Why do many people think reading golf mag tips from pros are a bad thing?

[westcyderydin]

It reminds me of the Guitar Hero episode of South Park where one of the kids starts playing Heroin Hero...where you try to chase down and catch a dragon, but you can never catch up to it.

Golf magazines are full of tips, many of which...even in the same magazine...will contradict each other.  And while some of the tips are good and some bad, they lead you down a road with no end.

They give you the tips, but no road map.  If you want to be the weekend golfer always looking for the next swing tip to turn your game around then have fun.  But if you want to be a good golfer with a solid swing, don't look for golf magazines to teach you.

[johnclayton1982]

Its silly to make a blanket statement about all golf magazine tips.  I thought Webb Simpson's "Belly Putter Basics" was really, really good.  I think some articles are terrible  Its not all or nothing.  Some are good and helpful, others are pointless.

[carpediem4300]

I'll always read them, i paid nearly £5 for the magazine so im reading all of it!

but what i take from it varies,...i dont buy the magazine cus it has a certain tip in it that may help me or whatever,...but for me its all about common sense and how to apply anything you read to yourself

So far ive only taken short game tips like chipping and putting,....and that side of my game is the best its ever been

not sure on anything full swing etc

[allin]

The post citing context has it right. You must know enough about your body type, swing type, before you can identify which tips may apply to you. Being exposed to new ways of thinking about golf swings or a specialty shot is worthwhile. Unfortunately I think newer golfers lacking a good base mix and match tips for different styles which is a killer. Any 18 handicap can spot flaws in others, good teaching pros have a toolbox which allows them to pick fixes which fit the ability level of a student without creating bigger problems. Blindly trying tips is inherently inefficient, you will probably improve but it will take far longer.

[shiny]

I do like reading them but in a UK golf magazine we have here within 10 pages there were 3 pro's all talking about their way (the only way) to hit approach shots.  Can you guess all were differrent.