When your golf ball settles just off the green, it’s normal to worry about getting it close to the hole. The bump and run is a simple, reliable shot that helps you control the ball and get it closer to the pin.
You don’t have to risk a wild flop shot or try anything fancy. This shot gives you a smart way to handle those awkward spots.
Learning how and when to use the bump and run can turn tough greenside situations into real scoring chances. Mastering the basics means picking the right club, focusing on a low, controlled swing, and letting the ball roll smoothly toward the target.
It’s straightforward, reliable, and—honestly—it might just be your best trick for saving strokes.
Key Takeaways
- The bump and run is a go-to shot for greenside control
- Picking the right club and starting with a good setup matter a lot
- Simple technique and smart choices help your short game
Understanding the Bump and Run
The bump and run is a short game shot that helps you handle those tricky spots near the green. This technique is popular for its consistency, helping golfers of all levels improve their scores.
What Is the Bump and Run?
A bump and run is a low-trajectory shot played around the greens. Instead of flying the ball high, you land it early on the green and let it roll out toward the hole—almost like a long putt.
You’ll usually use a less lofted club, like a 7- or 8-iron, not a wedge. The main idea is to keep the ball low and let it use the green’s surface to get close.
Since you’re not using much loft, the shot feels more like a simple chip, not a complicated pitch or flop. That’s why it’s easier for most players to repeat.
Why It’s a Secret Weapon Around the Greens
The bump and run stands out for its consistency and control. When the ground is firm and you’ve got plenty of green to work with, it gets the ball rolling quickly and keeps things predictable.
It’s especially appealing if you struggle with chunking or blading wedges. This shot asks less of your technique and gives you more margin for error.
You can use the bump and run in different situations—tight lies, needing to avoid hazards, or just wanting to keep things simple. It helps you get closer to the hole, which, let’s be honest, is what we’re all after.
Essential Differences From Other Short Game Shots
Unlike pitch and flop shots, the bump and run uses a club with less loft. This creates a lower shot that lands earlier and rolls out more.
Higher lofted shots fly high and stop fast, but the bump and run is all about managing roll.
Let’s compare:
| Shot Type | Trajectory | Roll | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bump and Run | Low | High | Lots of green ahead |
| Pitch Shot | Medium | Medium | Over small obstacles |
| Flop Shot | High | Low | Short-sided, soft land |
Choosing the bump and run over other shots gives you more control and consistency around the greens. Using the right tool for the job builds confidence and makes your short game more dependable.
Choosing and Setting Up the Right Club
The bump and run works best when you pick the right club and set up with solid technique. Picking the right club and knowing how to stand, grip, and position your weight will help you play this shot with confidence.
Club Selection: Wedges vs. Putters
For a bump and run, you’ll usually skip the lob and sand wedges. Those clubs are made for higher shots that stop quickly.
Instead, reach for a pitching wedge, 9-iron, or even an 8-iron. Less loft gives you a lower shot that rolls more—almost like a putt.
Some folks will even use a putter if the grass is super short.
Table: Common Club Choices
| Club | Typical Loft | Use for Bump and Run? |
|---|---|---|
| Lob Wedge | 58-64° | Rarely |
| Sand Wedge | 54-56° | Sometimes |
| Pitching Wedge | 44-48° | Often |
| 8/9 Iron | 36-44° | Very common |
| Putter | 2-4° | Only on very short grass |
Using less loft makes it easier to control distance and forgiveness. You want to bump the ball onto the green and let it roll out, which is tricky with lofted wedges.
How Loft and Bounce Angle Affect the Bump and Run
Loft and bounce angle matter here. More loft sends the ball higher and shorter; less loft means it rolls farther.
You want the ball low and rolling, so skip the lob wedge and grab a mid-iron or pitching wedge.
Bounce angle is the angle between the sole of the club and the ground. High bounce can help if the ground is soft, but for bump and run, you’ll usually want less bounce.
Some clubs have special grooves for spin, but for bump and run, spin isn’t a big deal. Predictable roll is what you’re after.
Grip, Stance, and Weight Distribution
The setup is simple but makes a difference. Grip the club like a putter—focus on control, not power.
A neutral grip keeps the clubface square. Stand with your feet a bit closer than shoulder-width.
Play the ball back in your stance, closer to your trail foot. Put more weight on your lead foot, maybe 60-70%.
Hands should be slightly ahead of the ball, with the shaft leaning forward. This helps you make crisp contact and get the ball rolling quickly.
A steady stance and weight forward let you strike the ball cleanly and take advantage of the club’s forgiveness for a smooth shot.
Perfecting Technique and Control
A reliable bump and run comes from consistent technique, distance control, and a focus on hitting clean shots. Each part matters if you want to get better around the green.
