Crosswinds Off the Tee

Learning how to play in the wind is an important aspect of course management and ... essential to becoming a more consistent player. Wind that blows left-to-right or right-to-left can be particularly tricky, as it can effect not only the curve and direction of your shots, but also the distance that the ball travels. In this video, Titleist staff member Justin Parsons discusses the challenges of driving the golf ball in crosswinds and provides some key take-aways:

• If your priority is accuracy, fade the golf ball (left-to-right curve for a right-handed golfer) into a right-to-left wind. Draw the ball (right-to-left curve) into a left-to-right crosswind. The curve you impart on the shot will work against the wind and neutralize its effect. You may lose some distance, but the shot will fly fairly straight and hold its line better.

• If your priority is distance, aim right into a right-to-left wind and draw the golf ball (right-to-left curve for a right-handed golfer). Aim left into a left-to-right crosswind and fade the golf ball (left-to-right curve). The curve you impart on the shot will allow your ball to ride the wind and gain a boost in hang time and carry distance. The disadvantage of this is that the ball will curve much more than usual, making it hard to be accurate.

• Whether you work the ball into a crosswind or try to ride it, the biggest key is commitment. Commit to your starting line and the shot shape you choose and you'll start looking forward to playing when it blows sideways.