Keep It Below a Headwind!

Even though it requires some extra know-how, playing shots into the wind doesn't have to ruin your round. Just remember this basic rule: When the wind is up, high shots turn into balloon balls, even if you make solid contact. To be effective in the wind, you must be able to produce a lower, penetrating trajectory. Here are some tips on how to conquer a stiff breeze.

Short Shots: PUNCH

For low short irons and wedges, set up with the ball three inches farther back in your stance than normal, with your hands slightly pressed forward. This de-lofts the clubface right from the start.With your weight favoring your front foot, swing your arms back to about cest-high, then swing down with the intent of reproducing that hands-forward position at impact. The finishing touch is an abbreviated follow-through that produces a low, shooting ball flight.

Long Shots: WIPE THE TABLE

Longer clubs, such as fairway woods and hybrids, require a sweeping swing, so a low shot can't be produced by moving the ball toward the back of your stance. Instead, take your usual setup and imagine that you're wiping your right (left) palm across the top of a table through impact. Keeping your right (left) palm facing down helps your wrists remain cocked and hoods the clubface. To prevent the ball from hooking too far left (right), keep your hands ahead of the clubface through the hitting zone and think about rotating your right (left) shoulder toward the target.

SWING EASY

The overriding theme for playing into the wind: When it's breezy, swing easy. Hard swings produce backspin and higher trajectories. So while you may be tempted to smash down on the ball to keep it low, it's easier to control the ball flight with a gentle approach. Make it a rule to take two or even three extra clubs and swing at no more than 70 percent of your normal swing. You'll gain far more control from an easier swing.