Bump and run

[keb]

After playing on windy conditions for several weeks, I have decided to go to the bump and run more. Interested in hearing what clubs you like to use and method for guaging distance.

[LIgolfer]

I like to use an 8 iron on most bump and run shots but I have used almost all my irons at some point. To gauge distance you have to imagine it like a putt and get the feel for it. I like it alot better than using a wedges cause its a lot more consistent and your misses are better.

[Dr. Griefo]

Is there any way to practice the bump and run outside of finding a quiet night on the course? Also, what's about the limit for a bump and run?

[Shripe]

From one round of really being able to use the bump and run, I've managed to use my wedges through 8 iron for that kind of shot. Still need some practice with the distance, though. :)

[GaijinGolfer]

Which club I use depends upon how long the shot is and how much roll I want. I might use anything from a 56* wedge to a 7-iron for a chip. As for gauging distance, its just trial and error.

[McGolf-Doggie]

PW and 7 iron are the ones I've used or practiced most for that.

7-iron is my go-to club for more of a punch out from under tree-limbs longer distance runner.

[soloredd]

PW and 7 iron are the ones I've used or practiced most for that.

Same here. I've yet to really try the 7 iron from the fairway for a run up though. I'm always afraid it will just run right through the green. It's something I really need to learn though.

[JWL1957]

Depends on the firmness of the green approach area. If it is firm, I will bump and run. If it is too soft, or has grass that resists rolling the ball..... I'll fly it.

[Harmonious]

After playing on windy conditions for several weeks, I have decided to go to the bump and run more. Interested in hearing what clubs you like to use and method for guaging distance.

Since you are talking about playing in windy conditions, I am assuming you are NOT talking about chip shots. Most of the responses thus far have been about chipping.

Dave Pelz defines the bump and run as a "low running shot that lands short of the green with minimal backspin, bounces, and runs along the fairway or rough up to the green and flagstick" (Short Game Bible, p. 239). If you are talking about this type of shot, Pelz says to make a low sweeping motion, not a descending blow. The shaft angle should be gripped at full length to encourage the flattest angle of attack and minimal backspin. He recommends a 5 or 6 iron for most bump and runs, which he uses for shots between 50-100 yards. Whenever I try this shot with a 5 iron, I find the ball rolls more than 50% of the way. But only practice will give you that feel. Interesting note from Pelz: He tested average amateurs' ability to hit to a green from 70 yards with two clubs - a SW and a 5 iron. While the closest shots were about evenly split between the two, the 5 iron shots averaged 40% closer. Something to think about when automatically grabbing that SW.

[pup]

To gauge distance you have to imagine it like a putt and get the feel for it. I like it alot better than using a wedges cause its a lot more consistent and your misses are better.

Agreed. My standard b&r; club is my 9I, but I will change my club choice depending on situation (i.e. more loft with PW for uphill b&r; etc.) Once I got the feel for the shot with my 9I I began to experiment with different clubs and I'm really comfortable with that shot. It's all about feel.

[Shripe]

So, I notice many of you try to use the same club (or two) for that kind of shot. My thought was that if I were to do the same/similar swing (length, speed, etc) with the different clubs, I'd be able to use the air-to-roll ratio of each one. Is there a right or wrong way to approach the shot?

[Gerald]

It kind of depends on the lie of the ball, if it is on the fringe or apron or fairway mostly with an 8 or 9 iron, if it is in the rough or when it has to roll less I mostly use the 58* but with the hands well ahead to have at least some roll.

[Dave H]

I've come to love the bump-n-run this year and my favorite club to use is my 9i. I've gotten pretty comfortable with it and have used it from as far as 60 yards out.

[mcgriff]

I try to think of the shot as a really long chip. I try to pick a landing area as my target based on how far I think the ball will run. For me, it is more of a loft choice. If I want to run it farther I may hit my 4H. If I want a shorter run with a higher trajectory I may hit the 8I. It's all feel IMO. Since your ball will be interacting with the turf a lot more than a regular shot at the pin I don't think there is a tried and true method to nailing down distance.

[RC]

For a more putt-like shot that may need to run through the fringe, I use a 6 iron, but the post above about the 9 iron is spot on for me if I need a little carry to be sure to land on the green first, then a long run out. I still use a putting stroke for these, toe down, shaft more vertical, etc. Very reliable little shot.

[hero12]

I pick my landing spot, then pick the club from there. I normally land it half-way to the pin with a lot of spin and let it check after the first bounce then it rolls out to the pin.

[Fourputt]

Since you are talking about playing in windy conditions, I am assuming you are NOT talking about chip shots. Most of the responses thus far have been about chipping.

This is my impression too. What he actually seems to be asking about is a links style knock down, run up shot. Here in Colorado, that is a standard requirement for anyone who plays winter golf. Warm days are usually windy (it's the downslope winds off the Continental Divide which warm us up), as high as 100 mph at times in close to the mountains (obviously we don't play golf in 100 mph winds

, although I have played in 40-50 mph conditions). I hit at least one club longer (and as much as 3 clubs) than I normally would for the shot (even downwind), and play with a shortened backswing and follow through to keep the ball lower. Because of the firm, dry, and sometimes frozen fairways, the ball will roll well, and the frozen greens will reject any shot that carries all the way. Aside from that, it just takes experience with that style of play to get to where you can adjust for differing wind directions and ground conditions. Also keep in mind that hitting into the wind is NOT the time to swing harder. If anything, swing smoothly, but easier than normal. The harder you hit the ball, the more backspin you create, and more backspin just makes the ball balloon in a strong headwind. The wind has to be factored into chips and pitches too... it will knock down a pitch much shorter than you would normally expect. You have to be aggressive with short pitches into the wind around the greens or you will never get the ball to the hole. Gauging distance on very windy days is almost more of an art than a science, at least that's how I approach it. I just start by guessing and playing safe on the first couple of holes, then adjust my play for the rest of the round to what I learn on those early holes.