The flop shot is a type of shot often seen being used by professionals. The object of the shot, is to fly the ball high, over a short distance, so the ball will land softly on the green. It is best used when there is a short distance to the green but the path is blocked by a bunker or the flag is positioned close to the front of the green and there is little room for a normal pitch shot.
In theory, the flop shot sounds quite easy but is actually one of the shots which has the potential to cause you embarrassment on the golf course. Many people attempt flop shots, only to see their ball race over the green or drop into the front bunker. It’s not an easy shot to master but today, we have a few tips which will help you perfect the shot.
The stance required for a good flop shot, is very similar to the one you would take up when playing out of a green side bunker. The stance needs to be open and so does the club face, which should be pointing towards the sky and in line with the direction of the hole. The stance can be fairly wide, with the ball being level to your front big toe.
As you will be sliding the club under the golf ball, much like a bunker shot, the power you will need to put in, will be much greater than the distance the ball will actually travel. You have to remember, the ball will be travelling upwards, not outwards and the power you put into the shot will reflect more in the height, not the distance.
Make a long, steep backswing and cock your wrist fully, a half to three quarter backswing will be fine. Swing along the line of your feet and accelerate the club face under the ball, which is again similar to a bunker shot. The key is to ensure you accelerate through the ball and follow through because if you punch at the shot or become scared of the shot and decelerate, the ball will fly or you will hit it short.
Always use your most lofted club when attempting this shot, such as a sand or lob wedge and do not attempt it out of a poor lie. You want a decent lie at worst, to play a good flop shot.
