Impact studies under dry conditions have been carried out for a range of golf balls (multi-piece solid construction balls representing a variety of compression ratings with both polyurethane (PU) and ionomer covers) using a gas cannon. The balls have been fired, at a speed of 30 m/s, at grooved and un-grooved plates at effective lofts between 20 and 70° with surface roughness, Ra=1 μm. The ball speed, launch angle and backspin magnitude post-mpact were measured using a stereoscopic launch monitor system. Analysis of backspin was successfully carried out using effective coefficient of friction and spin ratio measures. Within the range of lofts investigated the backspin rate for each of the balls showed a maximum, which was dependent on the ball type and presence of grooves. This behaviour has been rationalised as the deformation of the cover into surface features (particularly grooves at higher loft angles) leading to a higher effective friction coefficient and greater rolling. The behaviour of two-piece balls is largely characterised by the cover hardness, but the mantle needs to be incorporated for three-piece balls.