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Here are all the golf questions and answers that appeared on the "Ask the Pro" page in 2005, from most recent to least recent, top to bottom. Links in the left menu column give a "keyword" indication
of the topic and will take you directly to that entry on this page. Also see the Ask the Pro Archive Index for longer descriptions in categorized and somewhat alphabetized form.
 Golf Questions and Answers (2005)
(most recent to least recent, top to bottom)
Long Game > General > How shot distance is effected by tee
elevation
Question:
December 22, 2005
I would like to understand the effect that an elevated tee has on your ball flight and distance? Thanks.
Fiore Follo
Guelph, Ontario, Canada
Answer:
Hi Fiore,
That's a very deep topic with a huge number of variables that can affect the result. But this simplified diagram below
should give you the general idea, all else being equal. The A ball would be if the landing area
was elevated, the B ball would be if the shot were played from the same level and the C ball would be if the landing area was below where the shot was played from.
Thanks for visiting and best of luck with your game. MB
^ Top ^
Question:
December 9, 2005
Why isn't a divot in the fairway filled with sand considered ground under repair?
Joshua Spry
Yakima, WA
Answer:
Hi Joshua,
That is a tricky area, I think. I guess the most obvious answer is that it is not ground under
repair by the definition in the rule book:
...any part of the
course so marked by order of the Committee or so declared by its authorized representative. It includes material piled
for removal and a hole made by a greenkeeper, even if not so marked.
I've never seen ground under
repair as small as one divot. But it would be time-consuming and create judgement calls, etc. It is similar to the
question "if you can repair ball marks on the green why can't you repair spike marks?" And I understand your point.
Who knows, maybe some day that rule will change. For more on rules questions see
Rules Questions. Thanks for visiting PGAProfessional.com. MB
^ Top ^
Long Game > General > Which arm do you put the towel
under in a towel drill?
Question:
November 20, 2005
I have seen someone use a towel under their arm to aid in keeping your arms close to your body. Under which arm does
left-handed person put the towel?
Terry Hannon
Lansdale, PA
Answer:
Hi Terry,
That type of drill is typically to work on connection (arms and torso turning together) and the most common version is to
hold the towel under the forward arm pit (which would be the right arm for left-handers) but there are variations where
you hold the towel under both arms. Thanks for visiting and best of luck with your game. MB
^ Top ^
Rules, Etiquette and Procedures > Ball questions: one-ball rule, changing ball types, borrowing balls
Question:
November 5, 2005
Why is it that professional golfers can only use the brand of ball they begin the match with to finish the match? If a
golfer runs out of balls he/she is disqualified? Since all balls used by professionals are legal why could[n't] a golfer
borrow a different brand ball from another player?
Bob McDevitt
Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada
Answer:
Hi Bob,
Besides violating the rules related to playing your ball as you find it, if the type of ball could be changed then different
performance characteristics (e.g., distance, trajectory, spin rate) could be changed in different circumstances. This all
kind of goes against the linear (start at the tee and get your ball in the hole) spirit of the game. Also ball identification
would become more complicated. The ruling bodies may have other reasons too, but those are the most obvious ones. If you run
out of balls you can borrow some*, but if the "one ball" rule is in effect (like it is in many if not most competitions) it has
to be the same brand and type of ball, etc. Your last question about borrowing balls of different types is answered by the last one. For
more on rules questions see Rules Questions.
Thanks for visiting and best of luck with your game. MB
* Thanks to Dave Fetherston for correcting me on this.
^ Top ^
Short Game > Very little sand and hard ground underneath in bunker
Question:
October 27, 2005
I play a course that has very little sand in the greenside bunkers. If I try my sand wedge, the club usually bounces
off the hard pan and bellies into the ball. Can you tell me how to play a sand shot out of such conditions? Thanks.
Ron McCready
McLean, VA
Answer:
Hi Ron,
If you can tell that there is very little sand under your ball then you have to let the blade of the wedge dig rather
than bounce. In bunkers with more sand the flange of the sand wedge helps to keep the club from digging in too deeply.
But if there is very little sand you've got to get a cushion of some kind between the club face and ball, so go back to
a more square face rather than an open face and let the blade dig. In fact, depending on the type of sand wedge you have
a pitching wedge may actually work better for you on shots like this -- do some experimenting. There are also rare
situations when putting the ball (e.g., firm sand, no lip) or chipping the ball (e.g., clean lie, shallow bunker) out of
the bunker may work. Thanks for visiting and best of luck with your game. MB
^ Top ^
Miscellaneous > Other > Is golf a sport? Are golfers
athletes?
