DOES AIMPOINT HELP YOUR PUTTING

DOES AIMPOINT HELP YOUR PUTTING
AIM POINT
READING GREENS
Hello everyone and thanks for watching this video.
We are talking putting and specifically reading greens. Myself and Lester have done a Sunday show on how we read greens but in this video we have brought my brotherPaul Hendriksen (PGA Professional and Full Time Player) to help us.
Paul has been using the Aim Point method to help him read greens for a number of years and has adapted it to work with his game. We will be sharing this method with you and also ask Lester to get involved and see if it can help with his putting ideas.
Thanks for taking the time to watch, please follow us on our social media platforms:
Dan:
Twitter: / hendriksengolf
Instagram: / danhendriksen
FaceBook: / hendriksengolf
Lester (Mince)
Twitter: / lesterbarnesy
Instagram: / lester_mince_barnes
Facebook: / hendriksengolf

[@simonbquick]

Excellent, many thanks for that...very insightful. Can‘t wait to try it on the putting green and on the course. 👍🏻

[@richardjames5700]

Great video and thanks for bringing Paul in to explain his technique - it was a request of mine after the Forest of Arden series so great to see how it works and it makes a lot of sense - will be giving it a go this weekend!

[@robynb.4866]

This was so great! Thanks so much for ‘putting’ this together 👍✌️

[@tmrussell1898]

Brilliant description of aim point Guys. Thanks. I imagine I’m lawn bowling with the golf ball, and use that line. Works great for me.

[@kalebzehr6850]

I've never paid any attention to aimpoint before this video, and I really wish I would have. This absolutely revolutionized my ability to read greens. I've always been pretty good at starting my ball on line with pace, but could never read greens very well. Now that I started doing this, I'm putting out of my mind and can see it continuing. Thanks for the quality video.

[@nigelday001]

Thank you Dan , Paul and Lester... this video was awesome, I’ve been trying this ‘ trial and error ‘ this season , but to have it explained in this way was extremely helpful. Cheers guys 😉🏌️‍♂️⛳️🍻

[@deepakkapoor5232]

Thank you for explaining it very simply. It helps to understand it a lot. Now need to get to the course and try it out.

[@simonmccall8863]

Many thanks Dan, Paul and Lester Very interesting and helpful. Need to practice!

[@ChristopherDowning]

This is a wonderful area of golf for more videos. Geoff Mangum, the putting guru, also has something that works similar to AimPoint but not with fingers - but he rightly points out it has errors in the maths that limit it to about 10 feet. Once you have established whether its 1 2 3 4% slope then on a Stimp 8 it would break 3/8ths, 3/4, 1 1/8, 1 1/2" per foot - its the same as using fingers really - as the distance lengthens so a finger gives you a greater break. (There are PDFs of Geoff Magnum's writing everywhere). However as Lee said - the maths kicks in the further out you get (apart from issues of compound break and very few greens are a flat inclined plane). So the maths of putting has to deal with the ball slowing, exponentially, and the effect of slope on the ball is accelerating the ball sideways, exponentially. Those two cause the hockey stick look to the path of the ball. In other words the break increase isn't linear - twice as long putt has much more than twice the break. The original AimPoint charts dealt with this very well (so long as the green was a flat plane) but then there were questions coming up about how legal it was to use pre-calculated charts. It was also mighty time consuming to measure a putt, make a judgement about green speed (Stimp) then look up the right page and the right length on a chart - hence the AimPoint Express method. More putting videos like this one please.

[@Keef-cd9os]

Fantastic video, very informative. I use a line on my ball but pretty much guess the break so this has definitely given me food for thought and something to add to my practice. Great content as usual 👍

[@paulharrison5584]

Great video Dan, feel like I always learn something new with every video, tips are insightful and made simplistic and relatable. The best golf channel about 👍🏻

[@bradfordcotta5925]

I have been using Aimpoint for 2 years now. Per Arccos, I am actually gaining 1.1 strokes on a PGA tour pro. I have been a good speed putter for a while but my green reading was always like Lester's...more art than science. Once I learned Aimpoint and practiced with the level, my putting has been the best of my life (and I was once Scratch). It also takes doubt away. You straddle the middle third of the putt. Choose the percentage (and, once you practice it, it becomes pretty simple to determine the percentage). Straddle your putt. Use the correct fingers. Hit the ball. No reading it from different angles. It could be right, it could be wrong but, in your head it is correct so it takes out all second-guessing. The pro I learned it from was....Steve Buzza's new wife Meghan!!

