Playing in the Wind
Also known as: hitting into the wind, hit into a headwind, headwind shot, hitting downwind, crosswind shot, windy conditions, golf in the wind
Into the wind, take more club and swing smoothly to keep the ball lower with normal spin. A headwind costs more distance than an equal tailwind adds. Downwind, expect the ball to fly farther and stop less, and in a crosswind aim off and let the wind bring the ball back.
Wind changes both distance and curve. A headwind adds lift and drag. The ball climbs, stalls and falls short, and any sidespin curves more. A tailwind carries the ball farther but flattens its descent, so it rolls more after landing. The effects are not equal. GOLF.com reported that a tour drive carrying 300 yards in calm air carries about 259 yards into a 20 mph headwind and about 333 with the same tailwind.
Into the wind, many coaches teach to take one or more extra clubs and swing at a smooth, controlled pace. The saying is 'when it's breezy, swing easy.' Swinging harder adds spin, and spin makes the ball climb more. Play the ball slightly back, choke down a little and finish lower to keep the flight down. Downwind, a higher launch helps the ball ride the wind, but spin does less to stop it. Land the ball shorter and allow for roll.
In a crosswind, the simplest plan is to aim into the wind and let it bring the ball back. Skilled players sometimes curve the ball into the wind to hold it straight. Low shots are affected less than high ones. Check the wind at the treetops and flag, not only where you stand, because the ground can shelter you. On the green, a wider stance helps you stay steady over putts.
Tips by skill level
Into the wind, take one more club than normal and make your usual smooth swing. It is simpler than trying to hit a special low shot.
Lower-spinning, lower-launching shots lose the least to wind. Practice a knock-down that you can hit with one or two extra clubs for windy days.
Example
Facing a strong headwind on a 150-yard par 3, a golfer who normally hits a 7-iron takes a 5-iron. She chokes down, plays the ball slightly back and makes a smooth three-quarter swing. The ball bores through the wind and finishes pin high.
Why it matters
Wind can change a shot by several clubs. Golfers who adjust club and flight score far better on windy days than those who swing harder.
Common mistakes
- Swinging harder into the wind, which adds spin and makes the ball climb
- Taking the normal club into a headwind and coming up short
- Firing at a flag downwind and forgetting the extra roll
- Judging the wind only at ground level where you stand
Frequently asked questions
How do I hit into the wind?
Take more club, choke down slightly and make a smooth swing with a lower finish to keep the ball down. Swinging harder adds spin and makes the ball balloon.
How much does a headwind affect distance compared with a tailwind?
A headwind costs more than an equal tailwind adds. GOLF.com reported a 300-yard tour drive carrying about 259 yards into a 20 mph headwind and about 333 with the same tailwind.
How do I play a crosswind in golf?
Aim into the wind and let it bring the ball back toward the target. Lower shots move less, so a controlled, lower flight helps.
Sources
Related terms
- Knock-Down ShotA knock-down shot is an approach kept lower and more controlled than normal, usually with more club and a three-quarter swing. It fights wind or sharpens distance control.
- Stinger ShotA stinger is a low, penetrating, low-spin shot hit on purpose, usually with a driver or long iron off the tee. It stays under the wind and rolls out extra yards on landing.
- Punch ShotA punch shot is a low, controlled recovery shot, usually from trouble like overhanging branches or wind. A shortened swing and back ball position keep it well under normal height.
- Spin RateSpin rate is how fast the ball spins after impact, in revolutions per minute. It controls how the ball climbs, holds the air, and stops on landing.
- Carry DistanceCarry distance is how far the ball travels through the air before it first lands. It is different from total distance, which includes roll.
- Club SelectionClub selection is picking the right club for each shot from real carry distance, lie, wind, elevation, and hazard placement. It is one of the biggest scoring decisions.
Related guides & benchmarks
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