Question:
October 11, 2005
Do you consider golf to be a sport? Do you consider golfers to be athletes?
Jordan D.
Louisville, KY
Answer:
Hi Jordan,
The difference between "sports" or "games" or "recreational activities" is a broad and debatable question. Even if
you consult the dictionary there is overlap and some confusion. But since you are asking my opinion the short answers
are yes to your first question and yes with qualifications to your second question.
Different "sports" require different types of physical ability (e.g., some require fine motor control and some require
strength, speed and/or endurance). But I think it can safely be said that all sports require some type of physical skill
in order to excel. So, since I am interpreting your second question to be referring to highly skilled golfers I can yes,
golfers are athletes without hesitation. Having said that, I do not mean to imply that I think that any "person who plays
golf" is an athlete (or even a "golfer") any more than I think that somebody who sits at a piano and pushes down keys is
a pianist. As food for further thought, if I remember correctly I seem to recall having seen people playing cards (a
sport?) on a TV "sports network."
Tough question, Jordan, and in the words of comedy athlete, Dennis Miller, "Of course, that's just my
opinion; I could be wrong." Thanks for visiting PGAProfessional.com. MB
^ Top ^
Question:
September 20, 2005
What does a "Class A" golf professional mean?
Nick DiCenzi
Ravenna, OH
Answer:
Hi Nick,
The PGA of America (I'm not certain how PGA organizations in other countries do this) has different classifications
for its members and apprentices. People who are "PGA Professionals," that is, members of the PGA of America, having
accomplished all of the PGA's certification procedures, are designated as "Class A" followed by a number representing
the main type of job they perform under the general title of golf professional. Here's a rundown of the different
numbers under Class A, as of 2005.
A-1 Head Professional at a PGA Recognized Golf Course
A-2 Head Professional at a PGA Recognized Golf Range
A-3 Exempt Tour player
A-4 Director of Golf at PGA Recognized Golf Facilities
A-5 Past Presidents of the Association
A-6 Golf Instructor at a PGA Recognized Facility
A-7 Head Professional at PGA Recognized Facility Under Construction
A-8 Assistant Golf Professional at a PGA Recognized Facility
A-9 Management, Development and/or Financing of Facilities
A-10 Golf Clinician
A-11 Golf Administrator
A-12 College or University Golf Coach
A-13 General Manager
A-14 Director of Instruction at a PGA Recognized Facility
A-15 Ownership or Management of a Retail Golf Facility
A-16 Golf Course Architect
A-17 Golf Course Superintendent
A-18 Golf Media
A-19 Golf Manufacturer Management
A-20 Golf Manufacturer Sales Representative
A-21 Tournament Coordinator/Director
A-22 Rules Official
A-23 Club Fitting/Club Repair
A-24 Employed in golf industry - other classification
There are also "Apprentices" in the PGA of America: individuals who have enrolled to go through the process of becoming
a PGA Professional but who have not yet completed the education and other requirements to become a Class "A" member.
They are, therefore, not members but apprentices; they are not PGA Professionals but PGA Apprentices. Their
classification is "B" followed by a number, and they could be at any point along the way, from just starting to
almost having finished their apprenticeship.
There are also individuals who are not affiliated with the PGA in any way and because of playing experience or work
experience, etc., call themselves golf professionals. Since they are not members of the PGA they will have no
classification that I know of, other than what they call themselves. Thanks for visiting and best of luck with your game. MB
^ Top ^
Question:
September 8, 2005
In the 2005 U S Women's Open I saw [a player] and playing partner both hit over the green into rough. [One of the
players] chipped first and landed in the fringe about 4-5 [inches] from [the] putting surface. As the camera left she appeared to
be marking and lifting her ball. When the camera came back she was putting from the fringe and the pin was in the hole.
She made the putt. How could she mark and lift her ball on the fringe (and I assume this was fringe as she putted with
the flag in the hole)?
Andrew Hartley
Batesburg, SC
Answer:
Hi Andrew,
I didn't see that incident, but if one player's ball interferes with another's stroke or line the ball can be marked
anywhere (it cannot be cleaned in this case, however). If she left the pin in she surely was playing from off the green.
Thanks for visiting and best of luck with your game. MB
^ Top ^
Long Game > General > Does swing speed affect shot shape?
