A golfers intent - is the ball the target or the flag?

As beginner golfers, we all just try to hit the ball (as our target), not to embarrass ourselves. I am afraid for many high cappers, we never trust our swing and even though we improve, the ball remains are target. How big is intent in the backswing? Should the flag or green be our target on approach shots? Here's a supporting video by Shawn Clement.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5Vq9PrYTDM