I have mentioned before that a bump and run is a great golf shot that allows golfers to roll the ball pin. It offers a better chance of going in or at least leave a very simple putt left for an up and down. I have found, with a resurgence of my use with a 7-iron, I am playing more confident shots with greater success. I have even chipped in twice in the last two weeks and this is always a good thing. I know I talk about a bump and run a fair bit, but how exactly do we play such shots to produce consistent effective results. Well, I have a short video that should clear up any confusion you might have.
Rory offers a great explanation on how to play a bump and run. I would suggest that using a lower lofted club, like my 7-iron, requires me to move the ball up to just behind the middle of my stance. By doing this, I do no trap the ball as much and offers me a better chance to control my distance. Additionally, I use my putter grip in order to grip the club softer, thus increasing my feel.
You can use any club you want for a bump and run. My friend Rick uses an 8-iron (we call that shot a gouger) and my friend Blair uses a gap wedge. There really is no right or wrong answer, but you do have to spend time using different clubs to find which works best for your game.
The bump and run is a great shot. It can be used from varying distances, but make no mistake it is one that needs a bit of practice to perfect. When you do develop a handle for this shot, I am confident that you will lower your score!
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
The Grateful Golfer 
Bump and run. Pitch and run. Or chip and run. What I don’t try is to make the ball one hop and stop. That’s just not a high percentage shot for me no matter what ball I use and it’s certainly not the proper choice for the cheap Wilson balls in my bag right now.
It may be different for you, but I find that the pitch or chip and run are more often required than the bump and run around here anyway. There’s no bumping anything out of the rough at the home course for instance and unless you happen to get the perfect angle in, bump and runs to raised greens aren’t going to be your best option either and that pretty much makes up most of our courses down here. The one I played Sunday is a little different. I got to use the bump and run quite a few times there. And to good effect. But it’s not the shot I get to use most often. I pitch more than I bump.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Kevin
Point well taken. I think the concept of trying to roll the ball as much as possible on the green is really the idea. There are so many variations to the shot that it is really challenging to capture them all.
Cheers Jim
LikeLike
The bump and run is one of the most important shots to have in your arsenal. It is under utilized by most golfers in North America especially.
With a little practice this shot is a lot easier to execute than a flop or chip. My experience with hickory golf has reinforced my confidence in the shot and has lowered my scores.
If there is no obstacle in front of me, I immediately think bump and run. My choice of club varies depending on whether I am going uphill and the total length of the shot. My preference on longer shots is a 35 degree club (my 7 iron) and a 48 degree for shorter or slightly downhill. Using a putting stroke reduces the margin for error.
I recommend practicing with various clubs and find out which club or clubs work best for your game.
I use the bump and run a lot no matter what set of clubs I use. I only choose a flop shot when I have to.
Last Monday I played my first game with
Pre 1900 clubs and gutta percha ball. It was a real treat. Pre 1900 irons are smooth faced and the bump and run works very well.
Everyone should have this shot in their arsenal.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lorne,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the bump and run. I have watched you use this particular shot with great success and agree that it should be in everyone’s bag. The pre-1900 clubs sound like great fun!
Cheers Jim
LikeLike
Jim, love this shot because roll is easier to judge than flight. It has the added benefit of an increased margin for error. Have you ever hit one of these a little thin but still got the roll out? I have. My choice for this one is a PW unless it’s a very long rollout in which case I’ll select an 8-iron.
Thanks,
Brian
LikeLiked by 1 person
Brian
Like you I have hit many different types of bump and runs. Some intentional and others…..well, not so much. I agree that it is a more forgiving shot with a larger percentage of error. It really has helped my game.
Cheers Jim
LikeLiked by 1 person