Q: Mark:
I'm new to golf. My left shoulder blade is sore.I'm a right handed golfer. What am I doing wrong?

A: John Pallot (South Florida Section):
Mark,I would check a couple of things. Are you doing a little stretching before you actually hit shots?Raise your arms above your head and pull back. Then bend from side to side with arms raised.2)Check your grip pressure. A tight grip will create tension and pain throughout your whole body. You want to feel the weight of the club-head.Your hands and arms should be hanging from your shoulders.3)If you're hitting too much turf that could hurt your shoulder blade. Practice brushing the turf. Swing five times without stopping.This helps you feel an effortless motion.Using too much effort can create pain.

Q: Jetpak:
If your golf ball comes to rest near a out of bounds fence that runs the length of the hole, and you do not have a full swing at the ball what are choices for relief.

A: Gary W. Winters (Midwest Section):
Hello Jetpak:

The fence is out of play so you do not get free relief from it. You can take a partial swing and hit the ball to advance away from the fence and then play on from there on the next shot. OR you can take an unplayable lie. Unplayable lie: Under penalty of one (1) stroke: Mark your ball position with a tee. Mark the nearest point in play no closer to the hole where you can make a swing without hitting the fence. Place a tee at that point. Take your longest club and measure 2 club lengths from your point of relief and mark that point with another tee. Now pick up your ball and drop it between those two "relief tees". Make sure the ball does not move closer to the hole. If it does drop it again. You may place it if it keeps rolling forward (not nearer to the hole).

Those are your options. Good luck and great golfing! Gary

Q: ChrisWing:
want to become a pro golfer but don't know how to get started?

A: Gary W. Winters (Midwest Section):
Hi Chris! Do you want to become a tournament player like on TV or a golf professional involved in the business of golf?

If you want to become a professional tournament player I would recommend playing high level amatuer tournaments (USGA tournaments, state opens, local club level tournaments). Depending on your age play junior level tournaments. You can hone your golf skills playing as much competitve golf as you can handle and afford. If you reach the point where you have success in top level amatuer events, then get with your local pro at your home club and discuss what it would take to play lower level pro tournaments like the Hooters Tour or Nationwide Tour with the goal of going to PGA Tour qualifying school.

If you want to become a golf professional in the PGA who works in the business of golf, i.e. a club professional a golf course, the best place to go is PGALinks.com. There is a link on the site that says: "How to become a PGA Pro". It outlines the apprentice program also known as the Golf Professional Training Program. You can find extra contact information on the website that will direct you to the help you need.

Either way....Good Luck! (and great golfing) Gary

Q: Michael:
How do you make a ball hit with a sand-wedge stop after you've lobbed it over a bunker off hard pan?

A: Todd A. Sammons (South Florida Section):
Hit with a SW and an open face. Make sure that you are swinging hard enough to carry the bunker keeping the body steady but quiet. Hold the the left wrist position steady throughout. Hope this helps!

Q: Mark:
I have a number putters and spend most of my time on the pratice green. I hit the ball pretty good. I live in a place on a good year we can play for about seven months. Any tips on how to get ready for the upcoming season. I am really enjoying the game

Thanks

A: Todd A. Sammons (South Florida Section):
Dry swings are a great way to get ready for the upcoming season. Fitness and stretching with some weight training is also helpful. Golf specific training is even better! Good luck!