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)

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, 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, 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
Equipment Writer

Matt joined Golf Monthly in February 2021 in a freelance position before being offered a full-time role at the company in October 2022.

Previously covering news, e-commerce and social media, he is now an Equipment Writer, specializing in fairway woods, wedges and golf balls.

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 is a six-under-par 66 having been seven-under through nine.

Matt’s current What’s in the Bag?

Driver: TaylorMade Qi4D (9°)

Fairway Wood: TaylorMade Qi4D Tour (15° & 18°)

Irons: TaylorMade P7CB (4-PW)

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

Putter: TaylorMade Spider Tour X

Ball: Titleist Pro V1