[@stuboy13]

Excellent! Cheers for that. Do you use your fingers to measure when straddling the middle third or when you are standing at your ball?

[@MarkJohnson-bs4hp]

Fascinating to watch the detail that is required. Just need to put some work in to test it out.

[@billdunlop8683]

Keep the information flowing Dan, I can use all I can get, As a Millwright I have access to all the tools needed to hole more putts, ie: a 3/4 bullnose milling cutter to groove out a channel in the green to keep the ball online from 10 ft :)

[@fat-shotgolf2937]

Thought provoking. I used to use aimpoint but not for a while, I did a training course on aimpoint too. Now I go with feel and observation. My green reading can still improve

[@garycumberland8089]

Interesting concept, having recently watched DJ he seems to be using aim point and his putting recently has been excellent. I will try it next time I’m on a putting green

[@richardluff7781]

I can see why Paul uses aim point and as a playing professional he has the time to invest and practice this to his hearts content so that it improves his opportunities on either getting into events or winning in those professional tournaments he enters. For an average amateur golfer to be able to get this to a point where it will be of genuine use would take quite a bit of time and effort which many of us do not have unless you are lucky enough to be able to dedicate the time required. It is however, good to see that you and Lester cover as many different techniques that are out there which gives us more average golfers the opportunity to pick one that suits the way that we play and the time we have for practice. Keep up the good work it is definitely appreciated from this end.

[@jedidiahwest4619]

Best explanation I’ve heard for aim point. 👏

[@MichaelLong1]

Knowledge is power add that to the entertainment value of your channel number 1 in my eyes on KZbin lads 👍

[@sievwrightg72]

I have been using this system for two years now and it has completed changed my putting . So much more consistent and you learn to really trust your read . I use the edges of my cap as my level rather than my eyes. Or sunglasses. I have found it is quicker than conventional green reading as I just read each putt once and then hit it .

[@evlivi9860]

This is fantastic! I've been using my own self taught version of Aimpoint too. Similar to how Paul described...I basically trained my eyes through practising. What I picked up today is the speed adjustment element (arm closer). The new club I joined has faster greens and I've not mapped slopes yet so have been missing low frequently...this will help 👍🏾

[@kevochanner8859]

Very interesting. I have started to looking at my initial aim point and then doubling it.

[@TheMedievalist]

Excellent & informative video. Thanks.

[@bangkokspinn2527]

very technical behind , really love this method.

[@Coinhunter-km4qo]

Very good video, thanks to Paul for his considerable contributions to this recording. This technique suggests to me that maybe golfers should work on their putt reading technique a little more and stop changing their putter quite so often. 🙂

[@sarniasurfer]

Very good reading green's instruction. Might try this technique. Thanks.

[@alanrobertson3172]

Fantastic insights. Great content as usual.

[@marcosgarces6295]

Very interesting, from the perfect putt read training to alignment settings. The challenge I see is how to recognize the % drift sideways. We should put more time into this part of the game. Great video!!!

[@andrewnatt1448]

Great vid, food for thought

[@acemakerjay]

I am an Aim Point fan, I follow along the same lines as your brother. It definitely works.

[@robertr2953]

Excellent video. Thanks fellas. I just use my eyes from both sides of the hole. The biggest thing that helped me is using the line on the ball. I started last year and it has helped me immensely. I would love to learn how to do this because my green reading with my eyes is not great.

[@jeffbates5401]

Dan great video. Very informative and eye opening

[@davepalmerton2429]

It is nice to have aim point explained I never had a clue before this video, can see why you would need a lot of practice to get the feel for it.

[@stevemk4st649]

And really a lesson from someone qualified to teach it.........Don't forget you won't get EVERY piece of information from a KZbin video as it would put the teachers out of a job. Don't forget the information in these types of videos are from fellow Pro's. For ALL the information and advice you really need to PAY for a lesson......And No I am not a golf Pro either.

[@beachfraser3747]

another great vlog, can always hear what a pro does, people have to see just how important putting is, its 45% of the game if youre decent!!!

[@bengoulding9723]

I learnt Aimpoint express in September at Forest Pines and its changed my green reading. I knew before Aimpoint that I wasn't good at reading greens because I was playing a lot of opens and ended up just feeling like I was guessing the break. Aimpoint express was easy to learn and now have confidence in my line. I recommend it to everyone.

[@andrewpoupart6729]

Great golf Dan & Gilly, best I've seen you play in some time Dan 👏 No break 80 this time round 😂

[@chrisl1637]

I go by feel typically, but like Paul’s method. If we could now only carry a level in our bags! Something to practice, more tips like this on this channel DH!

