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: Martin Hall, 2008 PGA National Teacher of the Year

Q: On the back swing, I do not turn my left arm over my right as I see some do. Dosen't that create more parts to move on the downwing? I realize there should be some turning over of the right over left on downswing, but its the back swing I would like to know the proper way to take back as well as set. I'm 70 years old but still very active, and in good health. The body of a 55 year old.
Orval Jones

A: Well then, despite the age number it seems you are young and strong like bull, good to hear. I'd tell you that I've seen and worked with many good players that don't turn their left arm over their right during the back swing. Its not something that I see good players do and there for wouldn't suggest that you do it either. Keep at it and practice hard.
Good luck,
Martin

Q: Dear Martin, I have been playing golf for about 15 years. My index is 6.9. I am making a change on my takeaway to be more one piece based on the professional I see for instruction. When I am on it is a good feeling. My question is on transition from the top. Periodically I tend to rotate my back shoulder out and as a result end up with my hands away from my body and a SHANK. Do you have any ideas for a swing thought or a first move to better manage that transition from the top.
Kind Regards,
John Lieblang

A: Good question John and a tough answer. The way that I've had the most success with this issue to imagine a string tied from your left hip to the "Butt" of the club. At the top of the back swing, let the left hip (right handed player) stretch that string, pulling the club down and into position. This will help prevent the club getting away from your body and causing that awful word that starts with the letter "S" that we dare not say. Have fun with it and pracice hard.
Good luck,
Martin

Rules: Brad Gregory, Vice Chairman PGA Rules Committee

Q: Last weekend my team was playing in a steady rain and about half way through the event the course could no longer drain the fairways. When a player did hit in the fairway, the nearest point of relief was in a rough or back 40 to 50 yards. I felt the course was unplayable but the other coach disagreed.

So here are my questions: 1) How is casual water defined? 2) Under Rule 33-2d in USGA Rule book, the phrase "proper playing of the game impossible" is used for the Committee to decide if a tournament should be suspende or canceled. Is there a definition for "proper playing"?
Thanks.
Matt

A: The Definition says in part: "Casual water" is any temporary accumulation of water on the course that is not in a water hazard and is visible before or after a player takes his stance." What does this mean? If there is any puddling around the ball or around the player shoes when he takes his stance, this is casual water.

The phrase "proper playing of the game" is not defined in the Rules. My opinion would be that if a hole is completely surrounded by casual water, the teeing ground is completely covered by casual water or the player's must go 40 or 50 yards to find his nearest point of relief, unless the situation can be corrected, the round should be suspended. However, all the circumstances should be considered (e.g. holes left to play, can the event be rescheduled, etc.). The judgment is up the the Committee.

Q: In a tournament, one player in my group had a GPS device. The Local Rule for distance measuring devices was in effect and the device was approved. Another competitor constantly went over to look at it, and at one point moved it to get a reading. Is this a breach of the Rules?
Bryan R

GPS aided rangefinders have become a big hit with golfers of all levels. (Photo: Getty Images)

A: No. There is a Decision that talks about a physical act in obtaining information by removing a towel covering another player's clubs. This would be equivilent to asking for advice in breach of Rule 8-1 (Advice). However, this would not include a physical act in obtaining distance information. Distance information, including that measured by an approved device under Local Rule, is not advice.

In 2006 Decision 8-1/2 (Exchanging Distance Information) was revised. It now says information regarding the distance between two objects is not advice and may be exchanged. The year 2006 was also when the Local Rule for distance measuring devices became available for the Committee to adopt. These two changes should work hand in hand. Distance information should be shared, just as if someone asks: What's the yardage on that sprinkler head?

Equipment: Eric Hogge, PGA - PGA Learning Center

Q: I am wondering about equipment. I love ot play golf, but do not have much money. I play my local muni and walk so it is only $10 for 18 holes. I play with an old set that are from the 70s that my dad had and I know I need clubs that will make it easier for me, I am about a 20 handicap. My question is are golf club clones that are fit to my specifications a good choice. Name brand clubs are just so expensive and I really dont care about the name on the club just that it functions properly. Thanks for the tip
michael maddalena

A: Michael, there are lesser known companies that make specialized equipment and their own designs that are not copies of OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) product. When you ask about clone clubs, I assume that you are speaking of "knock-off" clubs, copies of name brand equipment. Although it is not impossible to find a "knock-off" club to fit your game, I would feel more comfortable with OEM product.

Visiting one of our OEM product partners, I remember seeing a heat treating process that minimizes the voids or air pockets in the iron heads during the manufacturing process making the metal much more consistent across the face of the club. This process can make the club last longer and help a club's consistency with regard to both distance and direction. This is only one example of the care taken in the manufacturing process.

I believe that you will see a difference in your play with newer clubs and although I can not say that it is impossible to find "clone" clubs that would fit your game, I believe you will be happier with a name brand.

Thank you,

Q: I want to convert my mallett head-ed puter to a belly shaft.
Will I have issues with swing weight with a longer shaft on a typical putter head?

A: Mike, yes, it will alter the swing weight in a heavier direction. Club companies make different weight heads for different length shafts. Swing weight is not the only consideration. The appropriate lie angle for the putter may need to be changed as well.

A PGA Professional can walk you through the specifics on whether your traditional putter can be transformed successfully into a belly putter.

Thank you,

Fitness: David Donnatucci, PGA Director of Fitness

Q: Wanted to know if you are familiar with golfers who have hand stiffness the morning after spending time at the driving range, and if so do you have any exercises or remedies? I'm just stating and have started taking lessons but think my grip may have been really off prior to the lessons. Over playing maybe?
Marvin Woodard

A: Marvin, Sometimes hand stiffness may be a result of hitting too many balls after either not hitting in a long time, months or weeks, or practicing a new swing too long. Sometimes changing the swing without changing or fixing the body can cause referred pain. Also improper posture, slumped or rounded shoulders, head too far forward while swinging can cause the pain in the hands. As well as gripping the club too tight.