I have been studying videos on greenside bunkers and flop shots. What are the key differences? I can hit a pretty good flop shot, but my bunker play is very erratic.
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That’s an interesting question, and I think the two have a decent amount in common… with the major difference being the sand shot you want to hit into the sand and basically throw the ball up with the sand.
A flop shot you want it get under the ball, but hit it clean… sand shot is similar, but you want to drive through the sand…
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Thanks. You’ve validated my thinking and the difference: hit the ball on the flop; hit the sand in the bunker.
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Another major difference is the flop is usually a shot used when you are short-sided to a tight pin and have a bunker or something in the way such that you need to elevate it quickly and want it to come almost straight down and hopefully stop quickly.
Generically saying “bunker” shot could mean multiple things in terms of where your ball is in bunker (uphill/downhill lie), am I plugged, what is the proximity to lip, how much green do I have to work with. For every one of those different scenarios, I’m hitting a different shot and differing amounts of intended roll out or check. I don’t think any of those scenarios would make me want to simulate exactly what a flop shots does as I’ve never needed to hit a bunker shot the same height as a flop.
If your bunker game is poor, a good tip is to think about how your swing shape will mimic how the ball flies out; if you pick the club up quick and follow through the same way, the ball should come out higher and not fly as far. If you take a longer lower swing and angle of attack, the ball will come out lower and fly/run further. Try to hit the same distance behind the ball (usually 1-2.5 inches depending on the firmness of the sand) for all green side bunker shots, this will allow you to be more comfortable and consistent. The only thing you’ll need to adjust is your swing shape and remember to follow through.
I’m not sure I’m a good enough golfer to comment on this, but for my $.02 I open the face more for a flop and try to hit just barely behind the ball. With a bunker shot I use a more square (slightly open) face (most of our bunkers are harder) and generally hit 1-2" behind the ball.
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Makes perfect sense. Thanks!
My sand shot is used with a 58* Cleveland Zipcore. I set up with an open face so I can run through the ball from the sole near the hosel and slide it through to the top of the toe, hitting about an inch behind the ball. The flop shot is attacked by laying the club square to the shot but open.