Harper Lin
The bump and run is a smart and effective chip shot that is adored by golfers because it is easy to hit and reliable from most greenside lies. It is a great option when there is a lot of space between you and the pin, and no need to lob it over anything. It is also useful when you find your ball in a tight lie, close to the green, or when you are facing an obstruction in the air, such as a tree. Wind can also be a factor that makes a bump and run shot preferable. Knowing where to land your shot is essential, and the ball should ideally land one or two paces onto the green, allowing it to roll like a putt.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to use | When there's a lot of space between you and the hole, when you're close to the green, when you're in a tight lie, when it's windy, when there's an obstruction in the air, when you're on the fringe or fairway near the green but with a lot of green to work with |
| Why use | It's easy to hit, reliable from most greenside lies, gives you more room for error, can be used in a number of situations |
| Club selection | 7-iron, 8-iron, 9-iron, 6-iron, long-iron |
| Stance | Narrow, with feet a few inches apart and about 6 to 10 inches from the ball |
| Ball position | Between the middle of your stance and your trail toe |
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What You'll Learn
When there's a lot of space between you and the hole
When there is a lot of space between you and the hole, the bump and run shot is a great option. This shot is designed to minimise air time and maximise roll on the green. It is a strategic choice that smart golfers use to their advantage, allowing them to guide the ball towards the hole with control and precision.
To execute the bump and run shot effectively, it is important to choose the right club. A 7-iron, 8-iron, or 9-iron are commonly used for this shot, offering a good balance between distance and control. The key is to select a club with less loft to reduce spin and encourage a smoother roll.
When setting up for the shot, place the ball towards your back foot to achieve a lower ball flight. Distribute your weight slightly forward, towards your leading foot, to maintain a consistent, downward strike on the ball. Keep your head down and make a small swing, powered by a rocking motion of your shoulders.
The bump and run shot is particularly useful in windy conditions, as the lower trajectory keeps the ball under the wind. It is also ideal for fast greens, where controlling the ball's stop can be challenging. This shot allows you to navigate slopes and ridges on undulating greens effectively.
Practising with different clubs and refining your technique will help you master the bump and run shot, making it a valuable tool in your golfing arsenal.
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When there's an obstruction in the air, like a tree
When faced with an obstruction in the air, such as a tree, the bump and run shot is a useful technique to employ in golf. This shot is particularly effective when there is a long space to cover between you and the pin, and there is no need to lob the ball over any obstacles.
The bump and run shot is executed with a narrow stance, similar to a putting stroke. It is important to ensure that your grip aligns with the inside of your forearm, providing stability and allowing the club to work in unison with your shoulders. With a small swing powered by a gentle rocking motion of your shoulders, the ball will pop off the clubface with just enough height and speed to get through the grass, before tumbling like a putt on a smoother surface.
This shot is ideal for situations where you need to keep the ball low, such as when playing under a tree. It provides greater control over the shot, limiting the amount of spin on the ball and allowing it to take the natural slopes of the green or fairway.
It is worth noting that trees are generally not considered obstructions in the traditional sense, as they are natural and integral parts of the course. However, if a tree interferes with your stance or swing, some rules may provide relief options, such as dropping the ball within a certain distance without incurring a penalty.
The bump and run shot is a valuable skill to have in your arsenal, offering versatility and precision when navigating obstacles like trees on the golf course.
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When it's windy
To execute a bump and run in the wind, you'll want to make some adjustments to your technique. First, focus on keeping the swing compact to control the trajectory. You can do this by taking a minimal backswing and a controlled forward swing. Keep your head down and eyes on the ball throughout the shot.
The club you choose for a bump and run in the wind is also important. Opt for a club with less loft, such as a 7-iron or a long-iron. This will help you achieve the desired low flight of the ball. Remember, the loft of the club will do some of the work for you, so you don't need to hit the ball hard to achieve the necessary height and speed.
Visualising the ball's trajectory and roll before executing the shot can also improve your accuracy. Practising the bump and run in different wind conditions will help you master this shot and know when to use it.
The bump and run is a valuable tool in a golfer's arsenal, offering control and precision in windy conditions. It's a strategic choice that can help you navigate challenging situations and improve your score.
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When you're in a tight lie
First, assess the lie. If the ball is sitting down in the grass or nestled in a narrow gap, the bump and run technique is ideal. Take a look at the distance you need to carry the ball to reach the fairway or the green. This shot is perfect for shorter distances, typically under 50 yards, where a full pitch or chip might be too aggressive.
Next, choose your club. For a tight lie, you'll want to use a less-lofted club like a 7-iron or even a 6-iron. The less loft will help you make cleaner contact and produce a lower, running shot. Take your stance with the ball positioned back in your stance, towards your right foot if you're a right-handed golfer. This will encourage a descending blow and solid contact.
Make a compact swing, focusing on hitting the ball first and then the turf. You want to 'bump' the ball with a downward strike, and then let the ball 'run' out towards your target. Accelerate through the shot to ensure a crisp, controlled strike. Keep your lower body quiet and make a three-quarter swing to ensure accuracy and solid contact.
Remember, when executing the bump and run shot from a tight lie, the goal is to get the ball back into play. It's a low-risk shot that prioritizes consistency over heroics. Practice this shot regularly, and you'll develop a reliable technique for escaping tricky situations and saving par.
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When you're close to the green
The bump and run shot is all about control and precision, using the ground to guide the ball towards the hole. It's designed to minimise air time and maximise roll on the green. When executed correctly, it can be a strategic choice that smart golfers use to their advantage.
To master the bump and run when you're close to the green, here are some key considerations:
- Club selection: Choose a low-lofted club, such as a 7-iron, 8-iron, or 9-iron. These clubs will produce a lower launching shot that rolls like a putt and is easier to control.
- Ball position: Proper ball position is crucial. Play the ball between the middle of your stance and your trail toe. If the ball position drifts too far back, you'll deloft the club, resulting in a shot with little to no height. Conversely, placing the ball too far forward can lead to a higher trajectory, which is not ideal for a bump and run.
- Stance and body movement: Narrow your stance and get closer to the ball. Your feet should be a few inches apart and about 6 to 10 inches from the ball. Raise the shaft angle so that your hands are higher, reducing wrist mobility. This creates stability and allows your club to work with your shoulders. The motion is similar to a putting stroke, powered by a rocking of your shoulders with your head staying down.
- Understanding the situation: The bump and run is particularly useful when there is a lot of space between you and the hole. It's also effective when you're dealing with tight lies, obstructions in the air, or when you want to avoid the ball spinning and stopping quickly on the green.
By incorporating these techniques and understanding when to utilise the bump and run, you can effectively execute this shot when you're close to the green, improving your scoring and adding a valuable tool to your golfing arsenal.
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Frequently asked questions
A bump and run is a type of chip shot that is used when there is a lot of space between the golfer and the hole. It is a smart and effective shot that is easy to hit and gives the golfer more control over the shot.
You should use a bump and run when there is a lot of green to work with and you don't need the ball to spin and stop quickly. It is also useful when it's windy, as it can help you avoid obstructions. Additionally, it is a good option when you find your ball in a tight lie, relatively close to the green, or when there is an obstruction in the air, such as a tree.
For a bump and run, you want to use a club with less loft, such as a 7-iron, 8-iron, or 9-iron. This will produce a lower shot that rolls like a putt and is easy to control.
The proper ball position for a bump and run is between the middle of your stance and your trail toe. If the ball position drifts too far back, you may dig the club into the ground, resulting in a shot with little to no height.
