Bump and Run in Golf

The “bump and run” is a golf shot technique used by players to navigate the ball across the green with low trajectory and minimal carry distance. This shot is particularly valuable in situations where a traditional high-flying shot may not be the best option, such as when dealing with obstacles or trying to control the roll of the ball on the putting surface. In this article, we will explore the key aspects of the bump and run in golf.

Technique

To execute a successful bump and run shot, you need to focus on the following key elements:

Club Selection

Choosing the right club is crucial for this shot. Golfers typically use a pitching wedge, 9-iron, or even an 8-iron for the bump and run. These clubs have enough loft to get the ball off the ground but not too much loft to create excessive height.

Ball Position

Position the golf ball slightly back in your stance, typically just ahead of the center of your stance. Placing it back helps create a descending blow at impact, ensuring the ball stays low.

Setup

Your setup for a bump and run shot should resemble a putting stance. Stand with your feet close together, and your weight favoring your front foot. Your hands should be ahead of the ball, similar to a putting grip.

Swing

The swing for a bump and run is a simple pendulum-like motion. It’s important to keep your wrists firm and minimize any wrist action. Focus on a controlled, smooth stroke with the intention of striking the ball cleanly.

Impact

At impact, make sure to hit the ball slightly below its equator. This will promote a low trajectory and forward roll.

When to Use the Bump and Run

The bump and run shot is handy in several scenarios:

1. When Near the Green: Use it when you’re close to the green but don’t want to risk overshooting with a chip or pitch shot.
2. Sloping Greens: On greens with significant slopes, the bump and run can help you control the roll of the ball better than a lofted shot.
3. Avoiding Hazards: When you need to navigate over a bunker or water hazard that’s guarding the green, the bump and run can help you clear these obstacles without much airtime.
4. Windy Conditions: In windy conditions, keeping the ball low with a bump and run reduces the impact of the wind on the ball’s flight.

Practice and Mastery

Mastery of the bump and run shot requires practice. Spend time on the practice green, working on your setup, swing, and feel for the shot. Experiment with different clubs and ball positions to find what works best for your game.

Bump and Run Tips and Variations

In addition to the fundamentals and situations where the bump and run can be advantageous, here are some additional tips and variations to consider:

Tips for Success

1. Read the Green: Just like putting, reading the green is crucial for a successful bump and run. Pay attention to the slope and grain of the grass to anticipate how the ball will break once it’s on the green.
2. Control Your Speed: Vary the length of your backswing and follow-through to control the distance the ball travels. This is essential for getting the ball close to the hole.
3. Practice Different Lies: Experiment with bump and run shots from various lies – uphill, downhill, tight lies, and fluffy lies. Each situation may require slight adjustments in your technique.
4. Stay Relaxed: Tension in your grip or body can lead to inconsistent shots. Stay relaxed and maintain a smooth tempo throughout the swing.

Variations of the Bump and Run

1. Putter Bump and Run: For extremely tight lies or when you want maximum control over roll, you can use your putter instead of an iron. The technique is similar, with a putting stance and stroke.
2. Hybrid Bump and Run: In some cases, a hybrid club can be used for the bump and run. This provides a bit more loft and can be helpful when you need to carry the ball a short distance over a rough patch before it reaches the green.
3. Bump and Run from Bunkers: When you find yourself in a greenside bunker, you can employ a modified bump and run technique. Open the face of your sand wedge slightly and use a putting-like motion to get the ball out of the sand and rolling on the green.
4. High Bump and Run: While the traditional bump and run keeps the ball low, there are situations where you might want a higher trajectory with some roll. In such cases, you can use a club with more loft, like a 7- or 8-iron, and slightly alter your setup and swing to achieve this.

Practice Drills

To improve your bump and run skills, incorporate these practice drills into your routine:

1. Distance Control Drill: Place markers at various distances from the fringe of the green and practice hitting bump and run shots to each target. This will help you develop a feel for different distances.
2. Landing Spot Drill: Select a spot on the green, and aim to land the ball consistently in that area. This drill improves accuracy and helps you predict the ball’s roll.
3. Uphill and Downhill Practice: Find slopes on the practice green and practice bump and run shots both uphill and downhill. This will help you become proficient in various lie situations.

 

Here’s a more detailed table on the topic of “Bump and Run” in golf:

Term	Bump and Run in Golf
Definition	Bump and Run: The “bump and run” is a golf shot technique primarily used in chipping and pitching situations. It involves using a low-lofted club, such as a 7-iron or 8-iron, to make the ball roll along the ground for most of its journey to the target. This shot is typically executed from just off the green when there’s a clear path to the hole and minimal obstacles. The player “bumps” the ball into the fringe or apron of the green and allows it to “run” toward the hole like a putt. The key is to use a putting-style stroke with minimal loft on the club to keep the ball rolling smoothly. Bump and runs are particularly useful when there’s little room to work with or when you want to avoid the unpredictability of a high flop shot. It’s a versatile shot in a golfer’s arsenal and requires precise control of distance and direction.
Equipment	Club Selection: Golfers typically use a low-lofted iron, such as a 7-iron, 8-iron, or even a 9-iron, for the bump and run. The choice of club depends on the distance to the target and the amount of roll required. A lower lofted club will produce more roll.
Setup	Stance: The stance for a bump and run shot is similar to a putting stance. The feet are close together, and the ball is positioned slightly back in the stance, often favoring the back foot. This helps promote a descending blow and clean contact with the ball.
Swing Technique	Putting Stroke: The key to a successful bump and run is to use a putting-style stroke. The golfer employs a pendulum-like motion with minimal wrist hinge. The focus is on making clean, crisp contact with the ball to send it rolling smoothly along the ground.
Shot Trajectory	Low Trajectory: Unlike many other golf shots, the bump and run is intentionally designed to have a low trajectory. The ball should spend most of its time rolling along the ground, minimizing the risk of getting caught in rough or bunkers and maximizing control.
Shot Selection	When to Use: Golfers use the bump and run when they are just off the green and have a clear path to the hole. It’s a preferred choice in situations where they want to keep the ball low, control the distance precisely, and avoid obstacles such as bunkers or mounds.
Distance Control	Controlled Distance: Precision in distance control is crucial for the bump and run. Golfers need to adjust the length of their putting-like stroke to match the distance they want the ball to travel. Practice is essential for developing a feel for different distances.
Advantages	Advantages: Bump and runs offer several advantages, including predictability, control, and the ability to navigate challenging greenside situations. They are less prone to error compared to high-lofted shots and can increase the chances of making an up-and-down to save par or even make a birdie.
Variations	Variations: While the standard bump and run is performed with a low-lofted iron, golfers can also use hybrids or even fairway woods for longer bump and run shots. The choice of club depends on the specific situation and the desired ball flight.
Practice Tips	Practice Tips: To master the bump and run, golfers should spend time on the practice green working on distance control. Practice different distances and experiment with various clubs to understand how each one affects ball roll. Consistent practice leads to improved accuracy.

Conclusion

The bump and run is a valuable golf shot that every golfer should have in their repertoire. When executed correctly, it can save strokes and help you navigate tricky situations on the golf course. Practice and familiarity with this shot will give you the confidence to use it effectively in various scenarios, ultimately improving your overall golf game.