Achieving Cleaner Contact
To hit the ball cleanly, start with a solid setup and an easy motion. Stand with your feet close together, weight a bit forward, ball just back of center.
A short iron or wedge with less loft, like a 7 or 8 iron, is predictable. Keep your hands ahead of the clubhead for a downward strike.
Make a simple, putting-like swing. Keep your wrists firm and let the club brush the grass.
Clean contact means fewer thin or fat shots and more control over the rollout.
Distance and Spin Control
Bump and run shots are all about rolling, not spinning. You’re aiming to control how far the ball carries before it starts rolling, and then how much ground it covers.
To control distance, change your swing length, not your speed. For longer shots, make a slightly bigger swing. For short ones, keep it compact.
Practice landing the ball just onto the green and letting it roll. Don’t try to help the ball into the air—less loft means more rollout.
Spin isn’t a huge factor here. Crisp contact and a smooth swing give you enough backspin for control, but you want the ball to release, not check up.
Precision for Lower Scores
Precision is about picking the right landing spot and club. Look for a flat, smooth area of green just past the fringe as your target.
Choose a club based on how much roll you need.
| Club | Roll Ratio (Roll) |
|---|---|
| 7-iron | 4:1 |
| 8-iron | 3:1 |
| 9-iron | 2:1 |
Focus on strike and alignment. Practice different landing spots and rollouts to sharpen your aim and allow for small mistakes.
Trust your process. You’ll make your short game more versatile and accurate, and save strokes around the green.
Smart Shot Selection and On-Course Strategy
Picking the right shot around the green can really change your scorecard. The bump and run gives you predictability and control—two things you definitely want.
Recognizing When to Use the Bump and Run
Use the bump and run when the ground between your ball and the green is smooth and you’ve got plenty of green to work with. It’s best when there aren’t any big obstacles or thick rough in front of you.
A ball sitting on short grass or the fringe is perfect for this shot. It also works well in windy conditions because it stays low and isn’t pushed around by the wind.
This shot lets you minimize air time and use the ground to slow the ball down. It’s a simple approach when you’re close to the green and the pin isn’t tucked behind trouble.
The main appeal? Consistency. Keeping the ball low and rolling gives you more control over distance and direction.
Comparing to Flop Shots and Approach Shots
A flop shot gets the ball high, stops it quickly, or clears an obstacle. Flops are tricky and riskier since it’s easy to mis-hit them.
Approach shots are from farther away and need more power or lofted clubs. They set up birdie or par chances, but once you’re just off the green, they’re not as versatile.
Compared to those, the bump and run is the “smart shot” most of the time. It’s lower risk and easier to control (The Bump and Run Your Basic Green Side Chip Shot). When the ground is firm and you’re not set up for a high, soft shot, go for the bump and run.
Choosing the right shot for the situation—like favoring the bump and run when you can—gives you more chances to save par and avoid big mistakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
People have plenty of questions about picking the right club, knowing when to use a bump and run, and how it stacks up against other shots near the green. Let’s tackle the most common ones.
What is the ideal club selection for the bump and run shot in golf?
Most of the time, you’ll use a lower-lofted club like a 7-iron, 8-iron, 9-iron, or pitching wedge. These clubs keep the ball flight low and help it roll smoothly on the green. Higher lofted wedges like sand or lob wedges aren’t great for this shot.
How does a bump and run shot differ from a traditional chip shot?
The bump and run keeps the ball low and rolling, while a traditional chip uses more loft and lands softer. With the bump and run, you want the ball on the ground quickly so it rolls like a putt. Chips may have more height and less rollout.
Can the bump and run technique be used in tight lies around the green?
Absolutely. The bump and run works well on tight lies because you don’t need to dig under the ball. The ball sits close to the ground, and a low-lofted club glides through the turf, making solid contact easier.
What are the key fundamentals to executing a successful bump and run shot?
Start with a narrow stance and weight a bit forward. Keep your hands ahead of the ball and make a short, controlled swing. Firm wrists and a smooth strike help with consistent roll. Try to land the ball just onto the green and let it run out.
In what situations should a golfer opt for a bump and run instead of a pitch shot?
Go for a bump and run when there’s a lot of green between your ball and the hole. It’s a solid choice if the path is clear—no big obstacles, no thick rough, nothing wild in your way.
Firm ground helps too. If the green’s open and you want to keep things predictable, this shot lets you control the roll a bit better.
Are there specific course conditions that make the bump and run a preferable choice?
Yeah, we usually go for the bump and run when the greens are fast and firm. The ball really takes off and rolls forever in those conditions.
Dry weather and tightly cut grass around the green help a lot, too. If the ground’s wet or bumpy, though, forget it—it can kill the shot or send the ball off in weird directions.