Three Tips for Hitting the Bump-and-Run Shot

Need to chip the ball from off the green? If your course features large greens and ample run-up areas, don't automatically reach for the wedge. Instead, here are three tips to perfect the bump-and-run shot, which will get your ball down and running more quickly.

PGA Professional Ryan Skipton, said that's a common issue among the golfers he sees. "There are a lot of chipping areas around the green," Skipton said. "There's always one side of the hole you can play to, away from the bunkers. I've been telling our members to try and keep the ball on the ground instead of pulling out the sand wedge or the lob wedge. Play more bump-and-runs around the green."

So how do you do that, especially from Bermuda grass?

Skipton offers this 3-step approach to hitting the bump-and-run consistently:

"What you're trying to do is get a little topspin on the ball," Skipton said. "Instead of a wedge, use something with more loft, like a 7- or 8-iron. Always choke up on the club and really concentrate on not breaking the wrists on the followthrough.

"It's almost like a big putt." It's a shot that will come in handy, particularly on a windy day. "When in doubt, keep it on the ground," Skipton said.