How Wind Affects Your Putt
The Break: Just like a slope, a strong side wind will push the ball off line. If the wind is blowing right-to-left, you must aim outside the right edge of the hole, even on a perfectly flat putt.
Short Putts Matter: Wind often has a more dramatic effect on shorter putts because the ball is moving slower as it nears the hole, giving the wind more time to “catch” it and push it off course.
Steady Stance: In high winds, your physical stability is challenged. Focus on staying extra steady in your lower body so the wind doesn’t move you during your stroke.
Strategic Adjustments
Manage Expectations: Even professional players only make about 55% of seven-foot putts under normal conditions. Adding wind makes it even tougher, so give yourself grace.
Read the Flag: Look at the flags on the green or nearby holes to determine the exact direction and strength of the wind before you settle into your routine.
Aim Higher: On a breaking putt, if the wind is blowing in the same direction as the break, the ball will move much more than usual. If the wind is blowing against the break, it might actually straighten the putt out.
Lesson Q&A
Q: Does wind affect the speed of the putt as well? A: Absolutely. A “hurt” wind (blowing toward you) will slow the ball down, requiring a firmer stroke. A “follow” wind (blowing with you) will make the ball roll much farther, meaning you need a softer touch to avoid blowing it past the hole.
Q: Should I change my stroke in the wind? A: Your stroke should remain consistent, but your setup might need to be wider to provide more stability against gusts. The most important change is your aim, not the mechanics of the swing itself.
Q: How do I know how much to aim outside the hole? A: It takes practice to gauge, but treat the wind like a “second break.” If you see the flag bending significantly, aim at least one or two cups outside the hole to compensate for the sideways push.
