My view of the effect of wind is based purely on experience because my knowledge of aerodynamics is limited.
Crosswinds – From experience, I think that the effect of crosswinds on well struck golf shots is overplayed. Possibly, a golf ball towards the end of its flight can be caught by a gust and the visual impression is so strong that the belief that golf shots are prone to interference from crosswinds can take hold. Also, it is perfectly imaginable that on occasion a gust is so strong that it is capable of affecting the flight of just about anything. However, given the caveats mentioned above, as a rule of thumb, if the wind is light enough to allow play then it is generally not going to be strong enough as a crosswind to affect the flight of a well struck shot.
Following winds – From experience, playing in following winds is a nightmare and must be even worse for good golfers. All a golfer can do is to allow the strength of the wind to influence his choice of club and shot and then commit fully to finding the rhythm that will produce “timing” and then hope for the best.
Swirling, gusting winds – Repair to the bar.
We need to be rational about the effect of wind on a ball because golfers are prone to believing folklore when it comes to wind. These are my “facts”:
- A “timed” golf shots accelerates and spins at such a rate that it does not get affected by the wind laterally. By the time it is decelerating then it is too low to be blown off course.
- “Timed” golf shots that do get affected by the wind have either been hit by a gust or the prevailing wind speed is stronger than the acceleration of the ball ie conditions are unplayable.
- Gusts are as unpredictable as bad bounces and part of the “charm” of links golf. Too gusty and the game becomes too unpredictable and not worth playing.
- Gusts are likely to happen more often and be stronger at higher altitudes. Therefore, in gusting conditions it is sensible to keep the ball low.
- The only shots that need to take the wind into consideration in terms of lateral movement are high shots, and these should be avoided.
- Therefore, in windy conditions, it is rational to aim straight and hit low.
