Part IV: Bunkers And Trouble Play
Lesson #78: Don't Fight Crosswinds

Some of my colleagues on the pro circuit like to play shots that counter a wind - they'll try to figure out the wind speed and direction, then try to figure out how much cut or draw to put on a shot in order to negate the breeze and produce a straight ball. In my book, that's much too complicated. When you're playing in high wind, things are tough enough - adding complexity to your shot planning will just aggravate the situation.

There's only one reliable way to play a wind - ride it. On right-to-left winds, I'll aim to the right and let the ball drift back; on winds from the left I'll aim left and ride it in that way. It'll go farther and roll a bit more, but you should enjoy and use that help from Mother Nature rather than trying to cancel it with a fancy shot.

Illustration by Jim McQueen

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