Weekly Golf Tip as seen in The Winnipeg Sun --

May 1st, 2007

Mastering the Bump And Run

The bump-and-run is an excellent shot to have in your bag to get the ball on the green and in the hole in two shots and improve your score. The key to the bump-and-run is to first select a club based on how far you want to land the ball, and then roll up close to the hole. The club of choice should range anywhere between a PW and a 6-iron. While at address, play the ball back in your stance, while also maintaining a slightly forward shaft lean (see photo for correct set up position).

Sixty percent of your weight should be on the front foot, and the motion should be similar to that of a putting stroke, but with a slight downward motion to ensure crisp contact. There is a slight weight transfer and turning of the hips and knees back and through towards the target to increase the feel and tempo of the shot. Also note that there is not a long follow through on the bump-and-run. The slight forward shaft lean is maintained throughout the stroke keeping the clubface square (see photo of the follow through showing the short follow through and maintaining of shaft lean).

To better gauge how far you want to land the ball, try taking a few practice swings by looking at the intended landing spot and the flag. Imagine you are throwing a ball underhand -- where would you land it to let it roll and get close to the hole? Great feel is the key to this shot. Good luck!

Derek Ingram is the Head Teaching Professional at the Elmhurst Golf & Country Club in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. He is a past winner of the Canadian PGA's Teacher of the Year and one of the top High Performance Golf Coaches in the World.

- Derek Ingram