This is the place for answers

One of the most important elements of the new weekly golf focus page is a feature in which readers are invited to submit questions about golf. The questions can be swing-related or can pertain to rules, equipment or course architecture. In short, any question about golf will be considered for publication.

David Rasmussen, a respected teaching professional from Milwaukee, will answer questions related to the swing. Gene Haas, executive director of the Wisconsin State Golf Association, will answer questions about rules interpretations.

Rasmussen, 40, has been teaching golf full time for 15 years. He trained under PGA Tour guru Hank Haney and traveled full time on the tour for three years in the late 1980s, working extensively with Bobby Clampett and Rick Fehr, among others.

More recently, Rasmussen has worked with Wisconsin standouts such as Skip Kendall, David and Sara Miley, Tim Cantwell, Jim Schuman and Mark Wilson.

Rasmussen has taught for six years at Storm's National Avenue Golf Range, 15155 W. National Ave.

Haas, executive director of the WSGA since 1976, is regarded as one of the foremost rules experts in the country. He was also instrumental in the development of the WSGA's computerized handicap system.

Readers must submit their questions by mail to Gary D'Amato, Journal Sentinel golf reporter, P.O. Box 371, Milwaukee, Wis., 53201-0371. Questions may also be faxed to 224-2049. Anyone who submits a question must include his or her address and telephone number.

Q: "I am comfortable and confident using the following approach to my putting stroke: Keeping my lower body and head still; using my hands, arms and shoulders like a pendulum; and taking the putter straight back and straight forward through the ball toward the hole with a smooth pace. Can this approach be transferred to my chipping and pitching strokes?"

Dan Langenwalter Cudahy

A: David Rasmussen The putting and chipping strokes are very similar. However, there are some substantial differences between the putting and pitching strokes.

Let's talk about putting and chipping first. The pendulum shoulder movement that you referred to in your putting stroke is well-suited to the chip shot, but there are some subtle differences that must be addressed. Rasmusssen

In a chipping stroke, the angle of attack is more descending than that of a putt. Consequently, the ball must be played back in the stance. In the chipping stroke, there must also be a small amount of freedom given to the legs in the down stroke to move laterally, which must be eliminated completely in the putting stroke.

The pitching stroke is a little different animal. The pivoting action is less of a rocking, pendulum motion and more of a turning motion.

During the pitching stroke, because of its length, the clubface cannot be held square to the target line as it can in a putt or a chip; instead the clubface is allowed to rotate slightly to keep it square to the arc of the backswing and not the target line.

Also, as the club goes back, the wrists are allowed to cock upward to ensure a descending blow and to add power to the stroke.

A pitch is really more like a miniswing than an extended putt or chip.

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