What is Spin Rate?
Significantly influencing the height and distance of a shot, Spin Rate is the amount of spin on the golf ball immediately after impact
Spin Rate is one of the least appreciated numbers, especially in windy conditions.
A high Spin Rate is the enemy, particularly when hitting into the wind. One way to reduce spin is to hit a lower lofted club.
Practice taking one or two clubs more (5 iron instead of 7 iron) and swing easier. This will help you control your ball flight and distance.
More loft generally increases Spin Rate. All things being equal, more club speed will also increase Spin Rate.
Learn more about Spin Rate on Trackman’s 10 Fundamentals series.
Technical Definition:
Spin Rate – The rate of rotation of the golf ball around the resulting rotational axis of the golf ball immediately after the golf ball separates from the club face
Tour Averages
PGA TOUR
Driver – 2,545 rpm
6 iron – 6,204 rpm
LPGA Tour
Driver – 2,506 rpm
6 iron – 5,904 rpm
For a full list of Tour averages, visit Trackman PGA and LPGA Tour Averages
Trackman Combine Averages
Male Amateur (Driver)
Scratch of Better – 2,896 rpm
5 HCP – 2,987 rpm
10 HCP – 3,192 rpm
Average Golfer (14.5) – 3,275 rpm
Bogey Golfer – 3,127 rpm
Female Amateur (Driver)
Scratch or Better – 2,831 rpm
5 HCP – 3,027 rpm
10 HCP – 3,207 rpm
15 HCP – 3,287 rpm
The standard assumption for Spin Rate comes from the Trackman Optimizer.
For a driver, a club speed of 94 mph, attack angle of 0 degrees, and optimized carry results in a Spin Rate of 2,772 rpm.
For a 6-iron, a club speed of 80 mph and mid-trajectory results in a Spin Rate of 5,956 rpm.
For a PW, a club speed of 72 mph and mid-trajectory results in a Spin Rate of 8,408 rpm.
What our Trackman Masters say about Spin Rate…
“Controlling the Spin Rate is pivotal to controlling the flight of the golf ball. Ideal launch angle and Spin Rate numbers are crucial to achieving the optimal trajectory given a golfer’s club speed. It is so important to look at contact point when assessing Spin Rate. Vertical gear effect can have a massive effect on spin numbers.”
Mark Anderson
Philadelphia Cricket Club, USA
“It is fascinating how much the Spin Rate can change the flight of the golf ball. It often happens that a student can improve their total distance of a drive by more than 30 yards within a couple shots. Spin Rate is mainly produced by spin loft, speed, friction, and centeredness of impact. Vertical gear effect has an enormous influence on drivers. If a golfer understands how spin is produced, they will also have a big advantage in their short game.”
Christoph Bausek
Progressive Golf, Austria
“Controlling the Spin Rate of the golf ball is an important factor particularly in the short game. Being able to produce more spin on a 50 yard wedge shot when it is needed can be the difference between winning and losing a tournament. In the same sense, the ability to produce chip shots with less spin can be the difference between playing to or playing under a golfer’s handicap.”
Jamie McConnell
JM Golf Academy, Ireland