Editors Note: Each week, we receive hundreds of questions for our PGA Experts. Though we can't answer every one of them, we will take some of the most illuminating and beneficial questions and have one of the top authorities from the PGA of America to answer them for you. We are in the process of finding ways for more experts to answer more of your questions! Thank you for your support and keep the questions coming!

Instruction: Jim Hardy - 2008 PGA National Teacher of the Year

Q: What is the best ball position in the stance to play a hybrid club to get best height? I have heard to play the ball just inside the front foot, and some say to play the ball back in the stance with the club shaft pressed forward. I love my hybrid, but am inconsistant, hence I tend to "experiment" when it starts to starts to misbehave.
Thanks,
George

A: Play it more forward....putting the ball back in the stance with the hands forward will result in a lower ball flight not a higher.

Q: Jim , what role does tempo play in your 1 plane swing?
Kenneth Johnson

A: Tempo is a requirement for two-planers to keep the swing on plane and in the right direction due to the coordination of the arms and the body moving in two different planes. Since a one-plane swing has both the arms and the body in somewhat the same plane, tempo is not as important.

Rules: Brad Gregory, Vice-Chairman, PGA National Rules Committee

Q: Situation: OB stakes stop, twelve paces begins red lateral hazard stakes. Player A argues that an imaginary OB line extends to first red stake. Player B argues that red lateral imaginary line begins at a point next to last OB stake. Player C says distance between stakes is neither OB nor is a lateral hazard. Who's correct? Ray Clifton

A: The margins of out of bounds and water hazards must be distinct areas. When these two areas border each other, accurate marking is imperative. Even if your course transitioned the out of bounds and lateral water hazard by putting a white stake and a red stake together, this would not be enough. It is the ball's location that matters, not merely where the ball last crossed the white or red stakes.

Unfortunately your question has no answer. Have your course review the marking. If they have any questions they can contact the local State Golf Association or me through the PGA Membership and Golf Directory.

Q: On the teeing ground when setting up for your drive must you be directly between the markers and how far back can you be?
Karl Fowler

A: The Definition of "teeing ground" includes its dimensions. "It is a rectangular area two club-lengths in depth, the front and sides of which are defined by the outside limits of the two tee markers." Rule 11-1 (Teeing Ground; Teeing) tells us that when putting a ball into play from the teeing ground, the ball must be played from within the teeing ground. It may be played, off the ground or on a tee, as far back as two club-lengths from the front of the markers. The player may stand outside this rectangle as long as the ball is within it.

Equipment: Tom Henderson, PGA Professional & Master ClubFitter

Q: I am looking for some new wedges. I am a 21 handicap with no previous single club (only sets) purchases How can I narrow the choices of loft, lie, and bounce?
Bill

A: Bill: Thanks for your question about wedges on PGA.com.

When looking at loft, the more wedges you put in play, the smaller the loft increments in between those clubs. Personally, I carry 4 wedges in my bag: PW = 48 degrees, GW = 52, SW = 56, and LW = 60. If I were to carry 3 wedges, I would consider PW = 46, GW = 52, SW = 58.

Lie angle should be determined on a club-to-club basis. Have your PGA Professional test your lie angles by either "reading" your divots (or using a lie board) and by determining the different uses of each wedge. Because of the way that I use my wedges, I prefer flatter lie angles on my wedges compared to the rest of my irons.

Lastly, "bounce" is determined by how you strike the ball and by the conditions you play in. For instance, you may require more bounce if you are a "digger" (strike the ball with a steep angle of attack) or play on lush, fluffy conditions. Conversely, if you are a "picker" (shallow angle of attack) and play on firm conditions, less bounce would most likely suit your game.

Hope this helps.

Q: I swing my irons at about 70MPH and my driver at about 80MPH. I am told that these are regular shaft speeds. Is there any reason not to use stiff shafts, particularly in the driver, 3 and 4 woods? I am 52 years old and carry an 11.6 index. Thanks
Doug Reynolds

A: Doug: Sounds like you are in the ballpark with shaft flex.

Typically, I prefer a little stiffer flex in the woods than with the irons. With that said, I would experiment with either an "A" (Senior) or "R" (Regular) flex in the irons and a "R" or "S" (Firm) flex with your woods. Enlist the help of your PGA Professional who uses actual ball flight to help determine which flex provides you with optimum distance and trajectory.

If you have a shaft that is too stiff, you will most likely lose distance (and clubhead speed) and create a ball flight that is too low.