Lob (Flop) Shots – Sand wedge or Lob Wedge
Often we are faced with shots where we need to get the ball over a bunker or stop the ball quickly to a short-sided flagstick.
Commonly a golfer may try to lift the ball in the air and blade it across the green or use the leading edge and stab at their shot and hit the ball a few meters in front of them. If this is you please read on.
While this shot can look scary, it is achievable if you employ the correct technique.
The keys to getting height and to land the ball softly is to utilise the club's loft and maintain an open club face through the shot. Also, we need to keep clubhead speed up through the and utilise the bounce on the sole of the wedge. A basic feel for the swing is the letter U.
Set up
Wide Stance (Driver Width) – Weight Forward – Hands Low – Open clubface 45 degrees at least (like bunkers) – Cupped Lead Hand (see video below).
Execution
Back-Swing – back to at least 9 o’clock – Downswing – now feel the bottom hand stay under the shaft and feel the clubhead passing the hands at impact – Arms feel close to our body to maintain connection – the bounce of the wedge pinches the turf and sends the ball upwards – now complete your swing up to shoulder height.
Article Credit: BlueFit Director of Golf, Stewart Hardiman