Ideally, your course management is so good that it rarely bothers you need to make a flop shot. In most cases, it is much more reliable to putt or play with a lower, running chip shot; both require easier, more consistent movement.
But there are times when you to have to launch the ball high and make it stop quickly – usually when you have to carry an obstacle such as a bunker or a patch of long grass. In those cases, a flop (or lob) shot – a high, soft pitch played deliberately with extra loft – may be the best option.
Here’s how to remove it.
1. Club selection is essential
Always start with the loftiest wedge. For many golfers, this is a lob wedge (58-60 degrees loft), which naturally provides a higher launch and a softer landing.
Ask yourself: do you really need a lob wedge? If your sand wedge only flies about 50 yards on a full swing, a lob wedge may not be necessary. But if your home course has small greens surrounded by bunkers or thick rough areas – situations where you often need to stop the ball quickly – a lob wedge can be a smart addition.
2. Open the club sheet
The more loft you add, the bigger the swing required – and the greater the risk. Still, extreme flop shots require you to open your face.
To do this, rotate the clubface away from the target for you grab it. This increases both loft and bounce, allowing the club to glide through the turf instead of digging and allowing the ball to launch higher.
3. Adjust the ball position
When you have a good lie, move the ball slightly forward in your stance. Lean the axle slightly away of the target so that the end of the grip points roughly toward your center. This adds even more loft and bounce, helping the club slide under the ball.
4. Make a bigger backswing
If you use more loft – by choosing a wedge with a higher loft or by opening the clubface – you will need a bigger swing to cover the same distance.
It often feels like you’re swinging harder than necessary, but remember: much of the energy of the shot is directed upward, not forward. And in most cases, it’s better to leave it a little long than to leave it short, especially if you’re trying to overcome an obstacle.
5. Don’t be afraid to hit the ground
To hit a good flop shot you have to must hit the grass. Catching the ball thin is disastrous; he shoots low and long.
That’s where bouncing your wedge helps. With the right setup, even if you make contact with the ground a little earlier, the club’s rounded sole prevents it from digging too deep.
If your wedges tend to dig too much, it may be time for a wedge fitting. I send my students to True Spec Golf, an independent fitter that lets players test a wide variety of club heads, shafts and bounce options to find the best match for their swing and course conditions.
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