Golf Target

What is the target in golf?

The target is the spot where the player decides to hit the ball. It isn't always the flag: at the tee on a par-4 hole, it's a section of the fairway; on an approach shot, it's a part of the green or a landing spot; on the green, it's the hole or a point along the putting line.

Choosing a specific target before each shot is one of the habits that most clearly distinguishes good players from the rest. Aiming “toward the fairway” isn’t enough: you aim for a tree, the edge of a bunker, or a clear landmark.

Final goal and intermediate goal: What's the difference?

• The Final Target is the spot where the ball must land, sometimes more than 220 yards away.
• The Intermediate Target is a small landmark located on the same line, one or two meters in front of the ball: a leaf, a patch of grass, a divot.

It's much easier to align the clubface with a nearby reference point than with a distant flag. Almost all pros do it this way: they stand behind the ball, mentally draw a line toward the target, pick out an intermediate point, and then position the club facing that point before setting their feet.

How do you choose your target?

Depending on the shot

• At the start: the part of the fairway that offers the best angle for the next shot, taking into account bunkers and penalty areas.
• Toward the green: often the center of the green rather than the flag, especially when the flag is placed near the edge or behind a bunker.
• Around the Green: the spot where the ball lands, from which it will roll toward the hole.
• On putting: the point where the ball must enter the hole, or a point on the line if the putt is on a slope.

Depending on your game

• Your dispersion: The more erratic your shots are, the more room your target must leave on either side.
• Your Usual Curve: If your ball curves from right to left, aim to the right of the target to let it curve back.
• What to Avoid: Move the target to the side opposite the danger, so that a missed shot still keeps the play going.

What do the Rules of Golf say about aiming?

The current Rules govern alignment assistance (Rule 10.2b):

• It is prohibited to put an object on the floor, such as a club or an alignment stick, to help establish a stance or indicate the line of play. Placing the clubhead on the ground behind the ball is still permitted.
• Once the player has begun to assume his stance, his The younger player must not deliberately stand behind him, in line with the play, to help him get into position.

Ground alignment sticks are therefore reserved for the driving range, where they are invaluable for checking your aim.

How can I aim better?

• Always start from behind the ball, along the target's axis: that's the only place where the line is actually visible.
• First, align the face, then position your body parallel to the line of play, like the rails of a railroad track: the clubface on the outer rail, your feet on the inner rail.
• Keep a small target in mind During the swing: Your motion becomes more fluid when you focus on where to hit the ball rather than on the mechanics.
• Practicing on a target at the driving range, changing targets and clubs with every shot, just like on the course.