What phase of learning is the first that a student will pass through when learning a new golf skill?

The first phase of learning when a student is acquiring a new golf skill is cognitive learning. In this initial phase, learners focus on understanding the basic concepts and techniques associated with the skill. They actively engage in processing information, which often includes watching demonstrations, listening to explanations, and trying to grasp the elements of the skill being learned. During cognitive learning, students may experience a lot of thought and analysis as they familiarize themselves with the mechanics and principles behind the new skill.

This phase is crucial because it lays the groundwork for future learning and improvement. Learners may also make mistakes or struggle with the execution of the skill, but this is a part of the process as they seek to understand how to perform the skill correctly. As they gain familiarity and comprehension, students will transition into the next phases of associative learning and eventually autonomous learning, where they refine their techniques and begin to perform more automatically.