Wind Direction

If God created the heavens and the earth, the devil added winds.  Half the battle can be figuring out what this devilish source will do to the ball once you hit a perfect shot high into the heavens.  I caddy in the hill country where there’s lots of hills so figuring out the wind direction can be tough.  Here’s a few tips:

• Look for water.  Ripples will almost always reveal the wind direction.  And if you all you see is glass-like calmness then now is a good time to swing.

• Watch the tallest trees, not all of them.  In canyons or hilly terrain it can be especially difficult to trust the trees or even what you feel on your body.  Wind can swirl creating a feeling on the ground opposite from the wind up there.  So watch the highest point, that’s what’s going on.

• You could grab some grass and toss it in the air but that’s, umm, typical and a waste of grass.  A better way is toss your hat high into the air and see where it lands.  A hat makes for the perfect wind sail and can be tossed much higher than grass.

• Just because you don’t feel anything doesn’t mean there’s no wind.  Use the above factors to determine where the wind is coming from and trust your judgement.

• Learn to hit a knock-down shot.  Easiest way is take 2 clubs extra, move the ball back a couple inches (towards your right foot) and make half a swing.  Tiger says the way to hit high shots is finish high, low shots finish low.  You already have extra club so swing easy and finish low.  Typically knockdown shots promote a draw flight (or pull) so aim a little right.

The most important part is never give up.  Remember, at least it’s not rain, sleet, snow, or hail even if it is up-hill both ways.  And as always, enjoy!

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