
These are the basics of playing a flop shot:
- Open the face of your lob wedge to increase the loft even more.
- Set up with the golf ball a bit more forward in your stance than normal.
- Aim your upper body at the target but open your stance (so your feet are aligned left of the target for a right-hander).
- Set up on the balls of your feet with a little more weight on your front foot.
- Bend your knees a little more than normal.
- Make a full swing, keeping the lower body quiet and letting your arms and hands to most of the work.
- Swing through to a full finish.
What is a flop shot in golf?
A flop shot, also known as a lob shot, is a short pitch shot played with a very high-lofted wedge in order to create maximum height on the ball's trajectory. The intention is to send the golf ball on a high-arcing trajectory, steeply up and steeply down, so that when the ball lands on the green it stops quickly, with very little roll.
How do you hit a flop shot?
When I hit flops I always opt for a high-lofted wedge (usually my 588 Rotex II 64-degree model), and grip it with the face slightly open. I position the ball in the middle of my stance, aim slightly left of the target, and make a fuller-than-normal swing.
How do you know if your flop shot is ready for the course?
Next, hit four flop shots straight at the pin, then hit four garden-variety pitches to the safest area of the green, alternating between flop and pitch with each ball. After hitting all eight balls, you’ll know which shot more reliably gets you closer to your target. You’ll also know if your flop shot is ready for the course.
Can you play a flop shot with other wedges?
A flop shot can be played with other wedges if the golfer lays the clubface wide open in order to add loft, but the lob wedge is the ideal club. Not all golfers carry lob wedges — high handicappers, generally speaking, do not, because they aren't as likely to attempt a specialty shot.

How do you make a flop shot in golf?
To hit the flop shot:Grab your highest lofted wedge, hopefully between a 58-62 degree lob wedge.Next, open the face of the lob wedge and aim to the left of the target. The more you open the face, the more you should aim left of the intended target.
How do you aim a flop shot?
1:033:15A Flop Shot Lesson With Phil Mickelson - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipStarts adding bounds and the leading edge starts coming up off the ground and I blade it. So I haveMoreStarts adding bounds and the leading edge starts coming up off the ground and I blade it. So I have to make sure that my arm and club are accelerating. Together through impact if I start stopping my
How do you flop?
3:315:56How To Play The Perfect Flop shot - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe hands. And notice the through swing here pace the legs are extremely quiet. But look at my armsMoreThe hands. And notice the through swing here pace the legs are extremely quiet. But look at my arms they're really close into the body. And you can see how much the club head is travel past.
When should you use a flop shot?
There are two primary reasons you would use a flop shot. First, you need the ball to go over an obstacle (a sand trap) and stop quickly once it lands on the green. The second situation would involve a slope and/or fast greens. A flop shot is the fastest way to stop the ball once it lands.
How do you wedge a flop?
0:041:43Hank Haney Wedge Tips - How to Hit a Flop Shot - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipDon't don't want any part of a flop shot two things they hate to do open the face and cut across itMoreDon't don't want any part of a flop shot two things they hate to do open the face and cut across it yeah just lose control completely.
What club should you flop with?
lob wedgeA flop shot is typically played with a high-lofted wedge called a lob wedge. A lob wedge has around 60- to 64-degrees of loft and was originally created specifically to play lobs, also known as flops.
How do you hit a flop shot with a 60 degree wedge?
0:031:28Made to Score with Jordan Spieth: How to Hit a Flop Shot - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou do that by creating the wall through the swing by allowing the club to get down there early. SoMoreYou do that by creating the wall through the swing by allowing the club to get down there early. So you actually want your weight forward to create a clean strike. On your front foot with a wide base.
How do you not blade a flop shot?
4:325:56Chipping - How to Hit a Flop Shot in Golf - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipReally close to the edge of the screen and right close to the edge of the flag. Back. So aiming openMoreReally close to the edge of the screen and right close to the edge of the flag. Back. So aiming open with the feet aiming. Open with the clubface. And there nicely chopping.
How do you hit a flop shot for beginners?
9:4114:53How to hit the Flop Shot in Golf - The Easy Way - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd then you're just going to go right onto the ball or if you hit too much ball see you later. SoMoreAnd then you're just going to go right onto the ball or if you hit too much ball see you later. So the key for this one is keep your hands low the whole.
What wedge is best for flop shots?
Lob WedgesLob Wedges (LW) As its name suggests it has a high loft of around 60 to 64 degrees, allowing golfers to produce more height and spin with shots near the green. It tends to be used more to hit chips, flop shots and bunker shots than full shots.
How to make a flop shot?
Bend your knees a little more than normal. Make a full swing, keeping the lower body quiet and letting your arms and hands to most of the work. Swing through to a full finish. It's that full swing, accelerating into impact, that can make flop shots challenging for many recreational golfers.
What is a flop shot?
The flop shot is a specialty shot in golf, typically played in order to get the ball over a hazard (such as a bunker) between the golfer and the flagstick; or from just off the green when the golfer is short-side d and needs the ball to stop very quickly once it lands on the putting green. Any time the golf ball is in a position where ...
How to carry a lob wedge?
If you want to carry a lob wedge, you'll need to know how to use it. These are the basics of playing a flop shot: Open the face of your lob wedge to increase the loft even more. Set up with the golf ball a bit more forward in your stance than normal.
How many degrees of loft does a lob wedge have?
A lob wedge has around 60- to 64-degrees of loft and was originally created specifically to play lobs, also known as flops. A flop shot can be played with other wedges if the golfer lays the clubface wide open in order to add loft, but the lob wedge is the ideal club. Not all golfers carry lob wedges — high handicappers, generally speaking, ...
