GOLF LESSONS

CLUBFACE GOLF: The Flop Shot

The PGA pros are known for hitting unbelievable flop shots over bunkers and other hazards. Many golfers marvel at their skill and are curious about their technique. The flop shot is often a rewarding, impressive golf swing. In this golf lesson from ClubFace Golf, you'll get some tips on how to perfect the sometimes intimidating flop shot. Like a solid sand shot, the flop shot demands patience and persistence.

Flop Shot Techniques:

1. The most important flop shot tip to remember is to keep your clubface open throughout the entire swing. To swing your golf club with an open clubface you have to open the clubface before you even commit to your grip.
2. Some golfers find it beneficial to rotate their left hand farther left. This will weaken your grip, and help to open the clubface initially, as well as helping to hold it open through impact. As stated before, an open clubface is imperative to a successful flop shot. Keeping your clubface open allows you to pop the golf ball high into the air and land softly next to your target. Imagine that there is a mirror glued to your clubface. To create an open clubface, visualize pointing that mirror at your face throughout the entire swing.
3. Once your grip is correct and your clubface is open, aim your body between 10 to 15 degrees to the left of your target. This is the same setup for a flop shot from a bunker, fairway or deep rough.
4. Play the ball in the middle to slightly forward in your stance.
5. Take a smooth swing. Your golf club should swing cleanly along your toe line. The swing of a flop shot should feel like you are picking your golf club up at a sharper angle than you would with a regular shot. When you are coming through on the finish, you should notice that sharper angle as well. The flop shot is a very angular, up and down golf swing. Note: Moving your weight aggressively to you lead foot on the downswing is a flop shot killer. It angles the shaft forward, reducing the clubhead loft.
6. Our last tip for a successful flop shot is to always remember to accelerate your golf club aggressively through the hitting area.

The flop shot is a high risk golf shot. Though most often used when a golfer is in trouble, it is an important shot to master and add to any extensive golf repertoire. The high and soft flop shots mastered by the PGA pros and other dedicated golfers illustrate their skill levels and commitment to technique. With our tips and advice, you will be on your way to taking your golf game to the next level.