The bump and run is the simplest, most reliable shot around the green. Instead of flying the ball high to the hole, you land it just on the green, or even short of it, and let it roll like a putt. It's easier to control than a high pitch, more forgiving of poor contact and ideal on firm or windy courses. If you want to get up and down more often, this is the shot to learn.
When to use the bump and run
- No obstacles such as bunkers or deep rough between you and the green.
- Lots of green between the edge and the hole.
- Firm ground, especially in summer or on links courses. Read links vs parkland courses.
- Windy conditions, where a high pitch would be blown off line. Read how to play golf in the wind.
- Under pressure, when you want the shot with the fewest things that can go wrong.
A common saying: "Putt when you can, chip when you can't putt, and pitch only when you must." Read chip or putt: how to decide.
Choosing the club
| Club | Air time vs roll (approximate) | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| Pitching wedge | About 1/2 air, 1/2 roll | Shorter distances, less green to work with |
| 9 iron | About 1/3 air, 2/3 roll | Medium distances |
| 8 iron | About 1/4 air, 3/4 roll | Longer runs |
| 7 iron | About 1/5 air, 4/5 roll | Long runs across a big green |
These are only guides; uphill slopes reduce roll, downhill slopes increase it, and green speed matters. Practise with two or three clubs and learn your own ratios.
Setup
- Narrow stance, feet close together.
- Ball slightly back of centre.
- Weight favouring the lead side, around 60–70%.
- Hands slightly ahead of the ball, with the shaft leaning a little towards the target.
- Stand closer and grip down the club for control.
- Some golfers use a putting grip for extra stability.
Technique
- Use a putting-style stroke, rocking the shoulders with very little wrist action.
- Keep the lower body quiet.
- Brush the grass and strike the ball first.
- Make the follow-through about the same length as the backswing.
- Control distance with stroke length, not by hitting harder.
Picking a landing spot
Choose a spot a yard or two onto the green, where the surface is smooth and predictable. Then read the rest of the shot like a long putt: how will slopes affect the roll? Read how to read greens.
On links courses, you can land the ball short of the green and let it run through the fringe, if the ground is firm and even.
Common mistakes
- Trying to lift the ball: trust the loft and keep the hands ahead.
- Too much wrist, leading to thin or fat strikes.
- Landing it too far on: with a less lofted club, the ball runs a long way.
- Using the same club every time: choose the club that suits the distance and amount of green.
- Ignoring the fringe: long or wet fringe slows the ball dramatically.
Read how to stop hitting fat shots.
Practice drills
Three-club drill
From the same spot, hit bump-and-run shots with a 7 iron, 9 iron and pitching wedge to the same hole. Notice how the landing spot changes.
Towel target
Place a towel a yard onto the green and try to land each ball on it.
Up-and-down game
Drop ten balls around the green and try to get each one up and down. Count your successes. Read how to get up and down.
Frequently asked questions
Is the bump and run the same as a chip?
It's a type of chip, with a lower, running trajectory.
Can I use a hybrid for a bump and run?
Yes. Many golfers chip with a hybrid from the fringe. Read chipping with hybrids and fairway woods.
Does the bump and run work on soft courses?
It works less well on soft, wet ground, where the ball stops quickly. Land it further on in these conditions.
The bottom line
The bump and run is the percentage play around many greens: simple, low-risk and easy to control. Use a less lofted club, a putting-style stroke and a clear landing spot, and you'll get up and down more often. For the full chipping picture, read how to chip in golf.