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Wind and Lie Decisions

Change club and shot for wind and lie, calling it before you hit.

By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026

Set up

Check the wind with a pinch of grass.

Core: The whole hole. Compare only with your own last plan.

Ages
14 and up
Time
15 min
Players
Just you
Space
Yard or field
Bring
Irons, balls
Level · skill
Advanced · Course Management

The steps

How it works

  1. Check the wind with a pinch of grass.
  2. Check your lie: clean, rough or slope.
  3. Say your club and shot, then hit.
  4. Hit 10 and count the decisions that worked.

Coaching point

Wind, lie, then club.

Safety: Hit only from the marked spot on the range or practice area, keep everyone clear of your swing, and never walk out to get balls while anyone is still hitting. At the first thunder or lightning, stop and go inside; wait 30 minutes after the last thunder. Bring water, a hat and sunscreen.

Make it fun

Play it, don't drill it

Game version

Plan-the-hole pairs: look at a hole and tell your partner your plan for each shot, then swap. Share one thing you liked.

Challenge

Pick a level: Less (one shot), Core (the whole hole), More (a plan B for a bad lie). Compare only with your own last plan.

Story

You are a captain planning the safest route across the sea.

My best

Beat your own count

Compare only with your own last plan. Only your own number counts: today against last time.

Practice makes progress

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