Private Instruction
Carnegie-Mellon researchers Dr. William Chase and Dr. Herbert Simon originally devised the 10 years to become an elite athlete rule back in 1973. Numerous studies since then have supported this theory.

An updated study by Golf Magazine, right, shows it took today's PGA Tour professionals even longer. By the the time these Tour players won their first major, they were many years and millions of swings into their careers.

Blue Diamonds = started playing golf
Red Squares = won first major golf tournament