Can You Learn AimPoint Putting Without an Instructor? What to Expect.

The allure of improving your putting with AimPoint is strong, and naturally, many golfers wonder if they can simply pick it up on their own. While there are certainly resources available for self-teaching, is it truly possible to master AimPoint without a certified instructor? We asked Oakville’s PGA Certified Golf Instructor and AimPoint Putting Coach, Sean Carlino, for his insights on what to expect.

“You can definitely grasp the basic concepts of AimPoint through online videos, articles, and even official AimPoint resources like their digital course,” acknowledges Coach Carlino. “The core idea of feeling the slope with your feet and using your fingers to determine the aim point is fairly straightforward. Many golfers find that just understanding this principle helps them read greens better than before.” Self-learners can use a digital level on a practice green to calibrate their feel for different slope percentages, which is a crucial first step.

However, Carlino is quick to point out the limitations of a self-taught approach. “The biggest challenge with self-teaching is the lack of real-time feedback and personalized correction,” he explains. “Everyone’s sense of feel is unique, and an instructor can quickly identify if you’re over-reading or under-reading slopes. They can also help you understand how to factor in green speed variations specific to the courses you play in and around Oakville.”

Another common hurdle for self-learners is properly applying AimPoint to more complex putts. “Double-breaking putts, putts on severe slopes, or those with subtle changes in gradient are where an instructor’s expertise truly shines,” says Carlino. “They can teach you the nuances of reading these situations accurately, which is very difficult to grasp from a video alone.” An instructor also ensures you’re executing the technique efficiently, without adding unnecessary time to your routine.

“While you might get a good foundational understanding on your own, an instructor helps solidify that knowledge and tailor it to your individual game,” Carlino concludes. “They can troubleshoot issues, refine your calibration, and provide drills that accelerate your learning curve. For long-term consistency and true mastery of AimPoint, investing in a session with a certified coach will undoubtedly yield far better and faster results than going it alone.”