What is AimPoint Putting? Your Beginner’s Guide to Reading Greens

For many golfers, reading greens feels like an enigmatic art, a skill reserved for tour pros with years of experience. But what if there was a scientific, repeatable method to consistently predict the break of a putt? Enter AimPoint Putting, a revolutionary system that’s transforming how golfers approach the green. And to shed some light on this game-changer, we sat down with Oakville’s own PGA Certified Golf Instructor and AimPoint Putting Coach, Sean Carlino.

“AimPoint Putting, at its core, is a green-reading methodology that empowers golfers to accurately determine the break of a putt based on the slope of the green,” explains Coach Carlino. “Instead of relying purely on visual cues, which can be deceiving, AimPoint teaches you to feel the slope with your feet and then use a simple, systematic approach to calculate the precise aim point.”

The technique, developed by Mark Sweeney, utilizes a combination of sensory feedback and calibrated movements. Golfers stand on the line of their putt, feeling the weight distribution in their feet to assess the severity and direction of the slope. This “feel” is then translated into a numerical value, which corresponds to how many fingers to hold up at arm’s length to determine the exact aiming spot. It’s about taking the guesswork out of putting and replacing it with a data-driven process.

The benefits of AimPoint are manifold. “The biggest advantage is the increased confidence you gain,” says Carlino. “When you know where to aim, and you trust that read, you’re going to make a more committed stroke. This consistency leads to fewer three-putts and, ultimately, lower scores.” Beyond confidence, AimPoint offers a repeatable routine, helping golfers maintain focus and eliminate anxiety on the greens. It simplifies a complex task, making green reading accessible to players of all skill levels.

AimPoint’s popularity has soared, especially among professional golfers. You’ll often see tour players on TV holding up their fingers, a testament to the system’s effectiveness. Its rise can be attributed to its scientific basis and proven results. It provides a logical framework for understanding green dynamics, moving beyond subjective intuition. As Coach Carlino often emphasizes in his clinics, “It’s not just about hitting the ball, it’s about hitting it on the right line, and AimPoint gives you that line with incredible precision.”

So, if you’re tired of guessing on the greens and want to unlock a new level of putting proficiency, exploring AimPoint Putting could be the breakthrough your game needs.