Ball Spin!

Golf ball spin is so often misunderstood; and for good reason. It can be awfully complicated. Things like physics, geometry, applied science, aerodynamics, force creation…holy smokes, my head is spinning. I thought it might be a good idea to talk to a couple of really smart guys who both know golf ball design and function inside and out.
 
Brandon Sowell is the golf ball marketing manager for Bridgestone Golf. I asked Brandon what makes a golf ball spin?
 
“There are many different variables that come in to play,” Brandon told me. “For the most part ball spin occurs because of the club head hitting the ball, of course.” Brandon continues, “How a ball spins has a lot to do with the loft on the club and the swing path the clubs takes to impact the ball. Then there is the material used in the construction of the ball itself. Different covers affect spin and therefore flight.”
 
OK, I get that and I’m sure you do as well. Let’s continue our conversation with Mike Pai, vice president of sales and marketing for Srixon. I asked Mike about what types of balls from a construction standpoint are out there and how construction affects spin.