Anyone can play golf. Grab some clubs, book a tee time and go play. There is nothing stopping you. If you’re able to do this and don’t care about results (and I mean really don’t care) then well done. You’re in a tiny percentage.

But the game gets hard when you want to improve. At first your scores come down quickly. There’s a rapid learning curve and it seems only a matter of time before you’ll be playing off scratch.

But the game gets tougher. You reach a plateau. You might even gets worse for a while. And then for a while longer.

Next comes frustration. You don’t know why you hit some shots well and others poorly. You keep searching, hoping you’ll figure it out. Years go by and before long you realise you’ve been playing for ages and haven’t improved that much.

This is despite lessons, new clubs, practice and dedication.

Why is the game so hard?

I’ve pondered this question for a long time. And while I’m not sure I’ve got the complete answer I think I’m getting closer.

Remarkable golfers are able to somehow crawl inside their game and feel what’s required to hit great shots. They’re able to see their game from the perspective of the club, the ball and the target. They are able to have a deep and shallow view at the same time. They know instantly the right club and shot to choose and they almost never go against this gut feeling.

There’s golf and then there’s golf as art. The art factor is where remarkable lies and is the result of having your heart and soul in the game. When you can crawl into your game and see it with real clarity, when you can live and breath your game you can play golf as art. You can become a master.

Can everyone do this? I don’t think so. Most are looking outside themselves, searching for the quick-fix or tip that will change their fortunes. But these don’t exist. You can’t buy mastery like you can a golf club. And you certainly can’t find it for $47 on an internet site, book or DVD. There’s also nobody handing out mastery in the pro shop.

You’ve got to earn it. You’ve got to bleed a little, make some mistakes and feel uncomfortable. This is why everyone can’t play remarkable golf. This is why most golfers find the game hard.

Here’s my advice to helping you find your A-game: Be patient with yourself. Don’t be in a hurry as you explore your real golfer inside you, as you unlock your swing, game plan and strategy that matches your skill and talent so you give NO chance for fear or self-doubt to take over.

This is the answer to unlock your mastery.

There’s lots of noise out there. Many will tell you the secret’s in a new club, swing tip or theory. Chances are these ideas have failed you in the past and will continue to do so.

There’s also plenty of boring golfers. Golfers who copy what everyone else does and beats the “I know what I did wrong” drum. I hope you aspire to be different. To show your real talent and not be scared to be you. Play the game that deep down you truly want to play. To play remarkably.

I wish you well.