How to hit a flop over a tree

To hit it as high as possible, increase clubhead speed with a shallow angle of approach with your most lofted club. 

You can do this a variety of ways but I’ll show you the simplest way to calibrate loft onto the club and work out how high each shot will go.

• Try the ‘Flamingo Drill’

• Solid strikes with putting

The key to this shot is set up. But like any shot, it requires practice – and this one may require more than others because you have to be 100% committed. As soon as doubt creeps in, disaster strikes.

Set up to the ball with the clubface square to the target and your feet parallel. The butt of the club should be pointing straight towards your zip.

Add loft to the club by laying the shaft back whilst maintaining the clubface pointing towards the target. Notice how the handle has got lower, this has now increased the dynamic loft on the club.

Lowering the shaft also forces you to stand further away from the ball which lowers your centre of gravity and promotes a shallower angle of approach

Finally, shuffle your feet round so the butt of the club is again pointing straight at your zip. It is imperative you keep the clubface pointing at the target and keep the handle in the same position.

The amount you need to lower the butt of the club and add loft depends entirely on how high you want to hit the shot.

• Get it close from the downslope

• 3 bunker shots mastered

The more loft you add, the harder you need to swing to hit the ball the same distance as the energy will have gone into the higher flight. Your grip should be light and in the fingers to promote hinge and a smooth swing.