Breaking wind

[Fromtherough]

I played a casual round yesterday with a few friends at a course I'd never played before. The course is situated in a valley and the weather appeared calm. However, as soon as the ball was in the air it transpired the wind was anything but calm. It was swirling massively with many shots coming up short, others being pushed left and some going long. Now normally I would take full responsibility for such inconsistencies. But this was happening every time I played with a short iron to be solely down to my bad play.

The usual trick (or so I've seen on tv...) of throwing up some grass didn't give you an idea of wind strength or direction as the wind only kicked in once the ball was relatively high. The swirling nature of it appeared to mean that it was impossible to judge and then compensate for it and felt like it would be pot luck where many of my scoring short iron shots would land. Even more than usual!


Anyone experienced this and have any tips on how to overcome it? It's fair to say my round was ruined yesterday by my inability to read the conditions which changed hole by hole.

 

[CMAC]

Played last night and it was a very strong wind, you either have to 'punch' the shots lower under the wind or take 1 or 2 more clubs and swing easier to reduce the spin, its the spin against a wind that 'rockets' the ball upwards, as an example I had 150yds into the teeth of it and tried to smash a 6 iron, it went into orbit and came up 20 yds short! Extra club and easier swing from then on ensured normal service.

 

[Khamelion]

I generally try to look at the flags to give me some idea of what the wind is doing. Gets bit confusing though when the flag from the green you've just come off is blowing in one direction and the flag you're looking at on teh par three green ahead of you is blowing in the opposite direction.

Not really sure what you can do if the wind gives no indication of direction or strength at ground level, perhaps just try to play punch shots and keep the ball low.

 

[Khamelion]

you either have to 'punch' the shots lower under the wind or take 1 or 2 more clubs and swing easier to reduce the spin

As Darth says. tee it low and keep it slow

 

[Robobum]

If you are playing in valleys or trees then you need to try to get the general wind direction before you start out (mark it on the course planner or map on the card)

Punching or swinging easy is perfect for certain shots but you may also want to use the wind to (for example) get close to a tight pin. Smashing a shorter club hard and having it stall in the wind and drop vertically may be ideal in the situation.

All dependant on shot in hand and situation faced.

 

[Imurg]

Sometimes it's just Rub of the Green
I remember watching Seve at the Oxfordshire playing in the B&H years ago.
The 8th hole has agreen that runs out into a lake on a peninsula.
A few of us were sat under the tree that's next to the lake and it was a pretty calm day.
Just as Seve started his backswing, a gust blew straight over us and towards him about 129 yards away.
AS soon as I felt the breeze I said to my companions that Seve's shot was going in the drink.
Sure enough, the gust caught the ball and stalled it, dropping about 5 yards short of the carry.

It happens and often there's not a lot you can do about it. Wind swirls around trees and copses, a larger wood can make even more difference and it can feel like the wind is coming from a completely different direction.

 

[chris661]

Use your putter

Being serious though as others have said take more club and swing a bit slower/smoother. Or join a links course and ejoy the pleasures all year round

 

[Foxholer]

If it's a tree-lined course, I look at what the tops of the trees are doing - and how much.

Swirling breezes are the hardest to allow for. The flag may help, but may give a false impression too.

Better to ply 'percentage' shot confidently than one that requires your guesses to be correct imo.

The joys of Golf!

 

[sawtooth]

Yes I do sometimes, normally on the top of the backswing. Very embarrassing.

 

[Stuey01]

Yes I do sometimes, normally on the top of the backswing. Very embarrassing.

Gives you a few extra yards though eh?

 

[Lump]

Only time I've really felt swirling winds was at the vale of llangollen.
You'd feel it on your back as you're lining your shot up and as soon as you've struck the ball its in your face and off the right side, very odd and made for some big miss's.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

It is tricky. Reminiscent of the par 3's at Augusta where the trees hide the wind. Not sure there is much you can do although I like the idea of noting the prevailing wind on a scorecard.