Ask the Pro
|
|
Here are questions submitted by golfers from all over the world and my responses to them. There are over 500 golf questions and answers here! They are arranged from most recent to least recent (top to bottom) and the archive contains all the questions and answers that have appeared here in the "Ask the Pro" section (which is the tiniest fraction of the total number of questions that have been submitted). The archive index has the questions and answers organized by topic and somewhat alphabetized. You may find it interesting reading to see what others are asking and you can also ask a question yourself. But, be sure to check the Q's & A's here on this page, the FAQ's and the archive first, as your question may already have been answered.
|
  |
  |
Question:
December 21, 2011
What is a flat swing?
Joe Albo
Monroe, NJ
Answer:
Hi Joe,
Flat and upright refer to the plane of the swing, or the arc that the club head describes in the swing (most easily observed from a down-the-line point of view). A flat swing is relatively more horizontal and an upright swing more vertical.
There is no such thing as one correct plane; it varies from club to club (e.g., longer clubs swing on flatter planes than shorter clubs) and from person to person (e.g., very generally, shorter or rounder players have flatter swings and taller, thinner players have more upright swings). Planes that are neither particularly flat nor upright might not be called anything at all, or might be considered neutral.
If you look at this entry in the Ask the Pro Archive you will see in the photo that 3 different planes are defined in the same address position with 3 different clubs. That might help to clarify it for you further.
Technique is covered in detail in my books "The Full Swing" and "Hitting it Longer." Thanks for visiting PGAProfessional.com and best of luck with your game. MB
Question:
December 11, 2011
Is it a good idea to practice by swinging a heavy club?
Jim Todd
Vestavia Hills, AL
Answer:
I'm not a big fan of that for typical golfers, Jim. It's hard enough for most people to feel the club head without getting used to swinging something heavier. As a brief warm up, I might be able to see a rationale for it for people that are used to it and like to do it (if they already have good feel). But there are better ways to warm up. Thanks for visiting PGAProfessional.com and best of luck with your game. MB
Question:
November 22, 2011
My question is when hitting over water does it have an impact on distance? Take for instance playing two par 3's (say 165 yards) with one having grass from tee to green and the second having water from tee to green [, will it] have any impact ... on a balls flight or lift?
Allan Chambers
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Answer:
Hi Allan,
I think a physicist or a meteorologist could give you a better answer to that question. I have heard -- anecdotally, from under-qualified people -- that a pond or lake creates a different barometric pressure, air temperature or humidity (or all of the above) above it than that which is above grass, etc., and that this causes the distance to play longer over water. I think it unlikely that a "body of water" of the size we are talking about on golf courses could actually have much of an effect. To me, it's more likely mental.
I'm perfectly willing to be proven wrong, however; I'm not claiming to actually know this for fact. I have never noticed the effect, myself, but I would tend to err on the side of caution and choose a longer rather than a shorter club when playing a shot across water anyway... though, that just seems like common sense more than anything else. Thanks for visiting PGAProfessional.com and best of luck with your game. MB
Question:
November 6, 2011
Do the senior professional golfers hit from the same tees as ... the [regular] PGA [Tour]?
Tom Ware
Wichita, KS
Answer:
Hi Tom,
Overall the courses are somewhat shorter for the Senior Tours than for the regular PGA Tours, but the length of any given hole varies from day to day. Also see yardages for women and men professionals. Thanks for visiting PGAProfessional.com and best of luck with your game. MB
Ask Your Question
Feel free to ask any golf-related questions. I'll do my best to respond but I can't guarantee that I'll get to everybody, especially if I've already answered the question here on the site. Be sure to check the Frequently Asked Questions and the Ask the Pro Archive, which contains all the questions and answers that have been posted since I started this feature. Not only might you find that your question has already been answered; you may find it informative and entertaining to read what others are asking and my responses to them. Note: It is assumed that if you submit a question I have permission to post it here on the site (pesky disclaimers).
To ask your question just fill-in and submit the form below. Please include your name, city and state (and of course your e-mail address if you would like a personal response - I won't post your email address, I promise).
