Golf has many parts that need to be improved so a player can become successful. It does not matter what level of golfer you are, you need to practice to progress to the next level. Even golf professionals get lessons on a regular basis and practice hard on a day to day basis. Perfection cannot be attained in golf, but improving your good shots and minimizing errant shots is something to strive for, no matter what level of golfer you are.
I am always talking about how to hit the driver longer, your irons crisper, and fine tuning your short game. This is all fine, but it all needs to be in moderation with how much golf you play on the course.
There are golfers who get lessons, practice on the range and on the putting green, with very little play on the course and then there are golfers who play golf on a regular basis, but rarely practice or get lessons.
Which do you think will score better?
The answer is: the player who plays on the course on a regular basis will score better. There was an experiment which was conducted with two groups with each group having beginners through to established players. The golfers who did not go and practice but just played golf beat 80% of those who just practiced without going onto the course.
The reason for this was that the golfers who went onto the course and played found a way to get the ball around the course. They used their mental strength along with trial and error to get the ball around the course. They used
visualization skills and feel to score well. They may not have the best technique, but they found a way to hit the ball where they wanted.
The reason for the players who had technically better swings not winning was due to a lack of course play which helps a player develop visualization skills, mental toughness, scrambling skills and scoring skills.
Anyone can be taught to have a great swing, but it is useless if you do not know how to manage the ball around the golf course. This is why playing lessons and playing a few holes every week between your practice, is the best solution to improving your scoring. Bubba Watson and Seve Ballesteros are great players because they have learnt the art of scoring and using their creative mind. Seve had a reasonable swing, but he and Bubba never give up on a hole by always trying to find a way to get the best result out of a poor situation.
It is easy to hit good shots on the range, but you need be able to take those good shots onto the course. Learn to shape the ball both ways. This will give you a strong advantage on any course.