The Wind will be a Factor at the Bob Hope this Weekend

The Palmer designed Classic Course has been dubbed the “most difficult” course on the rotation this year at the Bob Hope Classic.

Wind in the Palm Springs area can have a definite effect on the play at this PGA Tour event. Thursday was a prime example of such a case. The wind picked up and the scores were not as low.

The location of the Classic Course in the Coachella Valley makes it more vulnerable to the wind, and should make for a interesting finish on the course come Sunday. Additionally, water is in play on almost all the holes making it even more treacherous.

Playing in the wind can be difficult for most any amateur. It forces changes in club selection and type of swing. I can relate after my round of golf at Silver Rock in La Quinta the other day.

What can the amateur do when the wind picks up? A couple simple guidelines I have been given by touring pros and instructors alike are; tee the ball lower on your drives, and select more club when hitting into the wind. Most golfers will try to swing harder. Let the club do the work.

Easy enough tips to understand. Much more difficult to do. Teeing the ball lower on your drives will create a lower ball flight.

The golf ball can easily get hung up in the air when hitting into the wind, requiring more club to hit the ball your desired distance.

Wind can be one of many defenses a golf course can have against you. Make sure you have the “tools” in your game to combat them all.