Ideally, your course management is good enough that you rarely need to hit a flop shot. In most cases, it’s far more reliable to putt, or play a lower, running chip shot — both of which require a simpler, more consistent motion.
But there are times when you have to launch the ball high and get it to stop quickly — typically when you need to carry an obstacle like a bunker or patch of long grass. In those cases, a flop (or lob) shot — a high, soft pitch played intentionally with extra loft — can be your best option.
Here’s how to pull it off.
1. Club selection is key
Always start with your most lofted wedge. For many golfers, that’s a lob wedge (58–60 degrees of loft), which naturally produces a higher launch and softer landing.
Ask yourself: do you really need a lob wedge? If your sand wedge only flies about 50 yards on a full swing, a lob wedge may be unnecessary. But if your home course has small greens surrounded by bunkers or thick rough — situations where you often need the ball to stop quickly — a lob wedge can be a smart addition.
2. Open the clubface
The more loft you add, the bigger the swing required — and the greater the risk. Still, for extreme flop shots, you’ll need to open the face.
To do this, rotate the clubface away from the target before you grip it. This increases both loft and bounce, helping the club glide through the turf instead of digging and allowing the ball to launch higher.
3. Adjust the ball position
If you have a good lie, move the ball slightly forward in your stance. Let the shaft lean slightly away from the target so that the grip end points roughly toward your center. This adds even more loft and bounce, helping the club slide under the ball.
4. Make a bigger backswing
When you use more loft — either by choosing a higher-lofted wedge or opening the face — you’ll need a bigger swing to cover the same distance.
It often feels like you’re swinging harder than necessary, but remember: much of the shot’s energy is directed upward, not forward. And in most cases, it’s better to hit it a touch long than leave it short, especially when you’re trying to clear an obstacle.
5. Don’t be afraid to hit the ground
To hit a proper flop shot, you must strike the turf. Catching the ball thin is disastrous — it’ll rocket low and long.
That’s where the bounce of your wedge helps. With the correct setup, even if you contact the ground a little early, the club’s rounded sole prevents it from digging too deeply.
If your wedges tend to dig too much, it may be time for a wedge fitting. I send my students to True Spec Golf, an independent fitter that lets players test a wide range of clubheads, shafts and bounce options to find the best match for their swing and course conditions.