What a great question! If a poll was taken of 100 different teaching pros on what is the most important skill required to play golf, I bet there would be 100 different answers! Golf is a unique sport where the elusive perfect swing comes in a million forms. Yes, a million forms!
The golf swing is a series of different movements broken down, analyzed, and taught at varying skill levels. Each player requires something unique to match their fitness, coordination, and willingness to change. Reading many great articles from White Dragon Golf, Mind Body Golf, Golf Habits, GP Golf Report, or Hitting it Solid, I have concluded that great advice is found for those who are searching. However, to break 100 consistently or to maintain a single digit handicap each player has to find their own way on how to play golf. Golfers must find their swing, develop it, and hone the skills required to find their perfect swing.
If you are just starting golf or wondering how to play better, all I can say is welcome to the endless merry-go-round of trying to improve your swing. It will be challenging, frustrating and exhilarating all at the same time! The first time you hit the shot of your life, you will want to hit a better one! What a vicious circle…..no wonder golf is the greatest sport!
Golf is really meant to be played; the only way to get better is to practice, play, adjust, practice and play; then repeat one million times. It seems like a pretty simple system, well give it a try. Actually, golf is meant to be enjoyed! If you are not having fun, then what is the point.
Finally, 3underthru12 has a fantastic video on how to play golf that will make you laugh. For some of us seasoned golfers, we will remember watching it when it first came out! For others, enjoy it for the first time.
I am a grateful golfer. See you on the links!

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Great post Jim,
I think you hit the nail on the head, there are so many different ways of playing this game. The best advice as mentioned is to find a teacher that can show you a method that works for you. We are all individuals and what works for some golfers doesn’t work for others.
Find a way that gets you progress and stick with it!
Cheers
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Tony
Thanks. Your point of finding a good teacher is critical to early success. Thanks for the comment.
Cheers
Jim
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Hi Jim, good post and thanks for the mention. Won a club tournament at the weekend, if only I could find that swing all the time !!!
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Pete
Congrats…you will have to give me strokes when we play together….3 a side sounds about right!
Cheers
Jim
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Yeah right
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Have you read Golf’s Sacred Journey? One of my favorite lines is “Find what you do well and perfect it.” I’ve kept it in the back of my mind ever since.
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I have not read the book. I will put it on my list. Thanks for commenting.
Cheers
Jim
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