Wind changes golf more than any other weather. It can add or remove several clubs of distance, push the ball off line, make greens play faster and test your patience on every shot. Some golfers dread it; others relish it, because they know that most of the field will struggle. With a few adjustments to your club selection, your ball flight and your expectations, you can turn windy days into an advantage.
Reading the wind
- Feel it on your face and listen to it in your ears.
- Throw a few blades of grass into the air and watch where they go.
- Look at the flag on the green you are playing to, and the treetops, which show the wind above the shelter of the tee.
- Watch clouds and other flags for the general direction.
- Know the prevailing wind on your home course, and remember that sheltered tees can hide strong wind higher up.
- Watch other golfers' shots and learn from them.
Wind is often stronger higher up than at ground level, so a high shot will be affected more than you feel standing on the tee.
Into the wind (headwind)
A headwind increases spin and lift: the ball climbs, stalls and falls short, and any sidespin is exaggerated.
- Take more club. As a rough guide, one extra club for every 10 mph of wind, and more for stronger winds. Many golfers under-club into the wind.
- Swing smoothly at about 80% effort.
- Keep the ball low. Use the knockdown shot (see below).
- Expect the ball to stop quickly when it lands.
- Avoid long carries over hazards that leave no margin.
Downwind (tailwind)
A tailwind reduces spin and lift: the ball flies lower and further, but tends to curve less, and it runs more on landing.
- Take less club. Typically one less for every 10 mph or so of wind.
- Allow for roll. Land the ball short of the flag; downwind shots will not stop as quickly.
- Consider a higher shot off the tee with the driver or a 3-wood to ride the wind.
- Be careful with short shots. A lofted wedge downwind can be very hard to stop.
Crosswinds
A crosswind pushes the ball sideways, and the effect is greater the higher and longer the shot.
- Aim into the wind and let it bring the ball back to the target. In a left-to-right wind, aim left of target.
- Ride the wind: a ball curving the same way as the wind will travel further and run on landing.
- Hold the ball against the wind: curve it into the wind (for example a draw into a left-to-right wind) for a straighter flight that stops more quickly. This needs more skill. Read how to hit a draw and a fade.
- Keep the ball lower to reduce the drift.
Wind adjustment guide
| Wind | Effect | Typical adjustment |
|---|---|---|
| Light (under 10 mph) | Small | Half a club to one club |
| Moderate (10 to 20 mph) | Noticeable | One to two clubs; aim off for crosswinds |
| Strong (20 to 30 mph) | Large | Two to four clubs; keep the ball low |
| Very strong (over 30 mph) | Extreme | Play for position, expect high scores |
These are rough guides. The effect depends on your ball speed, your ball flight and the temperature. Into the wind the effect is usually larger than downwind.
The knockdown shot
The knockdown, or punch, shot keeps the ball low and under the wind.
- Take one or two clubs more than the distance requires.
- Grip down an inch on the club.
- Ball slightly back of normal in your stance.
- Weight slightly forward, with the hands slightly ahead of the ball.
- Make a three-quarter backswing and a smooth, controlled downswing.
- Finish low and short, with the hands around shoulder height.
The ball comes out lower, with less spin, and holds its line better. Practise it on the range in calm conditions so you know how far it goes. Read golf trouble shots and golf ball position.
Off the tee
- Into the wind: tee the ball a little lower and swing smoothly. A 3-wood or hybrid can find more fairways.
- Downwind: tee it higher and let the driver ride the wind.
- Crosswind: tee up on the side of the teeing area that lets you aim away from trouble and let the wind bring the ball back.
Short game and putting in the wind
- Chip and run rather than pitch, keeping the ball out of the wind. Read chip or putt? How to choose.
- Widen your putting stance for stability.
- Allow for the wind on long putts, especially on fast, exposed greens: downwind putts run further, and strong crosswinds can move a slow-rolling ball.
- Under the Rules, if wind moves your ball on the green after you have marked and replaced it, you replace it on its original spot. If it moves before that, you play it from its new spot. Read golf rules every golfer should know.
Strategy in the wind
- Play for the middle of greens. Precise flag-hunting is unrealistic.
- Favour the side of the hole the wind is blowing away from, so the ball drifts towards the target, not away.
- Play holes differently: be aggressive downwind and conservative into the wind.
- Accept bogeys. Everyone's scores go up in the wind. Patience is a skill.
- Use your handicap: in windy conditions, the handicap system may adjust for the playing conditions. Read the World Handicap System explained.
Read golf course management.
Equipment and clothing
- A lower-spinning ball can help in windy places. Read golf ball spin explained.
- Layers and a windproof top keep you warm without restricting the swing. Read our golf rain gear guide.
- A hat that stays on, or a beanie in cold wind.
For links courses, which are famous for their wind, read links vs parkland courses.
Frequently asked questions
How many extra clubs should I take into the wind?
As a guide, about one extra club for every 10 mph of headwind, and more in very strong wind. Watch your first few shots and adjust.
Should I swing harder in the wind?
No. Swinging harder adds spin and makes the ball balloon. Swing smoothly with more club.
What is a knockdown shot?
A lower, controlled shot played with more club, the ball slightly back, a shorter swing and a low finish. It keeps the ball under the wind.
Does wind affect putting?
Yes, on long putts and exposed greens in strong wind. Widen your stance and allow for the wind on slow-rolling putts.
The bottom line
Wind rewards golfers who adapt. Swing easier, take more club into the wind and less downwind, aim off in crosswinds, keep the ball low with knockdown shots and play to the middle of the greens. Above all, be patient: if you accept that scores will be higher, you will often beat golfers who fight the conditions. For more on playing in tough weather, read playing golf in bad weather.