We cannot ignore the fact that a golf ball which spins less will allow a straighter drive towards your target. Neither can we imagine what makes golf balls balloon off the club face. In reality and by the law of physics, the golf ball will naturally spin through the angle of impact, friction, gravity forces, drag etc that will create a trajectory for greater distance upon impact with the club face.
We have heard how back spin creates the drop and stop style of play. And yes, Tiger and Vijay does that so often that your fingers can hardly keep count! But in true fact, to really apply them effectively in your golf game, you have to know how the golf ball back spin will effect your play. So what about randomly creating back spin when you do not know how to utilize and strategize? It will be just like knowing how to fire a gun but do not know when to shoot it and what will happen after you shoot.
If you have read my previous articles on golf ball spin, you will know that a back spin allows the dimples of the golf ball to effectively “scoop” up the air and “fling” it to the back. What this does is to create a lower pressure above and a higher pressure below the golf ball. In aerodynamics, we call this lift.
Golfers use this lift to their advantage by applying the correct amount of back spin for the golf ball to generate the optimum trajectory for greater carry and roll. It really depends on how you want to play it.
On a general way of approach, golfers minimize spin with drivers and maximize their spin on the approach shots off wedge shots.
To generate optimal distance, the length of carry is important. If too much back spin was applied, the power transmitted to the golf ball from the club face will be used to overcome more of the gravity instead of optimizing the length of forward carry. Hence, minimum back spin should be controlled at the tee shots for a optimum trajectory and maximum carry. You will not want your golf ball to tunnel down after reaching the apex. Instead, with a little back spin, a shallow descent will be much more appreciated.
To achieve the correct effects from a golf ball back spin, the correct golf ball is very important. It should be a soft covered golf ball with a correct amount of deformation for your specific swing and head speed. If the golf ball is not right for you, you will not be able to perform the spin correctly.
On approach shots, many golfers suffer a loss of distance because of not enough adequate back spin. As the golf ball is not greatly deformed on most shots, back spin is needed to enhance the lift and carry towards your target.
It is always good to go for moderate back spin and slowly increase to your liking as your game improve. By applying the correct amount of back spin, you can lengthen the carry off your wedges and get a easier pin shot. Yet at the same time, the back spin performs as a brake to stop your golf ball in time for your next aligned shot.
If you use a harder cover golf ball that does not spin, you will not be able to create a good carry and will roll too much away from your intended target.
Get more practice down the greens and soon you will have full control by using the effects of back spin to lower your score!