Darren Steels Golf Professional - The bump and run shot

The bump and run shot

Definition: The "bump and run" - also called a "chip and run" - is an approach shot to the green typically played from close to the green's edge. The golfer has the option to pitch the ball or chip the ball from such a location. A pitch shot, however, is struck with a high-lofted club such as a pitching wedge, producing a high trajectory and a ball that typically hits the green and quickly stops.

A bump and run, on the other hand, is played with a lower-lofted club relative to a wedge (an 8-, 7- or 6-iron, for example), and with very little airtime for the ball. With a bump and run shot, the ball is typically played from the middle or back of the stance, producing a very shallow trajectory, with the ball mostly scooting along the ground and running up to the flag.

 

The bump and run is played more along the ground; the pitch shot is played in the air.

 

Why would a golfer prefer a bump and run to a pitch? The front of the green might be open, with a hard fairway and hard green, making an approach that lands on the green tough to stop. Or the wind might be howling, with the bump and run making it possible to keep the ball from getting up into - and blown around by - that wind. A bump in run, in other words, is often a more controllable shot than a pitch shot.

 

Step 1 Bring your feet close together for a narrow stance and position the ball in the middle. Keep most of your weight on your left foot--you should feel like you are leaning toward the target.

Step 2 Slide your grip down on the club so you can stand closer to the ball. Press your hands forward to take some loft off the club. This will help promote a downward strike and a lower shot.

Step 3 Make a short backswing with no wrist action. The shorter the backswing, the better. Think of this as the same length as your  putting stroke.

Step 4 Keep your wrists firm through impact. Strike down and through the ball. The ball will come out low and run to the hole. This shot should fly a short distance and roll the rest of the way.

Step 5 Abbreviate your follow-through. Backswing and follow-through should match each other in length.