How to hit a flop shot by Geofree Capodanno

How to hit a flop shot
by Geofree Capodanno

Golf has a reputation for being a hard sport. Well, that is because it is the truth. Players can ruin their score by committing even the most miniscule of the game’s million or so errors they finish the 18th Hole. One instance is when a player hits a shot and the ball lands about 15-18 yards from the green, but it lands in a sand hazard (also called “bunker” or “sand trap”). All a player has to do is wedge it onto the green and hit the putt. I mean it is only a 15-18 yard shot and the pin is in clear sight, but again the player hitting into sand not a harder surface like grass. Just because a player is in a hazard, all is not lost and there is still a great chance to save the hole. Sometimes just using a sand wedge to hit it out is not the answer. A player is forced to swing hard to hit the ball out of a sand trap. If a player connects at the right angle with the high velocity, the ball will get out the sand trap. The ball will also fly high past his/her target, waste a stroke, and put the player in a position to try to get on the green again. That is why there is a trick that can help a player’s chance at getting on the green and in position for an easy putt more times than not. The trick is called the “flop shot” and this is how to execute it from a sand trap. This lesson is aimed at an intermediate player who has been golfing for at least a couple of years on a somewhat consistent basis. But it also takes even the best of golf veterans a lot of practice.

Don’t wait until you are out on the course to attempt this shot. The best way to practice this shot is to purchase some new golf balls, go to a course, and get on the practice area that has a sand hazard in front of the practice green you are hitting onto. Then, grab your sand wedge, get into the bunker, and drop your golf ball into the sand of the bunker. Line yourself up with the cup (target) on the green, line your front foot with the ball, and bring your back foot forward and together with the front. This creates an “open stance”. Now, you should have your feet together, the ball lined up with your front foot, and aiming your golf stance towards your target.

Now, you have to manipulate your club head to hit the shot properly. Line the ball up to the club face like you were going to hit it normally. Then, turn the club face so that the face is now pointing to the sky. This is called having the club “open-faced”. The next thing you do is apply the proper golf grip to your club but don’t squeeze the club too tightly. After this step, you are ready to start swinging away.

The swing portion for this shot has very little room for error. The key is to let the club do all of the work and not your muscle. You want to create a very long and lazy swing. So bring the club back to the top of the backswing. Once you have reached the top of the backswing, let your arms drop and be pulled by the momentum of the falling club while remaining in the swing plane. When the club head hits the ball at the impact zone, follow though with the swing completely. One of the hardest parts to this shot is to let the club guide your arms until impact, then follow through with the rest of the swing on your own. If you don’t follow through with the shot, you might hit the ball further into the sand. Then, you are in an even worse predicament.

The ball should lob high into the air towards your target. Once the ball hits the ground, the backspin will cause the ball to come to a complete stop. If you aimed the ball and executed the shot successfully, you are looking at a two foot or even shorter putt for birdie.

Professionals use the flop shot at various points in their rounds successfully. Sure, they are professionals, but you can do this just as consistently. Like the entire sport of golf, the key is to practice a great deal. Once you feel comfortable with the shot, you will be able to use the sand trap as an advantage rather than a hindrance and finish with a better score.