Growing up in South Florida, LPGA star Lexi Thompson learned a thing or two about playing in the wind, and during her recent GOLF cover shoot, the 29-year-old — who is set to compete on her seventh U.S. Solheim Cup team — shared her keys for success on the latest edition of Pros Teaching Joes.
“Usually you just focus on more solid contact when it gets super windy,” Thompson says. “So a little slower speed, more center contact.”
One thing to remember: it’s okay to club up in the wind. What you don’t want to do is try to hit the ball harder. Thompson suggests using a nice, even tempo with a shorter-than-normal swing. Also: pay attention to the wind direction. On our blustery day at Panther National, Thompson made sure to give herself a 10-yard aiming cushion on her target to account for movement from the wind.
On my attempt to incorporate Thompson’s tips, executing the shot felt natural. Moving the ball slightly back in my stance and taking a three-quarter swing helped the ball stay lower, with a more penetrating ball flight than normal, and no distance loss. I was delighted with the result after just one swing.
Lexi Thompson, master instructor. We’ll add that to her lengthy list of accomplishments.