To play decent golf, you need a good swing and to play exceptional golf you need a feel. And to get the feel, you need to practice. But needless to say, if you practice without a goal or some thoughts, you are not going to improve your skills.

Here are some pointers that you can work on to develop a feel for your game.
Alignment
Never hit a shot without aiming at the target. Most players do not take a dead aim and just address the ball. You should go directly behind the ball and the target line and set up your feet in parallel line to the target. Your shoulder and your hips should also be parallel to the target line. If you aim correct, chances are you will produce a good shot. Majority of golfers will have this problem so it is one of the most important aspects to improve the game.
Swing path
Your swing path should also be in connection to the target line. You should start your backswing in line with the target and similarly you should also follow through towards the target. Most importantly, you should follow-through towards the target line, this will help you to have your arms straight at the impact position as well. If you can start to swing on the path that you have imagined, even the bad shots will head towards target.
Use your body more
For a controlled swing, make a punch-shot motion with a shorter backswing and more body turn on the downswing. The arms and body should move through the ball as one unit. Focus on your body rotation towards the target.
More club, less swing To keep your swing under control, choose a bigger club and hit easy. That way you will focus on making a smooth swing, not trying to hit the ball harder than you can. The only club you want to hit the ball hard is with the driver,
other than that you should play easy about 70 per cent of your actual strength. And develop a feel for each club.
Straighter is better
Train your mind, as well as your swing, to hit dead-straight shots. Imagine you have only 20 yards fairway and trouble on both side. You might feel it tough, but challenge yourself to swing harder while maintaining that same controlled motion. If your ball is in the short grass you are more likely to produce more pars and birdies.

Develop a feel while you practice. Never practice without a target in mind and your game is surely going to get better day by day.
(The author is a golf instructor and golf director at Gokarna Forest Golf Resort & Spa, Kathmandu. He can be contacted through prodeepak@hotmail.com)