A Comprehensive Guide to AimPoint Golf Putting

An efficient and precise putting technique is one of the most valuable attributes a golfer can possess. AimPoint golf putting offers a scientific approach that could revolutionize your game. By mastering the AimPoint putting technique, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of green reading, enhance your precision and consistency and, ultimately, lower your scores.

In this comprehensive guide to AimPoint golf putting, we’ll walk you through the origins of the AimPoint technique, how it works, its benefits, and how to implement it to boost your putting performance.

The Origins of AimPoint

AimPoint golf putting was developed by Mark Sweeney, a software engineer by profession, who was also an avid golfer. Frustrated by his inability to understand the nuances of green reading, he teamed up with several putting coaches and a golf course architect to develop a system that accurately predicts the putt’s break using science and technology.

Sweeney’s technique was so groundbreaking that it soon became a sought-after tool among professional golfers. The AimPoint method has been used by players like Stacy Lewis, Lydia Ko, and Adam Scott – who regard it as an essential element of their game. Furthermore, AimPoint has also gained worldwide recognition for its effectiveness and is now taught in over 40 countries by certified AimPoint instructors.

How AimPoint Golf Putting Works

The AimPoint golf putting technique is based on three primary principles: slope, stimp, and percentage break. Let’s delve deeper into each aspect:

1. Slope: Slope is the inclination or gradient of the green, which affects the break of the putt. The AimPoint technique focuses on finding the mid-slope, which is the position that averages out the acceleration due to gravity and the slope itself.
2. Stimp: The stimp, or stimpmeter reading, is the measurement of the green’s speed. AimPoint uses this figure to help determine the amount of break the ball will experience due to the effect of gravity on the slope. To calculate the stimp, a golfer uses a device called a stimpmeter. It is a carefully calibrated, 36-inch-long strip of metal or plastic. To perform the test, you place a ball at a designated point on the stimpmeter and release it onto the green, allowing it to roll. Repeat the process in the opposite direction. Measure the average distance the ball travels in both directions – this gives you the stimp reading.
3. Percentage Break: Percentage break refers to the amount the putt will curve as it progresses towards the hole. This is determined by the mid-slope and various factors such as friction and turf types.

Using these principles, the AimPoint golf putting method employs a routine known as the AimPoint Express Read – a step-by-step process that involves feeling the slope, estimating the stimp, and using body movements to visualize the putt break.

Stimp Readings and Green Speed

The stimp reading provides golfers with an idea of how fast the greens are on a golf course. As mentioned earlier, the stimp is measured using the stimpmeter, which allows the golfers to anticipate the effect of speed on a putt. For a more concrete understanding of how stimp readings translate to green speed, let’s examine the table below:

Stimp Reading	Green Speed	Green Type
6 – 7	Slow	Public, municipal courses
8 – 9	Medium-Fast	Average private clubs
10 – 11	Fast	High-quality private clubs, some championships
12 – 13	Very Fast	Top-tier golf courses, major championships
14+	Extremely Fast	Rare, usually temporary for specific tournaments

Keep in mind that green speeds may vary between golf courses and are influenced by factors like weather conditions, maintenance practices, and type of grass. Here is a sample stimp calculation to help you understand how it is determined:

Example: Measuring Stimp

1. Find a flat area on the green where you can perform a test.
2. Place the stimpmeter on the green with the ball at the designated notch. Upon lifting the end of the stimpmeter, the ball begins to roll.
3. Measure the distance the ball traveled in inches or feet.
4. Repeat this process in the opposite direction.
5. Calculate the average distance the ball traveled in both directions. This will give you the stimp reading.

Let’s say the ball traveled 9 feet in the first direction and 9.5 feet in the opposite direction. The average distance is as follows:

(9 + 9.5) / 2 = 9.25

The stimp reading in this example is 9.25, corresponding to medium-fast green speed, typical of an average private club.

By consistently practicing and incorporating stimp readings into the AimPoint golf putting technique, golfers can better predict the amount of break and speed required for their putts, enhancing their accuracy and overall performance on the green.

Benefits of AimPoint Golf Putting

AimPoint’s scientific approach to green reading equips golfers with the following benefits:

1. Improved accuracy: By evaluating the slope, stimp, and break percentage, AimPoint putting allows golfers to predict the precise line and speed necessary to sink the putt more effectively.
2. Increased confidence: With a reliable system in hand, golfers can approach the green with greater assurance, enabling them to perform more consistently under pressure.
3. Saves time: The AimPoint Express Read can significantly reduce the time spent on green reading, allowing players to maintain a steady pace throughout the game.
4. Applicable to all skill levels: AimPoint golf putting can be utilized by beginners and professionals alike, providing tangible benefits to each golfer regardless of their skill level.

Implementing AimPoint Putting in Your Game

To integrate AimPoint putting into your golf routine, follow these simple steps:

1. Take an AimPoint class: Locate an AimPoint-certified instructor in your area who can teach you the proper techniques and help you master the method. If you look for online coaches, you can search aimpoint on Skillest to find instructors with AimPoint certificates.
2. Practice regularly: Like any skill, AimPoint green reading requires consistent practice. Dedicate time to becoming comfortable with the technique and watch your putting performance improve.
3. Gather a toolkit: AimPoint relies on accurate green information, such as stimpmeter readings. Collect pertinent course data to ensure the best possible outcome when implementing the technique on the green.
4. Patience and persistence: Some golfers may find the AimPoint method challenging at first. Be patient and persistent, putting your faith in the science behind the technique.

Enhancing Precision: The Key to Better Putting

Mastering AimPoint golf putting is one powerful way to gain an edge on the course. By understanding slope, stimp, and break percentage, you’ll develop an accurate and consistent method of green reading that can help lower your scores and bolster your overall performance.

For golfers looking to enhance their putting abilities, AimPoint is a scientifically-driven technique that is well worth incorporating into their game. With practice, patience, and a willingness to trust the method, AimPoint can revolutionize your putting game and set you on the path towards golfing success.