Padraig Harrington: Famous 5-wood approach, Royal Birkdale 2008

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At Royal Birkdale in 2008, defending champion Padraig Harrington overcame some strong winds, a niggling wrist injury and a resurgent Greg Norman to capture his second successive Open Championship.

The most memorable shot on his way to a four-shot victory was a stunning 5-wood approach into the par-5 17th. After finding the fairway from the tee, the Irishman, who at the time had a two-shot lead at five over par, was left with 272 yards to the flag at the back of the green.

The wind was hard off the left and the green’s entrance was narrow, forcing him to start the ball over the grandstand in the left rough and trust the wind to push the ball back. He hit the perfect shot, carrying the greenside trap by a matter of yards and releasing down to four feet from the flag. He duly rolled in the putt for his second eagle on that hole during the week to set up the win.

This shot is all about trusting your swing and the conditions to find the target. Kristian Baker shows you how you can make birdies in the wind on par 5s…

NOW PLAY THE SHOT

Alter your aim and trust your swing in the wind…

ADDRESS

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF WIND
Fighting the wind takes distance off the shot so be sure to use it by altering your alignment depending on the strength. Then simply set-up to the ball as normal.

STANCE

MAINTAIN YOUR BALANCE
Try to keep your weight going through the fronts of your ankles. This helps you stay centred so the wind can’t push you forwards or backwards too easily.

BACKSWING

COMPLETE YOUR TURN
When it gets windy golfers often swing short and jabby, so make sure you complete your shoulder turn to create good tempo and consistency in the wind.

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