Aim Point Putting Explained

AimPoint putting, also known as the AimPoint Express method, has revolutionised the putting game for professional golfers and amateurs alike. This green reading system, popularised by PGA Tour players like Adam Scott, Justin Rose, Keegan Bradley, and Dustin Johnson, significantly improves putting accuracy, confidence, and consistency. Here's a detailed guide on mastering AimPoint golf techniques, enhancing your putting on the golf course, and lowering your scores.

Understanding AimPoint Putting

AimPoint was developed by Mark Sweeney and provides golfers with a consistent method to read putts accurately. Unlike traditional green reading methods that rely heavily on visual cues, AimPoint uses your body's ability to feel the slope and combines it with precise measurements to determine the break of your putts.

Step-by-Step AimPoint Green Reading

Step 1: Feel the Slope

Begin by standing behind the ball on the practice green. Determine the weight distribution in your feet. For example, if your right foot feels heavier, the slope tilts to your right. Use a digital level to correlate your feelings with precise slope measurements. Practice this regularly, starting with a 0% slope, and gradually introduce slopes of 1%, 2%, and 3%.

Step 2: Practising with a Digital Level

Using a digital level, identify slope percentages accurately. This step allows you to calibrate your internal gauge of slope percentage. Most golfers should spend considerable practice time between 1% and 3% slopes, as these are common on most greens.

Step 3: Assigning Numbers to Slopes

Practice regularly by placing your digital level on various parts of the green and then standing on the slope to confirm your internal measurement. You should quickly be able to assign a number—1% slope equals one finger, 2% slope equals two fingers, etc., up to 5% slope.

Step 4: Using Your Fingers for AimPoint Putting

Once you've learned to accurately feel the slope:

• For a 1% slope, use one finger.
• For a 2% slope, use two fingers.
• For a 3% slope, use three fingers, and so forth.

For putts under 6 feet, align your pointer finger (or multiple fingers for higher slopes) to either the centre or lower edge of the hole to determine your aiming line. For longer putts (7-20 feet), take multiple readings along your intended line to gauge the slope accurately.

Adjusting for Green Speed

Green speed significantly impacts break:

• Slower greens require extending your fingers further from your face, indicating less break.
• Faster greens require bringing your fingers closer to your face, indicating more break.

Applying AimPoint on the Golf Course

• Stand behind your golf ball and quickly feel the slope percentage using your feet.
• Use your fingers to identify your intended line, not the apex. Aim at the identified line, allowing the slope to carry the ball naturally towards the hole.

AimPoint Express Method and Professional Golfers

Many professional golfers rely on AimPoint for reading greens accurately. Major champions, including Adam Scott and Justin Rose, credit their improved putting performance to this systematic approach. As demonstrated on the Golf Channel, the AimPoint method effectively reduces three putts and boosts putting confidence by ensuring a consistent method of aiming and executing.

Benefits of AimPoint Putting

• Increased Confidence: Knowing precisely where to aim your putts reduces uncertainty.
• Consistent Method: Offers a systematic approach to reading greens.
• Improved Performance: Reduces putting errors and three-putts.

Final Thoughts on AimPoint Putting

Implementing the AimPoint method into your own game takes practice but quickly becomes intuitive. AimPoint provides a systematic approach to reading greens, allowing you to confidently and consistently make more putts. The combination of understanding slope percentage, adjusting for green speed, and accurately using your fingers to determine your line makes AimPoint an indispensable tool for golfers at any level.

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