This clever trick will help you beat crosswinds on the golf course

Playing golf in the wind, particularly on a links course, can be hard. That becomes especially difficult when the wind is blowing from the side, rather than straight down or straight into you.

When I am out on the course playing golf with members or when conducting playing lessons, I often see golfers tee their ball up either in the middle of every tee or the same side of the tee regardless of the wind or pin position.

Changing where you tee the ball up can help you deal with both crosswinds on long holes and also to access tough pin positions on par-3s.

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In the main image above, I’m pictured on the 13th tee at The West Lancashire Golf Club where the tee is very exposed. When the wind is off my left, I move to the right-hand side of the tee and vice versa.

This helps to open the fairway up and utilise the wind, as opposed to fighting against it. Remember, if you’re playing in strong wind conditions, you’re never going to be able to win a fight against the wind by hitting a big draw or fade in a crosswind. Accepting that the wind will move your ball, but allowing for it, is a much better strategy.

This tip is also great on par-3s too. If the pin is tucked on the right side of the green and you want to try and get close to it, you should think about teeing up on the left-hand side of the tee and vice versa.

Next time you’re on the course and the wind is blowing from the side, don’t just walk to the middle of the teeing ground. Instead, pick a side that suits the situation you’re faced with and you’ll have a better chance of finding the short grass.

Gavin Abson is the Head PGA Professional at The West Lancashire Golf Club. You can follow him on X.