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Pro Golfing/Questions Answered by Expert Skip Ward
| Subject | Date Asked |
| Golf History | 6/15/2008 |
| Q: Who was the first professional golfer to employ an agent? A: I believe, unofficially, the first pro golfer to have an agent was Arnold Palmer. His agent, Mark ... | |
| FREE DROP | 5/4/2008 |
| Q: IF DROPPING FROM A STAKED TREE IS IT ONE CLUB LENGTH FROM THE BALL OR FROM THE STAKED TREE A: In a word, the ball. You would be allowed the nearest point of relief, the length of your longest ... | |
| Golf League schedule | 4/21/2008 |
| Q: You answered a question several years ago regarding team schedules for a league. I tried to do it ... A: and my apologies for my timing. I've been away and have just returned. I have this answer at my ... | |
| sprinkler head | 4/13/2008 |
| Q: A sprinkler head is about 2 yards off the green. My ball lies about 1-2 feet behind that sprinkler. ... A: Your opponent is correct I'm afraid. The proximity of your ball to the sprinkler head is ... | |
| course measuring | 3/30/2008 |
| Q: when measuring a course do you measure all undulations on the ground or is it as the crow flies in a ... A: When golf courses are measured, they are definitely measured "as the crow flies." Essentially if ... | |
| Sand | 3/12/2008 |
| Q: In a bunker player is using a four iron. On his take away - (back swing) he just brushes the sand. ... A: Brushing the sand in that instance is not a penalty. The intent of the rule in hazards is that you ... | |
| Golf Scheduling | 2/14/2008 |
| Q: You answered the scheduling question for a 10 team playing for 9 weeks but what about 18 teams ... A: Every year about this time, I'll get several questions all these lines. I've never found the ... | |
| League Scheduling | 2/14/2008 |
| Q: Skip, I read a past question/answer regarding a 10 team league playing each other team in a 9 week ... A: Every year around this time, I'll get a series of similar questions regarding leagues. The best ... | |
| 16 week 12 team schedule | 2/14/2008 |
| Q: I am new to running a league and was wondering if you could help me. I have a 16 week golf league ... A: Every year around this time, the league questions show up. I've not found any perfect resourse, but ... | |
| Gof Rule - TV golf today | 2/11/2008 |
| Q: On TV today, I noted that Vijay Sing, after first hitting the ball (on the play off hole) in the ... A: This could be for two reasons: The first in no particular order: Occasionally a tournament will ... | |
| Golfball | 2/4/2008 |
| Q: I'm trying to promote golf as a team sport. I call it golfball. See www.agl.us. What is your opinion ... A: I would have to echo Mr. Nicklaus in that your team concept has great potential. With that, I must ... | |
| deceased golfer | 1/27/2008 |
| Q: I was described by Tommy Armour as "the best golfer I ever saw" and by Bobby Jones as "a magician ... A: Tony, good to hear back. That's a tough one. I was able to gather what little is out there from ... | |
| Golf Ball Selection | 12/2/2007 |
| Q: Match Play. Player A starts the game on hole no 1 using a ProV Titleist ball. On hole 2 he decides ... A: good to hear from you and thanks for the question. This one is not quite as cut and dried as some ... | |
| Drop from a staked tree | 11/29/2007 |
| Q: Player A's ball comes to rest approx 18 inches on the left hand side of a staked tree. He is able to ... A: YES, in this case, Player B is correct in stating (under Rule 25) that relief must be at the nearest ... | |
| spoting the golf ball | 7/7/2007 |
| Q: Do you half to always put your ball marker behind the ball? A: Under Rule 20-1 you are to mark your ball immediately behind the ball unless it otherwise interferes ... | |
| Pro/Amature Status | 5/17/2007 |
| Q: I have an established career in the engineering business. A few years ago I got certified as a golf ... A: There is indeed a way to regain your amateur status. I've attached a link that explains the ... | |
| PGA tour | 4/5/2007 |
| Q: Do PGA tour professionals have to "pay to play" golf at each PGA tournament they play in? A: Yes sir...greens fees and pull carts. Just kidding. But yes, the players have a nominal fee ... | |
| schedule for 12 teams | 4/4/2007 |
| Q: Skip... Last year you provided me with a playing schedule for 14 teams. I was wondering if you might ... A: Unfortunately I get those matrix's from a buddy who took off for Easter weekend. I'll work on it ... | |
