Common Mistakes When Playing Golf on Coastal Courses

Playing a coastal course is not the same as playing inland. Constant wind, air density at sea level, and firmer greens force you to rethink strategy and technique. These are the most common mistakes—and how to avoid them.

Golf by the sea is an incomparable experience, but it also poses unique challenges. At Club de Golf Alcanada, we’ve seen how certain mistakes repeat when players face the coast. In this article, we share the most common ones and how to learn from them.

• Underestimating the wind
  Many players try to keep the same swing they use on an inland course. The wind, however, amplifies any spin error and can turn a fade into a massive slice. The solution: lower trajectory by placing the ball farther back, shorten the swing, and choose one more club than usual. Don’t fight the wind, play with it.
• Not adjusting club selection
  At sea level, the air is denser than on higher inland courses, and into-the-wind shots fly much less. If you don’t adjust, you’ll come up short on almost every shot. A practical rule: always take one more club than you would use at your home course and constantly check actual distances.
• Getting distracted by the surroundings
  The sea view is spectacular, but every lapse in focus costs strokes. A solid pre-shot routine (alignment, breathing, visualization) is the only way to maintain concentration and separate enjoyment of the scenery from performance.ç

Neglecting the short game

Greens exposed to the wind are usually firmer and faster. It’s not “salinity”; it’s the combination of maintenance and dryness caused by the breeze. This is where rounds are won or lost. Practice putts into the wind and control the height of your approaches: better low and running than high and out of control.

Losing emotional control

The sea doesn’t forgive: losing a ball in an unexpected gust is common. The mistake isn’t missing, it’s trying to make up for it in a hurry. The key is discipline: accept the bogey, return to your plan, and don’t force heroic shots. Calm in these conditions is what separates a good player from an amateur.

Coastal golf: challenge and privilege
Coastal golf demands creativity, adapted technique, and mental strength, above all, constant practice. Every round is different, and that’s the essence of these courses. At Golf Alcanada, we offer a combination of strategic design, maritime conditions, and a unique natural environment to deliver an incomparable golf experience for every player.