The bump and run is a great asset to your short game. It can save you a ton of strokes. But you can’t always use it. The bump and run is difficult to execute, for example, if you’re trying to run the ball through Bermuda grass or really high ryegrass. An alternative in these situations is the “Texas Turn-Down,” a great little shot you can use when you can’t hit a bump and run because of high rough or hit a high shot because of overhanging tree branches.
Below are six keys to hitting this shot:
- Position the ball in the center
- Line the ball up with the club’s toe
- Roll your forearms open on the backswing
- Make a quick rotation of your forearms
- Strike the ball near the club’s toe
- Take a longer than normal swing
Your goal with this shot is to remove all backspin from the ball when hit. This gives it a good chance to kick forward on its first bounce.
Position the ball toward the center of your stance with your weight evenly distributed. Line the ball up off the toe of your club.
On the backswing roll your forearms open and to the inside of your normal swing plane. Then, rotate your forearms quickly on the downswing back toward the target. You want your club to be nearly square just before impact and your forearms “turned down” on the follow through. For distance shots, you’ll need to take a longer than normal swing.
Be careful you don’t turn your forearms over too soon, which can smother the ball and drive it deeper into the grass. Also, make sure you strike the ball far out toward the club’s toe. This minimizes backspin and reduces the power transferred to the ball.
This shot’s not easy to execute, so use it only in emergencies when you have no other option. Missing it could leave you in a worse situation than you started.