Having learned my Golf in the "cooler" climate of Scotland one thing I had to do well was play in the wind. It really is a major plus for you if you can play in the wind because 90% of the field are beaten before they even start. Most people don't want to even start!

Here are my secrets:

Driving - Try to swing at 70% of your normal speed. This is where most people fail because when you are standing on the tee and the wind is howling against the natural thought is "I'll have to smash the ball to get anywhere near the green". Well when you try to swing the club faster, apart from the fact the swing has less control, the faster the ball comes off the club the more backspin the ball has and the more backspin a ball has the more it climbs, particulary into the wind.

Iron Shots - Into the wind always take a lot more club (if it is normally a 7 iron take 5 or even a hybrid). Put more weight on your left foot at address leaving more weight on your left foot during the swing. What this does is steepen the angle of attack of the club coming into the ball which will decrease the loft resulting in a lower ball flight. To increase control grip slightly further down the club like you would for a pitch shot. As with the driver swing at 70% of your normal speed.

Putting - I once played in a tournament at Kilspindie G.C. on the East Coast of Scotland, that was eventually cancelled, where the ball wouldn't stay on the green - the wind blew so hard the balls rolled off the green into bunkers etc. That was , I agree, impossible but in "normal" windy conditions it is a good idea to stand much wider at address when you putt. This will lower your centre of gravity and make sure you stand more stable.

As you probably know from my previous tips I always play the percentage shot whenever possible. In the wind it is no different. If the wind is blowing left to right aim left and let the wind take the ball. Never fight against wind because, I can assure you, you wont win. Don't try and play shots that are risky (e.g. shots over water or bunkers) because the wind can be so unpredictable and move the ball in all directions.

Above all BE PATIENT because everyone will be struggling - if you follow these guidelines and don't expect to play as normal you will be surprised at the end result.

By the way although I love playing in the wind but I hate playing in cold and wet - that's why I now live in Australia