Bump & Run

The Lost Art of the “Bump-and-Run”

Our Walter Travis designed golf course presents us with many challenges, especially around the greens. Due to the closely mown “run-off” areas around the greens, it’s important to have a diverse short game with an assortment of shot options. All too often players use their wedges exclusively around the green ignoring one of the most reliable and consistent shots to play in this situation, the “bump-and-run”. The bump-and-run is designed to keep the ball very low with minimal airtime. In order to hit the bump-and-run you’ll need to understand a few basic principles.

• Grip down on the golf club for better control
• Use a less lofted club such as a 6 iron, 7 iron, or 8 iron
• Position the golf ball a couple inches back of center (toward your right foot for right handed golfers)
• Make your stance width slightly narrower than shoulder width apart
• Stand slightly closer to the ball in order to keep the heel of the club from digging into the ground
• Place more weight on your left foot
• Very importantly, make sure the hands lead or stay in front of the clubhead through impact

Following these basic principles will make it much easier for you to hit the bump-and-run and make your short game more consistent. A better short game will lead to lower scores.