The Oldest Secret
Instructions for the Use of Tools

The first phase of learning golf is as follows...

Learn how to get the ball
to go where you want it to go.

To do this the golfer uses three tools. Here are the tools and the instructions for proper use:

1) The Golf Ball:

• A golf ball must be compressed at impact.
• In flight the golf ball must have back spin.
• Know that the dimples on the spinning ball
  act as 'wings' to help carry a ball
  the distance anticipated by the club used.

2) The Golf Club:

• The golf club shaft is swung on its path and is loaded
  (with momentum) at transition.
• The butt end of the club is swung past the ball first.
• Know the effectiveness of the rotating clubhead.

3) The Golfers Body:

• As the body pivots the shoulders in the backswing,
  the hands and arms swing up and body weight is shifted to the rear foot
• As the pivoting body pivots the shoulders forward,
  the hands and arms swing down and the body weight is shifted to the front foot
• The elbows always point to the ground

The best way to learn these skills is first to become aware of them, then:

• Visually - watch the skills being performed
• Spoken word - instruction
• Kinesthetically - feeling it!

Then, and only then, are you ready to practice. You learn to gain (the know how) then practice to ingrain (the swing). Don't expect to hit the ball well in the beginning. In fact, contact with the golf ball or hitting the ball well is not at all important at this early learning stage.