How to Bump and Run

It's easy to lower your golf scores if you learn this simple and repeatable motion around the greens. The stroke is small in motion which makes it safer to hit than a lob or pitch shot in which the player must create more hinge. More hinge creates longer back strokes and tends to breakdown the efficiency of the swing. Since the bump and run has very little hinge, it is one of the safest golf shots a player can choose when conditions are firm and fast. The best thing about this golf shot is that you can learn one motion and try it with different clubs to get different results.

Unfortunately, there are situations when the bump and run isn't the best choice of play. Before you hit the shot, make sure that you don't have any trouble like a bunker or water hazard to go through to get to the green. A player should also consider the turf conditions and pin placement along with the other trouble. If there is severe severe slope that may take the bouncing ball off line or the ground is soft, it may be best to pitch the ball over these breaks and land it to the flatter portion of the green. Wet conditions will likely cause the ball to stop short of the intended distance.

The short game is an area of creativity and it's also important to understand the differences in the shots to play. What distinguishes the pitch shot from the bump and run is loft, backspin and airtime. The bump and run has a lower trajectory, minimal backspin, bounces and then begins rolling quickly. The pitch shot has more carry and back spin. The rolling ball is easier to control as it is more predictable like an elongated putt.

In order to hit a bump and run shot:

1. Choose a less lofted club -- 5,6,7,8 irons or 3 and 4 hybrids work well.
2. A player should take a narrow stance, slightly less than shoulder width apart.
3. Weight distribution toward the front foot. This means about 70 percent should lean towards to the target.
4. Ball position is placed back in stance
5. Shaft of Golf Club should lean toward target.
6. Firm up lead hand grip (Left Hand for Right Handed players)
7. Use your arms and shoulders to swing the club similar to a putting stroke
8. Make sure the hands have very little hinge and stay ahead of the clubhead throughout the swing.
9. Keep it simple and let the club work like a pendulem with shaft leaning toward the target with constant acceleration.

Knowing the techniques in additional short game shots leads to creativity and better course strategy. It's critical to remember it is most important to select the most effective shot rather than the "prettiest" shot. The bump and run is a fun shot to practice as your club selection will yield variable results. Practice aiming at an open gap and running the ball to the green using different clubs. In time, you will know what is right for your game and the courses in which you play. Make good decisions with proper techniques on the course and you will certainly become a better golfer.

Heather is a certified PGA teaching professional in Atlanta, Georgia.
You can follow her on twitter: @breakmypar
http://www.heatherruhe.com

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