How to Put Backspin on a Golf Ball

Few shots in golf are more exciting than a high-arcing chip that lands 4 feet past the flag, pauses for a moment, then spins backward into the hole. It's as if the player has the ball on a string, and pro golfers make it look easy. Unfortunately for most of us, putting backspin on a golf ball is much harder than it looks, but with the right equipment and a lot of practice, that dream shot can be made a reality.

Things You'll Need

  • Soft-covered golf ball
  • Wedge
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Instructions

  1. Putting Backspin on a Golf Ball

    • 1

      Choose a soft-covered golf ball. Nowadays, there are many different factors in selecting a ball. Two of the these factors are spin and feel. Choose a golf ball with a soft feel and high spin. Soft-covered balls may compromise your distance off the tee, but they are necessary to generate backspin.

    • 2

      Clean your club face. The grooves on the face of your wedge must be clean and deep for the club to grip the ball enough to generate backspin. A new or regrooved wedge will be much more effective than one that is worn.

    • 3

      Play on a well-groomed course. This is one element of professional golf that people often forget about. Pros play on meticulously maintained courses and this factors into their ability to put backspin on the ball. Long grass between the ball and club face prevents the club from gripping the ball. Tightly mowed fairways and greens with some give are ideal.

    • 4

      Hit the ball with a square, slightly downward stroke. The proper swing compresses the ball on the fairway, providing enough resistance to generate backspin. If the ball lands softly on the green without too high a bounce, it should spin backward.