I’d rather play in the rain than in the wind. I always feel like the wind takes away all the hard work I put in on the range and just does whatever it wants with my golf ball. However, through the years, I’ve learned what adjustments to make to become a better wind player.

If you know how to adjust your game, the wind can become an advantage. Most golfers are aware that wind affects their shots yet many fail to make the necessary adjustments. Here’s how you should be approaching downwind and upwind scenarios on the golf course.

Shots into the wind (Upwind)

Playing shots into a stiff breeze is a yardage killer. You’ll have to recognize the hole is going to play longer and adjust accordingly. Here are the adjustments you should make.

Forget one club—take two (or more)

It’s common knowledge to “club up” (take at least one more club) when hitting into the wind but golfers frequently underestimate how much more club they need. If the wind is significant (15 mph+), don’t be afraid to go two or even three clubs stronger.

One club isn’t always enough.

Swing smoother at around 75 percent to reduce spin and maintain control. You’ll be less likely to hit a ballooning shot and the lower trajectory from clubbing up will improve roll out.

Adjust your setup

Rather than just placing the ball slightly back, take your setup adjustments a step further.

Grip down about an inch to shorten your swing radius. Place more weight on your front foot (60/40) and maintain this throughout your swing. Limit your wrist hinge on the backswing, which will help reduce spin and trajectory.

These adjustments ensure a lower, penetrating flight that cuts through headwinds effectively. Practice punch type shots on the range so you are ready for a windy day.

Be smart around the greens

Around the greens, the wind is still going to impact your golf shot. High-lofted wedges create spin which is typically a good thing but not when hitting into the wind.

Try a pitching wedge or 9-iron for chip shots to maintain ball speed. Keep the hands forward at impact and aim for a lower ball flight. Focus on landing spots closer to you, letting the lower-lofted club release and roll out toward the hole.

Shots downwind

While shots downwind seem easier, misjudging these can quickly lead to trouble. On a tee shot, you would much rather have a downwind shot but around the greens, things can get tricky if you aren’t careful. Here’s what you should be doing differently when hitting downwind.

Optimize launch—Go high

Let the wind help you when it’s travelling in the same direction you are going. You must launch the ball higher to capitalize on the wind.

Tee your driver slightly higher than usual. Move the ball forward in your stance. Tilt your shoulders upward slightly at setup.

The extra height maximizes the wind’s assistance, allowing you to cover more distance. Take it when you can.

Select clubs based on adjusted yardage

Downwind yardage adjustments aren’t straightforward. The wind might help but it’s important to remember that wind doesn’t always help as much as it hurts. It’s best to assume about half the assistance compared to how much the same wind would hurt.

Adjust your yardage based on what you have learned on previous holes that day on the course. A rough guide: for every 10 mph of tailwind, expect a gain of only five yards.

Choose your club based on this adjusted yardage, rather than simply going one club less.

More loft allows for more control around the greens

Downwind chips and pitches release excessively. Combine that with fast greens and you’ll probably be yelling “Stop!” at some point during your round. Here are the adjustments to make to your short game.

Use a club with more loft (56 or 60 degree) than usual. Focus on generating spin to help the ball stop. Pay attention to the rollout early in the round so you can have a better feel for it as things progress.

Final thoughts

Mastering wind adjustments isn’t just about knowing which way it’s blowing; it’s about understanding how wind influences ball flight. These strategies make windy rounds far more manageable and sometimes even enjoyable.

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