Play Better This Winter!

European Tour winner Alexander Bjork reveals how best to adapt to the varying demands of the off-season game from tee to green.

Continuing your golfing odyssey through the winter months can be incredibly rewarding. As our fair-weather friends head into hibernation, only the hardiest competitors are left to battle it out. What many golfers fail to realise is that with wide-open fairways, soft greens and little rough, the chance to go low is better than ever.

However, winter does present certain challenges you simply do not face at other times of the year. Being able to confidently adapt as the conditions change is the key to unlocking your all-new scoring potential. To help you this winter, we’ve enlisted the help of Swedish European Tour winner Alexander Bjork. He explains how to combat the cold and play well in the wettest and windiest of weather.

WINTER TIPS OFF THE TEE

1 Ball position

In the winter, your ball position at address is key as it will determine your flight. If you want to stay in control, you will have to be prepared to vary it. Here are three ball positions I would use. The furthest back is for shots into the wind – notice how I have teed it down to keep the flight down even more. The middle ball is my normal driver set-up and the furthest forward helps me take advantage when the wind is at my back. Experiment with these at the range and then take it to the course. This is about developing the adaptability you need to play well in winter conditions.

2 Downwind keys

When driving downwind I like to put 70% of my weight on my back foot, compared to the 60% I’d normally use. This encourages a higher launch to make the most of the helping wind. I’ve already mentioned tee height and ball position, but you also need to be prepared to make a full, committed swing. A full upper body rotation will help increase your speed, adding spin and more flight – all keys to helping you maximise your distance off the tee downwind.