[Kim Maengnyoung's Golf English Conversation] "All About the Flop Shot"

A flop shot is executed when there is no room between the golfer and the pin.

'Flop shot.'

In golf, this is a type of high-lofted pitch shot used to launch the ball high into the air. After being hit with a high arch, the ball lands softly on the green and stops almost immediately. This is a high-difficulty skill shot, and amateur golfers have a low success rate. However, it is an essential shot for professional players. Recently, as courses have become more challenging, it has been used more frequently even in domestic competitions.

The key is trajectory. The ball must rise steeply, hang in the air, and then stop quickly upon reaching the green. It is typically chosen within 10 to 50 yards of the green when there are obstacles such as bunkers or ponds, or when there is no room between the ball and the pin, or on a downhill green. It is considered one of the toughest shots and is a classic risk-reward play in the game.

For this shot, use the most lofted wedge, such as a 60-degree lob wedge, and open the clubface as much as possible, similar to a bunker shot. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, place the ball toward the left in your stance, and put about 70% of your weight on your left leg. During setup, use wrist cocking for the backswing, take the club outside, and strike precisely under the ball. Even though the distance is short, swing smoothly and make a full finish.

A: What is the intention of a flop shot?

B: Sending the golf ball on a high arch so that the ball stops very quickly once it lands on the putting green.

A: When do you hit a flop shot?

B: It is played in order to get the ball over a penalty area (such as a deep bunker) between the golfer and the flagstick.

Written and photographed by Kim Maengnyoung, golf columnist