2009 Expert Answers: Vol. 15

Instruction: Martin Hall, 2008 PGA National Teacher of the Year

Question: Everyone talks about keeping the left arm straight at ball address. Should the left arm be straight during impact of the ball than flex on the follow through? Jason

(Photo: Courtesy Getty Images)

Answer: Well Jason, I'm not sure why you would just want your left arm straight at address, however.. I would like both arms to look the same, not straight but not too much bend. They should be without tension and ready to move. Have the thought of both of your elbows looking down towards your hips, that would be a good starting position. As far as how the left arm looks at impact, ideally it would be straight (right handed player) and the right arm will be in the process of straightening. Seeing as how this is impossible to do consiously, focus on keeping your left arm realtively straight after impact until both the left arm and Club shaft are parallel with the ground, then allow it to bend up. I hope that helps, practice hard and play well.

Good luck,
Martin

Question: I am staying on my right side and topping the ball.. Any drills you would suggest?
Keith Bishop

Answer: Sure Keith, I see this a lot and I'll give you a good suggestion to get on the right path. First, find your self a hill and preferbly one that you can hit off a downhill lie. It doesn't need to be a severe slope, just a bit will do. Make sure your shoulders are as level as possible with the slope, this will help you understand the feeling of getting your weight to travel towards your left side through the ball. The Great John Jacobs felt it was possible to cure almost any swing fault with the use of a hill so get to practicing.

Good luck,
Martin

Rules: Ron Hickman, Vice Chairman PGA Rules Committee

Question: Do you have to use a putter when putting?
sherry

Answer: Sherry

You can make a stroke with any club in your bag. The rules of golf in Appendix II define a club as an implement designed to used for striking the ball. And generally come in three forms: woods, irons and putters. A club must be longer than 18 inches with a traditional designed head and shape. Believe it or not a grip is not a requirement of a club just head and shaft.

By the way use of the club face is not mentioned in the rule of golf, a player may make a stroke with any part of the club head. I encourage my students to use the sweet spot for the best result.

The rule do not require that a putter be played when the ball is at rest on a green and here are two examples of times when another club performs the roll of a traditional putter.

1. Player plays his approach from off the green with a sand wedge, the ball comes to rest inches from the hole, he walks up and taps in with his sand wedge rather that retrieving his putter.

2. A player misses a short putt and in a fit of anger slams his putter into the toe of his shoe. This action results in a broken big toe and a bent putter. This player must now limp around for the remainder of the round and is prohibited from using the damaged club. Provided the player began the round with 14 clubs. He will be forced to finish the round with any of the remaining clubs performing the roll of his putter.

Question: If a golfer lands on a bridge that crosses a wet land area which completely crosses your fairway, does he get relief as like on a cart path or takes a penalty stroke and brings the ball back to the entrance of the wet lands.
BOB HAMANN

Answer: Dear Bob,

In almost all cases the bridge over "troubled water" would be defined as in the water hazard. Now the could news, If you elect to play the ball that has come to rest on a bridge inside a water hazard you may do so. The fact that the ball lie on an immovable obstruction does not provide relief under Rule 24-2 because the ball is at rest within the margins of a water hazard.

However, since the ball is at rest on an obstruction the player may without penalty ground his club on the bridge or take several practice swings touching the obstruction. I would remind the player that while the rules permit these actions, they are not without risk of penalty. The player would incur a penalty if he were to remove loose impediments on the bridge as a result of the practice swings or if the practice swings cause his ball in play to move.

SO if your ball is at rest on a bridge & you elect to play, take your practice swings in an area away from the ball.

Equipment: Eric Hogge, PGA - Director of Clubfitting for PGA of America

Question: How can I get my ball to have more roll on it after a hit.
Others hit about the same distance but theirs will roll and mine will hit and stop
Elinor Root

Answer: Elinor,

There are a number of reasons that your ball may not roll as far as others but there are two that usually stand out.

1. The tour players have a landing angle around 39 degrees. This means that as the ball is coming out of its flight it hits the ground, landing at 39 degrees. For every degree less landing angle the ball rolls approximately 2.5 yards more on normal ground conditions. The short story is that if your ball is launched too high and lands too vertically, it can cost you rolling distance.

2. There is too much spin on the ball. I want a short iron to hit and stop to control distance into the green but not with the driver where I want the ball to hit and run. Depending on your ball speed, you should have between 2200 and 3500 rpms of spin with the tee shot. The faster the speed, the less spin, typically, is desirable.

The good news is that both can be the result of too much loft on the driver. I would recommend scheduling a session with a local PGA professional who is highly regarded for their fitting abilities. Maybe there is something in the swing, like a descending angle of attack, that is creating excess spin. Instruction and club fitting should go hand in hand. Have them check your launch and spin rates to see if you can squeeze a few extra yards out of you tee shots by either a swing adjustment or more finely tuned equipment.

Thank you,

Question: I'm not a great golfer but enjoy the sport. I'm thinking about new clubs and I've noticed a lot of Pro's using steel shafts instead of graphite, which is better?
David Imel

Answer: David,

Steel generally is heavier that graphite. For control shots with the irons, some players (and most touring professionals) prefer the heavier, potentially more consistent, feel and performance of steel. We are hard pressed to find a driver with a steel shaft these days because the lighter graphite can help create more speed on the one club where I am trying to maximize distance. With every other club in the bag I am trying to hit a distance "gap."

Graphite also can dampen the vibration of an off-center hit making a clunky shot feel less jarring to the player. Some players with joint discomfort like the "feel" of graphite for this very reason. Graphite is, on average, more expensive than steel.

The short story is that the conversation about steel versus graphite should be one of potential benefits based on individual player preferences. It is best to discuss these questions of shaft material with a qualified PGA professional who is familiar with your individual game desires.

Thank you,