Question:
August 26, 2005
Does swing speed have an effect on a person's drive as to if it draws or fades more?
Barry Ford
Woodward, Oklahoma
Answer:
Hi Barry,
No, swing speed has no influence on the shape of a shot. The angle of the club's face relative the the club head's
path through impact is what determines whether the ball will fade or draw. See fading and drawing --
already posted in the archive. Thanks for visiting and best of luck with your game. MB
^ Top ^
Long Game > General > Weight distribution in the stance, irons vs.
woods
Question:
August 9, 2005
What is the distribution of weight in a good golf stance. Is it different for woods vs irons?
Ron Tysinger
Roswell, GA
Answer:
Hi Ron,
That can open a can of worms, so to speak. But if we stick with talking about standard issue full
swings from level ground it's fairly safe to say that 50-50 (even weight distribution) between the two feet is a good place
to start for any shot that you're hitting from the ground. When you hit a driver from the tee it is possible, but not
necessary, to get away with starting with more weight on your rear foot.
Once you start getting into more advanced effects in terms of creating different types of shots, and playing from uneven
ground, and then if you include personal preferences and idiosyncracies you get into a whole lot more variability. Thanks
for visiting PGAProfessional.com. MB
^ Top ^
Miscellaneous > Other > What is a stimp meter and how does it
work?
Question:
July 28, 2005
What is a stimp meter and exactly how does it work?
Rick Taylor
Decatur, IL
Answer:
Hi Rick,
It's a little ramp they run the ball down to make it roll across the putting surface at a uniform initial speed.
The stimp meter reading is the average of the number of feet that the ball rolls across the green over multiple trials (e.g.,
if the greens were running at a stimp meter reading of 10 it means that the ball averaged 10 feet of roll from where it hit
the green to where it came to rest).
Real fast greens, like in the Masters or U.S. Open can have a stimp meter reading of
12 or 13 -- slick! Thanks for visiting and best of luck with your game. MB
^ Top ^
Long Game > Woods > Problem hitting drives on the heel
Question:
July 12, 2005
Why do I always hit the heel of my driver during tee-off?
Tony Zheng
Shanghai, China
Answer:
Hi Tony,
Well, I'd have to watch you to comment specifically on what you were doing, but it's
a safe bet that it's because of your posture raising, your weight moving toward your
toes, your arms pushing the club farther out than it should be or a combination
of these things. Work with a reputable golf professional in person to get your specifics.
See also this tip on hitting woods off the tee.
Thanks for visiting and best of luck with your game. MB
^ Top ^
Long Game > General > What "laying off" means and what to do about it
Question:
June 25, 2005
What is "laying off" and how can it be cured?
Allan Gonzalez
Huntington Park, CA
Answer:
Hi Allan,
"Laying the club off" is when the hands set the club behind or below the plane at the top of the backswing -- looking
down the line from behind the golfer this is seen as the club sticking out too much behind the body. To correct this the
hands would have to set the club more nearly on the plane, or in a higher position as seen from
this down the line perspective. Without writing an article with pictures (which I may do at some point) this might be hard
to understand. Working with a reputable professional in person would be much more effective in any case. If you ever visit the San Francisco bay area of Northern California contact me for a private golf school
or an individual lesson. Also here is a training aid that helps correct the problem.
All this having been said, there have been and are golfers who play(ed) well from a laid off position at the top of the swing.
Thanks for visiting and best of luck with your game. MB
^ Top ^
Question:
June 20, 2005
I haven't seen this question addressed in the archives. I am new to the golf sport and was wondering. If you were to chip or
put from off the edge of the green or a drive and the ball rolls to the cup and gets caught between the flag rod and edge of
the cup and does not drop in, is it considered a hole complete? This has happened to me.
David Pennington
Barren Springs, VA
Answer:
Hi David,
Thank you for checking the FAQ and
archive first before submitting your question. There are
a huge number of questions and answers in there -- most of the ones that are still submitted regularly, in fact.
Yes, if the ball is at rest in the cup and below the level of the putting surface the hole is complete. If the flagstick is
holding the ball against the lip of the cup so that part of the ball is above the level of the putting surface then the stick
can carefully be moved so the ball can fall all the way in. I believe I remember a time (though I could be hallucinating
 ) when the rules used to require that the
flagstick be removed so that the ball could come to rest in the bottom of the cup for it to be considered holed, but not anymore.
