Playing in the Wind

The old saying is 'when it's breezy, swing easy.' Lower, controlled shots hold their line in wind far better than high ones — and swinging harder only makes it worse.

Golfer hitting a low, controlled shot into a stiff wind — When it's breezy, swing easy. A lower, controlled ball flight holds its line in wind far better than a high one — and swinging harder only makes it balloon.

Step by step

Into the wind, take more club than the distance suggests and make a smoother, three-quarter swing.
Move the ball back in your stance and grip down to flight it lower under the wind.
Keep your finish lower than normal — a low finish produces a low, penetrating ball flight.
In a crosswind, either aim into the wind and let it bring the ball back, or ride the wind — but pick one and commit.

Check yourself

You took extra club and swung easier instead of harder into the wind.
Your ball flight is lower and more boring than your normal shot.
You made a clear plan for a crosswind rather than guessing mid-swing.

Common mistakes

Swinging harder into the wind, which adds spin and 'balloons' the ball higher.
Keeping the ball flight high so the wind throws it far offline.
Failing to account for wind on short shots and putts, where it still matters.

Go deeper: Into Wind — Low Punch Shot form

A beginner refresher only — not professional instruction. See a PGA pro for swing changes.