Inconsistent direction and loss of length are just a few of the problems you may have experienced when playing along the windy South African coast, but these tips should have you cheating the wind next time you stand up on the tee.

1. At address, set up your ball positioned in the middle of your stance or even slightly back of the middle of your stance. Lean your weight towards your left side and hold your hands ahead of the ball at address. This ensures that the clubface loft is decreased and that you hit the ball with a steeper, more descending swing.

2. At the top of the backswing your weight should stayed more or less on your left side and there should be no significant weight transfer onto the right side.

3. At impact your weight should move aggressively onto your left side, keeping your hands well ahead of the clubface, which causes the clubface to deloft and therefore keep the ball flight lower. Even though the shot calls for a steeper angle of attack onto the ball, ensure that, if a divot is taken, it is more shallow than deep.

4. The low finish position shows how the hands and clubhead have been driven through the ball and not chopped down onto it. Also note that even though I have an abbreviated finish, my body has turned all the way through the ball.

The final factor to keep in mind when hitting the ball lower, is to swing a little slower than usual. An even, rhythmical swing will lower the ball’s spin rate and prevent the ball from ‘ballooning’ upwards. Always remember, when it’s breezy, swing easy!

This instruction is courtesy of Michael Quick, a fully qualified member of both the PGA of South Africa and the PGA of Germany. He is the head professional at Fancourt Golf Academy and is a TaylorMade-adidas staff player. To contact him, call 044 804 0190 or e-mail academy@fancourt.co.za.