When you watch a professional tour player hole a shot from off the green on TV, for instance, you will see them reach into the
hole and pick out the ball without removing the pin. See also Rules, procedures and decisions questions. Thanks for
visiting PGAProfessional.com. MB
^ Top ^
Long Game > General > Head position relative to ball position at the
finish
Question:
May 31, 2005
At the completion of the swing, when I am holding my follow-through, where should my head be in relation to the [original]
ball [position], in front or behind?
Bill Wilhelm
Wheeling, WV
Answer:
After you have finished your swing and your weight is all the way onto your forward foot your head should be in front of, or
beyond, or toward the target from, your original ball position, Bill -- body pretty much straight up and down over the forward
foot and leg. If you're talking about playing the ball way up off your forward foot, like with a driver, then the head would
be closer to about even with where the ball was, but I think you get the idea.
Thanks for visiting and best of luck with your game. MB
^ Top ^
Long Game > Irons > Stopping the ball on a hard green
Question:
May 5, 2005
Is there anyway to stop the ball on a hard green?
Eric Brown
Cincinnati, Ohio
Answer:
Hi Eric,
If hitting it high with a lot of spin doesn't work then, on that particular green anyway, no -- try landing the ball short of
the green instead. See this FAQ on backspin also. Thanks
for visiting and best of luck with your game. MB
^ Top ^
April 28, 2005
Question:
One thing that I am particularly inept at is judging wind speed. Is there a rule of thumb for determining a 1, 2 or 3 club wind
when selecting the appropiate club. Thanks.
Lawrence Smetana
Boston, MA
Answer:
Hi Lawrence,
That is something you develop with time and experience, as there are more factors than just wind speed that will determine
the shot distance. For instance, being able to control the trajectory of your shots will have as much to do with getting
the right distance as gauging the speed of the wind. Judging the wind is part of the "feel" of the game and certainly does
take a bit of trial and error. When you watch golf on TV and you see the players and caddies throwing up bits of loose grass
to see which direction it flies and how quickly it is an intuitive thing more than it is a precise numerical calculation.
Work on learning how to control your trajectory and keep playing and the ability to judge the wind will come. Thanks for visiting and best of luck with your game. MB
Equipment > Which wedges to carry after the pitching wedge
April 23, 2005
Question:
I am a 14 hcp, and have never owned a wedge. I just use the PW that came with my set... I know now that to improve I
really need to get the feel of a good wedge -- what loft should I start with?
Chad Wood
Santa Monica, CA
Answer:
Hi Chad,
Well, you've done pretty well to get to a 14 without anything more lofted than a Pitching Wedge Player preferences vary on how many wedges to carry and
which lofts. To play within the rules you're only allowed to carry 14 total clubs (hey, that's the same
as your handicap), so that is one factor that dictates what's in your set. Some players, myself included, carry four
wedges, including the PW. A standard issue set up of this type might be something like PW, Gap Wedge (which could be called
by many different names, depending on manufacturer -- around 52°), Sand Wedge (commonly between 55° and 58°) and
a Lob Wedge (around 60°). Some players prefer to have only two wedges beyond the PW, maybe around 55° and 60°, but
again personal preferences vary. It's probably a good idea to try many, and it may take you many years to find the set up you
like -- and even then you may change things from time to time. Thanks for visiting and best of luck with your game. MB
Long Game > General > Hybrid club technique, sweep or divot
April 19, 2005
Question:
With the new hybrid irons should I hit down and through or sweep it like a wood? Thanks.
John Valli
Flagler Beach, FL
Answer:
Hi John,
In most cases they will work pretty well both ways, but it's probably easiest for the majority of golfers to sweep them like fairway woods. Thanks for visiting and best of luck with your game. MB
Miscellaneous > Professional golf-related > Scoreboard
abbreviations - letters "MDF", "DNS", "WD", "a", "T", and more
April 14, 2005
Question:
The leaderboard ... showed a list of names that were not cut, but not playing and beside their names were the letters MDF.
What does this mean?
Catherine Krause
Joliet, IL
Answer:
Hi Catherine,
My understanding is that it means the player was outside the top 70 after Saturday, so they just get "tied for last place" money and don't play Sunday. (This is done to keep the field small for Sunday).
There are various scoreboard abbreviations:
- MDF = Made cut, Did not Finish
- DNS = Did Not Start (entered event, did not begin play, e.g., injury, illness, etc.)