[@brianwaldo2642]

It’s hard to beat the natural law of physics. I’m an engineer, been a casual golfer for years and after watching many vids like this, am now using a science based approach to putting. The improvement is noticeable. 3+ putts are coming less frequently and on occasion I surprise myself as well as others with a drained 20+ footer. Golf is fun.

[@neildixon5924]

Really good video. I know I roll the ball well but don’t hole enough putts. Def going to try this on the course tomorrow. 😃

[@richardblayney1878]

Dan please thank Paul for a great explanation of aim point,I think this is something I would like to practice this method.

[@stuartplant3140]

Another great video Dan 👍👍👍

[@adrianscott6005]

Very insightful and I would love to see more on this - actually show us the 3 fingers on putts you are attempting 👍

[@dwed1234]

Fascinating Dan, really curious to check it out. I use a technique that I was told by my local pro which is to pretend to bowl the ball. Naturally my brain can then see the putt but I really like the idea of using fingers and calibrate using a level. Will give it a go. Cheers. 👍

[@damianwatson5443]

I like what Alex Evans suggests, imagine hitting the ball straight at the hole, imagine where the ball finishes, distance from the hole on either side and then aim that far outside the hole on the other side. I’ve had some fantastic results with this method but it’s remembering to do it on the course. This method is very quick to put into practice, you can do it while your playing partners are playing, so you are ready to putt when it’s your turn.

[@3bluecj]

DAMIAN WATSON have you got a link for Alex’s video ? Thanks !

[@damianwatson5443]

chris johnston search for Alex Evans Golf, he’s mentioned the putting tip in a couple of his videos.

[@michaelflynnmusic]

Really great video Dan! Would love to see more of how youi bring this onto the course - or how you might practice reading the greens!

[@tipitgolf]

I have a digital level. When I use this, do I put in on degrees or slope % when learning? Because degrees and percentage slope come out a little differently. I thought I leaned this before, but is the degree’s or slope percentage that were actually trying to feel with your feet?

[@yadthink]

Very informative! I can use all the putting help you've got! btw, I'd love if the greens at my course were as good as the one in your course's short game area, lol.

[@timhoward1888]

I agree with Paul about green reading practice. I try to keep my approach simple. When i've chosen my line i simply pick a spot in front of the ball (usually a blade of grass or a change in colour) and then just focus rolling the ball over that spot on my chosen line at the pace i think is right. If i miss i just accept that i read the line wrong (which is easy to do and accept) and keep my focus on reading putts better. I don't allow any doubt on line to creep in once i've chosen that spot. It's somehow bred a lot of confidence in my stroke over the years.

[@nelsonjames1272]

Good video series that is an eye opener for many. Putting is the great equalizer, even for touring pros. I use a combination of aim point and plumb bobbing. I verify with the plumb bob because it works for me. It’s all up to the stroke and speed in my mind, because I’m sure of the read. Still doesn’t mean it’s going to go in though. The great equalizer. What a game.

[@andywalker3144]

Gives some food for thought, I like this over trying to use your feet and it shouldn't really slow the game.

[@Mboogie69]

I love the idea of this more technical approach, but I’m such a feel putter it’s going to take some work to retrain my brain for sure.

[@jimmack6744]

I'm one of the lucky ones! I can see the break really easy and don't need to spend much time looking at the putt! As I walk up to the ball I visualize the roll of the putt.I think it comes from years spotting from a plane for skydiving, I'm aware that my head and eyes are focused straight and level side to side front to back and the break is very obvious to me.

[@davidthomson6209]

I learned a lot there. Really interesting stuff

[@martynmarples2669]

Another great video Dan. Would like to hear how Paul feels the slope with his feet as well as just the visual.

[@patrickbigras5232]

Finally a video explaining the system instead of just advertising it!

[@DanHendriksenGolf]

👍

[@JeremyLevis]

I did the course with Jamie Donaldson a couple of years ago, absolutely transformative, would highly recommend. I bought a digital measure afterwards, which foolishly I've never used. Will have to bring it out now.

[@edz5972]

this is great gives me a lot to work on in regards my putting, Dan and his brother Paul have made me rethink my approach to putting, also a shout out to Lester

[@Automation_Control_Tuning]

I have done the basic aimpoint express training. It has definitely helped me with alignment and trusting my pace of putt! Does not always drop... but generally closer and helps give a repeatable focused drill. Well worth doing the course I believe. Great video!

