Wind play

Question
Hi.
My problem is simply this.....my game falls apart in the wind. I'm a single digit golfer and in calm weather break 80 on my home course. When the wind gets up its a different story though. My ball flight is and always has been high no matter what club I use. I currently use a titleist 904R off the Tee which gives a long high trajectory with low spin.....ie almost always straight. This is great downwind but next to useless into a headwind. So my question is this.....Should I have another club to use into the wind or change my technique to produce a flatter ball flight. I'm not looking for miracles just a shot that might travel 200yds with a boring trajectory. I have found if i try to play a punch shot with a 3 iron or utility club I get low hooks that are worse that the balloons with d driver. Thanks in advance.

Answer
Hi Brian:
Let me give you a few tips that could help.  First of all, I assume you know how to play a knock down shot.  Being a single digit handicapper, you should have that shot in your bag.  To recap though, ball should be played back of center, shaft angle should be forward of center, weight stays on left side.  Three quarter backswing at the most, maintain shaft angle through impact, low finish.  Secondly, use the club that will comfortably get you the distance you need.  Remember that swinging faster creates more spin on the ball, so taking a longer club, choking up an inch and making a swing that is about 80% would help the ball flight stay down.  Learning how to play in the wind is an art, but you will find more success making half to three quarter swings at 80-90% of the speed you usually swing at.  Take more club than you think you need and finish low.  You will surprise yourself at how well you contact the ball.  As far as your club, if it launches it high Brian, the only thing you can do (without getting a different club or shaft) is to tee the ball very low and make a little bit more of a rounded motion.  That takes practice though to get the feel.  I know I tee the ball nice and low in the wind and if you swing level through the ball, the ball stays down pretty good.  Otherwise, investigate getting a new club or just a new shaft.  

Eddie Kilthau
PGA Member