By Cindy LaCrosse, PGA
One shot that I love to hit when I can is the bump and run – especially when it’s just fairway and the green in front of me. It’s a consistent shot, and the dispersion is much tighter. If I have to hit the ball up in the air and over something, I can, but if I have the option, I like to keep it low and closer to the ground.
The main thing I like to do for the bump and run is I choose a club like an 8- or 7-iron. I position the ball off the inside of my back foot, which will force me to lean the club a little bit forward.
When I bring the club through to impact, my goal is for the club to be in the same position as the setup – that will help me keep the ball nice and low. If I’m facing an upward slope, or if the fairway is a little shaggy, the ball will still continue to get on the green.
This shot, depending on how far you are, is like a long putt. I keep my hands and wrists nice and still so that they’re not doing anything. Our shoulders are rocking and pretty much doing the whole swing.
To recap, I put the ball back in my stance and lean the club so it points to my left hip at address. Keeping the club there, the ball stays nice and low but has enough momentum to make it to the green.
I hope that these tips will help you build confidence, trying to keep the ball low to the ground hitting the bump and run. Enjoy the rest of the golf season!
Cindy LaCrosse is a teaching professional at Southampton Golf Club.