Q: Ron:
I am a senior with a 9 handicap. Regarding sand shots around the green. I get up and down probably 70% of the time. However, to do this I have to play for at least a 20 foot pull. My distance control is very good. Should I just go ahead and aim for the pull or should I try and change it?

A: John Pallot (South Florida Section):
Ron, sounds like your swing might be too vertical if you're pulling.Check the club-shaft on the backswing. It should be pointing more at the target line.You may also check the club-shaft on the downswing. Again, more toward the target line.I hate to mess up your shot, but if you're a more on plane it should allow you to swing a little more toward the target.

Q: Burt:
What would cause me to pull long iron shots. There is no draw or hook, I just hit them that way. It is an intermittent problem, thank goodness, but when I start doing it, it is hard to get out of.

A: Todd A. Sammons (South Florida Section):
Your swing path is too far left. To use a baseball analogy, line up to the pitcher and hit the ball to right field. You want to get extension on the follow through, get the club to follow through towards the target. Hope this helps!

Q: Larry Field:
I have a 24 handicap. Hit the ball pretty straight. But lack distance. Club head speed with a driver about 90. Hit 3 wood 180 to 200, but driver only about 160. Hitting Callaway Big Bertha Driver. with Sr. flex. with 11 degree loft. I am 6'4" and feel I have the strength at 74 to hit the ball further but don't seem to get there. Irons are a little less than average distance. 9 iron 90 to 120 yards.. 3 hybrid 145 to 160 yards. any suggestions on improving distance?

A: Todd A. Sammons (South Florida Section):
What kind of shaft do you have in your driver? Is it different than your other clubs? Check the weight, flex and kick point. Your swing speed sounds adequate, I would have to think you have an equipment problem. I would also suggest consulting with your local PGA Professional. Hope this helps!

Q: Ron:
I am a 69-year-old senior. Present handicap 9. I have bad arthritis in my hands and ankles. Presently taking medication from a doctor on the the days I play that help a lot. I laid off golf for 15 years and only came back a year ago. When I quit I was a strong 2.

I have two questions. It seems when I hit my driver with an open face I have less of an impact on my hands. When I try to hit a draw, which I can do and can get 270+ from it - the pain in my fingers is extensive. Should I continue to try and hit fades only?

The second quetion - I won our Super Senior Club Championship this year and have to admit the adrenlian was fantatic. Parts of me wants to get back to being competitive. Should I take lessons from a younger pro, which I have been doing, or an older pro that understand senior golfer pain?

Thank you for any response.

A: Todd A. Sammons (South Florida Section):
If the pain goes away when you hit a fade, I would hit the fade. Alot of great players became great hitting the fade. All PGA Professionals are trained to teach all different genre's. I wouldn't recommend one over another but I would make anyone that teaches you aware of the circumstances that you play under. Natural Golf is a method that alot of people with arthritis utilize, might be worth looking for a teacher that teaches Natural Golf.

Q: Ben:
I have been told that I hold the club too tightly. Do you have any exercises to correct this problem?

A: Todd A. Sammons (South Florida Section):
When we grip too tight it is usually an indication that we are nervous or trying to kill the ball. Do you have a preshot routine? This will help alleviate tension and allow you to keep a constant, yet light grip pressure when you play the shot. If your hands are not strong enough it will also promote you gripping tightly. Try squeezing a tennis ball or hand ball to strengthen your hands. Hope this helps!