I’ve heard you are a student of the game. You read every article to get the edge on your playing buddies. Your golf bag is full of the latest and greatest “guaranteed results” clubs. But your scores probably don’t reflect the investment. Chances are you’re playing golf swing instead of golf.
Your approach isn’t working because when you play you approach the ball walking into your set up from the side of the ball. This contributes to you getting all introspective about the task at hand, thinking about the “how” and losing sight, literally, of your target. You become ball bound, and that prevents you from really “playing” golf. Though you know your target is “over there” somewhere, you have no connection to it as a destination. Playing golf is about getting the ball to drop into a 4 ¼ inch diameter cup, not about a perfect position at the top of your backswing! It’s time to give your brain and your eyes a new view by connecting with the “where”.
Watch golf on TV and you’ll notice that once club selection is done and practice swings are made, the player moves to a position behind the ball and stands there a few seconds. You may even notice the player inhale and exhale a big breath to prepare for the launch! From behind the ball, the view is through the ball down the target line, to the specific destination. It is essential for you to establish this view, as it gives your brain the chance to swing towards something besides the ball!! 
You need to rehearse and practice this on the range, giving the routine as much attention as drilling mechanics. Save 20 balls at the end of your practice session to go through your different clubs. Set a ball ready to hit. Go to a starting position 6-8 feet behind this ball. Pick an object 2-3 feet in front of the ball to use to aim your clubhead through. Take a few seconds to imagine the shot shape and actual flight you want. You might even want to close your eyes, as Jason Day does, to “see” better. Quiet the words in your head. When you’re calm, walk into the shot and AIM the clubhead FIRST, before setting your feet and body. NOTE: there is no need to have any attention on aiming your body…your clubhead is already good to go!!! Once you’re all set, take at least one more LONG look at your target. Allow your eyes to track back along the target line and come back to focus on the ball. Make your motion, whether good or not so good, through the ball TOWARDS your destination. Evaluate this “drill” by judging if the ball went towards the target, not by judging if the ball flight was pretty.
Using different clubs, put your attention and intention on where you want the ball to go. On the course, replace your 25 swing thoughts with this connection to your destination and you’ll experience more target bound shots. Enjoy “playing” golf!
