I remember the first time I truly understood the importance of picking a precise target in golf. I was standing on the 4th tee of my home course, staring down a narrow fairway lined with red and white stakes. My goal? Get the ball in play. My actual plan? Nonexistent.

I wasn’t aiming at anything—I was aiming toward something. There’s a big difference. That’s when I started learning about precision and stumbled upon the story of Lanny Bassham, the Olympic rifle-shooting legend.

Lanny Bassham’s Approach to Precision

Lanny Bassham didn’t just shoot at targets; he aimed at a single point—a precise spot so specific it was practically microscopic. His philosophy was simple: the smaller the target, the sharper the focus. This method helped him win gold and became a lesson I applied to my golf game.

The next time I hit the course, I thought, What would Bassham do? Instead of aiming down the fairway, I picked a specific patch of grass-leaf-cloud speck in the distance.

The results? My shots weren’t perfect, but they were noticeably better. By narrowing my focus, my swing felt more purposeful, and my misses were less erratic.

How to Think Like a Sniper on the Course

Here’s how you can apply Lanny Bassham’s method of laser-sharp focus to your game:

1. Shrink Your Target

On your next tee shot, don’t just aim for the fairway—pick a specific tree or a blade of grass in the distance. On approach shots, focus on a particular section of the green. The smaller the target, the better your body aligns with the shot.

2. Visualize Like a Champion

Before you step up to the ball, take a moment to visualize your shot. See the ball flying toward that exact spot. I like to think of it as “painting the shot” in my mind—it makes the target feel real.

3. Block Out the Noise

Here’s where it gets tricky. It’s easy to get distracted by the big picture: the distance, the wind, the hazards. But Bassham’s approach teaches us to stay locked in on one thing: the target.

4. Trust Your Training

By the time you’ve picked your target and visualized the shot, all that’s left is execution. Trust your swing. Don’t overthink it. You’ve done the mental work—now let your body do the rest.

A Lesson in Precision

The next time you step onto the course, think like a sniper. Pick your target, lock in, and commit to the shot. It’s a simple mindset shift, but it can make all the difference.

Aim small,

Mark