Get back on top with a flop shot
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The flop shot is difficult to master because it’s not a natural shot for most golfers. But it‘s one that can get you out of some troublesome situations on the course so it’s certainly worth practising. I would say, however, that higher handicappers are better off making the percentage play rather than attempting this high-tariff shot.
I’ve had the most success consistently by laying the clubface way open, almost back on its sole so you could balance a ball on the face. This adds loft, turning 60° into 64° or more, but also offers extra bounce to the ground.
Don’t be frightened of doing this because it means you can be extra aggressive through impact. Out of all the set-up essentials I highlight below, the most important one is to weaken your right-hand grip to keep the loft on the clubface.
The backswing on a flop shot is much longer than a normal pitch. Make a full shoulder turn but be sure to maintain yourposture, keep your body centred over the ball, as Andrew Murray explains in the video below.