If you want to improve your game in 2026, there’s no need to blow up your swing or start from scratch. Sometimes the best way to make a profit is to start with something simple and manageable.
It’s tempting to spend all your practice time hitting balls and endlessly hitting drivers on the driving range, but adjusting your shots around the green will likely have twice the impact on your score. So what’s the ultimate shot to master to strengthen your short game repertoire? We asked Fiddler’s Elbow teaching pro Gia Lewski for her picks.
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“Every player needs a little bump shot,” she said. “Whether it’s a 7-iron or a 6-iron or even a hybrid, it’s really basic. You want something that will hit the ball low and give you a chance to roll towards the target and get it on the green.”
instruction
Golfer walking down the middle of the fairway on a golf course
What’s the best technique to perform a shot like this? Liewski says the first thing to do is assess the quality of your lie.
“If you have a super tight lie, stand a little closer to the ball,” she said. “The handle is a little higher to reduce the bounce of the club.
“When you lean into the lead foot, the handle moves forward a little, which also reduces the loft of the club, giving it more bounce.
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“So the movement is basically like a putting stroke,” she continued. “You may need to soften the trail arm to move the club far enough.”
Depending on the distance you’re trying to cover, Liewski says you can try a straight-back-straight-through move or add more swing. After all, the key to this simple bump is to eliminate as much bounce as possible in your setup so the ball rolls.
“With this technology, you can pick up the ball from the grass and release it,” Liewski said. “All you need to do is practice until you feel comfortable.”
Liwski’s bump method can be used with every club in your bag. Try it out in your next practice session to level up your game in the new year.
The first post shot that every player should master, taught by a top instructor, appears in golf for the first time.
