[Kim Maengnyeong's Golf English Conversation] "Spin Controls Distance and Direction"

When putting, you need to hit the top part of the ball to apply topspin.

When you hit the ball with a golf club, spin occurs.

There are two types of spin: vertical and horizontal. Vertical spins such as back spin and top spin primarily affect the distance. Side spin, on the other hand, rotates horizontally and creates curved trajectories like fade or draw. When the "resurrected golf emperor" Tiger Woods (USA) said, "I applied back spin to the ball," the ball was pulled backward as if stretched by a rubber band.

This is a highly advanced shot technique used by professional golfers. It is called back spin or under spin. Clubs with a high loft, such as sand or lob wedges, generate tremendous spin. Bentgrass, Kentucky bluegrass, and Bermuda grass are suitable types of turf. Back spin is one of the most impressive skills in golf. It is considered the "Holy Grail of golf."

Top spin is useful when hitting into the wind. Woods intentionally hits the ball with top spin when facing a headwind. On the green, if you contact the upper part of the ball, it results in topping. The ball keeps rolling forward, allowing it to overcome slight slopes. Side spin occurs when the ball is not hit squarely but struck on one side with a crosscutting blow. If it spins to the right, it is a fade; if to the left, it is a draw.

A: The green looks very fast, doesn't it?

B: Yes, I think so.

A: Well, I'll have to hit the ball with back spin.

B: Good luck! What causes side spin?

A: The simple answer is a crosscutting blow.

Text & photo by Kim Maengnyeong, golf columnist