Ron I think what happens is new golfers read a book where the pro golfing author says to get distance first, then work on accuracy. Two that come mind right off are Jack Nicklaus, and Harvey Pinick. Nothing wrong with those opinions, andI wouldn't argue with either one of those guys about the golf swing. What the new golfer forgets, and the pro golfer usally does not add,  is that tempo, and timing comes into play as well as the strength to control a faster swing. Also let's not forget a new golfer having enough time to practice (with qualified instruction) on a daily basis, to properly  develope a longer yardage swing that is also some what accurate. I read some where that scientists say it takes 10K hours of practice for the human body to develope a pro tour golf swing. Thats 250 40 hour work weeks. I am lucky if I put in 2 hours a week in practice, and another 36 holes of actual playing time.  10 hours minimum ...maybe? 

I drive a ball about 250 +/- on average If I swing out of my shoes, I can get 280+ out of my swing, The difference is I can find the fairway many more times with a 250 swing than I can trying for  280+ yards. That is not to say I don't go for the extra yardage. I do, but usually too many times in a my rounds of golf which usually keeps me from breaking 80. Also, I very seldom hook up with other players who out drive me at 250 yards, no matter what their age. Except for a very small percentage, most week end golfers don't hit the ball much more the 230 yards. The main thing for the weekend golfer to remember is to have fun, and enjoy those "career" scoring rounds when they do show up.   FHs