| Please Answer | 2/21/2007 |
| Q: Who is the man on the PGA Tour Logo? A: ..and a good one it is. The man on the PGA Tour Logo is loosely based on the outline of a Johnny ... | |
| ruling | 2/3/2007 |
| Q: I have been asked by a fellow golfer if I could find an answer for him. He has hit his approach shot ... A: Unfortunately because your friend's ball lies just off the green, he is not eligible for relief ... | |
| golf | 2/3/2007 |
| Q: We have a holf on our home course that if we were to hit our drive, we could find that our ball came ... A: Incidentally I rec'd your questions, I presume, out of order. In any event, the right action in ... | |
| earning money playing golf | 12/8/2006 |
| Q: what other tours are there that you can play golf on and make a little bit of money doing it A: I've posted a great link for you below identifying a multitude of tours that one can play. Don't be ... | |
| rules | 12/6/2006 |
| Q: A friend of mine says you can not repair a ball mark on the putting surface (new or old) if it is in ... A: In thinking that your friend is wrong...You are Right. Under USGA Rule 16-1/a & c, a player can fix ... | |
| Nationwide Tour (Mini Tour) | 12/5/2006 |
| Q: How would someone with no USGA Handicap that is good enough to try out on a Monday qualifier, try ... A: Each tournament and/or tour has their own guidelines and rules for qualifications. Many of them do ... | |
| golf course measurement | 11/6/2006 |
| Q: WHICH POINTS OF REFERENCE DO YOU USE TO MEASURE A GOLF COURSE. IS IT FROM THE REAR OF THE TEE BOX TO ... A: This is a difficult question because the answer can vary with different courses. Generally, the ... | |
| PGA Tour's Pre-Qualfying Tournament | 11/6/2006 |
| Q: The Pga Tour's Pre-Qualiying Tournament was recently held at the PGA West course in California where ... A: I saw that...isn't that just terrible. Well, as it were, ANYONE willing to pay the initial $2500 ... | |
| recently deceased pro golfer | 10/23/2006 |
| Q: Recently, a friend was disturbed of a story of a recently deceased pro golfer who "he says" is going ... A: This does ring a bell. Recently President Bush signed a bill presented by Congressman Michael ... | |
| caddy fee | 10/17/2006 |
| Q: ive been asked to caddy for a lady in the futures tour qualifier in fla this november. ive been ... A: I understand your dilemma, and a couple of things come to mind. I would ask myself...What is this ... | |
| caddies | 10/15/2006 |
| Q: I have a couple of questions about caddies. What do golfers look for in a caddy? What are the ... A: in further researching another question, I was able to learn about a website for caddies. I learned ... | |
| Golf pro | 10/1/2006 |
| Q: Can you retain ameature status by being a teaching pro only ie never entering competitions for ... A: The short answer is no. Earning money is the foremost criterian for becoming a Professional. So ... | |
| U.S.Open | 9/9/2006 |
| Q: Take for example the U.S open for example. What does it take to get into this event. It is an open, ... A: Indeed the US Open is an Open golf tournament in that there is no invitation, but rather anyone can ... | |
| How to become a pro. | 9/9/2006 |
| Q: What do you have to do to become a pro golfer? Does it involve going to college, playing there, and ... A: Becoming a PGA Tour Golfer doesn't necessarily require going to college or winning past tournaments. ... | |
| Masters | 9/9/2006 |
| Q: This may sound odd, but to get into the masters tournament in Augusta, what do you have to do? It is ... A: The Masters Tournament, played every April in Augusta, GA is actually an Invitational Tournament, ... | |
| Ping Redwood City Putter Original | 8/29/2006 |
| Q: Do you know where I can find a value on this? And the best place to sell it? It has original green ... A: Mike I've been around all sorts of clubs for years, and the answer to the value of a particular club ... | |
| Sponsorships | 8/29/2006 |
| Q: I looking for some financial assistance to play in some of the many mini-tours and Monday ... A: My suggestion would be to work at a local level. I would make myself and my intentions around the ... | |
| Caddy Pay | 8/21/2006 |
| Q: I know that caddies typically get a percentage, but what about the endorsement deals. I see most of ... A: There are no general rules for the caddies with regards to endorsement deals. They each come to ... | |
