Editor's note: Each Monday, a top PGA Professional will analyze the week's PGA TOUR event and explain what lessons you can learn from that week's top performers.
Windy conditions are an element most golfers will encounter at some point. If you live on the coast, you're likely to experience these challenging conditions more often than others.
This past week, we witnessed a great exhibition of those skills by the 2007 Merecedes-Benz Championship winner -- Vijay Singh. His masterful approach to taking "shot by shot" and not letting the wind affect his game plan, should be admired by all golfers.
All of the advanced players that I instruct and coach have a systemic approach to hitting these types of shots. I'd like to share those with you because a player of any skill level can adapt them according to the conditions they encounter.
First off, let me say that windy conditions can create an internal mental chaos that takes you out of your comfort level. With the wind blowing and gusting around your body, you can -- on a subconscious level -- be thrown off your normal, natural rhythm. So what does that mean? Well, most importantly it affects the speed of your swing. Usually you can't get it over fast enough. Most players make hasty decisions, get out of their routine, and execute the shot quickly. An experienced player is aware of these circumstances and is prepared to counter that instinct. The best approach you can take is to be slightly more deliberate in your shot selection, take a few more practice swings, and go through your normal routine. So, your first task is to settle your mind and body. Relax and be committed to the present shot.
Now for a few other technical considerations:
SWING SPEED -- This is without question one of the most defining parts of your skill set. It is common reaction to choose the club you need for a given shot and crank up the swing speed - mostly because you're trying to force the ball to go in a particular direction. This is mistake no. 1 -- and please, don't fall into this habit. It is such a fatal slip-up, and many rounds have been derailed due to this very factor. What's the best approach? Use a slower swing speed than normal. Why? Because increased speed puts more spin on the ball. The result: More spin, more ball height. When the ball is flying higher in windy conditions, it's too difficult to predict the outcome. So, take a few more practice swings and with make an effort to swing slower.
POSTURE -- Windy conditions will affect your stability as you swing. Be certain that you take a slightly wider stance with bit more knee flex. This will create the structure you need to deliver power and accuracy for all your shots.
BALANCE -- This is a key issue for producing consistent, solid contact. Many times you will be dealing with cross winds when hitting tee shots and approach shots. Establish a base that is balanced in the middle of your feet (under your shoe laces -- more specifically the instep of your foot). Your goal is to maintain that type of balance throughout the swing -- back and through. Many times you will feel the wind pushing you either forward or backward. Stabilize with the proper POSTURE and use the following advice:
"Quick Tip" -- If the wind is gusting and moving you forward toward the ball -- move your feet two inches forward. This will heel weight you more and give you better stability.
If the wind is blowing you backward - move your feet two inches back. This will put more weight on the front half of your feet (toe weighted) - and your balance will improve.
SHORTEN THE LENGTH OF YOUR SWING -- This is once again one of the fundamental elements for successful shots in adverse conditions. The "stinger" shot made famous by Tiger Woods defines this skill perfectly. To gain better ball flight control -- which in the end leads to better distance control -- you need to make a more abbreviated swing. A simple thought process is to think you're hitting a ? type shot. This means that the distance your arms travel in both the backswing and follow-through needs to be shortened. Now here's the extra secret: When you shorten the length of your swing you also want to reduce the amount of wrist hinge you use. By doing this you will decrease the clubhead angle of descent into the ball -- and the end result is a flatter, lower ball flight.
BALL POSITION -- To further control the flight characteristics of your shot - position the ball more toward the center of your stance. This will allow you to trap the ball and assist you in producing lower ball flights.
USE MORE CLUB -- A common error among amateur players is in club selection. Be certain that you assess each shot and have an accurate distance for your approach shots. It is standard procedure to take 1 more club for every 10 mph increase of wind speed that is coming directly into you. Take the same formula in an opposite format for wind conditions that are Downwind. For example if you typically hit an 7 iron 150 yards in normal, calm conditions and today there is a 10 mph wind speed - you need to hit a 6 iron when you're into the wind, and an 8 iron when you're downwind.
And finally, be aware of how cross-wind patterns can affect the distance of your shots. If for instance you generally hit a fade/slice -- the ball will travel further when the wind is blowing from left to right. If however the wind is gusting from right to left -- that same shot will travel a shorter distance. The same is true for a player that hits a draw/hook shot, but obviously, reversing sides. The ball will travel further with a right to left wind and shorter with a left to right. This knowledge can play into your strategy on a particular hole. Sometimes you're trying to ride the breeze into the hole, while other times you want the ball to hold up into the wind.
Good luck and flight the ball down for success in the wind!
Ted Kiegiel is the PGA Head Professional at Carolina Country Club in Raleigh, N.C. and has been a featured guest and writer for numerous golf media organizations. He is a Master Staff member of Callaway Golf. Among his many students are Webb Simpson, the country's #1 ranked amateur player and the LPGA's Lee Ann Walker-Cooper. Kiegiel has worked at Augusta National Golf Club and The Country Club in Brookline prior to his current position.
