Flop Shot
Shot Types
Explained Simply
A high, soft shot that pops almost straight up and lands gently with little roll. Played with an open, high-lofted wedge when you need to stop the ball fast over an obstacle.
Example
“Short-sided over a bunker with little green to work with, you open the face of your lob wedge and flop it high so it lands soft and stops quickly.”
Why it matters
It's a useful escape when you need height fast, but it's high-risk. Beginners are usually better off with a lower, safer chip.
Common beginner mistake
Reaching for the flop when a simple chip would do. The flop has a tiny margin for error — blade it and you're across the green.
Related
improving
Shot Types
Related
- Lob WedgeThe most-lofted wedge (typically 58–60 degrees), used to hit the ball very high so it lands soft and stops quickly over a short distance.
- Bump and RunA low chip that carries a short distance onto the green, then rolls the rest of the way to the hole like a putt — the simplest, most reliable shot from just off the green.
- LoftThe angle of the clubface relative to vertical. Higher loft = higher, shorter shots. Lower loft = lower, longer shots.
- Up and DownGetting the ball into the hole in just two shots from off the green — one shot (a chip or pitch) to get it close, then one putt to hole it.