What is the intention of a golf ball?
The intention is to send the golf ball on a high-arcing trajectory, steeply up and steeply down, so that when the ball lands on the green it stops quickly, with very little roll.
Who plays the flop shot in the Ryder Cup?
Jim Furyk follows the steep trajectory of his flop shot played during a Ryder Cup match. Jamie Squire/Getty Images
Do all golfers carry lob wedges?
Not all golfers carry lob wedges — high handicappers, generally speaking, do not, because they aren't as likely to attempt a specialty shot. But most low-handicappers plus golfers who simply love the short game do now carry lob wedges.
What is the flop technique?
The flop technique is the opposite: You want your hands and arms to pass your body as the club skims along the ground and slides under the ball ( below, left ). The energy pushes upward, not forward. The last thing to remember is, don't quit on the shot. If you squeeze the handle too hard, the clubhead won't release.
Why is a flop a challenge?
That can be a challenge because the flop is so different than a normal full swing. For example, the hands and arms control most of the action. As I mentioned earlier, the lower body stays quiet. If you try to help the ball into the air by coming out of your posture, it's Skull City.
How to make a big swing?
But you're also going to make a big swing, which needs to be supported by a wide stance. Start by opening the face so it's pointing skyward, then take your grip. Address the ball with your feet spread apart, which will help keep your lower body quiet during the swing to reduce the risk of a mis-hit.
What should the toe of the golf club be pointing?
The toe of the club should be pointing downward at the top ( below ). And don't be shy: Swing all the way back. If you shorten things up, you'll make it harder to get the loft and spin you want. “I vary my speed to hit different flops: faster means a higher flight.”. The flop shot is all about commitment.
Can you roll out of a golf cart and hit a flop shot?
You can't just roll out of a golf cart and hit a flop shot. This high-lofted pitch—where the ball goes straight up, hangs in the air and lands dead—requires a decent amount of practice and a whole lot of confidence. It's one of the game's ultimate risk-reward plays. Hit it well, and your playing partners will be shaking their heads as you tap in ...
What is a flop shot?
A Flop shot is characterized by how high the loft is in the clubs or wedges used for such shots. Most golfers who are beginners do not usually own wedges with very high loft. However, for a smooth flop shot, you should invest in a high-lofted wedge.
How many phases are there in golf?
Every golfer, even beginners, know that the game of golf is divided into two phases; namely- your long game and your short game. To master the game, it is necessary to be skillful at both of these phases.
Can you move the ball when opening your stance?
You might unknowingly move the ball position when you are attempting to open your stance. Try not to do that by ensuring that the area of the ball is off the left foot only after opening the position.
Can you do a flop shot on a slope?
Sometimes, you might be on a slope when trying to do a flop shot. That can make it difficult for you to decide how to go at it, but you can still execute it through proper stance and swing.
Can you use a flop shot in golf?
To do that, you can try using both regular pitch shots and flop shots when you’re in a situation that requires a flop shot.
How to play a flop shot?
Because of the difficulty and lack of accuracy of the flop shot, there are relatively few times when you want to play it. Pitching and chipping are far more effective short game strategies to take as they do not travel as far or high in the air. However, there are a few times when a flop shot is necessary and important including but not limited to these situations: 1 When you are close to the green but you have very little green to work with. 2 When there is an obstacle between you and the green that requires you to hit a high shot to make it over. 3 Anytime you need a shot between 10 and 40 yards to stop on a dime and the ball is in good position.
What should your wrists be when taking a flop shot?
Your wrists are a lot more active in a flop shot than most golf shots, and they hinge very quickly during the takeaway. Your first move should be to bring the club back slightly outside and that wrist hinge should start with that first movement. Also remember to keep the clubface open throughout the swing and especially during the backswing when you have the tendency to revert to your normal golf swing.
What to do when transitioning to downswing?
When you transition to your downswing, remember to not let your hands get in front of the club and whatever you do, do not decelerate. Your weight is forward and your clubface is open, so deceleration will kill your shot and the ball will not get off the ground like you want it to.
How often do you miss the green in golf?
The truth is that a lot of really good golfers miss the green from 150 yards out really often.
What degree should a lob wedge be?
Generally, however, if you have the skill set to hit a good flop shot, then chances are you are carrying a Lob wedge in your bag that is anywhere from 58 to 62 degrees and this is the club you should use.
How many yards to stop on a dime?
When there is an obstacle between you and the green that requires you to hit a high shot to make it over. Anytime you need a shot between 10 and 40 yards to stop on a dime and the ball is in good position.
What is a flop shot?
A flop shot is a high, soft landing shot that lands on the green and stops quickly after landing. It is not usually an overly accurate shot because of the height it achieves, but if you learn how to judge it, it can be one of the most fun and effective shots to hit.
How to make a good flop shot?
Firstly, a successful flop shot relies on having the correct set up – you want a nice wide stance so you don’t ‘drift’ from side to side. Often, fat or thin flop shots are down to unwanted sideways movement. Secondly, make sure to get about 70-80% of your weight on the front foot.
What is the key point of a flop shot?
When you take the club back, the key point is to feel your knuckles pointing up towards the sky and making sure there is cupping in the left wrist. A common mistake with wrist position in the flop shot is to arch the left wrist away from the body, which closes the face and takes the loft and bounce off the club.
What to look for before a flop shot?
Reading The Lie. The first thing you need to look at before even taking on the flop shot is the lie of the ball. If it isn’t suitable, then it’s best to take your medicine and play a different shot. Ideally, you want lots of grass under the ball where you know you can get the bounce sliding underneath.
