This week, I thought I would select a few questions to answer that have been submitted by readers of this column.

I have received several questions in the past few weeks and I thought this week would be a good time to answer a few of them. If you have any questions or want me to cover a topic, please feel free to contact me at the information below.

Joan from Wheeling asked, “Why is it so difficult for women to learn to play golf?”

This one confused me a little bit, because my first reaction was that it is no more difficult for women to learn to play than it is for men to learn to play. But then I thought the larger question was to help Joan and others learn the easiest environment for women to learn the game. Women learn skills in groups far better than they do individually. So the easiest way to learn, Joan, is to find a Beginners Clinic (I host one at Wheeling Country Club) for women. These clinics get you acquainted with the game and accent fun and also provide you other women to play golf with once you are comfortable on the course.

Brian from Wheeling asked, “What is the best loft when purchasing a driver?”

I have fitted hundreds of players for drivers and the two most important aspects are shot shape and dynamic loft. Shot shape is the ideal flight for a driver. Think of the flight pattern of a quarterback’s pass from the 50-yard line to the goal line. The flight is not up and down and not flat line in nature, it is a healthy arc that allows for distance and height in an ideal combination.

The dynamic loft is important because it allows the shape shot to take place. Dynamic loft is what loft is in action when you hit the ball. Generally speaking, the dynamic loft is two to three degrees lower than the loft on the club. If you have a 10-degree, it just became eight. Now try to hit that nice shot shape with an effectively flat-faced driver. No go. Rule of thumb, the higher the loft, the better the average player will fare. Twelve-degree lofted drivers will hit a driver farther than a 10-degree. If you do not believe that, come see me and I will show you.

Drew from Grove City asked, “Who is the best player in history?”

Well, there is a whole generation of people who will tell you it is Tiger Woods. A valid thought, but not one that I subscribe to. The best player is the biggest winner, in any sport, and in golf that is Jack Nicklaus. He has won the most majors, he has the most records and he has the most historically significant wins. It is pretty well settled in most people’s minds that it is Nicklaus. For my top five, I list Ben Hogan, Nicklaus, Bobby Jones, Woods and Byron Nelson. I realize these are not a great shock, but for my 50 cents, that is my top five.

Trivia Answer: None of the ten answers I received last was correct. The only officially recognized PGA Tour event ever held in Wheeling was the 1936 Centennial Open held at Wheeling Country Club. The winner was former U.S. Open winner Billy Burke.

Rich Conwell is the General Manager & PGA Head Golf Professional at Wheeling Country Club and can be reached with questions or comments at rconwell@wheelingcountryclub.com or 304-232-2000.