By Frank Thomas May 1, 2008

Our equipment guru, Golf Digest Technical Advisor Frank Thomas, has the answers to your questions. Click here to submit a question for possible use in this column and you could receive a signed copy of Frank's latest book, "Just Hit It: Our Equipment and Our Game." For more from Frank you can visit his site franklygolf.com. [Note: Each week submitted questions will be reviewed and the best one will receive a signed copy of Frank's book, "Just Hit It."]

SOLE WIDTH

Frank, in a recent conversation with some of my fellow golfers, I mentioned something that I read sometime ago with reference to the sole of clubs and the choice to be used for difference grass levels. Am I, or was I, just dreaming of such an article or subject? Does the width or size of the sole on irons have any, if any, effect on the shots?

Thank you.

--Bob

Bob,

Some of the more forgiving clubs have a wider sole which prevents the club from digging into the ground and creating a very fat shot. As one's skill level improves, the width of the sole can be decreased in most cases.

Unfortunately, the width of the sole doesn't have anything to do with the length of the grass, but, a very wide sole generally has more bounce and may be a detriment when playing off hard pan fairways.

I, too, find myself dreaming about golf so you are not alone.

Frank

GETTING A GRIP

Hello Frank, I love your column. You're a lone voice of common sense. My question concerns buying oversized/midsized grips vs. buying standard grips and building them up with layers of tape. Other than maybe installation convenience, is there any advantage or disadvantage of one approach vs. the other? I used to buy all oversized or midsized grips, but buying standard grips opens up a lot more choices. Does building up standard grips stretch them more so they would wear out faster? Or is there any significant difference in swingweights?

Thank you,

--Gary

Gary,

I do know that there are relatively limited choices in oversize and midsize grips compared to what is available in standard grips. However, I would suggest that you find the right size grip and stick with that as long as the choice is somewhat acceptable.

A significant build up of under listing will not only stretch the grip, but probably compromise its properties as well. I consider multiple layers of under listing somewhat similar to putting on 3 pairs of socks to get the shoes to fit.

It would be in your best interests to find the right fit to begin with.

Frank

SHAFT LENGTH AND DISTANCE

I'm 53 years old and I'm noticing that I am not hitting my irons as long as I used to. I know that I'm not swinging as fast as I used to (comes with age I guess) and I'm assuming that's the reason for loss of distance. Although I am still able to maintain a 5 handicap, it is for sure more of a challenge. I am thinking about adding 2 inches to the length of my shafts, hoping that would compensate for the loss in distance. What is your opinion, my friend? Would that solve my problem?

Thanks for taking the time and all the best with your new book.

--Barry

Barry,

Thank you for your good wishes for the book. I must advise you that 53 is not old but is really in the prime of your golfing career. Congratulations on maintaining your 5 handicap but I would strive to lower this as you still have the potential to do so.

Adding 2 inches to the shafts on your irons will not only increase the swing weight by over 12 points but it will also increase the MOI of the club itself, requiring considerably more energy to generate the increased clubhead speed to obtain the increased distance you are looking for. This increase of 2 inches per club will also significantly decrease your accuracy equivalent to the difference in accuracy from a 7 to a 3 iron.

I think the best advice I can give you, or for anyone in your situation who is experiencing a decrease in distance with your irons, is to join a local gym after checking with your doctor. Work on improving your strength and flexibility. This will increase your range of motion and will allow you to increase your clubhead speed approximately 5 mph which should generate at least 10-12 yards. You'll not only enjoy golf more but your quality of life off the golf course will also improve significantly.

Lastly, if your clubs are more than 2 years old I would recommend you check the lie angle and lofts to make sure that they have not changed.

Frank