Welcome to Shaving Strokes, a GOLF.com series in which we’re sharing improvements, learnings and takeaways from amateur golfers just like you — including some of the speed bumps and challenges they faced along the way.
Ever since I started playing golf nearly 30 years ago, I’ve always wondered how the pros spin their wedge shots with such precision. Like, seriously, these guys are hitting to a spot on the green and making it look like they’re pulling on a string to roll the ball back to where they actually want it to sit. It’s so impressive.
As a mid-handicapper, though, there’s no way in hell I’m attempting this to risk getting a triple-bogey or worse because I tried getting fancy.
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But understanding how to spin wedge shots is more than just showboating to impress your playing partners, it’s actually a skill that’s necessary as you begin playing more challenging golf courses — like this week’s U.S. Open venue, Pinehurst No. 2, which requires tons of accuracy and creativity in the short game.
So with the help of GOLF Top 100 Teacher Trillium Rose, take a look below to learn a few basic ways to spin your wedge shots and leave yourself with closer putts for lower scores.
Spin wedge shots like the pros by doing this
In the video above, Rose offers up some simple, non-technical tips that every golfer can do right now to start spinning their wedge shots.
Of course, there are certain technical things a player must do as well, but, for now, Rose wants golfers to dial these parts in first before filling your head with more swing thoughts.
Get the right golf ball
Beginner or novice players may think that all golf balls are created equally, but that’s definitely not the case. It can get complicated on the type of ball you use — from ones offering more forgiveness to ones that add spin — but the bottom line is this: If you want to spin wedge shots, make sure you’re not playing a ball that’s been beaten around and sitting in the bottom of your golf bag for months.
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“The premium balls actually spin more, so you can buy that,” Rose says in the video.
I know, most mid-to-high handicappers hate spending money on golf balls that could eventually get lost in the woods or in water, but for the sake of this particular exercise — spinning your wedge shots — it’s a necessary piece of the pie.
Keep the grooves on your wedges clean
It’s easy to hit a wedge shot and then just toss your club back in the bag — I’d argue that most amateurs actually do this habitually. But if this sounds like you, you’re going to want to avoid doing that until you wipe (and maybe even deep clean) the grooves on the club’s face.
According to Rose, a key ingredient to putting spin on any shot is as simple as keeping the grooves clean.
“Make sure your grooves are clean and dry,” adds Rose.
Remember, even the littlest things can impact the outcome of your golf shot — yes, even something like a speck of dirt lodged in a groove or some water droplets.
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Analyze your ball’s lie
Finally, Rose says you’ll need to understand when you can and can’t attempt putting some spin on a wedge shot — meaning you’ll need to analyze your ball’s lie.
For instance, if you’re hitting from the rough, you likely won’t be able to spin it. This is why Rose suggests only attempting a nice spinner off a tight lie.
“You can’t put a lot of spin on the ball if it’s in the rough,” Rose explains. “You need a tight lie, because, when it’s in the rough, you’re going to have a lot of debris in the way of the clubface.”
By following these easy hacks from Rose, you’ll start to understand some basic info when it comes to spinning your shots. So get out there and make sure you check these simple things off your list before deciding on the best type of shot for you.
Titleist Vokey SM10 Tour Chrome Custom Wedge
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