| Golf Pga touring Pro | 8/20/2006 |
| Q: Can you tell me if a fellow is a PGA touring Pro, does this person get free rounds of golf at any ... A: There is nothing written that officially calls for a PGA Touring Professional to play for free at ... | |
| q school | 8/15/2006 |
| Q: Where and when is the next q school? I am asking for my husband. A: The Tour's qualifying school tournament is usually in the fall with various dates and sites. I ... | |
| caddy pay | 8/9/2006 |
| Q: If Tiger wins $10 million on tour this year, would his caddy most likely earn a million? What do ... A: In all likelihood his caddy (Steve Williams) would indeed make a million dollars based on the normal ... | |
| golf | 8/1/2006 |
| Q: Am doing a quiz which is driving me crazy and I thought you might help. The question is exactly ... A: What comes to mind for me initially is Beating him in a playoff. I'm not sure exactly how many ... | |
| spotting the golf ball on th green | 7/31/2006 |
| Q: can you spot the golf ball on the green with your putter while adjusting the ball, and other things ... A: Technically you CAN use your putter while adjusting the ball, but it is a bit risky in that you ... | |
| pay for caddies | 7/26/2006 |
| Q: I know that PGA caddies are paid about 10% of the players' earnings, but how, exactly, are they ... A: You are correct with approximately 10percent of earnings. Caddies are generally paid a flat fee ... | |
| Golf balls | 7/26/2006 |
| Q: Skip, Does the general public have access to the "same exact" balls that the pros use? I.E. I have ... A: Generally speaking the non-professional does indeed have access to the same balls as the Pro's. ... | |
| pro golf | 7/1/2006 |
| Q: What is the nationwide tour? A: Essentially the Nationwide Tour is the Minor Leagues for the PGA Tour. Many players who don't ... | |
| PGA pro playing in amature event | 6/3/2006 |
| Q: Is it acceptable for a recently qualified PGA club professional to compete as an ordinary contestant ... A: There are a small handful of issues here. For instance, define "acceptable;" as well as "qualified." ... | |
| Golf League Scheduling | 4/17/2006 |
| Q: Skip, I'm league secretary/president for 80 golfers/40 teams total, divided into 2 separate ... A: Unfortunately I don't have a system/matrix to reference for that many teams. Something that you ... | |
| scheduling teams in a league | 4/6/2006 |
| Q: I know you have answered a similar question, but I have spent at least 8 hours trying to figure this ... A: ..I do remember. Interestingly enough, the ten team matrix is much easier to do. Its exponentially ... | |
| Money ranking | 3/17/2006 |
| Q: Skip, I'm curious about monetary winnings on the Tour. #1 When 2 players tie for 2nd (or 3rd or ... A: ..and yes, they make sense. 1. Your instincts are correct regarding ties. If, for instance, the ... | |
| Golf | 2/19/2006 |
| Q: Who has won more golf tournaments, left handers or right handers? A: The average number of left handers on tour over the last 10 years for instance is below 10 golfers, ... | |
| Caddie Pay | 7/23/2005 |
| Q: I believe that caddies are typically paid a percentage of the pro's earnings, but what about those ... A: You are right, typically caddies are paid a percentage, often 10%, and a bonus for finishing in the ... | |
| Par = # of holes allowed to... | 6/28/2005 |
| Q: Par = # of holes allowed to get the ball in. Eagle = 2 strokes under par and the ball goes in. ... A: You've got it. Those are correct in scoring, but let's not forget the double eagle, also known as ... | |
| Golf League Scheduling | 5/2/2005 |
| Q: .. I have already spent a number of hours trying to do this on my own, but I am stumped. Hope you ... A: ..thanks for the question. Here is a formula to follow for 10 teams over 9 weeks. And don't bother ... | |
| how to qualify to be on the pgatour? | 4/28/2005 |
| Q: could you explain how a person qaulify to be on the pga-tour? i was told that in order to be a ... A: You were told correctly that in order to become a PGA Touring professional, you would have to go to ... | |
| advances in golf | 2/8/2005 |
| Q: In your opinion do you think that the advances in golf technology has taken the skill out of the ... A: ..thanks for the question. I would be lying a bit if I didn't say I think that tech has hindered ... | |
| PRACTICE ROUNDS AT THE MASTERS | 1/26/2005 |
