Trajectory tricks for links days
Imagine standing on the first tee of a storied links course. The wind howls, bending the tall, wild grasses that line the fairways. Welcome to golf’s ultimate test: playing against the wind. This isn’t just about power—it’s about the cunning and precision needed to master the knockdowns, hold-offs, and finding the elusive windows through the gusts.
- The Knockdown Shot: Keeping It Low
- The Hold-Off Shot: Controlling the Fade
- Finding Windows: Using the Wind
The Knockdown Shot: Keeping It Low
On a blustery day, the knockdown shot is a golfer’s best ally. Picture this: the flagstick bends as the wind whips across the green, a scenario where high shots are at the mercy of the elements. Here, the knockdown isn’t just a shot; it’s a survival strategy.
Why choose the knockdown?
The physics are simple. A lower trajectory means less wind resistance, giving the golfer more control. The technique involves a shorter backswing and a punchy follow-through, ensuring the ball pierces through the wind rather than ballooning up. Legends like Tom Watson and Tiger Woods have famously used this shot to clinch victories when the wind was more foe than friend.
Historic moments at The Open Championship reveal the effectiveness of the knockdown. Watson’s duel with Jack Nicklaus in the 1977 “Duel in the Sun” at Turnberry showcased numerous low, piercing shots, playing under the gusts that swept across the Scottish links.
The Hold-Off Shot: Controlling the Fade
While the knockdown shot keeps the ball low, the hold-off shot is about controlling its curve. In wind play, the ability to hold off a fade—where the ball gently moves left to right for a right-handed golfer—can be crucial. This shot is particularly useful when the wind is pushing from left to right, threatening to exaggerate the ball’s movement.
How is it executed?
The hold-off shot requires a firm left wrist (for right-handers) through impact, reducing the hands’ rotation. This action keeps the clubface more aligned with the target at impact, thus minimizing any unwanted spin that could send the ball veering off course. Golfing greats like Lee Trevino and Jordan Spieth have mastered this shot, using it to win under challenging windy conditions.
At the 2015 Masters, Spieth demonstrated impeccable control with his hold-off shots, countering Augusta’s swirling winds and securing his green jacket. His performance under pressure, particularly on the back nine, was a masterclass in wind management.
Finding Windows: Using the Wind
Then there are those who turn adversity into advantage. Finding windows in the wind isn’t just about battling against it; it’s about using it. This strategy involves understanding wind patterns and using them to curve the ball around obstacles and towards targets.
What does it take to find a window?
It requires a blend of boldness and precision. The golfer must commit to the shot, choosing the right club, adjusting the stance, and swinging with a path that harnesses the wind’s power. Bubba Watson’s miraculous hook shot from the trees on the 10th hole during the playoff at the 2012 Masters is a prime example. He used the wind as an ally to curve the ball from an impossible lie to clinch victory.
More on this technique at PGA Tour.
The Legacy of Wind Play in Golf
These techniques are more than just shots; they are stories of resilience and ingenuity on the golf course. From Watson’s tactical genius to Spieth’s youthful mastery, the art of wind play is a critical chapter in golf’s history. It’s about the dance with nature, turning what many perceive as a disruptor into an accomplice.
