball when it is windy because more speed equals more spin which is bad in the wind.
I think most players swing to hard into the wind AND downwind which gets them of their game. I use the less is more philosophy when playing in the wind. Less effort into the wind with less loft. Use more loft downwind with the same effort and you will see better results.
I have actually had some of my best success when it blows very hard because it makes me focus on rhythm and pace more than anything else. I never try to overpower the ball when it is windy because more speed equals more spin which is bad in the wind.
I think most players swing to hard into the wind AND downwind which gets them of their game. I use the less is more philosophy when playing in the wind. Less effort into the wind with less loft. Use more loft downwind with the same effort and you will see better results.
Our friends on the Emerald Isle are experts at this. Hey, where are the Irish guys........St Patricks day was almost three weeks ago!
Hogan it is said would knock down his shots when hitting into the wind or down wind. Seve used to take three clubs too many and swing easy.
Very interesting, I'll give it a try asap!
From your description I assume this will put a draw spin on the ball: Won't that make it roll more when it touches the green?
Why not using the fade version of this shot? A low punched cut? I should stick a lot better?
However, if you really hit TRUE pull shots (ball going left with no sidespin) with 10-5-C (closed stance) why not using a less lofted club with 10-5-A (square) ?
For ME, it is key not to overdo the closed clubface. The more left the face looks the more likely you are to put hook spin on it, and the tougher it is to come completely over the top of it. I believe this is the logic behind closed faced drivers. I am a bit obsessive about seeing the straight plane line. I do not pull the trigger until I can "see" it (OK I do on occassion but it ain't pretty) To have little or no sidespin (which is desirable into the wind) I focus on the leading edge of the club and then construct a line perpindicular to it i.e. my plane line. I then do my best to trace that line. It results in a lower pull shot...which I am aiming for. Yes, you absolutely can just hit it straight with a less lofted club, no doubt. I sheepishly have to admit to you that the OTT "feel" is easy to repeat. Of course I am not OTT of the plane line. Is is just something I figured out a while back. I do not yet and perhaps never will acquire the skill to amp down lag pressure on full golf shots...when it counts. Like Golfnome said most people hit it too hard up and downwind. The pull allows me to hit it hard and low. I do not think I play one round of golf without hitting at least 6 pully wind shots.
I have actually had some of my best success when it blows very hard because it makes me focus on rhythm and pace more than anything else. I never try to overpower the ball when it is windy because more speed equals more spin which is bad in the wind.
I think most players swing to hard into the wind AND downwind which gets them of their game. I use the less is more philosophy when playing in the wind. Less effort into the wind with less loft. Use more loft downwind with the same effort and you will see better results.
I agree totally, this past Sunday I shot a UnoCal (76) (gas station chain in Calif) with the wind blowing 25 mph on a course with a slope of 130 using the approach golfgnome mentions.
I lower my ballstriking expectations. I don't expect to hit 14 greens and shoot around par if my putter is hot or not. Instead, I start to accept the fact that I'll probably hit something like 9 greens and I'll have to make up for it with good chipping putting. Try and keep stuff out of major troubles and let the short game do its job. That and realize you'll have to hit a lot of half shots. Half shots into the wind, half shots with the wind.
And as they say in FLA, 'when it's breezy, swing easy.'
Here is a favourite approach shot of mine when its really howling .....three club wind or so.
I use a stance and swing exactly like a super smooth 3/4 sand wedge shot......but with way more club than normal. So narrow stance, no release swivel, short ish back and through, a sweeping smooth easy tempo and a 5 iron or 6 iron or whatever will get me the required distance at such a light lag pressure. The ball comes out dead, with hardly any spin and just cuts through the wind.
I visualize the shot as if it is a 75 yard wedge shot despite the club in my hand or the distance Im going.
Its a great shot on par 3's. Your friends who try and fight the wind may call you by your wifes name for bit but you can often point who is closest to the pin.
Our friends on the Emerald Isle are experts at this. Hey, where are the Irish guys........St Patricks day was almost three weeks ago!
Hogan it is said would knock down his shots when hitting into the wind or down wind. Seve used to take three clubs too many and swing easy.
OB
Some advice from Ireland where it is always windy:
1) Play the longest club possible - This keeps spin down
2) Keep your chest on top of shot to keep it low
3) Never hit a short iron 100% - Aim for 75% max
4) Don't get too handsy - Good pivot is key - Its easy too get way too much handsy in wind
5) Weight on left to keep ball down
6) Remember your acquired motion
7) Keep patient!
__________________ Reverse every natural instinct and do the opposite of what you are inclined to do, and you will probably come very close to having a perfect golf swing.
Some advice from Ireland where it is always windy:
1) Play the longest club possible - This keeps spin down
2) Keep your chest on top of shot to keep it low
3) Never hit a short iron 100% - Aim for 75% max
4) Don't get too handsy - Good pivot is key - Its easy too get way too much handsy in wind
5) Weight on left to keep ball down
6) Remember your acquired motion
7) Keep patient!
Great notes Sean. Thanks.
"Play the longest club possible". I love that advice. The guys who have it the other way around are great to play a match against when in strong winds.
Number 4 reminds me of Hogan's "arm shot". As in "Im going to arm me a little 7 iron". We TGM enthusiasts can also note that he didnt Swivel back onto the inclined plane at Finish and employed an Angled Hinge Action. No doubt leaving him with its associated "no roll" feel in the hands. One man's "arm shot" is another man's "no roll" sensation in the hands. Wind or no wind this is a good shot to have in the arsenal.
Linear Mode
