Q - I play off 7 and strike the ball fairly well. However, my ball flight is quite high which is great downwind but hopeless into the wind. Do you have any tips for hitting the ball lower into the wind?

A - The first thing you should check (with your professional) is the lofts on your clubs and the flex of shafts because, if your clubs are too lofted, or your shafts are too flexible, then you will certainly hit the ball high. When playing from the tee, check that you are not teeing the ball too low as this will encourage a steep downward swing which in turn causes backspin and a high ball flight. Furthermore, hitting the ball more softly into the wind will also help the ball fly lower. . . . this is because less backspin will be imparted. So, when playing from the fairway, take two clubs more and hit more softly!

Q - I am nearing 60 and don't hit the ball as far as I used to. I have used the same clubs for the last 15 years. Would a change in clubs help me to find some extra yards?

A - As you have had your clubs for 15 years, you are certainly not taking advantage of the latest technology. Many manufacturers now cater specially for the senior golfer with an "A" flex shaft. These are lighter and more flexible shafts which help give you more clubhead speed and, therefore, more distance. The best solution is to go to your club professional who will give you a few different models to try out.

Q - How do professionals on television get so much backspin with their wedge shots?

A - There are several factors which help the ball spin so much: 1, Soft greens; 2, Soft covered balls such as the Titleist tour prestige or the Maxfli Revolution; 3, Wedges with adequate groove depth (and, most importantly, clean grooves). Added to these factors are a solid downward strike. Producing a shallow divot after the ball has been struck imparts the maximum amount of backspin.

Q - How do you hit the ball out of a divot?

A - This piece of misfortune is always very frustrating after a fine drive down the middle and often results in a poor score at the hole in question. However, by applying the following technique, you should be able to make a quicker recovery.

Firstly, as long as the divot is not too deep, you can expect to hit the ball out a good distance. If it is too deep, then simply dig it out with the wedge. However, in a regular divot mark, take two clubs more lofted than the shot length requires and play the ball back in your stance just inside the right foot. Therefore, the swing will be a steep descending blow and will send the ball out very low and running. With a bit of practice, this technique can be mastered into a very effective escape measure.

Q - What is the best physical exercise for golf?

A - There is no straightforward answer. However, to play good golf, a combination of strength, stamina and flexibility is required. In my experience of teaching at all levels, I have noticed that flexibility is usually the factor that can most be improved. A lack of flexibility hampers the movements in the swing and can also lead to physical injuries. Through trial and error, I have found that yoga is the best exercise for improving my own flexibility.

Neil Manchip is Head Teaching Professional at Royal Dublin Golf Club. Queries to Neil should be addressed to: Ask The Pro, c/o Sports Department, The Irish Times, D'Olier Street, Dublin 2 or e-mail sportsirish-times.ie.