- WD = Withdrawn
- T = Tied at that position
- a = Amateur
- * (i.e., asterisk) = began the round on the back nine instead of the front nine
- # = playing the previous round (when two rounds are being played at the same time)
In cases where more than one golf course is played in a tournament an abbreviation/initials of the particular course a player is on may appear next to their name. There are probably other (maybe many other) abbreviations on the
scoreboards of different organizations. See this FAQ on scoreboard abbreviations for more. Thanks for visiting and best of luck with your game. MB
Equipment > Which flex point or kick point for which golfer
April 8, 2005
Question:
What shaft flex point for what golfer? I personally hit the ball high. Would a different flex point help compensate?
Trent Thomas
Asheville, NC
Answer:
Hi Trent,
Flex point or kick point generally goes like this, all else being equal:
Higher kick point = lower trajectory
Lower kick point = higher trajectory
So a higher flex point would assist (maybe) with a lower trajectory. There are other components, however,
like your technique, club loft, center of gravity, flex, torque, swingweight, where on the face you
contact the ball, and on and on...
You have to experiment and work with someone in person, both on technique and fitting. Thanks for visiting
PGAProfessional.com and best of luck with your game. MB
Miscellaneous > Other > The meaning of "mid" in Mid-amateur
April 2, 2005
Question:
Hello, I was just wondering what the word 'mid' meant in mid-amateur tournaments. Thanks!
Tracy Tripp
Reidsville, GA
Answer:
It's for men at least 25 years old. The U.S. Mid-Amateur is mainly so that post-college amateur players have a
national championship. Thanks for your question and for visiting PGAProfessional.com. MB
March 30, 2005
Question:
I know that it is legal to use an artificial line made on a ball (with a felt tip pen) to line up putts. However, is it
also legal to use the same artifical line on the ball to help with alignment on the teeing ground?
Brandon Meadows
Mobile, AL
Answer:
Hi Brandon,
Yes, it sure is. Thanks for your question and for visiting PGAProfessional.com. MB
March 25, 2005
Question:
What is the corect postion for hole placment, i.e, level ground or can it be on a slope?
Stephen Harper
Perth, Australia
Answer:
Hi Stephen,
That's up to the tournament committee and the greens crew, but they usually put it on a resonably level spot and try to
avoid severe slopes. Thanks for visiting PGAProfessional.com. MB
March 19, 2005
Question:
What do the numbers on golf balls mean?
Mike Grazi
Hammond, LA
Answer:
Hi Mike,
The numbers are just for identification purposes, so one player can tell their ball from another if two or more players are
using the same type of ball. Tournament players take it a step further and also put additional unique markings of some kind
on their ball. Thanks for visiting and best of luck with your game. MB
Long Game > Woods > Casting problem with the driver and woods
March 14, 2005
Question:
How can I stop casting with my driver and fairway woods? HELP.
Chris Snied
St. Louis, MO
Answer:
Hi Chris,
Keep your hands relaxed and passive rather than tight and active. Let the club swing; don't push it. See this FAQ also. Thanks for visiting and best of luck
with your game. MB
Equipment > Are there balls any longer with balata covers?
March 9, 2005
Question:
Do any tour players still use wound balata-covered golf balls?
Dugan Rhodes
Sacaton, AZ
Answer:
Hi Dugan,
Wow, I don't think so. I don't even think anybody makes a balata ball any more. I haven't seen
new ones in years. But you can check with individual ball manufacturer's to be certain. The Darrell Survey or the PGA Tour
would have authoritative information.
Thanks for visiting and best of luck with your game. MB
March 2, 2005
Question:
Are rakes supposed to be in bunkers or not? If so, if your ball is against the rake in the bunker can you move the rake
without penalty?
Nick Guadagnoli
Grand Junction, CO
Answer:
Hi Nick,
In the bunkers is recommended but not a rule of golf. Yes, you can move the rake, and if your ball moves
replace it as close as possible, no penalty. For rules questions see also - rules questions. Thanks for visiting PGAProfessional.com. MB
Miscellaneous > Other > What type of vision correction to
get
February 27, 2005
Question:
After years of playing to a low handicap (2-6) I gave up the game about 12 years ago. I recently returned to the game. I
am now wearing glasses that are graduated lineless bifocals. I find that focusing on the ball is difficult. I assume this
is because they are tuned for reading (12-15 inches) and long distance while the ball is about 4.5 feet from my eyes (I am 5'
9" tall). I have tried playing without my glasses but really do need correction at all distances. Do better players wear
bifocals? Should I have a pair of glasses made that focus at the distance from the ball? Any suggestions about eyewear?
