AimPoint Express Putting Drill: Hole More Putts

AimPoint Express Putting Drill

This AimPoint Express putting drill is from the Golf Practice Planner.

Name
AimPoint Express Putting Drill

Category
Putting Practice Drills

Difficulty
3 out of 10

Time
15 minutes

Props
Putter. 1 hole. 1 ball. Golf Practice Planner.

Overview
This drill will teach you how to read a putt like the pros using the AimPoint Express green reading method.

AimPoint Express is the “express method” of reading the break on a putt as you play, using a three-step system designed to help you read every putt accurately and consistently.

Hundreds of tour pros use it, including Dustin Johnson and Adam Scott. Masters champion Dustin Johnson used the system to win with a record score of 20-under par at Augusta National Golf Club.

The Basic 3 Steps Of AimPoint: 

Step 1: Stand facing the hole and estimate the amount of slope in your putt by using your feet to feel the slope on a scale – AimPoint users use a scale between 0 to 6 (0 = no slope and 6 = lots of slope).

Step 2: Use your arm and fingers to determine where to aim your putt. The amount of slope you felt in Step 1 is the number of fingers you should hold up on that side of the hole.

Step 3: Start the putt at your chosen target at the correct pace.

Steps

Step 1: Watch
Watch the video.

Step 2: 20-Foot Putt
Pace out a 20-foot putt. Understand that the make percentage on tour for a 20-foot putt is only 14%. It’s also roughly the first length putt for all golfers (amateurs and pros). So, if you make 2 out of 10 from 20-feet, that’s Jordan Spieth level!

An average club level golfer (a 17 handicapper) from 20 feet will 3 putt 1 in 4 because they under-read the putt which causes the ball to go 3+ feet wide and/or long. So, if you’re going to make a mistake on the read, make it on the “high side”.

Step 3: Stand Over The Ball
Stand directly over the ball (feet on each side of the ball). Feel which foot is on the “low side” (e.g. left side). The reason you want to know the low side is that you don’t want to touch your line with your feet because that would be a shot penalty (This rule was changed in 2019. You’re now allowed to touch your line with your feet without fear of a penalty). Become aware of which foot carries most of your weight. Focus on the horizon and feel your weight distribution. Give the amount of slope you feel a rating between 1 and 6 (2 is the average slope rating for a green).

Step 4: Walk 1/3 Way Down
Walk 1/3 way to the ball and stand over the line (feet on either side of the line). Give a slope rating (e.g. 2).

Step 5: Walk 2/3 Way Down
Walk another 1/3 to the ball and stand over the line (feet on either side of the line). Give a slope rating (e.g. 3).

Step 6: Largest Number
Once you’ve got those two numbers, pick the largest number (e.g. 3), and go back to the ball.

Step 7: Line Up Edge Of Finger With The Hole
Stand a foot or two behind the ball to decipher a precise point on the green at which to aim. This is done using the grade of the slope and your fingers. Stretch your arm out in front of you and hold up the number of fingers that corresponds to the grade you gave the slope (e.g. 3). Line up the edge of your finger with the hole.

Step 8: Tee Peg
The outside of your finger provides the exact point where you need to aim to hole the putt when hit with the correct speed to go 12 inches (1 foot) past the hole. Place a tee peg in the ground at your AimPoint to help you in practice. Most amateurs under-read putts by 50% so you’ll almost certainly be very surprised by the true amount of break.

Step 9: Start Putt At The Aim Point
You can start your putt on the line knowing that your read is good. The confidence you’ll gain in knowing the accurate read will improve your technique because you won’t feel the need to make manipulations during the stroke.

Step 10: Keep Score
Keep score. Hit 10 putts from 20 feet (from 10 different locations). On each putt, follow the AimPoint routine to the letter. If you make 2 or more putts, you’ve morphed into Jordan Spieth!

Top Tip: Never Hit From The Same Place Twice
Never hit the ball in practice from the same place twice in a row because it causes manipulations. You only get “one go” on the course, so practice having only “one go” in practice.