Short answer: 20 mph wind is tough but still playable. Expect 3–5 extra strokes, bigger club adjustments, and a strong temptation to bail out of your target line. Many golfers prefer to reschedule when sustained winds hit 20+ mph.
Scratch and low-handicap players can still shoot near their handicap with smart course management. Mid- and high-handicap golfers should expect scores to rise 3–5 strokes. Our playability score will typically rate 20 mph wind in the "Fair" or "Poor" range depending on temperature and rain.
20 mph on its own is safe. But watch gust forecasts: sustained 20 mph with 30+ mph gusts can make tree-lined courses dangerous if branches are weak. Our score adds a gust penalty when gusts exceed sustained wind by more than 8 mph.