Thank you.
Larry Smith
Austin, Texas
Answer:
Hi Larry,
I have a similar problem and my solution thus far has just been to not see the ball clearly, at any distance. I'm not
recommending that, however. I think your eye doctor
could answer better than I, but it sounds to me like most of the top players in need of visual correction (who
can) are going for the surgery these days. A local optometrist suggested having a pair of
"distance glasses" (a different prescription than the reading glasses or the bifocals) just for golf, as an alternative.
Thanks for visiting and best of luck with your game. MB
Short Game > Which putter to get
February 23, 2005
Question:
I'm shopping for a putter for my dad. I don't understand what a standard, blade, or center shafted head means.
Could you tell me what they mean and which one I should get him? Also whether or not a 34 or 35 inch length. Thanks.
Mike Hunter
Danville, PA
Answer:
Hi Mike,
"Blade," when talking about putters, usually refers to a putter head that is fairly thin and of a fairly uniform
thickness from heel to toe. "Center-shafted" means that the shaft inserts into the putter head more toward the
center of the club rather than toward the heel.
Which style of putter (and the putter's specs: weight, length, lie angle, grip size, shaft shape and insertion point, on and
on) any golfer prefers is totally based on personal preference, so that's a very difficult gift to
pick out for someone without knowing exactly what they want. The variety is wide. An inexperienced player, however, might not
know the difference or even have personal preferences yet. Sorry I can't make any recommendations,
but it would be like trying to recommend food to someone -- just too many variables. A gift certificate (so your Dad could try
different putters before choosing one) might be a good way to go. Thanks for visiting and best of luck with your game. MB
Long Game > Woods > Club head alignment in relation to ball at
address
February 19, 2005
Question:
Per a reccomendation [I received], at address I aligned the club appoximately 1.5 inches off the ball towards me. I was
hitting it longer and with a draw vs. my normal cut, especially with my driver. Is this an ill advised technique?
David Glassman
Brooklyn, NY
Answer:
Hi David,
No, I think it's a pretty good idea with the driver. I don't think it is as sound an idea with
shots from the ground (irons or woods), but there is a lot of variation between individuals and
personal preference counts for a lot. Thanks for visiting and best of luck with your game. MB
February 14, 2005
Question:
Can you please tell me the name of the PGA Professional who has the most holes-in-one, and how many he's had?
George Hutchinson
Carmichaels, PA
Answer:
Hi George,
Professional record: 50, by Mancil Davis. Apparently he has the record for the most double eagles too, with 10. Something is
very wrong here, out of all proportion. I hate to be a whiner, but somehow this doesn't seem fair, does it? I mean, I've only
had one ace and zero double eagles [grumble] But who said golf was fair?
PGA Tour professional record - Art Wall, with 45
The amateur record is 59, by Norman Manley
Thanks for visiting and best of luck with your game. MB
February 8, 2005
Question:
What is the correct method for repairing a divot?
Alan Masters
Beeton, Ontario, Canada
Answer:
Hi Alan,
It depends on the type of grass and maybe even the time of year. Some divots come out in a healthy sized chunk, which can
easily be replaced and stepped on firmly, and it will regrow. Some divots come out in little pieces and are more easily
repaired by the sand and seed mixture some courses provide on their golf carts, or by gently kicking or scuffing the grass
on the edge of the divot inward with your spikes to start to cover up the divot. Ask the golf course you're playing what
they prefer. Thanks for visiting PGAProfessional.com and best of luck with your game. MB
February 2, 2005
Question:
How are professional golfers ranked?
Ken Eaton
Leachville, AR
Answer:
Money list, stroke average (and lots of other statistical categories like birdies, driving distance, etc.), number of
tournament victories, Ryder Cup points, SONY World Ranking -- lots of ways. Thanks for your question and for
visiting PGAProfessional.com. MB
January 30, 2005
Question:
We all learn as soon as we start to play golf to not walk on the line of another player's putt. Do you think this is
really important or just a tradition that has no merit? The people in the group ahead probably stepped on your line five
minutes ago.
