A Bump and Run Approach to the Putt with Jean Van de Velde
Why use a hybrid around the green? Jean Van de Velde begins his lesson on special shots around the green with this simple, reassuring shot. He demonstrates it from three different lies and explains its forgiveness.
To be continued
What the lesson shows
Jean Van de Velde admits it: he sometimes feels anxious, and when that happens, he looks for the easiest shot. From 5 or 5 yards away from the green, the putter—which has almost no loft—keeps the ball on the ground and makes it difficult to control the speed. With its a hybrid of about 16 degrees, the ball flies low for the first meter and a half, clears the taller grass, and then rolls gently toward the flag.
The technique is the same as for putting: a shoulder-and-arm balancer. No matter where he is, he cares about only one thing: stay parallel to the ground and as the clubhead slides through, it “brushes the carpet.” With a good lie, the ball rises a little higher; with a poor lie, it strikes lower on the clubface; in a divot, even lower. Three rounds, three very close results: The large sole and small loft provide forgiveness. The video also showcases the 3-wood and other shots developed at his academy.
The Exercise, Step by Step
- Estimate the distance to the green and the length of grass you need to clear.
- Grab your hybrid club and set up as if you were about to putt.
- Swing your shoulders and arms, keeping your wrists still.
- Keep the clubhead tangent to the ground and brush the grass.
- Don't try to lift the ball, even on a poor lie or in a hole.
- Let the ball roll toward the flag.
Key Takeaways
Mistakes to Avoid
- Putting from 5 or 5 yards away from the green, with a speed that's hard to gauge.
- Try to hit the ball according to the lie.
- Hit downward instead of sliding along the ground.
- Expecting a perfect result on a special shot.
Driving Range Mode
Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.
- Hybrid shots on a good lie, a poor lie, and in a hole
- Putting swing with the hybrid to feel the glide
- Comparison of a putter, an 8-iron, and a hybrid from the same spot
Your Questions
Why does Jean Van de Velde use a hybrid around the green?
Because that's the easiest shot for him from 5 or 5 yards off the green. The ball clears the tall grass by flying low and then rolls like a putt.
Why not the putter?
With so little loft, the ball stays close to the ground the entire way, and it becomes difficult to judge its speed.
What technique is needed?
The putting stroke: a swing of the shoulders and arms. The only thing to focus on is staying parallel to the ground and letting the clubface glide.
Should you adjust your technique depending on the location?
No. Jean Van de Velde maintains the same swing; the point of impact simply moves down the clubface when the lie is less than ideal, and the result remains very similar.
Learn More
Video posted on YouTube by its creator (Jean Van de Velde). Best Golf Tips selects and summarizes the best free lessons without hosting them.