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, 2007 PGA Teacher of the Year

Q: Hi Jim,
I have a problem with my backswing. I have a tendency to bring the club back on different swingplanes. Can you give me a key to a consistent swingplane.
Thanks,
Joe Dyorich

A: In my opinion, there are two different ways to achieve a correct swing plane: one plane and two-plane. One plane is where you swing your arms more in the same plane as you pivot (around you) and the top of your backswing has the left arm on the same plane line as your shoulders. The two plane system keeps your arms more out in front of you and swings them up and has the left arm at the top of the backswing more vertical than the shoulder turn. The two methods are radically different from each other (swing your arms inside and around you while you turn versus the other is keep your arms in front of you and swing them up while you turn). I would try both styles and see which one has the better results for you. You may be a natural at one of them and your problem is that you are trying to swing with the style that is not natural for you.

Q: What would cause me to lose over a club in distance with my irons, while I conversely have started to hit my drives 15-25 yards longer.
Gerald St. Germain

A: Since a driver is teed up, achieving longer distance with the driver usually means you have to have a more sweeping or even an upward motion of the club head into the ball. Unfortunately this causes some fat or thin shots with the irons and a loss of distance since the thin shots are hit very low on the club face. You are not alone in this phenomenon. Sam Snead used to observe that when he was driving the ball his best he was never hitting his irons the best and vice versa.

Rules: Brad Gregory, Vice Chairman - PGA Rules Committee

Q: A player's tee shot from the back tee hits the "forward tee marker" & bounces into a lateral water hazard. Can the player re-tee without penalty?
Thank you, Mitch Shin

If your ball deflects off a tee marker, what do you do? (Photo: Getty Images)

A: The forward tee marker is what the Rules call an "outside agency". Rule 19-1 (Ball in Motion Deflected or Stopped; By Outside Agency) tells us, in your case, when a ball in motion is deflected by an outside agency it is a "rub of the green", there is no penalty and the ball must be played as it lies.

The stroke from the teeing ground counts and the player may play the ball from the lateral water hazard or proceed under the water hazard Rule incurring a one stroke penalty. One of the options, under this Rule, is to play a ball from where the original ball was last played (the teeing ground). The player would be playing his third stroke.

The same would be the case if the ball deflected off the ball washer, a trash can or a bench.

Q: We were playing a three-ball today. Both of my friends were further away and chipped on. One of the balls ended up a foot from the hole. I asked him not to mark it, (I wanted to use his ball as a carom shot). He said, "I want to mark it! It can not be fair to use a pool type of shot off my ball." Can I require him to leave his ball or does he have the right to mark and lift it?

Thanks, Bob

A: Rule 22-1 (Ball Assisting Play) states:

Except when a ball is in motion, if a player considers that a ball might assist another player, he may:

a. Lift the ball if it is his ball, or
b. Have any other ball lifted

Therefore, in match play or stroke play the player would have the right to mark and lift the assisting ball.

Fitness: David Donatucci, PGA Director of Fitness and Performance

Q: What are the best golf exercises to improve tee shot distance? I am 70+ and still play well but have lost distance. tom hamilton

A: Tom
The two main areas to improve tee shot distance are Shoulder rotation and core stability. There are many different exercises that can be performed. Here are a couple. Place you hands and knees on the ground.

Knees under hips and hands under your shoulders. You should resemble a table, place your right hand behind your head so your elbow points to the ground. Rotate your right shoulder so it points to your left hand and then rotate and point the elbow to the ceiling, keep hips still.

Repeat 8-10 times each side.

In the same starting position (hands and knees) extend your right leg straight out and extend your left arm, squeeze your right butt cheek and hold for 3-5 seconds. Lower and switch, extend left leg and right arm.

Repeat 5-8 times each side. Holding for 3-5 seconds each time.

Q: Is there a reason why there are not many muscular players on tour. I lift weights, but recently fell in love with golf, my flexibility is okay, but my arms and chest do not work well together on my backswing. Any tips?
Jonathan Hardyway

A: Jonathan

Playing golf is an efficiency of movement and not simply a strength activity. Golfers need to create a coordinated power movement of the muscles. The swing is effortless power. Most golfers combine strength, power, flexibility,mobility stability and core exercises with in their training program.

Incorporate more chest stretches and pulling exercises as well as explosive movements. Lie on your stomach, place your arms straight out to the side so your body forms a T. Keep your chin on the ground and arms straight raise your hands off the ground, squeezing your shoulder blades together. Thumbs pointing to the sky.

Equipment: Tom Henderson, PGA Professional & Master Clubfitter

Q: I use standard length clubs. I have an upright swing which produces small divots. Will increasing the length of my irons flatten my swing and increase spin?
Bill

A: Bill:

I'm a little confused with your question. It's very hard to come to any conclusions without being able to see your swing.

With that said, "upright" swings typically produce a steep angle of attack back to the ball and deep divots. Also, a steeper angle of attack will create a higher spin rate.

Lengthening your clubs may do a few things for you. It may create a shallower angle of attack (flatter plane). You'll probably experience a slight increase in distance and clubhead speed, along with a wider shot dispersion pattern.

My advice is to find a PGA Professional that uses actual ball flight and is experienced in the club fitting process to help you.

Q: I have never figured out my handicap but I average a score of 83 per round. I received some lessons and have come a long way but want to go a lot farther. My question is I feel my swing is still getting better and is changing, so should I get fitted for my clubs or wait till I get to a more consistent swing. I do not want to get fitted and then my swing changes and my equipment needs adjusted again. I appreciate your help. Raymond

A: Raymond:

Thanks for your question on the new PGA.com

Get fitted right away! EQUIPMENT INFLUENCES MOTION!

If your are playing with improperly-fitted equipment right now, it may take you a long time to improve. With the wrong equipment, you will need to enlist a series of compensations to gain consistency and to improve. When you are using the proper equipment, you will be able to take the most direct route to improving your game.

Get fit and continue to work with your PGA Professional on your swing. This combination will provide you with a sound formula for success. Good luck!