I don't know the context of Watson's comments. Regarding instruction, if he is referring to pro's then I can believe that. Look back 40 years ago who taught the pro's. They had one or two pro's in their career and they worked with each other. Today the pro's seem to change coaches and instructors almost as regularly as they do putters. They are always looking a putters every week.
In today's world I think instructors get a bad rap. The reason the student doesn't suceed is always the instructor or the equipment. Taking personal responsiblity is something most people today who grew in the last 20 years or so has not learned. You see it everyday in our society, make the person feel good, lower the bar so no one is left behind, find someone to sue when you trip and fall cause you weren't paying attention while walking, etc.
Level of knowledge of instructors is probably no better or worse from years of past. After all most teaching pro's do it as a side job to get extra money, running the golf course, catering to the customers, etc. is where a lot of effort is required. Based on the PGA's teaching courses, I wouldn't expect that a pro would learn the golf swing per-se in detail, the course seems to rely on a mentor situation which means the pro is a product of the pro and if they don't have the depth and experience, well it isn't just going to happen. Let face it the majority of golfers want instant results that they don't have to put out much effort for, that is why the gimmics and golf tips sell so well. If the students were more demanding, I think the instruction level would increase of just a few instructors would be working off their butts to keep pace with the work load. Those who are serious, will seek and find eventually an instructor that can fill the demand and those students will work just as hard as well.
After all the majority golfers are just golfers, not a career just out their to hit the white ball around and enjoy the game and people. The arguement every golfer wants to shoot low scores doesn't hold water cause they clearly have demonstrated that they are not committed to the effort required. This isn't a negative but an observation. So for these an adjustment here or there and they have a little improvement or feel better is what it is all about for that category of golfers.
On Fitness, I agree. Those of yesterday, even with drinking and party came from a Blue Collar background for the most part. Today most young guns haven't even mowed their parents lawn or taken out the garbage. They grew up in the gym. Now the older folks, Watson and company have learned that they can extend their career, beat the againg process some, shown by distance, etc. But they still haven't found the exercise to over come the mental againg process. JMO.
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