Sure, mastering the short game in golf takes practice, but it also takes tons of creativity and confidence to pull of such creative shots.
If you check film from esteemed short game wizards like Seve Ballesteros and Phil Mickelson, the first thing you'll notice is their ability to execute all different shot types. From a standard chip to a flop shot to a draw pitch (and everything in between), players can shave strokes off their scorecard in a hurry with short game success.
A popular option around the greens is a simple bump and run — which can be difficult to maneuver if you don't have the key fundamentals or right club choice.
To help, we tapped top golf instructor Tom Stickney to share his best tips for hitting the perfect bump and run.
How to Hit A Bump and Run
Hitting a bump and run can be an effective short game option when you have some distance between you and the pin, allowing you to chip the ball and let it roll onto the putting surface.
It's a great shot selection for those who may struggle in the short game, as it keeps the ball near the ground while avoiding any longer grass near the green (like rough or the first cut) if you were to use a putter.
To hit a bump and run, Stickney says it first starts with making the right club choice.
"While you can use most any club for this type of shot, I usually suggest something around a 9-iron or 7-iron (with PureOne's Short club a great option to practice with)," he says.
After landing on the ideal club, next comes mastering the setup.
"Place the ball back in your stance between your sternum and your rear toe, depending on the length of the shot," Stickney instructs. "All your weight should be positioned on your front foot, and both the shaft of the club and hands should be pushed forward so that the butt of the club feels like it's pointed to your front pocket."
Stickney says that the combination of your arms, hands, and the club's shaft should form a lowercase "Y", ensuring you're in the right position.
"Double check you're in that position, lock in your wrists with the weight forward, make a putting stroke, and keep the 'Y' intact all the way through," he adds.
By utilizing the tips above, you're on your way towards hitting a great bump and run shot that (hopefully) leaves you closer to the hole for an easy putt.
Tom Stickney is the Lead Teaching Pro at Jonathan's Landing Golf Club in Jupiter, Fla., and is recognized as a top golf instructor by GOLF Magazine. You can discover more about Stickney on his Instagram account.
