The key to carding more pars and birdies is mastering short game shots that can turn three or more shots into two. Lofting the ball over a greenside bunker is just such a shot. The key with this shot is getting the ball to hit and stop near the pin. But if you’re a weekend golfer, you may have a history of skulling these types of shots, so you aren’t anxious to try one again. Learning how to hit this shot can really pay off.
Below are five keys to hitting a pop and stop shot:
- Setup with a very wide stance
- Lower the handle of your club at address
- Open the clubface to increase loft
- Bend your knees to help you get down
- Keep your right hand under the shaft
Set up with a wide stance. Then drop the handle of the club a couple of inches, tilting the shaft slightly away from your intended target. The shaft should end up pointing toward your back thigh. Now open your clubface to increase loft.
Make a normal backswing for a shot of this distance. But as you swing down and through slide your right hand under the shaft with the palm facing upward. This move encourages the clubface to stay open and pass under the ball as you swing through, creating a high super soft shot.
Use a 56-degree or 60-degree wedge for best results. Also, ease up on your grip pressure. Weekend golfers tend to grip the club tightly on shots like these, which prevents the club from sliding under the ball. Practice this shot next time you go to the practice green. Learning to hit the shot can really payoff.