[@stevemk4st649]

Agree, my daughter ( 4 handicap ) did the course a few weeks ago and she instantly could feel the slope in her feet and with the methods employed it has improved her reading. She always would under read most putts. With the aimpoint being so specific on a start line it just takes away all the doubts about the slope. Definitely recommend it.

[@LexKaiba1]

Used aimpoint for years, really like it

[@cartersmithgolf]

Great vid, enjoyed that. 👍👍

[@tombrcherjakobsengolf201]

I use my own adaptation of Aimpoint. I feel the slope by bending the knee and focus on how much it covers my shoe. Almost covered would equal 3 fingers, half equals 2 fingers etc. I calibrate on the putting green to adapt to how fast the greens are. It works! 🤩

[@davehurley26]

Great video more like this please

[@sausagedodgersracing]

Very interesting, good stuff

[@thehighlandhamster]

Fascinating video. I like the aim point idea but I am not a fan of a line on the ball, just doesn't work for me. Great content Dan.

[@nathwak]

I use this myself and it really helped...i use my feet to determine slope but I think the spirit level is a good idea to calibrate a baseline of 1% feels like... what was really eye opening was how the arm was fully outstretched on slow greens and closer when on fast greens... Will be trying this tomorrow

[@nathwak]

Could you do another video on how to use aim point if you have a long putt and the slope changes

[@templemat]

Interesting, I like listening to tour pros because they tend to use simplified stuff that works. I try to find where the straight putt ends & then focus on speed. I watch the front of the ball as it gives me a smoother stroke. Loved this video, would like to see one on chipping as Paul seems to chip with an open blade. Could be camera angles though

[@deadlymantis4210]

I've used it for around a yr now and find it has improved my reading of putts which I now hole more.

[@mitchmorris8973]

Great video guys very informative only thing missing was Paul not having Dan's brother hat 🧢 😂 👍

[@njamesthomasl]

Really good stuff

[@MrLiljeff47]

Aim point changed my green reading skills, really helps

[@marccoos8244]

Great information lads 👍👌

[@kevanskelton9982]

My putting has improved massively since using aimpoint. Quick and easy to use. I still don’t always trust the read and normally wish I had after!

[@mickharper6043]

Very insightful 👍👍👍

[@marktokeley2145]

Attended an Aimpoint Express clinic a few years ago, have used it ever since. I can feel the break at the midpoint and use my fingers to gauge start line quicker then most guys that crouch to read putts, definitely quicker than people who use the line. The secret it to trust your first read and, if you not sure if its a 2 or 3 (for example) always play more break - never falls in on the low side! Great video Dan.

[@alantownsley6391]

And going past the hole on the high side is always closer to the pin on the return put

[@craigbrown9574]

Great video. I have often wondered how the aim point works. The percentage of slopes makes so much sence and it's knowing what % is what. Lester's grip is funky. What is that called?

[@AlexNblue]

Amazing vlog, I’m working on my putting a lot more now and would like to know how to practice reading greens. Do you have any tips that done use a spirit level? 🤣

[@drroger98]

Started to do more Aimpoint. Also pace out my putts, so that I have the "5 pace" stroke vs "12 pace". I add or subtract paces for the slope and speed of green

[@sharonkenward6169]

Looks really good Dan but I thnk it would take a little while to get used to , maybe you could get the equipment in the shop that Paul has to allow us to try out on the practice greens. Dave K

[@derekbrown8468]

Wow, that's impressive. Great to get a look and explanation into aim point. Brilliant video. You plumb bob from time to time Dan. Could you explain how that works. 🇮🇪🏌🏻‍♀️

[@DanHendriksenGolf]

Plumb bob video to follow soon 👍

[@brookead]

The advantage of any system like this comes if you believe in what you are doing. If you are more confident then you will hit better putts. If you have no confidence in the line then you also have no confidence in the pace and you won't hole much. I was an early adopter of Aimpoint Express and I have never looked back. My misses are closer to the hole and my reads take seconds (plus when we are playing as it is going dark no one else can read the greens any more cos they are looking not feeling!) :)

[@tymybomo]

Great video! I think Lester would benefit from having his eyes more over the ball, possibly shorter putter needed. He's aimed at the inside left, making him pull his putts.

[@craigchadburn5308]

I have always been a feel putter. At the end you talk about using a line on your putter. I have always used the name on the ball but not as a line of direction to the hole. I always have it square to the hole and use it to keep my putter face in line with the ball name to ensure it is square at impact. It's something I have always done and still do it today.

