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BODY / TOUR TECHNIQUE
ATTACK THE WIND
Make these easy adjustments to hit your irons low and high By Talor Gooch
I grew up near Oklahoma City, and like most professional golfers from that part of the
United States, I became an above- average iron player. I had to. It was a matter of survival. On many days, the wind blew 50 kilometres per hour and would gust to 60. If I couldn’t hit the ball consistently in the centre of the club- face, I was doomed. When you play in a lot of wind, not only do you have to make crisp contact, but you must con- trol the spin and trajectory, too. That’s how you become a great iron player. For me, dialling up a low or high ball flight is second nature. I’ve played so much golf in the wind that once I’ve determined the type of trajectory I want, my setup, swing and feel for that shot adjust automatically to create the desired ball flight. I don’t give any thought to technique, which is a great way to play. That said, I’m guessing it doesn’t come as natural for you, and you could use help on windy days. So let me and my swing coach, Boyd Summerhays, give you some simple tips to help you control the ball in the breeziest of condi- tions. If you can command the trajectory of your iron shots, then you can manage any wind. Learn these simple setup and swing adjustments and watch your iron game soar. —with dave allen TALOR GOOCH became the first back- to-back winner in LIV Golf history with his wins in Australia and Singapore in 2023. He also has one PGA Tour title.
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GOLF DIGEST SOUTH AFRICA 81
MARCH/APRIL 2024
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