How to actually 'play' golf

I've been dabbling with golf theory for many years, with mixed golfing success. But I have learnt a few things over the years, and the following are my main conclusions.

It is simply not possible to focus on swing technique while playing golf. There are much more important concerns when you are required to play a shot - for example, the lie, the weather conditions, the target and (I would contend) the image of the shot you want to play. If you are thinking about any of the multiple technical elements of your swing, you can easily lose that focus.

That's not to say there are no swing fundamentals, I'll come to those, but first of all it is crucial to prepare and set up well. This includes having good posture, which must be athletic and balanced, together with a sound grip that doesn't force a player into difficult, timed manipulations of the clubface. Also, an often neglected task, but a vital one, is the need to align correctly to the target. Faulty alignment forces (sometimes unconscious) corrections to the swing which compromise consistency and even power.

An example of faulty set up and alignment is the commonly observed set up of slicers (and thus many a weekend warrior). Shoulders open, alignment as far left as possible (righties) and holding on for dear life, means there is only one result possible - a weak banana ball - unless you count the occasional disastrous straight left pull (for righties). It is so unnecessary, but so hard to change this pattern of behaviour, especially if the golfer has been playing like this for many years.

This leads to my latest thoughts on the key elements of the golf swing itself. 

My main conclusion is that the golf swing IS a natural movement. Not everyone agrees of course, but I believe it's like throwing a stone or ball sidearm. Or at least I think it is ideally the same as a natural, throwing motion. And provided the correct set up and alignment elements are in place - including especially a neutral grip, square shoulders and a balanced stance - it can be.

The only other thing to get right is the rhythm or flow of the swing. Trying to hit too hard or rush the swing from the top of the backswing will upset this rhythm and compromise the swing. The body knows how to move, but you need to quieten your mind, swing within your athletic ability and maintain the image of the shot you want to hit. Every swing, no matter what club, should be the same, unhurried, rhythmic and effortless.

There's no denying that golf can be a technical game. But I've wasted too many years trying to 'tame' it. I now just need to 'play' it.