Showing posts with label Golf. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Golf. Show all posts

Thursday, August 25, 2016

Golf 101 - Playing the Wind

 

Solutions business development associate Matthew Vlasic regularly volunteers his time with the food security nonprofit organization Martha’s Table. In his free time, Matthew Vlasic enjoys playing golf.

Golf is an outdoor game; as such, golfers often find themselves battling the elements, especially the wind. Many golfers think that hitting the ball harder will help them power through a headwind. However, striking the ball with more force actually generates backspin, which makes matters even worse in the wind. As a rule of thumb, you should aim for a smooth stroke at about 80 percent of your maximum power.

While golfers are often tempted to use the lowest club possible, the extra clubhead speed can create more backspin on the ball. By choosing a higher club with a stiffer shaft, you can take some of the wind out of the equation. In terms of stance, moving the ball toward your back foot and keeping your weight forward keeps the shot low, away from the influence of the wind.