In golf, How do I hit a flop shot over an obstacle with my lob wedge?
If there's an obstacle, such as a bunker or a tree, between your ball and the green, you'll need to use a flop shot to get your ball high in the air and over the obstacle. A flop shot is a high, soft shot that lands softly on the green and stops quickly. Here's how you can hit a flop shot with your lob wedge:
- Select the Right Club: Use a lob wedge, which typically has a loft of around 60 degrees. The high loft will help you get the ball up in the air quickly and maximize its height and stop on the green.
- Open Your Stance and Clubface: Open your stance by aiming your body slightly to the left (for right-handed golfers) of your target. Also, open the clubface by rotating it slightly to the right. This will increase the loft of the club and create more height for the shot.
- Position the Ball Forward: Place the ball slightly forward in your stance, closer to your front foot. This will help you maximize the loft of the club and promote a higher launch angle.
- Take a Full Swing: Unlike other shots where you may want to make a controlled swing, a flop shot requires a full swing. This will generate enough speed and height to clear the obstacle and reach your target.
- Accelerate Through Impact: To achieve the desired height and soft landing, accelerate through impact while maintaining a smooth and even tempo. Avoid decelerating or stabbing at the ball as this may lead to a mishit and lack of control.
- Make a Steep Swing: To get the ball to rise quickly and go high in the air, you'll need to take a steep swing. This is achieved by keeping your hands ahead of the clubhead at address and maintaining a steeper shaft angle on the backswing and downswing.
- Follow Through: After impact, allow the club to release fully and continue swinging towards the target. This will ensure that the ball gets the necessary height and spin to stop quickly on the green.
Remember, hitting a flop shot can be a challenging shot to master, so it's important to practice it regularly to develop the necessary touch and feel. Experiment with different ball positions, clubface angles, and swing speeds to find what works best for you.
Additionally, keep in mind that the flop shot carries a higher degree of difficulty due to the risk of mishits and lack of control. Consider alternative shots, such as a punch shot or a chip shot, if the obstacles are not too high or if you need more control over the trajectory and distance of the shot.
By following these tips and practicing regularly, you'll be able to confidently execute flop shots with your lob wedge and overcome obstacles on your way to success in your golf game.
