The British Fairways And The Wind

By Author: Room Smith
Total Articles: 33
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Respect for the court and respect for the other golfers is what the game is all about. The game currently ranks as the 6th most popular game in the UK but what makes the game so worthwhile are the tedious etiquettes and numerous rules so diligently followed by the tee-mates. Like any other outdoor sport, the course of this game is largely influenced by the weather conditions.

The UK weather allows for the golf season to last from April till September with the Open Championship played in July on a number of courses throughout UK but mostly concentrated in Scotland – the birthplace of golf. Even when playing in the season, the wind factor affects the professional as well as the amateur swings more than any other weather aspect. The wind varies with the height which is one of the main factors that make the game of golf bigger than only hitting the ball, finding it and hitting it again.

Traditionally one may see golfers toss the blades of grass in the air as long as the club doesn’t impose a penalty on doing that or study the ...
... swaying branches of the 50 feet tall trees before they determine the trajectory of their swing and the ball. Their grip may become stronger like that of the Texas golfers who can swing effortlessly even in a 30-mile wind.

Checking on the local weather forecast for getting an idea about the wind speed won’t be overdoing the golf preparations especially if the course is a championship venue such as the Royal Liverpool course or the Belfry – England’s only PGA branded course. Knowing the basic Liverpool weather conditions especially for the course or Hoylake area can ensure a fine golfing challenge on the esteemed greens.

As any dedicated golfer would admit playing golf in the wind needs to be practiced. Many would advise changing a whole club size with every 10mph of wind. Stances can be widened, the direction of the shot can be changed, the height of the tee and height of the grip can be altered. But most importantly the knockdown shots come handy when wind is dominating the course.

In the month of June, many popular golfing cities in the West Midlands like Birmingham saw strong gusts and heavy rainfall in an unsettled routine. Practicing the knockdown shots in the driving range is useful particularly when conditions similar to the windy weather in Birmingham are common for one’s accustomed golf course. Plus golf is known to test the players’ adaptability as all courses present unique advantages, experience and challenges.

As May Hezlet says – No golfer can ever become too good to practice.