Lee Day
Louisville, KY
Answer:
Hi Lee,
The green recovers pretty quickly from footprints in most cases. But it may not recover quickly enough if you
putt soon thereafter. On greens in poor condition it probably wouldn't matter at all -- might even help. But not stepping on someone's putting line
is a courtesy that seems easy enough to observe and could make a difference. It was probably even more important
when spikes were metal and caused raised spike marks frequently. You still see the Tour professionals tap down
irregularities that they or someone else may have caused after they finish putting (it is not allowed within the
rules to repair spike marks prior to putting). Thanks for your question and for visiting
PGAProfessional.com. MB
January 25, 2005
Question:
I know what the Major Tournaments are, but what determines how they became a Major?
Ron Bryant
Whitman, MA
Answer:
In the case of the Masters it was tradition (arguably the greatest player of all time up to that point,
Bobby Jones, created the event, the best players played in it and over the years since it began in 1934 it
has created many magical moments). In the case of the other 3 majors they are the biggest annual events of
each of the major sanctioning bodies of golf (and they certainly have created some magic of their own, too).
Thanks for visiting PGAProfessional.com. MB
Equipment > Junior playing with cut down driver
January 19, 2005
Question:
I am a thirteen year old who plays every day and can't hit my driver. It is a men's driver and I got it cut down to size.
Do you think I should buy a kids driver? And I can't get height on my drives - any tips why not?
Michael Kenaney
Tullamore, Leinster, Ireland
Answer:
Hi Michael,
Cutting down men's clubs does not usually work too well, as many times the club will end up being too stiff, the wrong swing
weight and overall weight, too high a flex point, on and on -- basically it will almost always end up with inappropriate
specifications for the club to perform well, especially for a junior. I would suggest experimenting with more loft, softer
shafts, ladies clubs or clubs made specifically for juniors your age and size. Work with a reputable professional with club
fitting expertise in person on fitting. Thanks for visiting and best of luck with your game. MB
Short Game > Leave the pin in or take it out?
January 14, 2005
Question:
When not on the green, what are the guidelines for when to leave the pin in and when to take it out? Some guys I
golf with always leave it in. I take it out when ever think I can make it. Is it true the stick keeps more balls
out of the cup than it helps to fall in?
Brett Adelmanq
Pittsburgh, PA
Answer:
Hi Brett,
It's mainly personal preference and how you feel at the moment. Yes, the pin probably keeps more balls out than in. Thanks for
visiting and best of luck with your game. MB
Long Game > General > Lower body getting ahead of upper body in
swing
January 7, 2005
Question:
I have a tendency for my lower body to get ahead of my upper body and causes me to push my shots.
What is the best way to correct this?
Stanley Daniel
Denver City, TX
Answer:
Hi Stanley,
Try focusing on using your forward foot/leg functioning as a "brake" to your forward momentum, and turning this forward
movement into rotation earlier. As an exaggeration try hitting some pulls intenionally. Of course, I'd have to work with
you in person to really help much, as there may be lots of different things going on. To work with me in person see my Golf Instruction section.
Thanks for visiting and best of luck with your game. MB
Equipment > Lots of questions about swing weight
January 3, 2005
Question:
I'm wondering about swing weight.
Smitty Smith
Roseville, GA
Questions:
- Q: How important is swing weight?
A: Somewhat important in order to match the player's swing speed and shaft flex for optimum club performance.
- Q: Does a lighter club swing faster?
A: All else being equal, probably in most cases, slightly, but the flexing and kicking of the shaft also figure into club head speed, so too light is not good.
- Q: If faster club speed determines distance, why would it be important to have a heavier club?
A: For feel and control, and again, there must be an appropriate weight to load the shaft and get it to kick for optimum performance.
- Q: How would I know if my swing weight was off?
A: You might not know. For a highly skilled player with a very repetitive motion erratic contact, trajectory and/or shot direction might be indicators that a swing weight that was too light. Work
with a professional with club fitting expertise in person.
- Q: What determines what swing weight is right for me?
A: Swing speed, shaft flex, personal preference and feel.
- Q: Should the wedges have a different weight?
A: Not necessarily, but they are heavier than the rest of the set in many, if not most, cases.
- Q: Should the irons be a different weight from the woods?
A: Not necessarily, but they can be.
Answer:
That's a handful of questions, Smitty, so I just answered them all above. Bottom line answer: fitting -- swing weight or any of the other variables in terms of club specifications -- has to be done
in person and there is a lot of trial and error involved to get just the right fit in every way. See also - swing weight. Thanks for visiting PGAProfessional.com. MB
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