Golf World UK - August 2017

TOUR TIPS

August 2017 Golf World 41

It’snot often that you play in calm
conditions. In fact, it can get a
wee bit windy more often than
not, especially here in the UK.

And when that happens your

shots are affected, no matter

which direction the breeze is

blowing from.

But hardest of all to deal with is

a strong headwind, one that

demands you hit the ball lower

than you would normally. Don’t

panic though. With only a couple

of little adjustments you can

produce the lower trajectory you

need to combat the wind.

‘A lower t rajectory will help you

control your shots in the wind’

STEPHEN GALLACHER

Howtohitthe

punch shot

Take your normal stance, then move

the ball back an inch or two and narrow

your stance a little to a point where

t h e b a l l i s j u s t i n s i d e yo u r ri g h t h e e l.

A i m s l i g h t ly l e f t of yo u r t a r g e t to t a ke

account of the change in the ball’s

p o s i ti o n i n r e l a ti o n to yo u r f e e t. N ow

just make your regular swing. Make

sure you hit down and drive the club

towards the target through impact,

with a shorter, firmer follow-through.

Launch it lower

A lower flight will produce

a more penetrating

trajectory that travels

further into a headwind

and doesn’t get blown

o ff l i n e s o m u c h i n c r o s s

winds. It’s also effective

for punching the ball under

overhanging branches.