I look at it like this.....

Let's say you get a job at a golf course as an assistant professional. Let's say......Ohhh.....Jay Haas is a member of your club you work at....and he befriends you. Now....you can whack balls all day long on the range and teach yourself. You can play round after round and self-critique.....and probably learn through trial and error.

Or...

You can take advantage of one of the best playing minds and games the sport's ever seen.....and likely straighten out the learning curve by leaps and bounds.

In MY mind....there's nothing virtuous in NOT taking advantage of everything at your disposal. In MY eyes.....that shows intelligence. I'll put my money on the intelligent hunter (insert any skill endeavor, here in place of hunting) over the guy relying on only himself to learn. Call me crazy.