Doc’s Pro Lesson: The Links Bunt
This week’s lesson comes from PGA Professional Wayne O’Callaghan at his academy in Fernhill Golf Club, Carrigaline Cork. info@wayneocallaghangolf.com, www.fernhillcountryclub.com.
This week we will be watching professionals and amateurs battling the wind on some of Scotland’s best links courses
Most golfers are familiar with the saying ‘swing with ease into the breeze’, but what is missing from this tip is to play with a lower numbered club than you would normally play. The reason you should swing easy is because the harder you hit a ball the more spin you create and the higher the ball will fly.
To play into the wind I play the ball slightly further back in my stance than normal but resist the temptation to play it too far back. I often see amateurs playing the ball opposite their right foot; their 5-iron is turned into a 2-iron and they smoother the ball into a big hook.
The backswing should be three quarter length and in control as the objective is to hit the ball much softer than a full shot. You should be aiming to just bunt it towards the target and this will keep the backspin down on the golf ball and stop it ballooning up into the air.
In the third pic, I have rotated my body towards the target. This has enabled my hands to lead the clubface through the ball which will de loft the clubface through impact and keep the ball flight low. The follow through is low and restricted and is visual evidence of my intention to bunt the ball forward. Practice this shot and you will certainly steal an advantage on your playing companions when that wind blows!
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