The Basics Of AimPoint Green Reading, Explained In 30 Seconds

Maybe your like

Introducing: InsideGOLF PREMIUM

$375+ value - Just $89.88 x Putting The basics of AimPoint green reading, explained in 30 seconds By: Zephyr Melton October 2, 2020

Share on Facebook
Share on Twitter
Share by Email

Justin Rose is among the PGA Tour players who uses the AimPoint method.

Getty Images

Putting is arguably the most important skill in golf, and green reading is a vital component to that. The problem is, reading greens is not an easily acquired skill. It takes years of practice to become a skilled green reader, and even then it can be difficult to consistently get the right line.

In recent years, there has been a remedy for these green-reading woes in the form of the AimPoint method. It has been adopted by a number of pros, including Adam Scott, Justin Rose and Stacy Lewis, and to great success. The method has become more and more popular in recent years as it marries physics and feel to get a consistent read on the greens each and every time.

Erika Larkin recently posted a video on Instagram that explains the basics of AimPoint, and it does it all in a tight 30-second timeframe. Watch the video and then read below for the explanation on what she’s demonstrating.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CFyAQTPHnrF/

The first step in AimPoint green reading is to feel the slope of the green. Do this by straddling your ball’s path to the hole about halfway to the hole. From here you should determine what percent slope you feel, from one to five.

Next you need to stand behind the ball and close one eye while lifting your hand so that your pointer finger is just outside the hole. Based on the percent slope you think there is affecting your putt, put up that many fingers on your hand (i.e. one finger for one percent, two fingers for two percent, etc.).

So let’s say you think there is 3 percent slope in the putt. Put three fingers up with your pointer finger just outside the hole on the right (assuming your putt breaks to the left). In this case, your ring finger will be the aim point.

Then just line up your ball at the aim point and roll it at that spot. If you judged the slope correctly, your putt should track right toward the hole.

Latest In Instruction

22 hours ago 5 things to remember to improve your aim and alignment 2 days ago What's wrong with Scottie Scheffler? Brandel Chamblee has a theory 3 days ago How finding the 'slot' in the backswing creates better ball striking 3 days ago Former Players champ has a simple trick for making more putts

Zephyr Melton

Golf.com Editor

Zephyr Melton is an assistant editor for GOLF.com where he spends his days blogging, producing and editing. Prior to joining the team at GOLF, he attended the University of Texas followed by stops with the Texas Golf Association, Team USA, the Green Bay Packers and the PGA Tour. He assists on all things instruction and covers amateur and women’s golf. He can be reached at [email protected].