What Critics Get Wrong About AimPoint Express

We have all seen it on the TV, either a player or caddie, sometimes both, straddling the line of a putt and sticking their fingers out in front of them. Most famously, perhaps, would be the likes of Adam Scott, Justin Rose, Viktor Hovland, Max Homa, Dustin Johnson and Lydia Ko. But many, many more use the system to win on the world stage.

In fact, AimPoint Express is used by countless (in the thousands) professionals around the world who have amassed well over 100 wins on tour. But still there are many that will be wondering what even is AimPoint?

Firstly, I think it is only right for me to start by stating from the off that I am a user of the AimPoint Express system. I have done so for a number of years after taking part in a group session at Woburn with Global AimPoint guru Jamie Donaldson. I even recently went and had a refresher session as I had gotten a little lazy in my routine and practice of it, but that’s a different story. 

What is AimPoint Express?

In short, AimPoint Express is an easy to learn green reading system that allows players to ‘feel’ different degrees of slope in their feet and pick a start line for their putt accordingly. 

By following a few simple steps, you will be able to confidently pick the correct line depending on how much slope there is in the putt. And contrary to some social media rants, it's incredibly quick to use in-play. It's alarming how different the visual read is compared to the AimPoint read, once you get over this, it's obvious why you miss so many putts normally.

What is The AimPoint Process?

• Step 1

This is where you see players straddling the line of their putt with their legs open slightly. The length of putt will determine how many points of reference you need. This part of the process helps you decide how many fingers you hold up, depending on how much slope you feel. 

• Step 2

The number of fingers you hold out will correspond to how much slope you feel. When you do the session, you learn what a ‘1 finger’ or ‘2 finger’ putt feels like. Then lining up the centre of the cup with the right number of fingers gives you the start line you need - regardless of the length of putt. 

• Step 3

Line your ball up and putt with confidence that you are getting your putt started on the correct line. 

• Step 4

Hole a load of putts!

Whilst it sounds simple, and it really is, there are a few more factors to the system that you will learn in a session. For example, where to take your reads depending on how long the putt is, how to deal with double breaking putts (which is mind blowing by the way!), and how to deal with those nasty four footers that are so important. Green speed affects arm bend too when holding out your fingers. 

The best thing about the entire system is that you can learn it in full within a few hours and leave with absolute confidence that you are going to improve your scores by holing more putts. 

Does AimPoint Slow Down Play?

One of the things I hear on TV or read on social media is people claiming that AimPoint slows down the pace of play. I can put my hand on my heart and say I could get a read for a 40ft putt just as quickly, if not quicker, than a player that does not use AimPoint. A lot of the time I do find myself getting frustrated when you hear TV commentators using AimPoint as a scapegoat for slow play. 

Yes, we have some players that use AimPoint on tour that are slow - but it is not using AimPoint that makes them slow. I know there was also an example recently where Max Homa was called out on social media for his apparent slow read of one putt that he had addressed - but again, it wasn’t the system causing him to be slow, more his implementation of it which he recognised and said he was going to work on. Typically those who do not learn the system for themselves properly from a certified instructor will be the ones who criticise the system out of ignorance.

Part of the issue around slow play may also come from the fact that AimPoint Express is derived from the original ‘AimPoint’ system created by Mark Sweeney that was geared more towards green reading books and was a bit more of a drawn-out process. AimPoint Express (the clue is in the name) was originally designed for junior golfers to have a simpler understanding of AimPoint and this evolved into what many people still class as AimPoint, but is technically the Express version.

AimPoint Express is also known as the 10 second read by those who know.

Other Myths About AimPoint

AimPoint is Complicated - AimPoint, if taught correctly by the correct person, is extremely easy and simple to understand and use. A lot of the issues come from second hand teaching, YouTube instruction, or players just seeing it on the TV and trying it for themselves. Anyone that is serious about wanting to try and use the AimPoint system needs to go and see an AimPoint certified instructor. 

I have also found that people that do not really understand it or have not used it are the ones that are quick to shut it down. I even recall a coach of a major champion on TV not that long ago saying (and I paraphrase): "I don’t get this AimPoint stuff with the feet, seems a load of nonsense to me" - when the player he coached used the system when he won his first major championship (bonus point for anyone that knows the coach in question!).

It's Only For Professionals - Wrong. Whilst AimPoint is used by countless touring professionals, the 375 instructors have also taught the system to over 10,000 junior golfers and 1,000,000 other amateurs with these numbers growing by the week. As I said earlier, I have had two sessions with Jamie Donaldson at Woburn (stunning location to do any kind of short game work), but there are over 375 certified instructors and the likelihood is that there will be one close to you.

How Can I Find Out More?

Your first point of call will be to visit the AimPoint website https://aimpointgolf.com/ and sign up for their newsletter. 

On the website you will be able to find your closest certified instructor using the map and get in contact directly or just simply book into a session. 

Based out of Woburn, Jamie Donaldson is one of only two level 5 certified instructors in the world, so you can also contact him via social media on Instagram or Twitter.

To sum up, whilst AimPoint might not be for absolutely everybody, I can personally claim that for those of us that undertake a session and take everything away from it, AimPoint could possibly be game changing, and I am yet to meet anyone that has been taught the system that does think otherwise.