Posts Tagged ‘Bump and Run’
The Bump and Run – A Good Alternative Shot Near the Green
If you are near the green and have a clear opening to the flag you have a few options in your approach. You can either use a more lofted club such as a pitching, lob or sand wedge or you can utilize what is called the bump and run technique with a less lofted club such as the 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9 iron. Tiger Woods sometimes even uses a 4 iron, utilizing his putting setup and grip, and makes a smooth putting stroke in many cases around the green and it works well for him as you can imagine.
In my opinion the bump and run, especially for the beginning golfer will give you the best odds for getting closer to the cup if you are on the fringe or have a clear approach to the flagstick. The key to a consistently successful shot here is practice as is the key with most any part of the game. The method I would recommend for the beginner is to set up your body and alignment as if you were going to putt, maybe a bit open to the hole, which means your right shoulder and foot will be slightly forward of a parallel alignment to your left.
{Note: this direction is for right hand golfers and opposite for left hand golfers.}
Next, lean your weight toward your left side and set the ball slightly right of center toward your right foot.
Close the clubface a bit and hit the ball as if you were hitting a putt but with a slightly more descending blow.
This will be considered the BUMP. Make sure to follow thru about the same distance as you took the club back to allow for the RUN, whereby the balls lands and rolls on the green, thus the term Bump and Run. Practice hitting golf balls using this technique and it should help shave as few strokes off your score. Happy Golfing to All!