Best Way to Play a Run-Up Shot in Golf

The run-up shot is used when there is not enough room between the front edge of the green and the flag to land the ball and stop it before it rolls well past the flag. The choice of club is usually one with little loft, which sends the ball low so that it rolls sufficiently after bouncing on the foregreen to reach the green and stop near the flag. You can also use it if you have landed to the side of the green and there is a bank between the ball and the green, with insufficient room to land the ball on the green and stop it before it rolls too far. Grip, stance and posture are the same as for the chip shot, but the ball is played further back in the stance in order to keep it low and run it up the bank and on to the green.

Here is a typical situation in which the run-up shot should be considered. The ball has missed the green to the right by some 18 ft (6 m).

The ground slopes upwards towards the green and there is insufficient room between the edge of the green and the flag to chip or even pitch the ball and have it stop anywhere near the flag, as the green itself slopes downwards towards the flag. The solution is to run the ball up the slope with enough speed to reach the green and then roll downhill towards the flag.

Of great importance to a successful result is the pre-shot routine, seeing in the mind’s eye the successful results of the practice swings, with the ball bouncing and then rolling up the bank before rolling on to the green and finishing by the flag. The actual shot must be an exact copy of the successful practice swing.

• The ball is to the side of the green, lying well. There is very little room between the edge of the green and the flag, making necessary the use of the run-up shot.
• The choice of club for this particular shot is the No. 5 iron. Shorten your grip and hold the club firmer than usual. The ball should be played well back in the stance (towards your right foot). Take your practice swings and, as usual, visualise the perfect result. Remember that it is better that the ball travels too far, as it must roll on to the green and not fasten in the fringe. A long putt back is usually easier than another chip.

• The ball is struck with a downward blow and is on its way. Hold the follow-through position, as the ball bounces up the slope and on to the green, then rolls to the flag.