Playing into the Wind Like Shane Lowry: Ball Back
For Shane Lowry, it all comes down to skill, and that’s even more true in windy conditions. He demonstrates his 9-iron shot against a strong wind, then shows how to keep the ball on the ground when the wind is coming from the left, explaining why hitting it hard is a trap.
To be continued
What the lesson shows
Together with his coach, Neil Manship, Shane Lowry is keeping a close eye on things first ball position and alignment. With the driver, he tends to place the ball too far forward, causing him to miss to the right or left. With his irons, he tends to place it too far back, which causes him to hit the ball too flat and throws off his distances. With the wedge, from 120 yards out, he places the ball between the middle and the front of his stance.
In very strong winds, the same 120-yard shot plays like a 150-yard shot: it takes a iron 9, which he normally hits at 155. He Move the ball back a little, narrow your stance And above all, don't hit it too hard: the harder you hit it, the more spin the ball takes on and the higher it rises in the wind. He's talking about a shot that relies “entirely on the arm,” without hitting the ball too low. With a crosswind blowing from left to right, it's difficult for a right-hander to control the ball: he prefers to take advantage of the wind. If he does have to aim for a flag on the left, he backs up the ball, positions himself square to the target, and hits straight toward it. Trying to keep the ball to the left would cause it to curve.
The Exercise, Step by Step
- Check your ball position and alignment before each shot.
- When playing into the wind, estimate the actual distance and use one or more clubs longer.
- Move the ball back a little and narrow your stance.
- Swing smoothly, especially with your arms, without swinging down hard.
- In crosswinds, it's best to choose a path that goes with the wind.
- If you need to hold the ball, move it back, position yourself square to the target, and hit it straight toward it.
Key Takeaways
Mistakes to Avoid
- Hit harder into the wind: the ball spins and rises.
- Placing the ball too far forward when using a driver: the ball flies off to both sides.
- Placing the ball too far back on the irons under normal conditions: the ball gets squashed, and the distances vary.
- Trying to keep the ball in play against the wind: you'll cut the ball.
- Ignoring alignment when the wind is blowing.
Driving Range Mode
Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.
- Same distance hit with one, then two more clubs and a smoother swing
- Back-of-the-ball stance, narrow stance, short finish
- Checking the ball's position with a club resting on the ground
- In a crosswind: one set with the wind, one set while holding the ball
Your Questions
How many more clubs should you use when facing a strong wind?
In the video, with winds of about 50 km/h, Lowry estimates that a 120-yard shot will actually travel 150 yards. He picks up a 9-iron—which he normally hits 155 yards—and takes a soft swing.
Why shouldn't you swing hard when facing the wind?
The harder you hit the ball, the more spin it gets. It then rises into the wind and loses distance. Lowry plays a fluid swing, using his arms in particular.
How do you hold the ball when the wind is coming from the left?
He backs up the ball, positions himself square to the target, and hits it straight toward it. Trying to curve it to the left would cause the ball to slice. But he prefers, whenever possible, to use the wind to his advantage.
Which address settings does it check first?
Ball position and alignment. With the driver, he tends to position the ball too far forward. With the irons, he positions it too far back, which throws off his distances.
Learn More
Video posted on YouTube by its creator (Shane Lowry). Best Golf Tips selects and summarizes the best free lessons without hosting them.