Check Spin

Whyner

I would like to hear from people who regularly use check spin in order to get their ball to bite after 1-3 skips of the balls. Obviously most of us have an idea on how this works but I’d prefer to restrict it to golfers who use it often throughout their round.

I played with 2 friends who were off 6 and 8 at Headfort New last Sun and they used it to great effect on numerous holes.

Firstly, what advantage does it have over a chip and run shot? They can both have the same result but more often than not, lower handicappers and pros would go with checkspin. I’d love to hear what dictates your choice.

Secondly, how did you transition from a chip and run to a chip and bite? Lots of practice?? A description of your technique would be great.

For the moment, I’ve got to stick with my chip and run shot, not that I play it badly but I do like practicing different shots, if only for the laugh.

SuprSi

I've just recently started using it again, having purchased a load of Pro-V's. I really only try to get check spin with two clubs, and with one particular type of shot - ball off the right foot with either a sand or pitching wedge from relatively close to or right beside the green. I find that it allows much greater control of the ball and because you can fly it closer to the hole, you don't rely or have to read the break of the green so much.

It's great if you're 10 yards off the green with semi-rough to go and a medium amount of green, or if you just fancy a medium trajectory and getting it to stop quickly. If I'm honest, I hardly ever play a 'proper' chip & run, like with a 7 or 8 iron.

How I transition from a shot that gets spin to one that doesn't is determined by the way I strike the ball, the position of my hands, and the position of the ball in my stance. For spin, the ball is further back in my stance and I hit down on it, trying to catch a little divot, with a lower ball flight. If I need to flop the ball in, I can't get both the height and the spin, so I rely on a soft landing instead. Similar technique, except my hands won't be so forward of the ball at address/impact and the ball will be more forward allowing me to get the open clubface under the ball.

Using a pitching wedge from anywhere inside 30 yards is now one of my favourite shots and I've come to rely on it very heavily.

RD77

I nearly almost hit chips with check when you get a feel of the shot its very consistent. I find it easier to use only one club around the green and for different shots change the loft and backswing.
To get spin on the ball use a lob wedge open the face up catch the ball cleanly and try to imagine brushing the grass under the ball with the bounce of the club. Don't be afraid to hit through the ball if only using the 60 degree