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Course Strategy - Playing in the Wind
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In my career I have spent time working in Sandwich, Kent (near Royal St Georges), and in Port Elizabeth in SA. Both areas produce their fair share of wind to say the least. Here's a few suggestions that I have learnt along the way to help combate this specific element. |
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1. Into the wind |
The natural tendency is to hit the ball harder. However the harder you hit it the more spin you put on the ball. If the clubface is square the ball will go higher and shorter. If it's not, the sidespin will be exaggerated, turning a fade into a slice or a draw into a hook. There's an old scottish saying, "Into the breeze swing with ease".
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2. Downwind |
Take a 3 wood off the tee. It will go higher, ride the wind and therefore go further. The wind will often 'knock down' a ball, giving it top spin (the opposite affect of into the wind), so get it up higher to start with.
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3. Hitting it lower |
Shifting more weight onto your front foot will tilt your spine towards the target. This creates a steeper angle into the ball and delofts the club, which will send the initial trajectory lower. Make sure that you "swing with ease" otherwise the ball will balloon up with increased spin.
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4. Putting |
In high winds, often the most difficult area is putting. Maintaining your balance during the stroke is vitally important. Take a wider stance to help keep your body still against the force of the wind. Do not underestimate the effect that the wind will have on the ball once it's rolling. Often you have to 'read the wind' rather than the slope as it may affect it more.
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5. Attitude |
As always in tough conditions, a great attitude will go a long way. Half of the field will whinge their way out of contention. Get your head down and guts it out. Your score won't look so bad at the end of the day when compared to others. |
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