With the advent of the computer and platforms that show amateur golfs how to play, many beginners forgo the requirement for lessons or at least they think they do not need professional help. This viewpoint might be true for someone just dabbling in golf, but for the avid player I would suggest that trying to mimic a skill off the internet without a reasonable foundation of understanding of the mechanics of golf is a fool’s errand. I know, after many many attempts, that some skills are duplicatable and others are nearly impossible to mimic. Which is which is rather simple to discern if you sit and think about the mechanics you are trying to master.

I think the most challenging skill to develop is anything dealing with the full swing. If you are just learning how to play golf, it is a tremendous challenge to mimic all the components of a full swing if you do not understand the basics. Here is a good example of what I mean:

This video is a great video as Freddie Couples explains releasing of his wrists at the proper contact point. Now, if you are a golfer who understands their swing and the mechanics to making the ball launch off the tee, this is a great video and worth trying to mimic.

Other videos such as developing chipping and putting skills would be more inline with a beginner mimicking skills off of the internet. Here is a great video to explain what I mean:

Brad Faxon, and he is one of many professionals offering putting and chipping tips, explains how to accomplish both a chip and a pitch. This lesson is easily repeatable because the mechanics simpler and less complex to understand. Most amateurs would improve their short game just by watching and repeating what Faxon has to say about chipping and pitching the golf ball.

The main point today is that not all skills can be learned off the internet. The more complex mechanics, the more you will need to find a professional teacher to guide you in the proper direction in order to get to the point of learning things off the internet. Additionally, it will take more time and effort to do it by yourself (I should know because that is how my game developed over the years). Regardless, mimicking a golf skill does take practice.

If I can offer a lase piece of advice, regardless of what you watch and try to accomplish ensure you make that skill your own. Everyone has different ways to swing the golf club and modifying your swing is important if you are improving your game. Change for the sake of change with zero improvement makes no sense to me and should be avoided. If you are going to mimic a skill off the internet, ensure you understand what you are trying to accomplish and always keep that in mind moving forward. If it is not working for your game, why change.

I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!