| Q: HEY SKIP, FOUR OF US WANT TO ATTEND THE MASTER'S PRACTICE ROUND THIS YEAR. WE ARE SEEING THAT ... A: ..I spent the week dodging airport delays along the East Coast. In any event, as for the elusive ... | |
| Golf Balls | 1/9/2005 |
| Q: I was wondering what the numbers on a golf ball reposent ie: red and black numbering. Thanks ... A: The colors of the numbers usually represent the compression of a golf ball. Black usually indicates ... | |
| PGA Tour Eligibility | 10/3/2004 |
| Q: Mr. Ward, Would you explain the basics on the requirements to play on the PGA tour and what must ... A: The term Q-school is referring to the tour Qualifing Tournament, and is indeed one gateway to the ... | |
| Club selection | 6/22/2004 |
| Q: OK im lookin at ping i3s for $320 and mizunos mp-30 for $350 and adams gt irons for $100 and finally ... A: Adam...thanks again for the question...but c'mon...you're gonna let money get in the way of this ... | |
| Club selection | 6/21/2004 |
| Q: I have looked at Mizuno MP-30 with its workability but small sweetspot and Ping i3 o-size wit its ... A: Adam, Adam, Adam...thanks for the question. Deep down inside, you know I can't answer this question ... | |
| tournament planning | 5/18/2004 |
| Q: Ward, I have sent a e-mail to Dunlop golf asking them to spnosor our tournament and this is what ... A: From what I can gather, they are asking that you formally, by mail, make your request for ... | |
| Golf sponsorships | 5/13/2004 |
| Q: Who was the first corporate title sponsor of professional golf? A: In 1958 it was Buick who first sponsored a tour event. The tournament was named the Buick ... | |
| Hitting the driver | 5/11/2004 |
| Q: I had a feeling based on the result that it was the right thing to be doing (not sure why more ... A: ..thanks again for the question. That's an interesting one. It seems fundamentally sound. But ... | |
| Hitting the driver | 5/10/2004 |
| Q: I find that when hitting my driver that if I do not ground the club that I hit a much more solid ... A: In a phrase...keep that up. That is a great habit to get into for a number of reasons. Most ... | |
| "Majors" Tournaments | 4/15/2004 |
| Q: Which pro golf tournaments are considered to be the majors, and when (what months)do they happen? A: Over the years on the PGA Tour, four prestigious tournaments have become known as Major ... | |
| caddying | 10/23/2003 |
| Q: Skip, I have been a local (southern New Jersey) club caddie for the past 5 years. I have been around ... A: Your experience stands for itself! Incidentally there really is no contact person within the PGA or ... | |
| struggle off the tee | 7/21/2003 |
| Q: I'm a new golfer and have been taking some lessons. I've seen improvement in my irons, but I'm ... A: Its always so difficult to assess a problems not having seen your swing. However, from what you ... | |
| Charity Golf Tourneament Questions | 7/8/2003 |
| Q: I was hoping you might be able to help me out. My father passed away in may and golf was his ... A: I'm psyched that you have chosen to honor him while raising money for a great cause. My mom is a ... | |
| PGA tournament award | 8/17/2002 |
| Q: Why is the trophy given to the winner of the PGA is called The Wanamaker trophy? A: ..ah, yes the Wanamaker! Thanks to a friend at the USGA, You and I now know that Rodman Wanamaker ... | |
| golf spin | 4/1/2002 |
| Q: Why do Prof. golfers put backspin on a ball when approching a green? Can't they just hit a high shot ... A: ..thanks for the question...this is always a source of interesting discussion. The real reason is ... | |
| PGA TOUR | 3/22/2002 |
| Q: When a player get's a sponser invatation to play in one of the major's, Please explain how this ... A: Two things, there are sponsor exemptions in regular tour events such as the Buick Open, and there ... | |
| Phil Mickelson | 1/24/2002 |
| Q: Why does Phil Mickelson wear his watch while playing? Do any other tour players wear a watch while ... A: Isn't that strange...the very thought of him wearing a watch drives me nuts. I never liked anything ... | |
| stumped | 1/21/2002 |
| Q: She is considered the first woman golfer. In 1567 while playing golf she learned of her husbands ... A: ..from time to time when I answer a brand new question, the system will tell me I have a pending ... | |
| PGA Championship | 10/30/2001 |
| Q: Howdy Skip from H-town. I am delivering six vans across town to be used in this weekends events. In ... A: Estimating the value of tickets for resale is always a difficult one because it can vary so much ... | |
