As a golf instructor, there is a lot of truth to these words. Students come to us all the time to improve their game (long game, short game, putting, etc) and we have no problem giving help. In every lesson that I give, I see dramatic improvements to ball flight, distance, contact or short game but it is rare to have a follow-up lesson with that same student and be able to pick up right where we left off in the previous lesson.
I understand how hard it is to make a change, I was just like you all when I was learning. I had instructors tell me to make swings and put my body in positions that didn't feel comfortable and didn't feel right to me. But I made myself realize that the reason I came to this professional was to learn and improve. I gave up trying to fix everything on my own, and had to listen and perform what my instructor said no matter what. My golf pro was named Mitch Lowe (PGA), he still teaches to this day in Half Moon Bay, Ca. And to this day, I can attribute my golf swing and a large part of the way I teach to him.
The days of the "quick fix" are fading. Why? Because a quick fix is a temporary solution. As instructors, we would be doing a disservice to you if we gave you a quick fix every time. Our goal is to improve your golf and make you a more consistent and better golfer. All the advise and changes we make are designed to achieve that goal, unless you specify a different goal. That being said, quick fixes are far less awkward when learning, but they are far less effective in producing long term results.
If at anytime during instruction you are confused or don't understand what to do, ASK! If your pro cannot provide a solid reason for why they are making a change, you may want to find a new pro. Its like asking a doctor why he prescribed you a certain medication and he is unable to tell you the reason. That would send a red flag to me for sure! Ask as many questions as you would like, we are there to answer them.
So, if you are looking to get instruction, please see a PGA professional in your area and come in with the right frame of mind. Be willing and committed to change, and you WILL get better.
An example of a great change that resulted in better ball striking immediately. Club was across the line at the top, causing pulls and hooks. He committed to the change and texted me this "74 yesterday with 4 birdies. -1 on the back!"
