Spin CityThe quick and easy on all things spin. |
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| By Tim Mahoney, PGA, With Charlie Schroeder | ||||||
 To execute a wedge shot that hits, takes a hop and stops (or spins back), the first thing you need is the right kind of ball (see the sidebar) and a high-lofted wedge with sharp grooves. Next, you need a good lie from the fairway so the ball compresses against the clubface and the grooves “bite” into it and get it spinning fast. To create more spin with your wedge, set up with the ball back in your stance, place a little weight on your left side (lefties, do the opposite), lean your clubshaft forward and swing down on a steep angle so the clubhead moves swiftly through the impact zone. Following this tip is absolutely vital, as a faster clubhead speed directly correlates to more spin.The Knuckle Ball Here, I’m hitting a 460cc driver and a premium ball (see the sidebar to find out why). With such a big clubhead, it’s vital to tee up the ball nice and high so you hit it off the top part of the clubface. Doing so takes advantage of the club’s C.O.R. or “spring-like” effect that helps add distance. Set up with the ball just inside your front foot and place about 60% of your weight on your back foot. This tilts your spine to the right and makes it easier to catch the ball high on the clubface at impact. The result should be a low-spinning shot that flies on a flatter arc.
 Fade ReleaseAt left, notice how my clubface is aimed straight (and where I want the ball to end up) while my body lines (shoulders, feet) point to the left (and where I want my shot to start). To hit a fade, set up this way and swing along your body lines. Doing so helps hold off your release, as seen above.  Draw ReleaseHere’s the mirror opposite of the Fade tip. My clubface is aiming where I want the ball to end up, but my body lines are aimed to the right. Doing this adds draw-spin to the ball and encourages a stronger release (left). Again, swing along your body lines!  Get It Rollin'A square putterface at impact not only gets the ball rolling “end over end” in the right direction, but it eliminates skidding and hopping (which results from poor contact and affects the distance and direction your ball travels). If your putterface isn’t square (or if it’s misaligned by a degree or two), it’s almost impossible to make putts, regardless of their length. I suggest visiting a putter-fitting studio to make sure your putter’s loft suits your stroke. Also, try playing with a putter that features a face insert to reduce skid. To improve the quality of your roll and consistency of your stroke, try this drill. Place the ball slightly forward in your stance (see above) and make a stroke using the larger shoulder muscles (not the hands!). Keep these fundamentals in mind and use a putter that fits your stroke to get the ball rolling the right way.
Tim Mahoney is the Director of Education for Troon Golf and teaches in Scottsdale, Ariz., and Sun Valley, Idaho. |
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