Golf is a game that can never be perfected, but it can be managed and your skills can be fine tuned to meet the goals that you set for yourself.
I find that if people do not practice nor play for a period of time, they lose their feel. Usually, chipping and putting are the first components of the game that seem to really drop in skill levels.
Anybody can hit a good drive, even a good iron shot, but having the feel to hit good putts and chips shots can only come from constant practice.
Depending on the level of the golfer, the level of quality in each shot can drop quite considerably. For example, a scratch golfer might get busy and not be able to practice. They manage to go for a game after a couple of weeks. They shoot 7 over par, a score they are not proud of, but a score that a 20 handicapper would love to have.
Everything needs to be put into perspective. Practice and getting a feel for your game can make a great difference. You may feel that working on your technique and getting lessons is not for you, but I will say, it is important to try and get to the course at least twice a week and either hits some shots on the range and work on your short game, or just simply go play 9 holes or even 5 holes, if you do not have much time in your schedule.
Golfers can be split into players who are technical or players that work on feel. John Daly is a feel player and Tom Kite is a technician. Both can play well, but without practice, neither can achieve what they desire.
For example, I can demonstrate how to hit various shot, and do this well, even without practice, but to get on the course and to play to my ability, I need to practice so I can maintain my technique and my feel, without that, I lose my sense of control with the shots I play on the course, which can then impact on the confidence of the game.
Every part of the game is linked, it is just a matter of maintaining each level. Practice will help you maintain your confidence, technique and feel. Playing 9 holes with friends or on your own, can do much to help you maintain your skill level and even improve your scoring ability, this is why I encourage players to play more and even having playing lessons to help them improve their decision making on the course. I have seen many players improve their golf dramatically, simply by having a playing lesson and getting a feel of how to score with the technique that they have.
Practice and play to maintain your feel for your game!!