DP World Tour Player Hits Incredible Backwards Flop Shot In Abu Dhabi

Have we just seen one of the shots of the year from Santiago Tarrio?

Backwards shot
(Image credit: Twitter - @DPWorldTour)
Matt Cradock
By Matt Cradock
published

When you think of a backwards flop shot there is one name that instantly springs to mind. That player, is Phil Mickelson. However, at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship (opens in new tab), another name seems to be giving the six-time Major champion a run for his money, with Santiago Tarrio producing a shot that even Mickelson would be proud of!

Stymied in the bunker on the 17th at Yas Links, the Spaniard had no real possible shot on. What happened next though, can only be described as unbelievable, with Tarrio hitting a backwards flop shot that landed on the green and only a few feet from the flag.

Don't believe it? Well watch this incredible video below.

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The video, which was recorded on a mobile phone and then reposted by the DP World Tour onto their social media pages, has already received attention from a number of players, with Lee Westwood tweeting "That is impressive!!! @santi_tarrio". 

Tarrio would go onto shoot a three-over-par round at the tournament (opens in new tab), with the reputation of Spanish players and world-class short game remaining firmly intact, thanks to what can only be described as one of the best golf shots I have ever seen.

Tarrio hits a bunker shot

Tarrio has made 14 DP World Tour appearances. 

(Image credit: Getty Images)
Matt Cradock
Matt Cradock
Staff Writer

Matt joined Golf Monthly in February 2021 covering weekend news, before also transitioning to equipment and testing. After freelancing for Golf Monthly and The PGA for 18 months, he was offered a full-time position at the company in October 2022 and continues to cover weekend news and social media, as well as help look after Golf Monthly’s many buyers’ guides and equipment reviews.


Taking up the game when he was just seven years of age, Matt made it into his county squad just a year later and continues to play the game at a high standard, with a handicap of around 2-4. To date, his best round came in 2016, where he shot a six-under-par 66 having been seven-under through nine holes. He currently plays at Witney Lakes in Oxfordshire and his favourite player is Rory McIlroy, despite nearly being struck by his second shot at the 17th during the 2015 BMW PGA Championship.


Matt’s current What’s In The Bag?

Driver: Honma TW747, 8.75°

Fairway Wood: TaylorMade Rocketballz Stage 2, 15°, 19°

Hybrid: Adams Super Hybrid, 22°

Irons: Mizuno MP54, 5-PW

Wedges: Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 Tour Satin, 50°, 56°, 60°

Putter: Cleveland TFI 2135 Satin Cero

Ball: Titleist Pro V1x

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