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Golf Tips: 5 Keys to Play Better in the Wind

By Brendon Elliott, PGA
Published on

Bailey Shoemaker on the 12th hole of Augusta National Golf Club.(Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

The second round of the Augusta National Women’s Amateur, held at Champions Retreat for the first two rounds, saw difficult cool and blustery conditions. Only five rounds saw red numbers on Friday.
In the final round today at Augusta National Golf Club, where the wind always seems to play a factor, the conditions won't be as chilly or windy but there will be enough breeze to impact virtually every player.
Playing golf in windy conditions can be challenging, even for seasoned golfers like those competing in the Augusta National Women's Amateur. For those five players who managed the conditions at Champions Retreat, like 36-hole leader Lottie Woad, many of the tips below are likely in play today at Augusta National.
1. Adjust your swing: In windy conditions, adjusting your swing is essential to account for the wind. A shorter backswing and a smoother follow-through can help you maintain control of your shots and keep the ball in the fairway and closer to the greens on your approach shots.
2. Be strategic in club selection: Wind can significantly alter the distance and trajectory of your shots, making it a strategic decision to choose the right club. A club with less loft can be a smart move to keep the ball lower and reduce the impact of the wind.
3. Play conservatively: In windy conditions, it's vital to play conservatively and focus on keeping the ball in play. Don't try to hit risky shots or go for the green in one shot if it's unnecessary.
4. Use the wind to your advantage: You can sometimes use the wind to your advantage. For example, if the wind is blowing from behind you, you can hit a higher shot to take advantage of the extra carry.
5. Stay patient: Finally, it's important to stay patient and not get frustrated by the wind. Everyone on the course is dealing with the same conditions, so focus on playing your best game and don't let the wind get in your head.
Brendon R. Elliott, PGA

Sorrento, FL

Brendon Elliott

Director of Instruction, Freelance Golf Writer

[Brendon Elliott, PGA](https://brendonelliott.com/), is an award-winning PGA Professional, player-development coach and nationally recognized golf writer with three decades of experience in the golf industry. As of 2026, he has been a PGA Professional for 17 years and has earned more than 25 PGA Section and Chapter honors for his work in coaching, education and player development. In 2017, he received the PGA of America National Youth Player Development Award. ## Coaching Competitive Teenage Golfers Through [BE A GOLFER](https://beagolfer.golf/home), Brendon specializes in working with competitive teenage golfers who want to improve their performance, better understand their games and prepare for the demands of high school, junior tournament and college golf. His primary focus is [Remote Coaching](https://beagolfer.golf/remote-coaching), which allows him to remain actively involved in a player’s development regardless of location. Rather than relying on occasional lessons or isolated swing fixes, Brendon works with players throughout their competitive journey. His coaching covers much more than the golf swing. Players receive ongoing guidance in structured practice, short-game development, putting, course management, tournament preparation, performance analysis, goal setting and the mental and physical habits required to improve over time. Using video analysis, virtual coaching sessions, performance data and regular communication, Brendon helps each player understand what to work on, why it matters and how to make meaningful progress between practices and tournaments. Brendon accepts only a limited number of in-person students in Central Florida. His priority is building long-term [Remote Coaching](https://beagolfer.golf/remote-coaching) relationships with competitive teenage golfers and their families. The goal is not simply to help a young player hit better shots. It is to help that player become more prepared, more accountable and more capable of navigating everything competitive golf demands. Brendon’s career has included serving as a head golf professional, general manager, college golf educator, career development director, academy owner and longtime junior golf leader. He founded Little Linksters Golf Academy in 2008 and led the organization for more than 16 years before selling the academy in late 2024 and launching [BE A GOLFER](https://beagolfer.golf/home). ## Golf Writing and Media Brendon is also a nationally recognized and prolific golf writer and storyteller. He is the Senior Golf Writer for [Athlon Sports](https://athlonsports.com/author/brendon-elliott) and has written extensively about professional golf, instruction, player development, equipment, golf history and the people shaping the game. His work has also appeared with PGA.com, GolfWRX, PGA Magazine, MyGolfSpy and several other prominent golf media outlets. Through [One More Roll Golf Media](https://onemorerollgolf.com/), Brendon provides editorial content, feature writing, consulting and media services throughout the golf industry. His background as a coach and educator shapes the way he writes, while his work as a writer strengthens the way he coaches. He understands how to explain complicated ideas clearly, ask better questions and connect the technical, strategic and personal sides of golf.