Creativity around the greens will be crucial for players this week at the Open Championship. To prevail at Royal Portrush, players will need to hit just about every short-game shot in their arsenals.
One such shot that will be required is the bump-and-run. Although this shot can be simple to execute, its usefulness cannot be overstated.
For those unfamiliar with the shot, a bump-and-run is a shot that gets airborne briefly just after impact and then rolls out on the green, much like a putt. The shot is useful when you’ve got something to carry between your ball and the green (sprinkler head, rough patch of grass, etc.) but want the ball to react like a putt for most of the journey to the hole. The shot can also be handy in windy conditions when you don’t want the wind affecting your shot too much.
For help on how to execute the shot, we turn to GOLF Teacher to Watch Parker McLachlin, aka the Short Game Chef.
The keys for a bump-and-run
When hitting a bump-and-run, the first step is club selection. The shot is normally hit with a lower-lofted club (think long iron or hybrid), but you can hit the shot with just about any club in the bag.
When you set up, stand a little closer to the ball and get the shaft more vertical than you normally would. Next, shut the clubface ever so slightly.
“That’s going to help the ball roll just a little bit,” McLachlin says. “And that matches up with my slight inside path.”
Put your feet close together and keep the ball position neutral in the center of your stance. All you have to do from there is use your putting stroke with a rocking of the shoulders.
“My lower body and legs are really quiet,” McLachlin says. “And it comes out really nice.”
It will for you, too. Give it a shot!
ShortGameChef.com, created by PGA Tour winner Parker McLachlin, provides golfers with a comprehensive resource to improve their short game. Through personalized tips, drills, and expert insights, Parker helps players of all levels gain more confidence and a deeper understanding of their short game to lower their scores. You can browse membership options here.
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