Mastering the “PoP” Shot
You hit a great approach shot, but it hits the green, trickles off, and rolls down an embankment. You’re in a grassy or fluffy lie at the bottom of the embankment, with the green about 5 feet to 20 feet above you. To save par, you must get up and down, so you need to hit a “pop-up” shot that lands softly on the green.
This shot intimates some golfers, but it’s easier than it looks. The keys are setting up properly and taking a flat, baseball-like swing. Here are 5 tips to making the shot:
1. Set up with the slope
2. Tilt your shoulders in line with the slope
3. Open the clubface
4. Aim 5 feet to 10 feet the right
5. Take a baseball-like swing
Although the lie is level, you still have to contend with the embankment’s slope. Place the front foot above the back foot at address. Tilt your shoulders in line with the slope, aim 5 feet to 10 feet right of the target (or left, if you’re left handed), and lay the clubface wide open.
Now take a flat swing, like you were hitting a baseball. The ball pops almost straight up and lands softly on the green. If you swing along the target line, your club and ball will just bank off the hill, instead of popping up.
You can swing with varying force levels and still have success with this shot. As long as you make square contact, the ball will go almost straight up. The worst that can happen is that it stays in the air longer than expected.
You won’t face this shot often, but knowing how to execute it can help you save par or turn three strokes into two. Find a green with an embankment and practice the shot using the keys mentioned above. With a little bit of effort, you’ll master the shot.
Article used with permission from Jack Moorehouse, who has developed a unique and proven handicap slashing system. If you want to get your handicap down to a respectable level then he can help. Golf doesn’t have to be so difficult and his goal is to help you put the “fun” back in your game.
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