Wind Play

photo credit: OCVA   Most players are discouraged from playing in windy conditions which is very understandable.  Sometimes the wind will kick-up during a round, so if that happens, try the following:

1)  Maintain Good Balance > widen your stance on all shots (putting included) to give you a more stable swing platform.  2)  Don’t Swing Harder > Trying to “force” your swing only creates a loss of tempo.  3)  With Your Driver, Tee The Ball Lower. > the wind will not affect your shot as much when shot trajectory is lower.  4)  Use One Extra Club > if the shot calls for a 5-iron, use a 4-iron.  5)  Don’t Be in a Hurry > wind makes players play faster so keep a steady pace of play.

Playing in the Cold

photo credit: Ian Muttoo   Playing golf in cold weather can be a miserable experience but wearing the right clothing can make a big difference.  The key is to wear light, flexible and most importantly warm clothing, a difficult combination to find. 

Recommended Clothing:  Mittens – must be large enough to slip in and out of quickly.  Shoes – High tops;  Zoom Bandon by Nike are high top golf shoes $175.  Hat – fleece beanies are ideal.  Golf Glove – FootJoy Wintersoft $22.  Undergarment - Silk underwear.  Slacks – Preferably wool.  Upper Garment – Fleece zip top turtleneck.  Parka  & Outer Slacks - must be wind and rain resistant. 

The idea is not to overdress.  Layer light clothing with a wind resistant outer-shell.  Mobility is key because any restrictive clothing can hamper an otherwise good swing.

Aeration and Greens Fees

photo credit: danperry.com   Why do courses continue to charge the same greens fees when they are in the middle of the aeration process?  A golfer can go out of his/her way to play a particular course and not find out there is an aeration going on until they’re on the first tee.  By then it’s too late.

Many believe that during aeration, the greens fees should be lowered substantially.  Why should a golfer pay the same rate to play on a course that is in inferior shape?

Course management needs to lower their rates dramatically, especially when there are major maintenance procedures being conducted.  If you drive out to your favorite course and realize that aeration is taking place, ask for your money back immediately !

Chomping at the Bit

photo credit: Brian J. McDermott   Many experts feel that Tiger Woods’ future in golf is dubious.  There are many questions calling out for answers when and if, Woods returns to the tour:  How will the fans react?  What will his media coverage be like?  Will he keep himself even farther away from his fans than before the scandal?  How will his peers react to his presence?  Will his sponsors desert him?

You can bet that, deep down, most of the tour players are chomping at the bit because from a competitive standpoint, their biggest opponent has been badly weakened.  In fact, the scandal that Woods created  for himself could mean his demise as a golfer.   The PGA Tour may be in for a big change.

Back-handed Shot

photo credit: bgilliard   A players first reaction, when stymied by a tree, is to take a drop with a stroke penalty, or, right handed players will play the shot left-handed or vise-versa.  Next time try a back-hander, it’s much easier than most people think.

Use a lofted club such as a pitching wedge or a nine-iron, since a more straight-faced club sits more on the toe.  Use your right hand only to swing the club.  Play the ball just in front of your feet and strike the ball with a descending blow.  Your back must be perfectly square to the target line.

This shot is a pendulum action so it is important to keep your wrists firm.  Drop the blade crisply on the back of the ball.  Wrist break, if any, should occur on the follow-through, if at all.

Bumpy Terrain

photo credit: akeg   If you are faced with uneven or bumpy terrain, use a running chip shot for best results.  Chipping over a steep bank between your ball and the flag is very common, especially around raised greens.  Many amateurs immediately reach for a lofted club but there is a better way.  Try using a mid-iron such as a 5 or 6 and play the shot low to the ground.

Set up with your left hand in front of the ball.  Swing the club as you would for a long putt and keep both hands ahead of the ball through impact.  Play the ball back in your stance with your weight on your front foot, don’t try to lift the ball in the air.  By leading with your hands, the ball will have little backspin and roll nicely to your target.

Staying Focused

photo credit: bilderheld   Golfers tend to be finicky creatures, they can be bothered by objects in their peripheral vision, sounds, or shadows.  The real problem is that they are really worried about hitting a bad shot instead of focusing on the target and their pre-shot routine.

Every golfer is faced with distractions which are a very normal part of the game.  Viewing them as a challenge, instead of a problem will make them less bothersome.  Realizing that the world is not a perfect place is a good start.

Try to focus your attention on the job at hand, the golf shot.  When walking to your ball, you should be considering factors such as wind direction, distance from target, lie, type of shot you intend to play, what club to use.  Bottom line: stay focused!

Tee Shots in the Wind

photo credit: carol.am   It’s easy to be intimidated by the wind, especially off the tee.  If you want to hit the ball straight and long, follow these guidelines:  Tee the ball a little lower than normal and play it more towards the middle of your stance.  Playing the ball back will lower the trajectory and keep the ball out of the wind.  Lower your center of gravity by flexing your knees a little.

On this type of shot the ball will stay out of the wind because of it’s trajectory.  Once it makes contact with the ground, it will keep rolling because of it’s low trajectory.  This type of shot is very effective, especially if you are hitting directly into the wind.

Downhill / Sidehill Lies

photo credit: danperry.com   The downhill / sidehill lie is one of the hardest shots in golf.  Most amateurs, play the shot incorrectly and end up hitting the proverbial “grass-cutter” which goes about 30 yards, bouncing along the ground.

TIPS:  1)  Since the ball sits below your feet, it is necessary to widen your stance which automatically lowers your clubface.  2)  Flex your knees more than normal which will also lower your body in relation to the ball.  Flexing the knees also improves balance.  3)  Take one more club (instead of a 7 use a 6 iron etc.).  4)  Swing easier than normal.  Don’t forget to aim opposite the target, since with this type of lie, the ball will always fly in the direction of the slope.

StrikeAlert Lightning Detector

photo credit: мυтаѕім віŁŁан ρπίтαм [έώϋ]   At $89.99, the StrikeAlert lightning detector could be a life-saver.  The StrikeAlert uses advanced technology to alert you as lightning approaches.  A loud audible warning sounds before and while lightning is within striking distance, and an LED display shows how far away the lighting is striking, as far as 40 miles.  It can also tell you if a storm is approaching or leaving. 

The impact resistant, small, functional design is ideal for all golfers, just clip it to your belt or golf bag.  It provides 100 hours of operation with a single AA battery, which are included with the purchase.  The size is 1-1/4″  x  2-3/4.”  It can be purchased at www.Cabela’s.com.  This is one product you’ll be glad you purchesed.

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