Humewood members will be disappointed the Sunshine Tour suspended play twice for wind in NMB Championship this past weekend. Yet in 10 years of the Goodyear Classic in the 1980s/90s there was only one occasion when play was stopped for wind, even though gales were common as it was played in December. That was a temporary suspension while the R&A were phoned at St Andrews for a ruling. Golfers were hardier then, unbowed by tough conditions. Better golfers used the wind to their advantage. Tony Johnstone, on winning at Humewood in 1986, recounted how into a strong westerly at the par-4 18th in the final round he hit driver, 2-iron, 7-iron to reach the green. The top pros were exceptional long-iron exponents and knew how to control their swings in the wind.
