Windy Days & Judging Distance ???

This morning I had a game at my local course, the wind was a fairly constant 15 to 20 knots.

My question is, does anyone have rough rule of thumb, on working distances with upwinds & downwind holes.

ie: If I have a 20ktn downwind, is that 1 or 2 clubs less, alternately hitting into 20knts do I take 1 or more clubs? Is there an incremental change with wind strenght?

Thanks

I'm afraid there's no hard-fast rules for judging distance and clubs in wind. Wind is rarely constant and it's possible it could stop blowing in mid flight ... you gotta chance it a bit. Also, different wind directions occur at different heights; you may notice high clouds moving in one direction and tree tops in another. I would advise studying the tree tops for wind force and direction as this is likely to be where the ball is flying. Be aware that sudden changes in terrain height etc which can cause sudden updraughts; just because you can't feel the wind doesn't mean it's not there.

If you're unsure about judging the wind, look for the prevailing wind direction. This is denoted by the direction most of the tree trunks, branches and even grass is leaning. Judging the wind, like most things in golf, only comes with lots of practice.

Paul

Appreciate your thoughts, they are very valid. But assuming you have a good lock on wind direction and speed.

Does into the wind of 10 - 15ktns generally going down one club or two?

And vice versa 10 -15 ktns with the breeze mean going up a club?

You often hear the good comentators speak of a hole playing longer or shorter, by a certain amount of yards/metres in windy conditions.

At some, point aren't they are waying up wind speed&direction and ultimately club selection?

Michael

Well, I've heard commentators talking about 3 club winds etc but that doesn't wash with me. I think that assumes that the wind is a constant speed, head on and your ball is sat up on the fairway for a perfect shot .... if there is such a thing.

There are so many possibilities and type of shots available, or required, that selecting the correct one can be difficult. I think a correct shot is one which allows you to hit the green in regulation. How you go about doing that is up to the individual; I think you have to weigh-up every situation as it arises.

Obviously, you'll need more club in a head wind but, because you are taking more club, the likely hood is that side spin (generally slice with longer clubs) will be increased.

The opposite is said to be true of downwind shots. I've heard of people taking a 3 wood instead of a driver. The theory is the extra height of a 3 wood will increase the distance the wind will send the ball. I'm not sure about this distance claim but it seems logically reasonable one. One thing for sure is that it is likely to be a straighter shot down wind.

I've been thinking alot about the wind lately - I live on the edge of a national park (mooreland) so it's quite windy here. I've come to the conclusion that what you might term a 3 club shot in a head wind is not the same as taking 3 clubs less down wind assuming both shots are of the same required distance. It all gets confusing after a bit I'd appreciate other thoughts about this. We'll all have to practice a bit harder.

Paul

Good on you Paul, thanks for taking the time to reply again. I guess I was after a rough guide to wind speed (up & down ), though I was basing it on a good lie in constant style winds.

Your absolutely right though. You rarely get it that simple, and I think with hitting into a strong headwind there are so many variables that it's always going to be tough.(downwind not so bad)

I not sure of your whereabouts in Mooreland? I'm in Sydney (Aust) and the coast breezes really get up on some of the more challenging courses, particularly in the afternoons.

We will have to keep practicing! I've read some of the good players and coaches tips in this regard, though hitting off about 20, their articles are great in theory but the practice is another thing.

Thanks again, look forward to hearing more.

Michael

Ah, I think you misunderstood me a little about mooreland Sparky. It isn't a district or town but a type of terrain, a little like a links course. The ground is usually flat, has few features and is therefore usually windswept. There are several courses around here (Sheffield/England) that back onto, or are quite near, mooreland. There are a lot of hills too which channel the wind. I'm not sure how many golf course are in and around Sheffield, a city with about 500,000 people, but there's at least 8 for sure.

Paul

Paul

Playing in that environment your probably are as exposed to windy trying conditions as anybody.

If you get hold of any technics that are really helpful, especially into the wind drop, please me a line. sparkyboy1@yahoo.com

Enjoy your golf

Sparky

I had many conversations about the 3wd vs driver in strong winds.

I think any gain you get is very negligable, but you are opening yourself to some other problems.

If you hit the driver low, it will keep within the lower wind direction, which you can guess by throwing grass or whatever, this wind direction is pretty constant.

If you hit a 3 wood high, you have no idea what direction the wind is blowing 50 ft up, abover tree level for example, high trees are really in gauging direction as they sway rather than lean, and at his height wind sheers are more likely.

So after all that i would rather play links golf and keep the ball low and rolling. Take the wind out of the game as much as possible.

I remember playing in Scotland with a 30mph wind on an exposed links. During this game I hit low drives, high 3 woods, 5 woods, ANYTHING! There was really nothing I seemed able to do to keep the ball going where I wanted :-(

Otherwise just watch your shots on the first few holes and gauge the speed from that and apply it to the direction changes on the latter holes....

Others may disagree, I am new, but I have always found I am right, except on Tuesdays.

Time to practice the knock down shot.

If it’s a head on wind and you find the ball has no power through flight try, playing the ball back in your stance just a tad and making a slower swing, If you fight the wind you will not win the battle. Use the wind to your advantage.

Practice the punch shot and the pitch and run shot.

I must admit I quite enjoy a full blowing gale from time to time, mainly when it just starts blowing when I reach the nineteenth with a good card in the hand!!