Stupid Golf Question

What is spin rate?

The screen shows thousands of RPM and you are not sure whether more is better

Plain answer first

The plain answer

Spin rate is how many revolutions per minute the ball is making after impact. Spin helps shape flight and stopping power, and useful ranges change by club, speed, strike, and shot.

The NPG answer

It is the ball doing math while you are still holding the finish.

When it matters

It matters because driver spin affects carry and roll, while iron and wedge spin helps approach shots stay in the air and stop on the green.

What to do next

Compare spin with launch, peak height, and landing result for one club instead of chasing the highest or lowest RPM.

Do this next

What is launch angle?

Launch angle is the angle at which the ball starts its flight relative to the ground.

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