Tiger holes a flop shot!

The flop shot

 

By Annika Sorenstam
Photos By J.D. Cuban

 

1. To hit a flop, you have to maximize clubface loft at impact. For starters, use your most lofted wedge; mine is a 60-degree. Choke down an inch for control, and play the ball up, just inside your left heel. Don’t push your hands in front of the ball at address?you’ll deloft the clubface.

2. The swing should be long and lazy. Hinge your wrists as soon as you start back, creating a 90-degree angle between the club and your left arm. Keep your weight centered. Then swing down, and accelerate through the ball to a full finish.

3. One move that can kill the flop is an aggressive shift to your front foot on the downswing. This driving action angles the shaft forward, which reduces loft. Try this drill: Hit flop shots keeping your left heel just off the ground from start to finish. You won’t be able to drive forward, so you’ll keep more loft on the club.