5 Must-Read Golf Tips For Pitching In The Wind

The wind has ruined many golfers’ dream. We can say with some authority that playing in the wind is the Achilles’ heel of even the best players. What makes the wind such a potent adversary? It not only influences the speed, it also affects the direction of the ball.

It’s wrongly taken that strong breeze only affects the golf drives. When the gust picks up, even the short game shots like the pitch is not spared. At least the professionally know how to handle such situations. They assess the situation, analyze the various options, and finally tweak their technique to counter the effects of the wind. Amateurs don’t seem to adjust very well. Here are a few tips to help you pitch in the wind.

• A stinger shot is your best bet against the wind. But, it requires a lot of practice and patience to master this technique. It’s also a very risky shot. So, before even considering playing a stinger, assess the pros and cons of using it in the given situation.


• Don’t forget, when playing in windy conditions the spin and loft are your biggest enemies. You can reduce the spin on the ball by not swinging the club harder. The loft on the ball can be reduced by gripping further down the club. Making these two simple adjustments, you can hit the ball lower with less spin.


• Analyze the situation and condition around you. If there are trees around, observe them, assess the speed and direction of the wind. After calculating the effect of the wind on the ball, make adjustments to your technique and swing.


• You can’t let the wind take control of the ball. Hang on to the control as long as possible. This can be done by gripping firmly the pitching club. Keep in mind, we advise you to use a firm grip and not a tight one. A firm grip will also increase the accuracy of the pitch shot.


• Finally, use the wind to your advantage. If the wind is behind you, position the ball slightly back of center, and hit a crisp pitch shot that has a fair amount of backspin. The ball will fly low, escaping the influence of the wind, and will land just behind the green. When trying to hit the ball into the wind, use a pitching wedge and take an easy, effortless swing with a low flight. Having low flight and less backspin will reduce the effect of the wind. Lastly, when the wind is hitting across from right-to-left or left-to-right, calculate the spot where the ball will land, and play the pitch shot accordingly.