The PGA Tour has officially banned the AimPoint green-reading method, a technique that has been both praised for its effectiveness and criticized for its impact on pace of play. The decision comes after growing concerns from players, commentators, and fans about the speed of rounds and the aesthetics of putting routines in professional golf.
What is AimPoint?
AimPoint is a green-reading technique that helps golfers determine the correct line for a putt by using their feet to assess the slope of the green. Players then hold up their fingers at arm’s length to estimate the break of the putt. Developed by Mark Sweeney, AimPoint gained popularity on the PGA Tour, with top professionals incorporating it into their routines to improve putting accuracy.
Why Was AimPoint Banned?
The PGA Tour’s decision to ban AimPoint stems primarily from concerns over slow play. Critics argue that the method prolongs rounds, as players take extra time to feel the slopes with their feet and adjust their putt accordingly.
Several high-profile players and analysts have voiced their frustration with AimPoint’s impact on the game. 2009 U.S. Open champion Lucas Glover was one of the most vocal critics, stating that AimPoint “needs to be banned” and claiming that it has not statistically improved putting performances on tour.
Golf broadcaster Jim Nantz also criticized the technique, saying it disrupts the natural flow of the game and makes putting it less intuitive. The PGA Tour’s pace-of-play policies have been tightening in recent years, and this move aligns with efforts to speed up play and enhance the viewer experience.
Reactions to the Ban
The ban has sparked mixed reactions from the golfing community. Some players who relied on AimPoint feel the rule change is unnecessary and believe it takes away an important tool for reading greens. Others, however, support the decision, arguing that putting should be based more on instinct and feel rather than mathematical calculations.
For now, players will have to adjust their green-reading methods, relying more on traditional approaches such as visual observation and caddie input. With the PGA Tour’s commitment to improving the pace of play, this decision marks a significant shift in how players approach one of the most crucial aspects of the game.
The ban on AimPoint may not be the last rule change aimed at speeding up play, and it will be interesting to see how players adapt in the coming seasons.
