Focus On Your Target

"In golf, what this stationary ball often leads to is attention being drawn exclusively toward the ball, with little or no attention paid to the target" - Andy Griffiths

Just like if you were going to shoot a basketball, you must put your focus for the shot towards the rim. There is no difference when it comes to golf except for the fact that the ball is stationary. If you stand over the ball too long, the harder it will be to perform effectively. Most amateurs place a great deal of thought on the ball and body movements, resulting in the target being lost (mentally). Your main focus should be to get the ball to end up at your target after every shot. Spend most of your time getting zoned into your target rather than being fixated on the ball or even your swing. This is the reason most peoples practice swings are better than their real swings because the don't have the ball in front of them.

Tips to becoming more target oriented:

1. During your pre-shot routine, take a long look at the target and do so with extreme care
2. Visualize the flight of the ball going to the target (or the ball rolling into the hole) 
3. Maintain your awareness of the target as you are about to start your swing/stroke. Stay connected with the target even when you are not looking at it. 
4. Be committed to where you want the ball to go

I personally would say this is the most important aspect of golf. When you are playing, you do not want to be thinking about your swing but instead where you want the ball to go. Playing good golf is about having a clear mind and playing free, allowing the body to perform without interference. The freer the mind the freer the swing. 

For more information visit: How to focus for golf