Nov. 25, 2008 -- 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: I have a tendency to get across the line at the top of my swing which leads me to block shots, especially with my driver. What drills or instruction can you give me to help with this. Thanks, Jari Tompuri

A: An easy drill is to turn your shoulders fully (at least 90 degrees) and then at the top of your backswing toss your club HEAD FIRST not handle first to the ground behind your left foot. If you are across the line you would only be able to let go of the club and let it fall to the ground behind you handle first. By feeling that you could let go or toss the club to the ground behind you HEAD FIRST, you would actually have the club in a laid off position.

Q: How can I get longer drives?
Luke

A: This is obviously the most requested feat in golf. My club head speed is 94 mph and I'm wondering if I can somehow get that higher. I average about 250-260 yards and keep the ball in play but I would like the distance to intimidate the competition. Any good advice? Hitting the ball farther with a driver is a result of several factors; launch angle, spin rate, club head speed and ball speed. The correct launch angle is a result of club head loft and the correct degree of upward swing you have a impact. The correct spin rate is a relationship with club head speed. The less club head speed you have the more spin you need to keep the ball in the air. The higher your club head speed the less spin you need, other wise the ball rises upward on too steep of an angle. Club head speed can be increased by simply swinging more from the inside/out with a closing club face. A closing club face is the liveliest club head you can have versus an opening club face that is the least lively club head there is. Finally ball speed is a function of how effective you are is hitting the optimum spot on the club face. To learn more on how to maximize all these factors, you need to be checked out on a launch monitor by a knowledgeable professional in your area.

Rules: Brad Gregory, Vice Chairman - PGA Rules Committee

Q: I have a debate with a buddy. Is there anything in the Rules prohibiting the use of a "directional aid" on the tee box? Can you lay another club parallel to your stance, or use any other type of pointer? Thanks!
Joe Riccelli

A: The answer to your question can be found in Rule 8-2a (Indicating Line of Play; Other Than on Putting Green).

Caddies and other alignment aides have restrictions on their use. (Photo: Getty Images)

Rule 8-2a says in part; except on the putting green, a player may have the line of play indicated to him. This would include laying down a club, a golf bag or other item to line himself up. However, any such mark must be removed prior to the stroke. If the item is not removed, the penalty for breach of Rule 8-2a is Match Play-Loss of hole; Stroke Play-Two strokes (If a player uses a "tee" that has an aiming attachment the penalty is disqualification under Rule 11-1).

On the putting green the Rules are more restrictive. The player, his partner or either of their caddies may point out a line for putting before the stroke but the putting green must not be touched. In addition a mark must not be place any where to indicate a line for putting.

Q: Is walking in someones line of putt a rules violation?
Bob

A: If a player accidentally walks on his line of putt, there is no penalty. If he does so purposefully, he would be in breach of Rule 16-1a (Putting Green; General; Touching Line of Putt). The penalty for which is loss of hole in match play or two strokes in stroke play. In either case, if the line of putt is damaged, the player may not restore the line of putt.

If an opponent or fellow-competitor accidentally walks on a player's line of putt, there is no penalty. If an opponent or fellow-competitor does so purposefully with the intention of improving the line or damaging it, the opponent or fellow-competitor is in breach of Rule 1-2 (The Game; Exerting Influence on Ball). The penalty for which is loss of hole in match play or two strokes in stroke play unless the Committee decides to impose a penalty of disqualification. In either case, if the line of putt is damaged, the player may restore the line of putt to its previous condition.

Equipment: Tom Henderson, PGA Professional & Master Clubfitter

Q: How will I know which shaft type (flex, regular) is the best fit for me?
Ramesh Gomatam

A: Ramesh: Without seeing your golf swing, my answer might be "trial & error". However, here are some guidelines that will help narrow your choices.

Regarding flex, if you tend to hit the ball high, a high flex point shaft may be better suited for your game. With a lower ball flight, you may want to consider a low flex point shaft. Swing speeds that fall between the 80-90 mph range with a #6 iron may benefit from a Regular flex shaft while swing speeds above 90 mph may optimize performance with a Stiff flex shaft.

These are just a few of the factors to consider when selecting your golf shafts.

The best advice that I can give you is this: Find a PGA Professional that uses actual ball flight and sound club fitting principles to help you find the best shaft characteristics for you.

Q: Why do the pros use graphite shafts in the drivers/woods and steel shafts in the irons ??
Donald C. Warner

A: Donald: Great observation!!!! Most golfers use Graphite shafts in there woods and steel in there iron shafts.

Because you can go longer and keep the overall weight of the club light, graphite remains the shaft of choice for the woods. You may see graphite in an occasional iron when the golfer is looking for "light" throughout the set or if the player is battling joint pain (ex.) "Golfer's Elbow". But steel still remains the favorite in most iron sets on the PGA Tour because of its consistency. Graphite has come a long way from its early days. However, for my money, steel is still the most consistent shaft on the market.

Hope this helps you understand shafts a little better.

Fitness: David Donatucci, PGA Director of Fitness and Performance

Q: What is a good exercise routine to strengthen the muscles involved in a golf swing in order to add a little power, a few more yards. Also, what is a good stretching routine to do after or in between workouts, to keep those same muslces loose and flexible? Is there a routine for stretching right before going out to play?
Thanks.
Ricardo

A: There are many muscles involved in the golf swing. what you need to strengthen is based on your physical limitations. The majority of golfers need exercises to strengthen their glutes and abdominal region.

The addition of power in the golf swing is developed through increased shoulder turn and explosive muscular response. Meaning how explosive is the muscle. Power is speed of movement. Just adding strengthening exercises to your workout is beneficial but you also need to train the muscle how to fire rapidly. Increased shoulder turn is accomplished through mobility.

There is a difference between stretching and warming up. You need to warm-up before you play and stretch after. A warm-up routine can be 10 shoulder turns with a club at your shoulders, pelvic rotations, single leg balance swings, walking lunges, walking butt kicks.

Most golfers need to stretch the front side of their body, chest, quadriceps and hip flexors.