Control in the wind

A shot struck perfectly into the wind should stay straight. But if you're a high handicapper, wind from any direction is likely to blow your ball off-line unless you adjust your technique. To play well in the wind you must understand the effect it has on the ball so you can reduce the damage.
 
Wind exaggerates spin. You have to strike cleanly because even a small miss-hit can be heavily penalized. For example, if you slice into a left-to-right wind the ball travels even further off-line than in normal conditions.

In windy weather you must prepare thoroughly for each shot or your game will be blown apart. You need to assess the wind's strength and direction, select the most suitable club for the stroke and make changes to your set-up and technique.

Assess the wind

The simplest way of assessing the strength and direction of the wind is to throw a few blades of grass into the air and notice how they are blown. Check how the flag on the green is flying - if you're in a sheltered position, see if the tops of the trees or bushes are moving and how strongly.

Whatever the direction of the wind, it's often a good idea to play the ball low. If the land is flat and the lie is good, try to run the ball along the ground for as long as possible.  
The higher you hit the ball the more it's affected by the wind. Wind currents are stronger higher up, and hedges, bushes and trees give shelter at ground level.

If the wind is against you, a low stroke travels further and straighter than a high shot because of the reduced wind resistance nearer the ground.

With a following wind, your ball is certain to fly further than usual. Make sure that hazards such as bunkers you can't normally reach are not now in range - if they are club down to play safe and keep control.

Cross winds
    
Make adjustments in your alignment to use the wind to your advantage. For example, with a right-to-left wind, aim your shot right of the target and let the ball move back towards the flag on the currents. How far left or right you aim depends on the wind's strength.

Because most players slice, a left-to-right wind causes extra problems for a right-hander. A left-hander finds wind blowing from the right more difficult.

Hitting the shot

Take care over club selection. Depending on the strength of a wind that's against you, you may have to take up to three clubs more than normal to make up the distance.
Make sure you strike cleanly by reducing the length of your swing to three-quarter or even half - but again be guided by the wind's strength. Don't try to gain extra distance by hitting harder- it severely reduces your chances of playing a good shot.

If you decide to hit the ball low under the wind, you must make changes to your set-up and swing. Grip the club about 2in (5cm) further down the shaft than usual to increase your control and feel of the clubface.

Take up a slightly narrower stance than normal. This automatically reduces the length and power of your swing and helps you to make a clean strike. Stay calm and think positive before you start your swing.

There's no need to change your regular ball position when using a wood. But with an iron place the ball slightly nearer your right foot than usual. This ensures impact is on the down stroke which lessens the loft and keeps the ball low. Keep your head still through impact and concentrate on shifting your weight to your left side as you swing through.

Mental approach

Try to keep good tempo and rhythm at all times. Because the game is more difficult in the wind and scores get higher, many golfers increase the speed of their swing in a vain attempt to hit the ball harder and further. This only makes matters worse. You must keep a cool head and accept that your total will be higher than average.

Concentrate on making a smooth swing and have confidence in your game plan. Take your time when selecting your club and don't rush your set-up and stroke.

Left-to-right wind

Imagine a flag to the left of the real target and aim the clubface at that. Align your body parallel to this substitute ball-to-target line and let the wind blow the ball to the real pin.

Right-to-left wind

Aim the clubface and align your body right of the real flag. Because you’re upper body now faces away from the target this set-up feels strange but has confidence in your aim and don't rush your swing.

Into the wind

Stand parallel to the ball-to-target line with the ball slightly nearer your right heel than normal. Keep your head still through impact, making sure your tempo stays smooth and even.

Downwind

You can make a smooth swing because the wind does the work for you. Beware of the bunkers and other obstacles you can't normally reach - they may be now in range.

Play safe to limit slice
When a strong wind is blowing from the left and there is out of bounds on the right, take an iron off the tee for safety.

A slice is the most common fault in the game and a left-to-right wind exaggerates any clockwise spin on the ball, blowing it further to the right and into trouble.

Because an iron doesn't hit the ball as far as a wood - and is also easier to control - the ball is more likely to stay on course.

Accept that your next shot will be longer than usual - but at least you'll be hitting from the fairway, which gives you much more chance of keeping control.