Playing golf in the wind — how to keep your score together

Old rule from the British coast: club up 1 club for every 10 mph of headwind. Modern data backs it up. A 7-iron into a 10-mph wind plays like an 8-iron. Into a 20-mph wind, like a 9-iron.

For tailwinds, the rule is half — club down 1 club for every 20 mph behind you. Tailwinds are less helpful than amateurs assume because they reduce backspin and the ball runs out.

A high ball gets eaten alive by wind. Knock it down — ball back in the stance, hands ahead, three-quarter swing. You lose 5-10 yards of carry but the ball stays on its line.

The phrase from the British school: "When it's breezy, swing easy." A smoother three-quarter swing wins over a full ripped swing into wind nine times out of ten.

Crosswinds are an asset, not a liability. Aim into the wind and let it push the ball to your target. If you have a left-to-right wind, set up to start the ball 10-15 yards left of the fairway centre.

This is also where shape control becomes valuable — a controlled fade or draw that works with the wind reaches places a straight shot cannot.

Bogey is not bad in wind. Par is excellent. Expect a higher number than your handicap predicts. Players who refuse to accept wind-adjusted scoring make doubles trying to force pars that the wind has already taken.