Ideally, your course management is good enough that you rarely need THE hit a flop shot. In most cases, it’s much more reliable to putt or play a lower, directional chip shot – both of which require a simpler, more consistent swing.
But there are times when you HAVE to launch the ball up and make it stop quickly — usually when you have to hold an obstacle like a bunker or long patch of grass. In those cases, a flop (or lob) shot—a high, soft pitch intentionally played with extra loft—may be your best bet.
Here’s how to pull it off.
1. Club selection is key
Always start with your highest wedge. For many golfers, this is a lob wedge (58–60 degrees loft), which naturally produces a higher release and softer landing.
Ask yourself: do you really need a lob wedge? If your sand wedge only flies about 50 yards in one full swing, a lob wedge may be unnecessary. But if your home course has small greens surrounded by bunkers or roughs—situations where you often need the ball to stop quickly—a lob wedge can be a smart addition.
2. Open the club page
The more loft you add, the greater the swing required – and the greater the risk. Still, for extreme flop shots, you’ll need to open the face.
To do this, roll the club face away from the target ahead you catch it. This increases loft and bounce, helping the club slide across the ground instead of digging in and allowing the ball to launch higher.
3. Adjust the position of the ball
If you have a good lie, move the ball slightly forward in your stance. Allow the shaft to tilt slightly FAR from the target so that the end of the grip points roughly toward your center. This adds even more loft and bounce, helping the club slide under the ball.
4. Make a bigger turn
When you use more loft—either by choosing a higher-height wedge or opening up the face—you’ll need a larger swing to cover the same distance.
It often feels like you’re swinging harder than you should, but remember: a lot of the energy of the stroke is directed up, not forward. And in most cases, it’s better to hit it with a long touch than to leave it short, especially when you’re trying to clear an obstacle.
5. Don’t be afraid to fall to the ground
To hit a proper flop shot, you MUST hits the ground. Catching the thin ball is disastrous – it will rocket low and long.
This is where inflating your wedge helps. With proper placement, even if you contact the ground a little early, the club’s rounded sole prevents it from digging too deep.
If your wedges tend to dig in a lot, it may be time for a wedge fitting. I send my students to Real Spec Golfan independent fitter that allows players to test a wide range of heads, shafts and bounce options to find the best match for their swing and course conditions.
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