When AimPoint Doesn’t Work: Understanding Its Limitations (and What to Do)

AimPoint Putting is an incredibly powerful tool, transforming how many golfers approach green reading. However, like any methodology, it has specific applications and, sometimes, limitations. If you’ve found yourself in a situation where your AimPoint read felt “off” or didn’t seem to work, Oakville’s PGA Certified Golf Instructor and AimPoint Putting Coach, Sean Carlino, sheds light on when AimPoint might be less effective and what you should do.

“First and foremost, it’s crucial to understand that AimPoint is a system for reading the slope of the green,” explains Coach Carlino. “It accurately tells you where to aim based on gravity’s influence. However, it doesn’t account for every single variable that affects a golf ball.”

1. Unstable Green Surfaces: “If you’re playing on extremely bumpy, poorly maintained greens, or greens that have just been aerated, even the most perfect AimPoint read can be negated,” Carlino points out. “The ball simply won’t roll true. In these cases, it becomes more about survival and hoping for a good bounce, rather than precise green reading.”

• What to do: Focus on hitting a solid putt and aiming for the center of the hole. Accept that conditions are challenging and adjust your expectations.

2. Extreme Wind Conditions: “While less common for putting, a very strong crosswind can subtly influence a ball’s path, especially on longer putts or exposed greens,” says Carlino. “AimPoint doesn’t factor in wind.”

• What to do: For very windy conditions, combine your AimPoint read with a slight adjustment for the wind, similar to how you’d factor it into a full shot.

3. Grain of the Green: “The grain of the grass – the direction the blades are growing – can affect how much a putt breaks or how fast it rolls,” Carlino notes. “AimPoint primarily addresses slope, not grain.”

• What to do: Learn to identify the grain (it often looks shinier or darker in certain directions). If putting against the grain, the putt will be slower and break less. Down-grain putts will be faster and break more. Use this as a subtle adjustment after your AimPoint read.

4. Mis-Hits and Speed Control: “This isn’t an AimPoint limitation, but a golfer’s execution error,” Carlino stresses. “If your read is perfect, but you mishit the putt or your speed control is way off, the ball won’t follow the intended line. AimPoint gives you the line; your stroke delivers the ball.”

• What to do: Ensure your practice routine includes consistent strike and speed control drills. A solid putt on the correct line is the ultimate goal.

“AimPoint is a remarkably effective system for reading slope,” Carlino concludes. “Understanding these niche limitations allows you to properly apply the system and know when other factors might be at play, ensuring you remain confident on the greens here in Oakville.”