How do I hit a flop shot the correct way?

Have you ever found yourself in the situation where there is an uneven surface between yourself and the pin and there is very little green to work with? This is a situation that I like to call “Short siding". There are two options here, either putt and wish for the best of luck, or clear the obstacle, or in this case, the rough. I am going to explain how a player should approach this type of shot. We want to get the ball in the air, and the object is to clear the obstacle and land just past the fringe on to the green. To do this, a player needs a high lofted wedge. In this case I have chosen a 60 degree Lob Wedge to help hoist the ball up high enough in the air to have it land as soft as possible with little run. “Like a butterfly with short feet.” - Jim Nance

In hitting the shot, the position of the ball is left of center, closer to the lead foot. Hands will be positioned to the center of the body, not in front of the club head. From this ball placement and proper hand position, the swing will be the same as an under handed toss. The weight will transfer to the lead foot at the finish of the swing. You must swing UP to hit DOWN to the bottom of the ball. Do not try and lift the ball, or you will blade it 50 yards past the green into the hazard. I highly recommend in this situation to put the club down, and do a practice underhanded toss with your dominant side to get an idea of how hard you would have to toss to clear the obstacle.

When close to the green the eyes should be placed directly over the ball, much like a putt. From this position, the swing will become more vertical creating a direct line to the intended target. Get in position over the ball, read your eyes from the hole back to the ball, take dead aim and toss.

I have created a simple tool which you attach to the grip. This tool forces the player to use their coordinated side to deliver the club, by making a Natural Swing through the ball to the target, it is called the "Swing King".