After a few years away, we’ve decided to bring back a formal Ask The Experts column but to modernize it we’ll go with a hash tag-like title,#AskFlagstick,to also help us find your requests.
We get asked and we answer questions every day through our social media platforms, but some of them are so commonly asked it might be better to have a place where more people get to see that information.
So, on a semi-regular basis, we’ll share some of the questions in a column format with answers from our team or with the assistance of those in the industry.
Feel free to ask anything golf related. In-house we have a team of people with deep knowledge and expertise in many facets of the game, and we also have a huge network to reach out to if we don’t know the answers.
So let’s get to it.
Q. I am looking to buy some new wedges this year, what are the first things I need to consider besides the brand? J.M.
A. Let’s start with the purpose of the wedges. They are scoring clubs requiring precision. It’s about controlling distances, not hitting them far. That said, you should really into your gapping first and find out what yardages you need to hit the wedges to fit into your set. Work with a fitter to see what lofts would best benefit you. Then within those yardages, you need to consider where and when the clubs will be used. What are the most common shots you hit and on what type of turf do you play? This type of information will help a fitter to determine what sole shapes, bounces, and grinds would be appropriate. Don’t just pull random wedges off the shelf at a store or pro shop; work with a fitter to find the best ones for you.
Q. I watch a lot of LPGA and PGA Tour Golf to follow Canadian golfers. I know there is not a lot of television coverage for smaller tours but what tours (and websites) should I follow to see where some of the up-and-coming Canadians are playing? Sam
A. Hey, Sam, thanks for the question. We love the rising stars, especially the Canadian ones, so be sure to follow us on Twitter (@Flagstick) where we often highlight junior, college, and young pros. For the women, keep an eye on The Cactus Tour, The Epson Tour, the Women’s All-Pro Tour, and East Coast Women’s Pro Golf Tour. For the men, have a look for the East Coast Tour and Toronto Players Tour in Canada, as well as PGA TOUR Canada, as well as the Asher Tour, and All-Pro Tour. These are all places where multiple Canadians tee it up to develop their games.
Q. I am new to golf but loved watching The Masters. What is the story behind the winner earning a green jacket? T.H.
A. The familiar green jacket has roots as a garment worn by club members at the Augusta National Golf Club (starting in 1937) so guests at the club could recognize club members and wait staff to spot who would get the bill in diming situations. Just over a decade later the decision was made to make winners of The Masters (hosted at the club) honorary members, with them being offered a member’s jacket to go along with their silver trophy. Masters champions can wear the jacket off-property for a year for events (as approved by the club) but otherwise, the member jackets are kept at the club.
