How Can You Cope with Extreme Weather Conditions?
Summary
Extreme weather challenges more than ball flight—it challenges confidence and commitment. Golfers who thrive in harsh conditions shift their mindset from perfection to adaptability and execute each shot decisively.
How well are you able to adapt to extremely challenging weather conditions during a competitive round?
Do high winds or frigid temperatures interfere with your ability to commit to shots?
Few things test a golfer’s mental game like extreme weather. Strong winds, cold temperatures, rain, or swirling gusts don’t just affect ball flight; they meddle with your confidence, focus, emotions, and commitment.
In extreme weather, doubt becomes the real opponent.
How many times have you practiced a 165-yard 7-iron in a heavy crosswind? Probably never. Now, you are facing this very shot in a tournament. Being overly analytical as you stand over the ball creates doubt and hesitation. Trying to predict wind shifts and making last-second adjustments only makes the shot more difficult. It’s like throwing a couple of additional hazards in your way.
Commitment eliminates the mental hazards and frees up your swing. The elite golfer’s secret to playing in extreme weather conditions is shifting from hitting perfect shots to executing decisive ones.
In the middle of the third round at the 2026 Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions, play was suspended due to high winds and unplayable conditions. The wind was gusting so hard that sand was blowing out of the bunkers.
Nelly Korda, who began the day three shots back, fired an 8-under 64 to take the lead at 13-under before play was suspended with a few holes remaining.
Korda birdied the first two holes, then added five more birdies later in the round before dropping a shot on the windy 17th hole. She had to step away from her putt several times on the 17th because her ball, as she described, was oscillating.
Korda stated the wind and temperatures put her into “survival mode” during the final four holes of Round Three.
KORDA:
“[Nos.] 15, 16, 17, 18, they’re brutal once you get a little bit exposed. Mentally, I was already preparing for that. I knew it was going to be tough on those holes, especially the wind kind of coming from the north. Just very proud of myself and more the mental side for being really committed to my lines. It is really easy, especially on a golf course like this with so many run-offs, to start doubting yourself.”
When weather conditions are unpredictable, commitment matters more than precision. Fully committing to your shot gives you a mental edge over the field in extreme weather conditions.
4 Strategies to Improve Shot Commitment in Golf Despite Extreme Weather
1. Adaptability Over Perfection
Instead of trying to hit the “perfect” shot, pride yourself on your ability to adapt and endure. Reframing your situation reduces frustration and keeps expectations realistic in extreme conditions.
2. Acceptance of Your Circumstances
It is not negative to recognize the conditions you are facing—it’s realistic. By mentally preparing for added challenges, you can prevent emotional meltdowns if your ball strays offline.
3. Commitment, Commitment, Commitment
Despite the uncertainty of a shot’s outcome, be decisive. Identify your shot, commit fully, and strike the ball without overthinking. This approach defeats a golfer’s most formidable adversaries: pressure and anxiety.
4. Emotional Regulation
You can’t regulate the weather, but you can regulate your emotions. If disrupted or distracted by the conditions, step away from the shot briefly. Patience and composure are just as vital as any club in your golf bag.
FAQ – Commitment in Golf
Why is shot commitment harder in extreme weather?
Extreme weather increases uncertainty. Wind gusts, cold temperatures, and unpredictable ball flight create doubt, making it more difficult to fully trust your decisions and swing freely.
Should I change my strategy in high winds?
Yes—but commit fully to whatever adjustment you choose. Whether you club up, flight the ball lower, or aim wider, decisiveness is more important than trying to be perfect.
How can I stay emotionally steady in tough conditions?
Control your breathing, slow your tempo, and accept that mistakes will happen. Emotional regulation keeps one bad shot from turning into multiple errors.
What separates elite golfers in extreme weather?
Top players shift from chasing perfect shots to executing committed ones. They adapt quickly, accept the conditions, and stay mentally disciplined regardless of the elements.
Related Golf Psychology Articles
- 4 Ways to Close Out a Golf Tournament
- 5 Strategies to Fuel Your Motivation in Golf
- The Power of Self-Talk for Golfers
- Subscribe to The Golf Psychology Podcast on iTunes
- Subscribe to The Golf Psychology Podcast on Spotify
The Golfer’s Mental Edge 2.0 Program
“The Golfer’s Mental Edge 2.0” is new in 2021. This audio and workbook program helps you overcome a lack of focus, low self-confidence or other mental game obstacles on the course that prevent you from reaching your true potential in golf. Learn the secrets to better focus, confidence and composure that Junior, Collegiate and Tour Professionals use to WIN!