Sharpen up

 THE FLOP OR LOB SHOT

For this months lesson I have decided to look at a particular shot that most amateurs will avoid playing and who never think they will ever be capable of playing. One of the main reasons that many avoid playing this shot is because they lack confidence to play the shot which is often coupled with poor technique.  However, I will show the correct method for playing this shot which should make it a lot easier for you next time you are practicing or out on the course. Imagine the scenario, you have missed the green pin high, you have to play a flop shot where you have to hit it high and land the ball softly to a very tight pin position on the green.



The problem is that you are not comfortable playing a flop shot over hazards beside the green because the results are mixed at best. This typical scenario is from watching golfers playing on the course and the problem is that many play this shot using their regular swing.  As you can see in photo 1, I am releasing my hands too much through impact and the toe of the club is pointing to the sky, as in a full swing position. By releasing your hands to much for this shot creates the typical bladed shot or you end up hitting the club head into the ground before the ball, resulting in a "duff".

Photo 1
Releasing the club decreases the flight of the ball

To change your results for this shot you should try the following tips and your results will dramatically improve.



1.Place the ball in your stance just forward of centre while opening the clubface, but make sure that the top of or butt of the club is pointing at the zip on your trousers.



2.  Open your stance a little and also spread your feet wider apart than normal. These couple of things will allow the clubface to stay open as it slides under the ball.



3. Make a backswing, but the trick is to keep the clubface always pointing to the sky as in photo 2 from start to finish.

Photo 2
Clubface always pointing to the sky through the shot for drop and stop

 4.  Keep your weight centred, if you put too much weight on your left (opposite if you’re left handed) it will close the club face, making it impossible to get any height on the ball.

When you get used to this and if you need the ball to go a little higher with less distance simply widen your stance and increase the tempo or speed of your swing.

Try it, you’ll be amazed at the results and hopefully you'll play that shot you have always been dreaming about…..and enjoy!