Flop shot technique
golf tips: Golf Monthly Top 25 Coach Paul Ashwell explains how to master the flop shot in golf
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Golf Monthly Top 25 Coach Paul Ashwell explains how to master the flop shot technique
Flop Shot Technique
Fault:
l Your short game lacks versatility l You catch flop shots fat or thin Fix:
The ability to play a flop shot is something every golfer should have. Here's the basic technique - you should notice some similarities with the way you play bunker shots. Start by making sure the lie isn't too bare - you'll need some grass beneath the ball to slide the clubhead under. At address, open the face of your wedge so you have plenty of loft to help the ball up, and move the ball forward in your stance.
As you take the club back, hinge your wrists immediately to maximise the loft on the club. Then, try to keep the face of your wedge pointing at the sky for longer than usual through impact. As the club glides through to the target, the ball will pop straight up into the air. Take some time to perfect the key points above, and remember that if you want the ball to fly high and land soft, you'll need a smooth rhythm.
Golf tips: learn the flop shot
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Nick Bonfield joined Golf Monthly in 2012 after graduating from Exeter University and earning an NCTJ-accredited journalism diploma from News Associates in Wimbledon. He is responsible for managing production of the magazine, sub-editing, writing, commissioning and coordinating all features across print and online. Most of his online work is opinion-based and typically centres around the Majors and significant events in the global golfing calendar. Nick has been an avid golf fan since the age of ten and became obsessed with the professional game after watching Mike Weir and Shaun Micheel win The Masters and PGA Championship respectively in 2003. In his time with Golf Monthly, he's interviewed the likes of Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose, Jose Maria Olazabal, Henrik Stenson, Padraig Harrington, Lee Westwood and Billy Horschel and has ghost-written columns for Westwood, Wayne Riley, Matthew Southgate, Chris Wood and Eddie Pepperell. Nick is a 12-handicap golfer and his favourite courses include Old Head, Sunningdale New, Penha Longha, Valderrama and Bearwood Lakes. If you have a feature pitch for Nick, please email nick.bonfield@futurenet.com with 'Pitch' in the subject line. Nick is currently playing: Driver: TaylorMade M1 Fairway wood: TaylorMade RBZ Stage 2 Hybrid: Ping Crossover Irons (4-9): Nike Vapor Speed Wedges: Cleveland CBX Full Face, 56˚, Titleist Vokey SM4, 60˚ Putter: testing in progress! Ball: TaylorMade TP5x
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