Bump-and-Run

The bump-and-run is a versatile golf shot often used when you are close to the green but want to keep the ball low and rolling, rather than lofting it into the air. This shot is particularly useful in windy conditions, on firm greens, or when you have plenty of green to work with. Here's how to execute a bump-and-run effectively:

1. Choose the Right Club

• Lower Lofted Club: Typically, a 7-iron, 8-iron, or 9-iron is used for a bump-and-run. Some players may even use a pitching wedge or a hybrid, depending on the situation and personal preference.
• Consider the Terrain: The choice of club also depends on the distance to the pin, the slope of the green, and any obstacles. A lower lofted club will produce a lower flight and more roll, while a higher lofted club will give you a bit more lift but still maintain that rolling characteristic.

2. Set Up for the Shot

• Stance and Alignment: Position your feet closer together than you would for a full swing. Your stance should be slightly open to your target line, meaning your front foot is slightly back from the target line.
• Ball Position: Place the ball slightly back in your stance, closer to your trailing foot. This promotes a descending strike on the ball, helping to keep the shot low.
• Weight Distribution: Shift your weight slightly onto your front foot (the foot closer to the target). This helps ensure you hit down on the ball and get it rolling quickly.
• Grip: Hold the club slightly lower on the grip for better control.

3. Focus on Your Technique

• Short Backswing: Take a short, controlled backswing. The bump-and-run doesn't require a full swing. The key is a smooth, controlled motion.
• Controlled Follow-Through: Follow through low and towards your target. The follow-through should be proportional to the length of the backswing, keeping everything compact.
• Firm Wrists: Keep your wrists firm throughout the swing to prevent flipping the club and adding unwanted loft. The motion should come from your shoulders and arms, not your wrists.

4. Execute the Shot

• Strike the Ball: Aim to make contact with the ball first, striking it with a slightly descending blow. This will produce a low trajectory with minimal spin, allowing the ball to land softly and roll out towards the hole.
• Control the Roll: The bump-and-run is all about controlling the roll. Gauge the speed and distance you need by practicing on the practice green to get a feel for how much the ball rolls out with each club.
• Read the Green: Just like putting, you need to read the green's slopes and breaks. Aim for a spot where the ball can land and start rolling towards the hole, taking into account any breaks or slopes.

5. Practice Different Situations

• Vary Your Clubs: Practice the bump-and-run with different clubs to understand how each one affects the distance and roll. This will help you choose the right club during a round.
• Practice with Purpose: Set up drills where you have to land the ball on a specific spot and let it roll out to the hole. Practice from different lies and distances to build confidence in this shot.

When to Use a Bump-and-Run

• Firm, Fast Greens: When the greens are firm and fast, a bump-and-run can be more predictable than a high-lofted shot that might not stop quickly.
• Windy Conditions: In windy conditions, keeping the ball low with a bump-and-run can help you maintain control and avoid the wind affecting the shot.
• Ample Green to Work With: When you have a lot of green between you and the hole, a bump-and-run can be more reliable than a lofted shot.
• Trouble Around the Green: If there are obstacles like rough or bunkers between you and the hole, and you're close enough to the green, a bump-and-run can help you avoid these hazards.

The bump-and-run is a fundamental shot that every golfer should have in their arsenal. With practice, it can become a reliable option for getting the ball close to the hole from just off the green.