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5. WIND ASSESSMENT — WHAT TO LOOK FOR

5. WIND ASSESSMENT — WHAT TO LOOK FOR

1. WIND DIRECTION — WHAT TO CHECK & WHY

What to look for

  • Headwind (wind blowing toward you)
  • Tailwind (wind blowing from behind)
  • Left-to-right crosswind
  • Right-to-left crosswind
  • Quartering wind (diagonal directions, e.g., into-left, into-right)

Why it matters

  • Wind direction changes how far the ball travels.
  • Headwind reduces distance; tailwind increases distance.
  • Crosswinds push the ball sideways, affecting curvature and landing spot.
  • Quartering winds affect both distance and direction at the same time.

2. WIND STRENGTH — WHAT TO CHECK & WHY

What to look for

  • Light wind (gentle flag movement)
  • Moderate wind (consistent flag/stem movement, visible tree motion)
  • Strong wind (flag fully extended, noticeable gusts)
  • Gusty / inconsistent wind (wind changes during shot)

Why it matters

  • Wind strength determines how much the ball is pushed or held up.
  • Light wind creates small but noticeable influence.
  • Moderate wind meaningfully affects carry distance and accuracy.
  • Strong wind can change the shot outcome dramatically.
  • Gusty wind increases uncertainty and requires greater attention.