Megan Khang: My guide to tough conditions

If you’re a fair-weather golfer, you can stop reading now.

However, if you’re the type of player who will brave the worst conditions to try and grind out a score, then this is the piece of instruction for you.

Megan Khang, who is set to make her third Solheim Cup appearance this year, grew up in Massachusetts. Although the weather might not get quite like the coast of Scotland there, she’s learned how to adapt to some less-than-ideal conditions while on the course.

Speaking to bunkered.co.uk, she gave some keys on how to get the most out of your round when the wind is blowing and the rain is pouring.

You need to stay focused

As Khang, who had three top-tens in the majors in 2023, explains, playing golf when the weather is foul requires a little extra focus.

“Playing in tough conditions can be tiring – mentally and physically,” Khang said. “Because you need to really concentrate and it can be tough to hit the shots in bad weather.

“It also means that there are spots on holes where you definitely can’t be. For example, if you are short-sided and have the wind at your back, it’s going to be tough.”

• Jon Rahm’s strategy tweak includes a valuable lesson

It seems obvious, but when the wind is blowing, there’s so many more things to think about. Take a little extra time and get a grasp of where you can and definitely can’t hit your ball.

If you can, keep the ball out of the wind

You’ll never be able to get the wind to stop, but keeping your ball a little lower can be helpful.

• Late round collapses can be avoided – here’s how

“To get the most out of my driver when I’m playing into the wind, I try to flight the ball a little lower, but it depends on the hole,” Khang said.

“For example, if it’s a par-5 and my caddie and I decide it’s not a hole we want to go for in two, that makes it easier for me, as I know that, even if I stripe a drive, I’m still not going for it. It takes the pressure off.”

You need to be able to think on your feet

The beauty of playing golf is that you’re going to be faced with conditions that can change at a moment’s notice. If you’re playing a classic links course, you might be faced with nine holes straight downwind, before facing nine that are straight into the wind. Keeping a level head, Khang explains, is crucial.

“Really, it’s just about adjusting to each situation and trying to keep your composure and a level head, especially when it’s windy.

“If the wind is up and really blowing, you might need to flight some shots, or take a club that feels like way too much. You just need to trust it and keep your cool.”

Remember, it’s not just you that will be facing difficult conditions on the course. If you can beat everyone mentally, then you’re on track to shoot a better score than them, too.

It helps to be creative

Being able to hit the same shot repeatedly is a great skill to have on the course, but sometimes when things are getting difficult, it pays to be able to get creative.

“When you are in a tough spot, you need to get creative with your shots. Do you play a bump-and-run into the hill or fly it onto the green? It’s a test of your skill but also your composure.

• Why Lydia Ko works on her short putts before every round

“When you’re playing in tough conditions, you need to get creative. That’s just the way it is.”

Get smart when it comes to pin positions

Avoiding being short-sided might be one of the most important things to look for in approach shots, and it becomes even more crucial when the wind is blowing.

The last thing you need is to have a little green to work with, and the wind at your back. If that happens, the ball really isn’t stopping.

Also, when you’re playing into the wind, it’s going to put more spin on the ball when it hits the putting surface. As the LPGA Tour star explains, that’s not something you want when you’ve got a hole cut in the back of the green.

• 3 things I learned from playing in the Scottish Amateur

“From the fairway, staring into a green, the one thing that really influences me is where the pin is. My decision-making depends on the pin. With a back pin, I like to take more club and just hit a smooth one that isn’t going to spin loads.

“You also need to make sure you’re not getting short-sided, particularly if it means you have the wind at your back. It’s another thing you need to think about.”

Lewis Fraser As bunkered’s Performance Editor, Lewis oversees the content that’s designed to make you a better player. From the latest gear to tuition, nutrition, strategy and more, he’s the man. A graduate of the University of Stirling, Lewis joined bunkered in 2021. Formerly a caddie at Castle Stuart Golf Links, he is a member of Bathgate Golf Club where he plays off four.

Performance Editor