[@silkee1922]

I am waiting for the lesson in reading, and trusting, the straight putts, since most golfers assume break of some sort on nearly every putt.

[@ianh8396]

Nice Video guys, any tips on working on Pace, that is where I seem to struggle. Cheers, Ian

[@jonathonho8607]

A few quick possibly daft questions, where do the three fingers (or however many fingers) start? How does Paul read the 3 percent without the spirit level? For people who are new to reading greens? Loving the videos though and please keep up the good work 👍

[@martynmurfitt-wrather7555]

Good review - I tried the P790 but the top line didn’t suit my eye, and I decided on a combo set with 4/5 in the T200, with T150 from 6-PW - so far, when the game is on, I am enjoying the clubs, but of course there is no guarantee that this will bring the improvement I desire, and also other folks might have different views

[@barryhadley4473]

Hi Dan enjoyed the video understand the machinery but what you didn’t explain is what are you looking at when you hold your fingers up are you covering the hole or the brake at the moment I’m just looking at 3 fingers and unstandardised bending the arm with faster or slower greens love to know fascinating concept if you know what your looking at.

[@scottfrewing7873]

I had an aimpoint express lesson this year, best money I have ever spent on golf. It’s like a cheat code for your putting.

[@charlesmcallisterrogers6135]

hahaha what a load of b.s

[@timhoward1888]

Very interesting video. Although it did remind me of the Hokey Cokey at one point..."You put your left arm in, your left arm out, in out, in out, you shake it all about...."

[@James_Vaughn]

I'm jealous of the greens cards. I generally just putt by feel, and visualizing the line I think it's going to take. Not surprisingly, my putting is streaky at best. I've never really been able to detect subtle breaks. Aimpoint seems like a good system, but I'm not sure I could tell a 1% slope with my feet. I may need to invest in a digital level. lol

[@adamdale948]

Blowing a gale! Same principals apply on links course?

[@markdunn8038]

Go by feel, look at the putt from the side to gage the slope and any changes in elevation.

[@iiZAPPx]

Sad that there are Many comments regarding slow play but because I have put in the necessary practice time with the AIMPOINT method has actually made my pace of play around the greens much quicker because most of the time I will use this method on putts outside of 20' because at that point you are just trying to work on 3-putt avoidance. I dont expect to hole a 30 footer. But AIMPOINT takes guesswork out of any putt and I can just focus on speed. It is accurate enough that you will surprise yourself with the occasional drained bomb. Obviously every putt is situational and I will take more time on certain parts than others especially if it's something that is a bit more straight and I feel like it's actually reasonable to hole... but if theres a lot of movement, I just take 3 reads with the feet, go back to my ball, pick the speed, and hit it. Always inside a tap-in range given proper speed. PRACTICE the method enough before taking it to the course or do so when you know you wont hold up groups behind you to make your process more efficient. The method is great!

[@robertyu4313]

Paul, would you have a followup putting lesson that covers what you do to deal with severe uphill/downhole lies, double breakers, and severe wind? Also, does right/left eye dominance affect how you read the number of fingers (such as close one eye)? Thank you.

[@antheahall3797]

I putt by guesswork with some success but this is a real eye opener. Would Paul return and explain how he approaches a double break? Love your channel, definitely the best on youtube.

[@bengoulding9723]

I dont want to spill the beans but its definitely worth getting a Aimpoint lesson. They teach double breaks in the lesson.

[@tylerlove2052]

Thanks for that info guys! Made it sound more simple then I’ve heard it before. One question, when you hold your fingers up, where is the left edge of your forefinger? Middle of the cup or the right edge of it’s a right to left break? Great stuff as always!

[@Kinky_Wizzard]

All the videos I've seen on this subject say they use the finger from the middle of the hole

[@matthewsmith7727]

Think paul is right on the reading greens work thst people dont do, i certainly dont put a lot of practice into that.

[@andrewjohnston5942]

It’s a good video, and I did ask for one a while ago, but, no, not for me. Too complicated. I was really good at trigonometry and calculus at school, I left it there. I’ll stick to my eyes reading the greens. Almost 40 years experience, it will have to do for me. A lot for me is “the feel” but, maybe that’s just old fashioned nowadays, who knows.

[@davidballard9781]

It all sounds good I did try it once but because I’ve not read up on it I probably did it wrong lol where do you aim your inside finger at the flag or to the side of it

[@cameronmitchell8440]

Good video might try it my putting be terrible

[@garysmith6994]

There’s theory and then there’s practice combining the two well that’s why Paul is so good more often than not