Golf and Mother Nature

Golf, the outside sport most affected by the wrath of Mother Nature. It takes four hours to play a round of golf, during this time you can encounter all four seasons of weather.
The most common weather conditions that can affect golf are: wind, rain, cold, and heat. We will talk about heat in the summer, if it ever arrives. Playing in the cold weather is simple: dress warm, and load up your flask with a warm beverage of choice, (I prefer hot chocolate). When all else fails buy a plane ticket to a warmer destination. We all know it never rains in the “sunny “Okanagan, so for the sake of keeping this article to a readable length let’s focus on playing in the wind.
Wind can be constant when playing near any large body of water, but here in the Okanagan we still get the occasional windy day. The golf ball weighs 0.04593 kilograms, (1.62 ounces) and must have a diameter of at least 4.2672 centimetres (1.68 inches). Without getting into a scientific thesis on the effect of wind on a golf ball let’s conclude that something small and light such as a golf ball, will be greatly influenced by even the smallest of wind gusts.
The wind can be both challenging and frustrating; it all depends on your outlook before the round begins. Your mind set for playing on a windy day should be one of patience. Golfer’s scores can soar like kites on a spring day when the wind kicks up. Playing in the wind requires greater concentration and a realistic view when selecting clubs to hit any shot.
Here are some simple, yet effective tips for adjusting to the wind. After judging the force and direction of the wind take more club than you think is needed and swing about 75-80% of the required distance. This applies to both downwind and into the wind shots. Sound confusing? Let me explain. If you have 150 yards to your target and that would normally require a 7 iron, but due to the force of the wind you believe it will take a 6 iron to get home. Take your 5 iron grip down about an inch on the golf club and hit the shot with an easier swing. This will keep your golf ball flight lower and decrease the spin of the golf ball, making it easier to stay on the intended direction. If the wind is helping still take one more club than you think is required but swing at the 80% level. Example, if you are 150 yards and that is a 7 iron for you, but the wind force requires a 9 iron, take the 8 iron and swing at 75-80%.
The toughest wind direction can sometimes be the cross wind. An effective technique for negotiating the cross wind is to remember that a fade (slice) or draw (hook) into the crosswind will cause your golf ball to lose distance. The opposite is also true, a fade or draw with the wind will add distance to your shot. Continue to apply the one less club and swing easy technique.
Is your golf game be giving you trouble? Be sure to consult your local Canadian Professional Golf Association Member, easily found at any golf course, driving range, or golf facility.
Gord McGarva has played tournament golf in Scotland since 1989. Gord has played in the British Amateur and two Scottish Amateur Championships, one as recent as 2008 at the famed Carnoustie Golf Links in Scotland where the wind seems to be ever constant and relentless off the North Sea.