Golfing in Wind? Here's How to Avoid Total Disaster

Golfing in the wind can make an already difficult sport about 100 times tougher. Because while most amateur and beginner golfers struggle with consistently hitting a little ball straight, when you add in an outside factor like wind, it can feel damn near impossible.

Anyone who watches golf on TV - or more specifically, the Open Championship - knows how much wind can really impact golf shots.

The key to seeing success when golfing in the wind? Making minor tweaks to your game - like club choices, decision-making, ball position and flight, and in your golf setup.

So instead of guessing what changes to make, check out the video below from top golf teacher Tom Patri, which can help you avoid getting crushed by Mother Nature's sneezes ever again.

How to Have Success When Golfing in Wind

Although most players would never admit that they enjoy golfing in the wind, Patri is the opposite, as he claims he's grown to love it because of his history of playing in it so frequently.

"[Growing up] I was playing in the wind constantly, and if I never adapted to those conditions, I never would become a decent player," he says.

Given his experience, Patri considers himself an expert at navigating tough courses that can be even trickier in the wind, and explains the keys to seeing success.

Patri then describes how important it is to simply review your surroundings to make better decisions when golfing in the wind.

"A lot of times, I see playing partners [looking at the pin], which might appear relatively still," he shares. "But if you look up at the tree tops, they're moving around quite a bit - which is the condition that the ball's going to encounter when it peaks at the top of its trajectory."

Become a Master of Golfing in the Wind

Patri then walks through the changes he makes on a 155-yard shot from the fairway when there's windy conditions.

"My normal shot from here would be a stock 7-iron," he explains. "But if I used 7-iron here, I'd be 45-to-50 feet short of the pin and setting myself up for a 3-putt.

So instead of his 7-iron, Patri says he'd swing a 6-iron from here, making sure he grips down on it just a tad to control his distance.

"Using my 6-iron, I choked down on it on the shaft, I moved the ball back just slightly in my stance, and I hit a little three-quarter 6-iron and flighted the bal down," he adds. "So the number on the bottom of the club is irrelevant - instead, [ask yourself] what type of shot are you trying to hit, and what kind of trajectory are you trying to produce?"

Whether that's using a delofted 6-iron, or even using a longer club that gives you more control, choose the option that gives you the best chance at hitting your ideal trajectory to cut through the wind.

Finally, Patri gives his final checkpoints that'll help you navigate tricky shots when golfing in the wind.

"I'm going to slightly choke the club down, move the ball a bit back in my stance, and I'm going to feel like there's a little more weight on my left side," he says. "[As you swing through impact], make sure to hold your finish off just a little lower."

By using Patri's golf tips in these types of weather conditions, you'll take back control and be better prepared for success - giving you a knockdown shot that won't be impacted by the wind.

Craving more golf swing tips and golf instruction? Be sure to subscribe to Rainmakers Golf on YouTube for more relatable swing advice to help your game improve.

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This story was originally published May 8, 2026 at 9:13 AM.