Aimpoint Putting is a popular method used by golfers to read greens and determine the optimal aim point for their putts. By combining the feel of the green's slope with a precise visualization technique, Aimpoint helps players of all skill levels improve their putting accuracy and consistency.
The first step in the Aimpoint Putting method is to feel the slope of the green. To do this, stand at the midpoint of the putt, straddling the line between the ball and the hole. Shift your weight from one foot to the other, using your body to sense the incline of the green.1 This technique allows golfers to estimate the percentage of slope, which typically ranges from 0.5% to 3%.2 More experienced players can better discern smaller slope differences through this process.2
Based on the felt slope, golfers estimate the percentage of slope, typically ranging from 0.5% to 3%.1 To practice this skill:
Use a digital level to find spots on the green with various slopes (e.g., 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2%, 2.5%, 3%)
Rotate randomly between these spots, training your brain to identify each slope percentage
Employ a "guess and check" method by estimating the slope, then verifying with the digital level2
With consistent practice, golfers can improve their ability to accurately determine slope percentages using their feet and body.2
To visualize the aim point, stand behind the ball and close one eye. Lift your hand, aligning your pointer finger just outside the edge of the hole. Hold up the number of fingers corresponding to the slope percentage you felt – one finger for each percent. For example, if you felt a 2% slope, hold up two fingers with your pointer finger just outside the hole. The outermost finger represents your precise aim point.12 This visualization technique allows golfers to determine the correct starting line for their putt, accounting for the break caused by the green's slope.3
After determining the aim point, set up to the ball and align your putter with the visualized target. Execute the putt with a straight stroke, allowing gravity to curve the ball into the hole based on the green's slope.1 Proper speed control is crucial for success, as hitting the putt too softly or firmly will cause it to miss, even if aimed correctly.2 With practice and patience, golfers can master the Aimpoint method, improving their green reading skills and overall putting performance.34