Whip the Wind

There’s nothing more discouraging than hitting a seemingly perfect golf shot straight down the fairway, and then watching helplessly as the wind whisks the ball into a water hazard or a cluster of trees. Here are some tips for wind management from Matthew Hall, the Turtle Bay Resort’s director of golf.

• Select a firmer golf ball: Softer golf balls will create more spin, and in windy conditions will magnify a hook or slice. Picking a ball designed for distance will help you better control the ball flight and direction.

Photo: Courtesy Helen Kobayashi, David Croxford, istockphoto.com

 • Wind can push a putt: Depending on the slope of the green and the direction of the wind, crosswind putts will either move more than expected or hold their lines. If the wind is coming from behind, the putt will be quicker than you expect, and vice versa.

• Be creative: Flop shots into the wind will stop quicker. Playing with the wind can help you curve the ball around a tree instead of punching out. Try the chip and run when hitting an approach shot downwind.

• Attitude is everything: It can get pretty windy sometimes and unless you go out wanting to enjoy the round and the companionship of your foursome, it can be a very long 18 holes. Accept that the course record is intact.

 

 

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