Q: Tiger Woods has set the trend in using a three-wood from the fringes of the green. Is it an approach that everyone can adopt?
A: The three-wood from the fringe of the green is an extremely effective and easy shot to develop. It is used when the grass you are playing from is too long or too thick for the putter. Such grass tends to snag the sharp leading edge of an iron club. The broad base of the wood glides over the surface of the fringe and strikes the ball at its equator. As there is little loft on the club, it rolls likes a putter. The important thing for the player to get used to is gripping the wood at the bottom of the grip and, also, allowing for the speed at which the ball comes off the face, which is more than it would be for a putter. It requires plenty of practice, but it is certainly a shot that most club players can develop.
Q: Why is a player advised to keep his head still when putting?
A: It is crucial that the golfer keeps his head rock steady when putting. If the head moves, then the shoulder and also the upper body tend to move . . . all of which results in inconsistent striking. A good practice drill is to hit putts from four feet and not look up until your hear the ball hit the hole. Immediately, the strike quality will improve. After you've done this, then apply it to the longer putts. Focus on keeping your head still for two seconds after the strike.
Q: If you are hitting a ball which lies above your feet, how should you compensate in an attempt to hit it straight?
A: When the ball lies above your feet, it is likely to fly left of the target. This is because the slope makes the lie angle of the club more upright and it also flattens the arc of the swing rather like a baseball player. So, in order to compensate, firstly the golfer must grip lower down the shaft until the sole of the club assumes its normal angle and, then, aim right of the target to allow for the draw.
Q: Can you explain exactly what an "open stance" is?
A: Well, an open stance is one which aims further left than one which is square to the ball-to-target line. When I want to play a fade, my body alignment is open because I want to swing across the ball, starting it left and finishing on target.
Q: A lot of new drivers are advertising a lower centre of gravity. What does it mean?
A: The centre of gravity is where the majority of the weight mass is on the golf club head. Most of the modern clubs have a lower centre of gravity so that most of the weight in the head gets under the ball and helps get it up in the air.
Q: Should a high-handicapper use a balata ball?
A: The soft cover on a balata ball means that poor striking will cut or misshape it. So, for the higher handicappers who are not striking the ball consistently well, it is much more economical to use a ball with a harder cover. However, the high-handicap golfer who hits the ball good distances but struggles around the greens might find using a balata helpful as they are much easier to control on short shots.
Readers Questions
Anyone with golfing queries for Neil should address their questions to: Ask The Pro, c/o Sports Department, The Irish Times, D'Olier Street, Dublin 2 or e-mail sportsirish-times.ie
