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:

• It must be compressed at impact.
• It must have backspin when in flight.
• The dimples of a spinning ball
  act as 'wings' to help carry a ball
  the anticipated distance for the club that's used.

2) The Golf Club:

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

3) The Golfers Body:

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

The best way to learn these skills is to become aware of them.  Then the next steps to mastering them are as follows,

• Visually - Watch the skills being performed
• Verbal; Instruction
• Kinesthetically - Feel it!

Then, and only then, are you ready to practice. You learn to gain (the know how).   Then you 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.