By Travis Fulton, Director of Instruction, TOUR Academy The rebuilding of Tiger’s swing seems to be complete as last week at the Memorial Tournament presented by Nationwide Insurance, Woods looked more comfortable with his swing then he has in a long time. From the driver to the wedge, Tiger was in control of his ball flight. However, it wasn’t his ball striking that we will remember from win No. 73 on the PGA TOUR, it was that ridiculous flop shot he hit on par-3 16th that found the hole for birdie. How does he do it? Although he seems to make it look easy time and time again, this shot is a very difficult one that requires lots of reps and trust. Here are a few things to consider too help you with this shot. Travis’ Tip The first thing when hitting the flop shot is to open the clubface. Although this is understood by many, what’s important is that you aim your body open enough in order to get the leading edge relatively square to the target line. Remember, the ball will leave roughly at a right angle to the clubface so even though the clubface is open, it still needs to be managed in relationship to the target line. Secondly, allow the club’s shaft to sit closer to neutral and not leaning way forward or back. In addition, allow your weight to favor the lead foot with your sternum over the golf ball. One of the most common errors on this shot is for the sternum to be positioned too much behind the golf ball at address and/or at impact causing fat and thin shots. During the swing, you may have noticed how Tiger took a big arm swing with a wrist hinge during his backswing; however, he kept his body very stable allowing his sternum to stay over the ball. As the club fell to impact, he kept his torso turning to the target maintaining some stability in the lower body by keeping the right foot down and the left knee bent. Tough shot but doable – Practice, practice, practice! Travis Fulton is the Director of Instruction at the TOUR Academies at TPC Sawgrass and the World Golf Village. For more information on the TOUR Academy, click here.