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INSTRUCTION
By David Haugh
One of the simple pleasures that people love about golf is that it’s a game played outdoors with elements such as temperature and wind adding to the challenge. Wind, in particular, is probably the number one factor influencing ball flight (outside of one’s own swing, of course) and must be taken into consideration on nearly every shot. One way to contend with the wind is to strive for a lower ball flight to minimize its effects.
 Michael Muranyi
“Many golfers have been told to play the ball back in their stance to encourage a lower ball flight,” Muranyi said. “But that by itself can cause some problems in windy conditions. Just placing the ball back in the stance can add increased spin to the ball, making it balloon up in the wind, exactly what you would want to avoid.”
Muranyi suggested to simply use a lower lofted club and choke-up a half-inch or so. Instead of attempting to out-muscle a head-on wind and expecting to gun a 7-iron your normal 7-iron distance, opt for a 5 or 6-iron and employ a slower half or three-quarter swing. Less loft and slower swing speed is the key to reducing spin, creating the desired lower ball flight.And how much wind are we talking about before we start making these adjustments? “Generally speaking, wind that is 10 miles-per-hour and stronger,” said Muranyi.
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