Target versus ball focused aiming when golf putting: What has been done and what has been missed

Abstract

As the prevalence of target focussed aiming in golf putting increases amongst professionals and amateurs alike, it is important to understand its operation if the synergy between research and practice is to be optimised. Therefore, the current paper’s aims were firstly to review and critique existing empirical literature. Although our observations of these studies were informative, however, we identified a number of key methodological inconsistencies and omissions, which limits our understanding as a complete evidence-base across studies. Consequently and secondly, we provide insight into possible mechanisms for how target focussed aiming might work with corresponding measures for investigating these suggestions. Finally, we propose a number of methodological considerations that need to be addressed by future research. It is hoped this research will inform future practice when coaching the skill of putting.