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2-MINUTE CLINICS

How to hit an iron into the wind

Whether you live in West Texas, the Scottish coast, or just happen to be in Florida in March, you've probably experienced rounds of golf where the wind wreaked havoc on your golf ball. Hitting irons into a strong wind can be frustrating, but there are steps you can take to have success on gusty days. Here's how to play against the wind. —Steve Buzza, one of Golf Digest's Best Young Teachers in America

Go with at least one club longer than normal (maybe two)
Grip down on the handle to reduce backspin and trajectory
Resist the urge to squeeze harder on the handle

Set up with the ball just back of center
Lean the shaft toward the target
Open the clubface slightly at address (I'll explain why in a moment)

Start back with no urgency
Move the club with your body rotation
Feel like the arms stay relatively passive
End the swing a little shorter than normal

Let your body lead (not your arms) in the downswing
Don't rush back down
Let the clubface shut near the ball (which is why you set up with it open)
Feel like your chest stays down through impact

Keep rotating well past impact
Feel like your hands are just along for the ride
Finish lower and "held off" (not wrapped around you)

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