Mastering the Bump and Run Shot
The bump and run shot is a type of golf shot that is used when you are close to the green, but not close enough to use a putter. It is a low, running shot that is designed to get the ball close to the hole, without going too high in the air. Despite the bump and run being responsible for lowering thousands of golfer’s scores, many golfers still struggle to hit the bump and run on a consistent basis. In this breakdown, learn the 6 steps necessary to mastering this shot and adding it to your arsenal.
1. Assess the Situation
Assessing the situation is the first step to hitting a bump and run shot in golf. The golfer should consider several factors before selecting the appropriate club and executing the shot.
Firstly, the lie of the ball should be examined. If the ball is sitting up in the rough, it may be difficult to control the shot, and a higher lofted club may be necessary to ensure the ball carries over any obstacles. If the ball is sitting on a tight lie, a lower lofted club may be used to keep the ball low and running towards the hole.
The speed of the green is another important factor to consider, as a fast green will allow the ball to roll further, while a slow green will require more loft to get the ball in the air and rolling towards the hole.
The distance to the hole should also be considered, as a bump and run shot is generally used for shots that are too far off the green to be putted but too close to use a higher lofted club.
Additionally, the terrain of the green, such as the slope and contours, should be taken into account to determine the direction and amount of break the ball will experience.
By assessing the situation and considering these factors, the golfer can make an informed decision on which club to use and how to execute the bump and run shot.
2. Choose the Right Club
Choosing the right club to hit a bump and run shot in golf is crucial to execute the shot successfully. A bump and run shot is a low trajectory shot that is played from off the green and is designed to roll towards the hole, so when choosing a club for a bump and run shot, it is important to choose a club with low loft, such as a 7- or 8-iron. These clubs are used because they have a lower loft angle than other clubs, which allows the golfer to make contact with the ball at a lower angle and produce a low shot.
Ultimately, the choice of club will depend on the golfer's personal preference, the lie of the ball, the distance to the hole, and the speed of the green. It's important to practice with each club to determine which works best for different scenarios.
3. Pick Your Landing Spot
Picking a landing spot on the green when hitting a bump and run shot is a key factor in executing the shot successfully. The landing spot is the area where the golfer wants the ball to land before it begins to roll towards the hole.
The landing spot should also take into account the slope and contour of the green, as the ball will roll towards the hole along these features. The golfer should aim for a spot on the green that provides the appropriate amount of run and takes into account any break or undulation.
Additionally, the landing spot should be selected based on the golfer's ability and the club being used. For example, a higher lofted club will produce less roll than a lower lofted club, so the landing spot should be closer to the hole when using a higher lofted club.
4. Take Your Stance
Positioning the ball within your stance when hitting a bump and run shot in golf is an important aspect of executing the shot successfully. Generally, the ball should be positioned slightly back of center within the stance, towards the right foot for right-handed golfers and towards the left foot for left-handed golfers. This ball position will help the golfer to make contact with the ball before the ground, producing a low trajectory and allowing the ball to roll towards the hole.
Additionally, the weight distribution should be slightly forward, with more weight on the left foot for right-handed golfers and on the right foot for left-handed golfers. This helps to ensure a downward strike on the ball, reducing the likelihood of hitting the ball thin and producing a higher shot.
5. Take a Controlled Swing
Taking a controlled swing when hitting a bump and run shot is crucial to executing successfully. Since the bump and run shot is intended to produce a low trajectory and roll towards the hole, a controlled swing helps to keep the ball low and on the intended line.
When taking the swing, you should focus on a smooth and steady tempo, avoiding any sudden or jerky movements. The backswing should be shortened, with the club head staying low to the ground, and the downswing should be initiated with the lower body, allowing the club head to strike the ball cleanly and on a descending angle. Additionally, the follow-through should be short and controlled, with the hands and arms staying relatively quiet.
6. Practice Makes Perfect
As with any golf shot, practice is key to mastering the bump and run shot. Spend time on the practice green, working on your technique and getting a feel for how the ball reacts to different clubs and swing speeds. With practice, you'll be able to execute the bump and run shot with confidence on the course.