A flop shot is a high, soft shot that is designed to stop quickly on the green. It is typically used when the ball is lying close to the green but there is an obstacle (such as a bunker or rough) between the ball and the hole. To hit a flop shot, follow these steps:
- Choose the right club: A flop shot requires a lot of loft, so use a club with a lot of loft (such as a sand wedge or lob wedge) for this shot.
- Open the clubface: To get the ball to stop quickly on the green, you will need to hit it with a high, soft trajectory. To do this, open the clubface (point it to the left for a right-handed golfer) before you set up for the shot.
- Take a wide stance: To create a stable base and generate more power, take a wider stance than you normally would.
- Play the ball back in your stance: To promote a downward blow, position the ball back in your stance (closer to your back foot).
- Make a steep swing: To get the ball in the air quickly, make a steep, sweeping swing. Focus on hitting the ball first, then the turf.
- Follow through: As with any golf shot, it’s important to follow through and complete your swing. This will help you generate more power and control.
It may take some practice to get the hang of hitting a flop shot, but with time and patience, you should be able to master this challenging but rewarding shot.
Here are a few examples of when a flop shot might be used:
- Over a bunker: If the ball is lying close to the green but there is a bunker between the ball and the hole, a flop shot can be used to clear the bunker and land the ball softly on the green.
- From thick rough: If the ball is lying in thick rough but the green is relatively close, a flop shot can be used to get the ball out of the rough and onto the green.
- Around the green: If the ball is lying close to the green but there is an obstacle (such as a slope or mound) between the ball and the hole, a flop shot can be used to get the ball over the obstacle and onto the green.
- Out of a greenside bunker: If the ball is lying in a greenside bunker but the green is relatively close, a flop shot can be used to get the ball out of the bunker and onto the green.
Remember, a flop shot is a high, soft shot that is designed to stop quickly on the green. It requires a lot of loft and a steep, sweeping swing to get the ball in the air and onto the green.