| Tiger Woods 97 Rookie Card | 8/20/2001 |
| Q: this might not be your specialty, but maybe you can lead me in the right direction. I have the 97 ... A: That card is worthless, so go ahead and send it to me and I will properly dispose of it. I'm ... | |
| Rules | 7/20/2001 |
| Q: Skip, Why can't PGA & LPGA players compete against each other in tournaments? Thanks in advance A: ..thanks for the good word...I'm glad you won the wager. Incidentally, Woods and Anika Sorenstem ... | |
| Golf | 6/15/2001 |
| Q: How many players make the cut at the U.S. Open? A: There is no set number that make the cut. Rather, those within 10 shots of the leader after two ... | |
| Golfer's Pro book | 5/7/2001 |
| Q: What information is in the booklets the Pro Golfers and caddies are always looking at during a round ... A: That "booklet" might as well be the holy grail. It contains every inch of the the golf course ... | |
| British Open | 5/7/2001 |
| Q: The British Open once followed the Masters as the second major. In what year was the British Open ... A: ..after consulting a friend at the USGA he responded with the following: Let me know if you have ... | |
| Has any golfer won FIVE grand slam tournaments in a row | 4/22/2001 |
| Q: I know that Jones and Woods each won the four major tournaments in a row (Jones in one calendar ... A: Your intuition serves you well. Jones retired after winning the 4 majors of his day. (US Open and ... | |
| Sam Snead picture | 4/20/2001 |
| Q: Pic is The GREENBRIAR SPORTS STAFF and shows: Sam Snead - Touring Golf pro Gardner Wright - Tennis ... A: What a great shot that must be. One thing's for sure, its valuable to you. Photographs are unique ... | |
| Pairings | 4/15/2001 |
| Q: How are the pairings determined for the first round of play? I do not play golf myself as I am in a ... A: I wish I could tell you that the pairings have some magical way of coming together, but I cannot. ... | |
| Golf trivia question | 3/31/2001 |
| Q: What golfer has won 6 Master's Tournaments, a PGA record? A: The name that you are looking for, 6-time Masters Champion, could be none other than Jack Nicklaus ... | |
| PGA TOUR MAP | 2/22/2001 |
| Q: I am doing a project on my favorite golfer Tiger Woods. I am trying to find a map of PGA tour ... A: If by map you mean a US grid with the tour stops plotted out, unfortunately I've never seen such a ... | |
| Masters Golf Tournament | 2/12/2001 |
| Q: Can you tell me all the winners of the Masters Tourmanent? A: Good luck and remember, Love the game, Skipper Year Winner Score Runner-up 1934 Horton Smith 284 ... | |
| Golf Trivia | 1/21/2001 |
| Q: My local golf pro is offering a chance to win a free round of golf for four to anyone who can answer ... A: Naomi, thanks so much for the question. Unfortunately the Experts server didn't deliver it until ... | |
| british open | 1/5/2001 |
| Q: My question to you is Who was the last American to win golfs British Open before Tiger Woods and in ... A: Here is a short list of past American winners of the British Open while below that is a list of the ... | |
| New electronic Scorecard | 10/26/2000 |
| Q: I`m an engineering student starting a team project to design a new electronic golf system... It will ... A: You seem to have a pretty good handle on this. You've really given it some thought. A few things ... | |
| PGA Tour | 8/16/2000 |
| Q: I`m from Singapore and just recently took up golf. There are still a lot of things I do not ... A: Let's go in order...1. All players must qualify for the PGA Tour. There are a number of ways to ... | |
| PGA Tour | 7/30/2000 |
| Q: Where in New York was the 1996 PGA Tour held? (could be 1997, but I am sure it was in New York) A: Sorry, but I'm a little confused. If you mean the PGA Championship, which is certainly part of the ... | |
| British Open Golf Records | 7/21/2000 |
| Q: What is the lowest 72 hole score at the British Open (without regards to course played)? Thank You, ... A: Carter, thanks for the question. The tournament record for the Bristish open is 267 by Greg Norman ... | |
Skip Ward
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Former PGA PROFESSIONAL: Golf related questions regarding Rules, Etiquette, PGA TOUR, PGA Players, Game History, Club History, Golf Trivia, and US Courses to Play/Trip Recommendations. LOVE THE GAME!
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