Former U.S. Open champion Lucas Glover recently called for the AimPoint putting technique to be banned in an effort to combat slow play on the golf course. AimPoint, a green-reading process popular among professional golfers, involves straddling the putting line at multiple points on the green to determine the break and slope of the putt. In response to Glover’s comments, AimPoint inventor Mark Sweeney defended his creation, citing data that shows the technique has helped numerous players improve their putting, including Adam Scott, Lydia Ko, Stacy Lewis, and Scott McCarron.
Sweeney argued that Glover’s statement that AimPoint has not benefited any players is false and based on misinformation. He pointed to ShotLink data, which shows that 90 to 95% of players who adopt AimPoint see improvements in their putting performance. Additionally, Sweeney addressed Glover’s claim that AimPoint slows down the pace of play, stating that the technique does not inherently cause delays on the course. He emphasized that players who use both AimPoint and traditional green-reading methods may take longer to make their reads, but there is no need to use both approaches simultaneously.
Despite criticism from Glover and others about the impact of AimPoint on the speed of play, Sweeney remains steadfast in his support for the green-reading technique. He refuted claims that AimPoint contributes to slow play and highlighted the success that players have experienced after incorporating the method into their putting routines. Sweeney’s defense of AimPoint is backed by years of data and testimonials from top professional golfers who attribute their improved putting performance to the technique.
In light of the ongoing debate surrounding AimPoint and its potential impact on pace of play, professional golfer Collin Morikawa also weighed in on the discussion. Morikawa echoed Glover’s concerns about the effectiveness of AimPoint and its potential to slow down the game. However, Sweeney dismissed these criticisms as unfounded, emphasizing that AimPoint has consistently shown positive results for players who have adopted the method. The clash of opinions between professional golfers and the inventor of AimPoint reflects the varying perspectives within the golf community regarding innovative green-reading techniques.
As AimPoint continues to be a point of contention among professional golfers, the debate over its benefits and drawbacks persists. While some players advocate for the banning of the technique to address slow play issues, others, including Sweeney, remain adamant about its value in improving putting consistency and accuracy. With conflicting viewpoints shaping the discourse around green-reading methods, the future of AimPoint in professional golf remains uncertain. Ultimately, the decision to embrace or reject AimPoint lies with individual players and their preferences for approaching the putting aspect of the game.
