If you don't utilize intermediate targets on the course, you are costing yourself strokes.
Intermediate targets are distinguishable points of reference along your intended target line. They are chosen by the golfer when standing behind the ball and determining what the intended target line actually is. It could be anything from a broken tee to a divot or an off-colored tuft of grass, and the closer to the ball the better.
The primary reason for picking an intermediate target very close to your ball and along your intended target line is to aim more accurately. Since you know that the intermediate target (which is ideally within a few feet of the ball for most shots) is on the target line, it allows you to more easily set the face of the clubhead perpendicular, or perfectly square, to the target line. Rather than trying to point the face of the clubhead at a target that may be hundreds of yards down the fairway, all you have to do is aim it at a (intermediate) target a couple of feet ahead of the ball. Picking an intermediate target is part of my pre-shot routine for all shots from putts to drives. I consider it the only way to align myself correctly.
I will always begin the routine by standing well behind the ball (at least 10 feet), then I determine my target line by holding up the shaft of my club so that I can see both the ball and the intended target along the shaft (it's best to do this while looking through only your dominant eye and closing the other). Then, with the club still raised and looking through my dominant eye, I will pick an intermediate target (any distinguishable point of reference) that is as close to my ball as possible. I will often look up the shaft and pick another one or two intermediate targets that I might look at when I do address the ball, to further confirm the target line. Then, I bring the shaft down and address the ball while staring only at the intermediate target closest to my ball. I set down the clubhead and point the face directly at the intermediate target so that it is perpendicular to the target line. At this point my clubhead is set, so I take my stance, assuring that my feet are parallel left of my target line. Then, a couple of waggles, a look at my intermediate target and any other intermediate targets along my intended line, one good look at my ultimate target, eyes back to the ball, and swing away.
The other great thing about the intermediate target close to your ball is that it helps you release the clubhead down your intended target line. Since you can (hopefully) still see the intermediate target with your peripheral vision as you look at your ball, this will allow you to swing the clubhead through the ball and towards the intermediate target with the confidence that it is on the correct line. This process takes a great deal of guesswork out of aiming. If you are not aimed the right direction and your body is aligned incorrectly, you will find that your ball rarely travels close to your intended target.
Finding distinguishable points of reference on the putting green can be more difficult. However, I will still pick out off color blades of grass, or anything along my intended line that I try to 'roll the ball over'.
I highly recommend picking intermediate targets as part of your pre-shot routine for every shot in golf.
