[Kim Hyunjun's Photo Lesson] Homa's 'Bump and Run Shot'... Next to a Tree?

Usually effective when the wind is strong and the ground is hard, with a pitching wedge: "Ball position toward right foot, grip down, tap"

Max Homa is executing a 'bump and run shot' during the second playoff hole on the final day of the Genesis Invitational.

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] ‘Bump and Run Shot’.

It is Max Homa’s dazzling short game. It happened at the 10th hole (par 4) in the first playoff round against Tony Finau (both from the United States) during the final round of the Genesis Invitational (total prize money $9.3 million) held last February at Riviera Golf Club in Pacific Palisades, California (par 71, 7,322 yards) on the PGA Tour. Although the tee shot landed right next to a tree, he rolled the ball at a low trajectory and managed to save a par with ‘2 on 2 putts’.

Homa eventually finished the second playoff round at the 14th hole (par 3) with a ‘winning par’. He is a player who suffered the pain of being cut 15 times in 17 events in 2017 and was relegated to the Korn Ferry Tour (second tier) in 2018. After winning the Wells Fargo Championship in 2019, he held the winner’s trophy again after 1 year and 9 months. It is interesting that this was a special match hosted by the ‘Golf Emperor’ Tiger Woods (USA). He earned $1,674,000 (18.94 billion KRW) in one go.

Players usually use the bump and run shot when the wind is strong. This is because of directional control. Naturally, it is effective when there are no water hazards or bunkers, and the ground is hard. Compared to a sand wedge, a pitching wedge with relatively more loft is used to drop the ball at an appropriate spot in front of the green to reduce speed and get it close to the hole. The shot technique is not difficult. The ball position is toward the right foot, grip the club lower, and just ‘tap’ it. Distance control is important.

Homa received the spotlight for his textbook shot where the ball rolled toward the hole in a trouble situation. Although it was next to a tree, fortunately, the hole was visible. Amateur golfers also sometimes find their ball stopping near a tree during rounds. For beginners and intermediate players, it is wise to declare ‘unplayable’ and prepare for the next shot. High-difficulty technical shots have a low success rate. Remember that it can cause even bigger problems.

If you want to escape, first examine the shot method. If the branches are dense, use a low trajectory; if there are many obstacles below, use a high trajectory. If the branches hang low with no space, use a long iron, or even a hybrid or fairway wood. The swing should be as small as possible, focusing on control. If you follow through, the club may hit the tree and cause injury. In any case, precise contact is key.