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!

Rules: Brad Gregory - Vice Chairman, PGA Rules Committee

Q: A player's tee shot could be lost or out of bounds. He properly play a provisional ball. The player searches for the original ball. After a period of time he declares it lost. Before playing the provisional ball you find the original ball. What is the ruling? Thanks, Lawrence

A: The Definition of "Lost Ball" was revised in 2008 into five circumstances a ball becomes "lost". The first of which is: "If it is not found or identified as his by the player within five minutes after the player's side or his or their caddies have begun to search for it."

The answer to your question does not tilt on whether the player has "declared" it lost but has the five minutes expired. If the five minutes search period is not up, the player must continue play with the original ball.

Q: Can a player and his opponent or fellow competitor be in the bunker while the player is playing his shot. The opponent is not obstructing the player.
Enrique Riveira

A: There is nothing in the Rules that prohibit an opponent or fellow-competitor from standing in the bunker, waiting to play his stroke, while the player plays.

However, normally the opponent or fellow-competitor will wait outside the bunker so he does not distract the player or make footprints or be in the way in case the ball deflects off the lip of the bunker.

Equipment: Tom Henderson, PGA Professional & Master Club Fitter

Q: With the advent of hybrid clubs, I am confused over the degree of lofts between irons and hybrids. Do you have a chart that shows the "typical' degree of lofts for each iron compared to hybrids? For example, let's say a typical five iron has a 29 degree loft. Would a hybrid that would replace a five iron have the same degree of loft? If so, don't hybrids usually have longer shafts then irons? If so, wouldn't that make a difference in the distance you could expect to hit it?
John Bogash

Hybrid Loft Iron Loft 2H 18 2I 18 3H 21 3I 21 4H 24 4I 24 5H 28 5I 28

A: John:

Thanks for question on hybrid and iron lofts. You are not alone if you are confused about the lofts of corresponding hybrids and irons. Hopefully, the chart below will clear things up.

Note that the lofts of the hybrids and corresponding irons are the same!

There are several reasons, though, why the hybrids travel the same distance as corresponding irons (even though the shafts may be longer): Head design (lower center of gravity = higher trajectory), Less roll, and Lower kick point shafts. These factors combined together make it easier to launch your golf ball higher, fly it longer and land it softer.

Q: How does the bounce on a wedge effect the performance of that club. I keep hear about 8 12 14 degrees of bounce on these clubs, but don't understand how that effects the shot.
Pete Santanello

A: Pete:

"Bounce" plays a major factor in the playability of a wedge.

Here is a simple guide to selecting the correct bounce for you.

Use more bounce when:

-If you are a "digger" (deep or fat divots)
-You play on lush conditions
-Bunker sand is fluffy

Use less bounce if:

-You are a "picker" (shallow divots or none at all)
-You play on firm conditions
-Bunker sand is hard or packed

Fitness: David Donatucci, PGA Director of Fitness

Q: I changed my swing to include tuning my hips, as opposed to sliding them forward. I have strained my lower abdomen mucsles as a result. What exercises do you recommend to strengthen my core muscles?

p.s. I am a 56 yr. old male in otherwise excellent condition. I run or bike every other day.

Michael

A: One of the best exercises for training the core area is the plank. It is simply the up position in the push-up. So hands and toes are on the ground body in a straight line head to heel. Make sure ears are in line with the shoulders. You want to hold this position for 20-60 seconds.

When you can hold for 60 second the progression is to raise one leg, hold for 5 seconds keeping hips and shoulders square or parallel to the ground, then switch repeat 8-10 times each. the next progression is to raise one arm again keep hips and shoulders square, hold 5 seconds repeat 8-10 times. The last progression is to raise the right arm and left leg, again keeping hips and shoulders square hold 5 seconds and switch,repeat 8 times each side.

I also encourage you to see an exercise specialist who can give you more core exercises. You need to train the core in a linear, rotational and standing position as well a stability and strength.