Bump your chips

Get the ball on the ground quickly and let it roll out

Woods

LEFT-SIDE LOAD: Most of my weight is on my left side, which helps me make a slightly descending blow. I also make sure I maintain my spine angle.

By Tiger Woods
With Pete McDaniel and Mark Soltau
Photo By J.D. Cuban January 2008

Each year I set goals to improve my overall game. In 2007 I really concentrated on shoring up my chipping. It took a few months, but things started to come together after a tip from my coach, Hank Haney, during the British Open.

Hank suggested I stand closer to the ball and set the club more upright. This positioned the toe of the club more on the ground and allowed the club to swing on less of an arc and more of a straight line. This made solid contact easier, especially on dicey lies. It also helped me improve my bump-and-run.

The idea behind the bump-and-run is to get the ball rolling as soon as possible. I use a variety of clubs, from a 6-iron to a pitching wedge. Using my putting grip, I play the ball back in an open stance and control the strike with my right hand. I also read the shot just as I would a putt.

I aim for a spot on the green where I want the ball to land depending on pace and distance. I want to let it roll out close enough for a kick-in.

Tiger Woods writes instruction articles only for Golf Digest.

Golf Digest

SUBSCRIBE TO GOLF DIGEST

and get Two Golf Tips Guides FREE -- Just for ordering!

12 issues for $14.97
*Plus applicable sales taxNon-USA - Click Here
 

Read Photo Credits

January 08, 2009

lesson tees

Annika Sorenstam
Video Drills
Check out the latest video tips from Annika
Johnny Miller
Johnny Miller
Johnny Miller's 10 rules for great iron play
Jim Flick
Jim Flick
Try Snead's technique to keep your ball on line
David Leadbetter
Here's one move to fix your slice
Hank Haney
Hank Haney
Why clubfitting is essential for junior golfers

Swing Sequences

Swing Sequences
View full-motion swing sequences some of the world's best players including Harrington, Els, Mickelson, Garcia and more!

Analyze Your Game

Want help with your game? Shot By Shot offers a free trial of its game analysis.
MORE INFO

Tip of the Day

If you shoot about 100, your best bet is to pitch out and set up your next shot (above). To … More

Rule of the Day

To speed play while playing a match in a club tournament, you and your opponent agree to concede all putts … More

Instructor Rankings

50 Greatest Teachers

Who are America's best instructors, as ranked by their peers? The names at the top are familiar to any serious student.

NEWSLETTERS

Golf Digest's newsletter
Golf World's newsletter

Golf Digest Subscribe >

Golf World

Visit Subscribe
Conde Nast Store
Subscribe

Best Places to Play — Course Finder

Advertiser Events & Promotions

holidaygifts
What's your ideal holiday golf gift?