The flop shot can be a tempting shot to try around the greens, especially when you see professional tour players executing it with ease. However, for the average player who hasn’t dedicated a lot of time to practicing this difficult shot, attempting the flop shot may do more harm than good. Gareth Raflewski, a trusted short-game coach for over 65 tour players, recommends a different approach to these situations.
Raflewski advises players to take their sand wedge and set up to the ball with 80% of their weight on the front foot. This positioning steepens the angle of attack and helps with better contact. He suggests taking a full swing back and then stopping the swing halfway through, ensuring the face of the club is pointing up. This technique allows for a higher launch and better control of the shot, minimizing the chances of catching the rough.
It is crucial to resist the temptation to attempt fancy shots when faced with the need to chip the ball up in the air and have it stop quickly on the green. Following Raflewski’s advice of taking a normal swing and cutting it off halfway with the clubface pointing up can lead to better results. This technique allows for the ball to pop up high and land softly on the green, ultimately helping players save par more frequently than with a risky flop shot.
By focusing on proper weight distribution and club positioning, players can improve their chances of success on greenside shots. Raflewski’s method simplifies the approach to these challenging situations, making it more accessible for players of varying skill levels. With practice and dedication to mastering this technique, players can become more confident and consistent around the greens, ultimately improving their overall short game performance.
Incorporating Raflewski’s advice into your practice routine can lead to significant improvements in your short game performance over time. By prioritizing proper fundamentals and technique in greenside shots, players can develop a more reliable and effective strategy for getting up and down from tricky lies. Consistency and confidence in executing these shots can make a substantial difference in your overall scoring and course management, helping you save strokes and lower your scores.
It is essential to approach greenside shots with a clear focus on executing the fundamentals correctly, rather than succumbing to the allure of flashy and risky shots. By following Raflewski’s guidance and practicing the recommended technique, players can develop a reliable and repeatable method for navigating challenging lies around the greens. This approach not only enhances your short game skills but also instills a sense of confidence and control in your ability to handle difficult situations on the course, ultimately leading to improved performance and lower scores.
