Pro Tips
Flop Shots Made Easy
Fun to Pull Off!
by Courtney Mahon, LPGA
Photo 1
Flop shots are not only necessary in certain situations, but can also be an extremely fun shots to hit, especially when you pull them off under pressure. Phil Mickelson is famous for his amazing flop shots. He has even hit flop shots that reverse over his head, flying behind him, and landing on the green. Here are some very specific setup and swing components that can guarantee a successful flop shot.
Setup is KEY!
Having a proper setup( photo 1) will help eliminate chunks and blades when hitting the flop shot. This shot requires a forward ball position and loft on the clubface. I prefer to add loft to the face by having a slight shaft lean away from the target instead of opening the clubface( aiming the face to the right). In addition to the forward ball position and the open clubface, your chest should face the ball with the feeling of your lead shoulder closer to the ground than your trail shoulder. The shoulders are key to having a consistent low point!
The Motion of the Swing
There are two goals we want to accomplish during the motion of the swing: loft on the clubface throughout the entire swing and trying to get the clubhead to pass the hands through the shot. A good test to see if the clubface maintains loft through the shot would be to hold an object on the clubface( photo 2) throughout your swing. In other words, the clubface( photo 3) would be looking towards the sky throughout the entire swing.
Key Elements of Flop Shots 1. Club Selection: A high-lofted wedge( like a 58 or 60-degree) with a lower bounce is crucial. 2. Ball Contact: The club should strike the ground two inches behind the ball, similar to a sand shot.
3. Stance: Weight is shifted forward to enable driving the clubhead into the ground letting the“ bounce” of the club do the lifting.
4. Bounce: The bounce of the clubhead is what lifts the ball high.
5. Results: The ball travels high and lands softly, relying on the trajectory( height) rather than backspin.
Once you’ re able to keep the clubface open throughout the swing, start working to get your clubhead passing your hands before you make contact with the ball. The feel would be like you are throwing the clubhead towards the ball on the downswing. Some people like to call that a flipping motion.
Although we should not be using the flop shot that often during our rounds, and only use it for certain situations, it is still a fun shot to be able to pull off.
30 June 2025 TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE
In this setup photo, I have added loft to the clubface by having a slight shaft lean away from the target and the ball position is forward. My chest is facing the ball. Yes, I was pregnant when these photos were taken— golfing while pregnant is encouraged.
Photo 2
To get a feeling of adding loft, try to hold an object( like a tee) on the clubface throughout your swing.
Photo 3
Photo 2
Notice the clubface is looking towards the sky. Maintain this club angle throughout the entire swing.
Courtney Mahon is a LPGA Class A professional and Director of Instruction at Tour Striker Golf Academy Midwest at Falcon Ridge Golf Club. Awarded 2020 LPGA Teacher of the Year and a Top 50 U. S. Kids Tour teacher for 2017. For questions or help, contact her at Courtney @ TourStriker. com or call 913.393.4653. Scan the QR Code for a direct link to lesson videos and even review them while you’ re on the range. Lesson videos at www. youtube. com / courtneymahongolf. Visit, www. courtneymahongolf. com.