Instruction: Jim Hardy, 2007 PGA National Teacher of the Year

Q: My questions concerns clubhead lag during the downswing. Remember Calvin Peete and how his left arm could not be fully extended? Yet he was considered to be one of the more accurate hitters on tour. My left arm is similar to Calvin's. Left arm extension being limited to 120 degrees. Any insight you can provide re clubhead lag or any other aspect of Calvins swing will be greatly appreciated. Thankyou for your attention! George Gardner

A: I would not be particularly concerned with clubhead lag. It is a result of several forces moving in a particular way during the transition and start of the downswing. What would be better for you would be to worry about building an efficient swing, alla Calvin Peete. With a bent left arm, like his, I would suggest the same swing type that Calvin employed....a more rounded/one-plane swing. The reason being that a one-plane swing uses more right arm than left arm to hit the ball in the downswing. In fact Hogan was quoted as saying he wished he had two right arms. The more upright two-plane swing has the left arm more dominate in the downswing with a downward bell-ringing pull of the left arm.

Q: What is a good tip to help create lag in the downswing? I have been casting the club for so long that it is very hard to stop. A tip that does not require hitting balls at the range would be ideal since I live in Canada. Thanks, Chris

A: I am sorry but I cannot think of a single tip that involves a change of swing shape or sequence that does not require some range time. To create more lag you need to start the lower body moving back to the left leg and turning just an instant before the arms and shoulders complete the backswing. This opposite direction of two motions creates lag. It also has the potential to ruin your swing if it causes you to lose your spine angle or to back up your hips while making this move. Trying to create more lag is a difficult and dangerous thing to try and not one I suggest to most all golfers.

Rules: Brad Gregory, Vice-Chairman, PGA Rules Committee

Q: The grounds crew is digging a hole in the middle of the fairway and has placed a golf cart next to them. The cart is between you and the hole. Do you get "line of play" relief? Donald McNutt

A: Normally a cart is a movable obstruction which you, the grounds crew or anyone else could move out of the way. If moving the cart takes unreasonable effort, would delay play or would cause damage it by Definition is an immovable obstruction. In this case relief from the cart is only available if your ball lies in or on it, or the cart interferes with your stance or the area of your intended swing. Unfortunately, whether the cart is movable or not, there is no "line of play" relief.

Q: Tiger at times wears a white piece of tape on one of his right fingers. Why is this not a violation for using an artificial device to help align his grip?
Kevin O'Malley

Tiger's tape is permissible under the rules of golf. (Wireimage.com)

A: Decision 14-3/8 says in part that: "The use of adhesive tape, or similar coverings of the hand, for any medical reasons, e.g., to reduce blisters or to eliminate the possibility of skin splits between the fingers is not contrary to the Rules." The Decision goes on to say the tape must not be excessive, must not otherwise assist the player in gripping and its thickness must be comparable to that of a standard golf glove.

If you hit as many golf balls as Tiger or any other tour player, protecting your hands against blisters, etc. is a must. This is the reason for the adhesive tape, not as an aid for gripping the club.

Equipment: Tom Henderson, PGA Professional & Master Club Fitter

Q: I have recently been fitted for new clubs and switched from regular to stiff shafts and added 1/2 and inch to the length. I am now drawing all my iron shots. My swing speed for iron play is mid 90's and about 100 with my woods. I feel that I should go back to the regular shafts while the pro who sold them to me says that I'll just draw the ball more. This doesn't make sense to me. Any ideas? Aaron

A: Aaron:
Let's address one issue at a time.
The change in shaft flex from regular to stiff should encourage less spin on your shots. It sounds like the stiff flex may very well be a nice match with the clubhead speed you gave me, especially if you prefer the extra 1/2 inch in club length.
Adding a 1/2 inch to your clubs will, in effect, add 1 degree to your effective lie angle. There's a very good chance that this would influence ball flight to the left (if you are a right handed player). Also, did you chance to a new head design? If you switched to an offset head, that too would influence ball flight to the left.
Keep swingin'

Q: Do low compression balls work better in cold weather or warm weather?
Jim Newland

A: Jim:
There's a real simple answer on this one: With slower swing speeds and in cooler weather, a lower compression golf ball is easier to compress. A fully compressed golf ball will travel farther than a partially compressed ball.