4. Wind and elevation adjustment

STEP FOUR — Wind & Elevation Adjustment (Effect on Distance & Recommended Options)

Wind and elevation can change ball flight more than any other factor.
However, the exact effect is very difficult to predict, because it depends on:
  • Wind strength & gusts
  • Wind direction
  • Ball height & spin
  • Club selection
  • Temperature & air density
  • Player’s natural ball flight
  • Elevation change & sea level
Therefore, all recommendations below are average tendencies only.
The player must always make the final judgement.

A. Wind Adjustment

1. Headwind (into the wind)

Effect on distance:
  • Ball flies shorter
  • Higher shots lose even more distance
  • Spin increases → ball may balloon
Average guideline (optional):
  • Light wind (5–10 mph): +5 to +10 yards
  • Moderate wind (10–20 mph): +10 to +20 yards
  • Heavy wind (20+ mph): +20 to +35 yards or more
Recommendation:
  • Use a longer club
  • Swing controlled with lower ball flight
  • Adjustment varies significantly → rely on experience

2. Tailwind (wind from behind)

Effect on distance:
  • Ball flies longer
  • Spins less → rolls more
  • Higher shots benefit even more
Average guideline (optional):
  • Light wind: –5 yards
  • Moderate wind: –10 to –15 yards
  • Strong wind: –15 to –25 yards
Recommendation:
  • Consider a shorter club
  • Focus on controlling launch height
  • Prediction is difficult → player must judge feel and shot shape

3. Crosswind (left-to-right or right-to-left)

Effect on direction:
  • Ball curves with the wind
  • Effect changes depending on shot shape and spin
Average guideline:
❌ No reliable yardage adjustment exists
❌ Effect varies too much for universal aim points
Recommendation:
  • Aim into the wind
  • Stronger winds require more aim adjustment
  • Exact aiming must be judged by the player

B. Elevation Adjustment (Uphill / Downhill Terrain)

1. Elevated Green (shot is uphill)

Effect on distance:
  • Ball flies shorter
  • Trajectory becomes lower
Average guideline (optional):
  • 5 yards up: +5 yards
  • 10 yards up: +10 yards
  • 15 yards up: +15 yards

2. Lowered Green (shot is downhill)

Effect on distance:
  • Ball flies longer
  • Trajectory becomes higher
  • Ball rolls more
Average guideline (optional):
  • 5 meters down: –5 yards
  • 10 meters down: –10 yards
  • 15 meters down: –15 yards
 
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Simple Summary (Player-Friendly)

  • Headwind = shorter → maybe longer club
  • Tailwind = longer → maybe shorter club
  • Crosswind = direction only → aim change
  • Uphill = shorter → maybe longer club
  • Downhill = longer → maybe shorter club
  • High altitude = longer → normal club may go further
  • Sea level = shorter → normal club may go shorter
Important:
Wind and elevation are extremely unpredictable.
All numbers here are average guidelines.
The player must rely on feel, comfort, and experience when making the final club choice.