What's the right amount of spin?

Follow Thread

By K_5

  • 1 Like
  • 7 Replies
  1. K_5

    K_5
    Allentown, PA

    I'm hoping for some advice regarding spin on approach shots. What's the ideal amount of backspin on these type of shots?

    For example, I was playing a 148yd Par 3 yesterday and hit an 8 iron that was barely tee'd up. It stuck the green and spun back about 6 feet.

    On approach shots with my 50/08F (about 100yds) I get a couple feet of back spin when hitting from the fairway.

    I'm currently using a Pro V1, should I consider a Pro V1x to get more "spinny" around the greens? I'm a mid-handicap player trying to understand this a little better.

    Thanks in advance for the insight!

  2. Chuck Z

    Chuck Z
    Mt Pleasant, SC

    Military
    Prov1x, long game and short game higher spin rate that the Prov1.
  3. Justin V

    Justin V
    Milton, MA

    To be honest, the best way to see with your specific swing is to get a sleeve of each ball, and go to the course and try them from the green back. Hit identical shots from 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 yards in. There are so many variables that affect spin (how you come into the ball, ball age, groove age, slope of the green...), its best to evaluate it where it matters - on the course with your swing! (plus its fun).
  4. casey h

    casey h
    salt lake city, UT

    One thing you have to remember is that fuller swings are going to produce more spin (usually). So you have to ask yourself is a 100 yard swing with your gap wedge a full swing or more 3/4? Also, don't get too hung up on really getting the ball to really zip back unless you're always hitting it well past the flag. The best players control spin and know exactly how far their clubs are going. A couple feet of spin with a 50.08 from the fairway is ideal if that keeps you close to your distance at the majority of courses you play. Think landing the ball pin high and having enough spin to keep it there. Its cool to see a ball really zip back but, even the guys on tour are trying to control that the majority of the time.
  5. Don O

    Don O
    Madison, WI

    A well struck wedge shot with either a V or X will be in the vicinity of 10K rpm’s. The V will be a couple hundred less.

    For a green sloped up front to back, that spin rate will at least check up if not spin backwards Holding a green sloped down front to back at best will check up.

    Lee Trevino was one of the best at getting a pitch to hop twice and stop. Like about all pros, taking off backspin in certain cases is a skill learned with practice.

    For a more consistent effort, left dash X will not spin back as much

    Don’t take my word for this. With a slow swing, I only get 7K rpm’s with new wedges a the X and that won’t suck a ball back.
  6. K_5

    K_5
    Allentown, PA

    Thanks for all the feedback! All the online fitting tools put me in a V and I do really like the feel. I'm going to get a box of X's and play a few rounds with them to get the true on-course feel like some have suggested above.
  7. Dino S

    Dino S
    Dayton, OH

    Military
    This is a subjective question. I think it depends on what result you're looking for. If you are comfortable landing the ball 5-10 yards past your target knowing you'll put zip on the ball then your current ball should work properly. If you want to land the ball short of the target and avoid a bunch of spin then you would want a ball that's produces less spin. I always prefer to be short of the target knowing my ball will land take one or two hops and stop. hope this helps.
  8. JoeyD

    JoeyD
    Texas

    One of my 10 Commandments of golf: Knowing your carry distances for each club is more import than how far each club goes. Likewise, knowing how much spin you have with each club is more important than how much each club spins the ball. Spin into a green will be largely affected by how firm or soft the greens are and how well conditioned the grass and root system is on the green. You'll have to adjust for each different course you play based on their turf conditions. Don't be the guy that cant put it close to the pin because "my ball usually spins more/less than this", instead adjust for the conditions by realizing its not the spin but the course conditions and play for more or less release based on your carry distances.

Please login to post a comment.

Sign In

Haven't registered for Team Titleist yet?

Sign Up