Approach Techniques on Holes with Sea Breeze

One of the biggest challenges in coastal golf is learning to play with the wind. The sea breeze can completely change the planning of a hole, especially when it comes to the approach, the crucial shot that can mean the difference between a birdie and a bogey. It’s not enough to calculate distance: you have to read the air, adjust ball flight, and make tactical decisions in seconds. In this article we look at how to handle approach shots confidently in windy conditions, and which techniques can help you keep control of your game when the sea comes into play.

Understanding the wind: ally or enemy

At Golf Alcanada, the wind can vary in strength and intensity throughout the day, directly influencing the ball’s trajectory. The breeze usually blows from the sea inland, although its behavior can change depending on the hole’s location and the course’s topography. That’s why the first step is to read the wind well: observing the direction of the flags, the treetops, or even tossing a bit of grass into the air are essential practices before executing the shot.

Choosing the right club

One of the most common mistakes when playing in the wind is sticking to your usual club selection. On holes with a headwind, it’s advisable to go up a club (for example, from a pitching wedge to a 9-iron) and shorten the swing to keep the ball low and controlled. If the wind is downwind, do the opposite: reduce power and control spin, as the ball could easily run past the green.

Shot technique: lower flight, more control

An approach into the wind demands precision, not power. To keep the flight lower and reduce the wind’s effect, it’s advisable to:
• Position the ball slightly back in your stance
• Reduce the height of the follow-through
• Use less wrist and more body
• Avoid generating too much backspin

This kind of shot, known as a punch shot, helps the ball pierce the wind more effectively and maintain a more stable trajectory.

Use the course to your advantage: play smart

Golf Alcanada tests not only technique but also strategy. With holes framed by pines, gentle slopes, and well-protected greens, reading the surroundings is key. Sometimes, the safest approach is not the direct one, but the shot that uses the natural fall of the terrain or a favorable bailout area to leave an easy putt. Remember: in golf, precision always beats power.

Practice with purpose

The practice area at Golf Alcanada (https://www.golf-alcanada.com/golf-academy/) offers ideal conditions to train these shots under the influence of the wind. With sea views similar to those on the course, it lets players simulate real situations and develop a more solid and adaptable approach game. In addition, our professionals offer personalized lessons that work specifically on the short game and techniques for windy conditions.

More than golf: a complete Mediterranean experience

After an intense day on the course, there’s nothing better than relaxing in our restaurant overlooking the Bay of Alcudia. Golf Alcanada is not just golf; it’s gastronomy, nature, and a way of life. An experience rounded out by a seasonal menu that combines local flavors with international proposals, perfect for recharging after a demanding round.