Rules: Brad Gregory. Vice-Chairman PGA Rules Committee

Q: Recently while playing in a club event, I was given a two stroke penalty for violation of a Rule of which I was not aware. On a par 4, with trouble to the left, I teed up my ball on the far left side of the teeing ground with my left foot directly behind the left tee-marker. After striking the ball, my foot inadvertently moved the tee-marker. My fellow-competitor called the penalty. Was this movement of the tee marker a violation and if so, what Rule did I violate? Thanks.
Duane Edwards

A: Lets look at Rule 11-2 (Teeing Ground; Tee-Markers), the Definition of a "stroke" and Rule 13-2 (Improving Lie, Area of Intended Stance or Swing, or Line of Play).

Resting your foot on a tee marker is fine, but what if you kick it while you swing? (Photo: PGA of America)

First, Rule 11-2 says in part: Before a player makes his first stroke on the teeing ground the tee-markers are deemed to be fixed. If a player moves a tee-marker for the purpose of avoiding interference with his stance, swing or line of play, he incurs the penalty for breach of Rule 13-2. The penalty for which in match play is loss of hole or in stroke play is two strokes.

Second, the Definition of a stroke says in part: A "stroke" is the forward movement of a club with the intention of striking at and moving the ball.

Third, in Rule 13-2 says there would be no penalty if the improvement was made "in making a stroke or the backward movement of the club for a stroke and the stroke is made."

So it's a timing issue. Since the movement occurred in making your stroke, in my opinion there should be no penalty. However, if prior to the stroke, the tee-marker was moved for the purpose of improving such areas (e.g. in making room for your stance), the penalty for breach of Rule 13-2 would incur the moment the tee-marker was moved.

Q: We had a discussion the other day. It went like this; courtesy aside, assume my opponent chips to within a few inches of the cup directly in my line while I am still off the green. Do I have the right to demand that he mark? In the alternative, if my opponent is a few inches to the left, right or rear of the hole, can I insist that he NOT mark? Finally, what if he does not mark and my ball strikes his ball and mine goes in? Thanks
Doug Callander

A: Rule 22-2 (Ball Interfering with Play) covers your rights in the first question. This Rule says in part that: Except when a ball is in motion, if a player considers that another ball might interfere with his play he may have it lifted.

In your second question where a ball is in position to help you, Rule 22-1 (Ball Assisting Play) applies. In this case, your opponent in match play has the right to lift his ball.

Your third question contemplates your opponent's ball has not been lifted, whether at your suggestion or not (Don't make this suggestion in stroke play!). Your ball then strikes his ball. There is no penalty to either player. You would play your ball as it lies and if it was deflected in the hole you have completed the hole. If your opponent's ball was moved, it must be replaced.

Equipment: Tom Henderson, PGA Professional & Master Club Fitter

Q: This past week end we heard a lot of discussion on Spin rates and launch angles could you tell me the optimum launch angle and spin rate for the Driver and 3 woods.
Next, how do we determine the best bounce for our wedges like the 52, 56, and 60 Titleist.
Thanks
Terry Staats

A: Terry:
Optimally, you should be looking for high launch, low spin with your driver. With a average clubhead speed of 90 mph, the optimum launch angle for a driver would be 11-13 degrees. As clubhead speed increases, less loft is required to achieve the proper launch angle. Spin rate will increase as your clubhead speed increases. A reasonable range for spin rate would be between 2900 and 3600 rpm for 90 mph clubhead speed.

The process in selecting #3 wood loft would depend your driver's loft. If you "fit" into a 9 degree driver, you might consider a 13 degree #3 wood while an 11 degree driver might warrant a 15 degree #3 wood.

The factors influencing bounce for your wedges are: angle of attack, ball position, and course conditions. Generally, you would require more bounce if you have a steep angle of attack, tend to play the ball back in your stance, and play on soft or lush conditions. Select less bounce on your wedges if you are a "picker", play the ball more forward, and your playing conditions are hard or firm.

This is a lot to digest but............you set the table!! Good luck.

Q: Tom...
Lame, dumb question. Am an older, mid handicap player who has long ago adjusted to my shortcomings. Most recent measurements are 98-101 in terms of clubspeed. 1St tee, or any pressure tee shot will result in pull shot. However If I try to use closed stance, or open clubface, it will result in bad slice. As a result I use an iron driver which keeps me at least in the fairway. Do you have an opinion on either driver clubface design, or shaft flex that would at least give me the best chance of keeping drive in the fairway.
Thank you.
Jack

A: Let me see if I can follow you on this one!

It sounds like you move the club along at a pretty decent pace. Your mistake appears to be either a pull or slice.

When selecting a driver, I would suggest the following specifications: 44" length, firm flex shaft, 11 to 13 degrees of loft. Try this combination and observe the actual ball flight. This should do the trick.

It's always a good idea to seek out the advice of a PGA Professional (preferably your instructor) who is well-versed in club fitting and who uses actual ball flight in the evaluation process.

Good luck and......keep it in the short grass!