“Aim small, miss small” is one of golf’s oldest sayings. It sounds logical, pick a tiny target and your misses should be smaller.

The problem? The research doesn’t completely agree.

Originally a military phrase, the saying was adopted by golfers who believed aiming at a specific point, like a flagstick or a single leaf on a tree, would improve accuracy. But a study by Bob Christina and Eric Alpenfels found that golfers aiming at larger targets often performed just as well, and sometimes even better, than those focusing on very small targets. Their conclusion was tongue-in-cheek: perhaps it should be “Aim large, miss small.”

So why does this happen?

I believe it comes down to how our brain interprets pressure. The smaller and more demanding the target, the more we feel we have to be perfect. That tension often changes the way we swing.

Imagine a 150-metre approach to a green with the flag tucked just a few metres from a bunker. Many golfers instinctively aim straight at the flag, even though their normal shot pattern might not be accurate enough to avoid trouble. Simply aiming at the centre of the green doesn’t change your swing or ability, it changes your margin for success. With more room to work, your brain feels freer, and that often leads to a better swing.

This is exactly how the professionals think. Despite what many golfers believe, Tour players don’t attack every flag. They understand their shot patterns and choose targets that give their normal swing the best chance of success. They’re managing probabilities, not chasing perfection.

Confidence also plays a huge role. Commitment doesn’t come from choosing the smallest target, it comes from believing you can execute the shot. When you trust your target, your body moves more freely. When you feel you have to be perfect, tension creeps in and the swing becomes cautious.

That doesn’t mean you should never aim at the flag. If the pin is in a safe position and your shot pattern suits it, be aggressive. The key is matching your target to your realistic shot, not your perfect one.

Instead of Aim small, miss small, perhaps it’s time to think:

Aim smart, swing free.

Choose targets that give your normal swing the greatest chance of success. Golf isn’t about hitting perfect shots, it’s about making your best swing and giving that swing enough room to work.

Coach’s Challenge

For your next round, ignore the flag and aim for the safest section of every green. Commit to your swing and see what happens, you may find yourself hitting more greens and, surprisingly, finishing closer to the hole.