The golf world is buzzing over AimPoint, a green-reading method that still splits opinions. Over the past year, the technique—where players use their feet to gauge slopes and predict breaks—has gone from a niche training aid to the center of a fiery debate.
Min Woo Lee recently added a lighthearted touch to the ongoing discussion. Before sinking the winning putt at the Houston Open, the Australian playfully struck an exaggerated AimPoint pose, straddling his line with a grin as Scottie Scheffler laughed.
Lee’s gesture highlighted how the controversy has become a hot topic—seen as essential by some and ridiculous by others. Here’s how the debate has unfolded…
The uproar began last year when Viktor Hovland’s dramatic AimPoint routine went viral, with fans criticizing it as slow and unnecessary.
Criticism flared again after LPGA player Kim A-lim used the method for a straightforward putt at the Honda LPGA Thailand, sparking mockery online.
Golf influencer Paige Spiranac called for a ban, while 2009 U.S. Open winner Lucas Glover has been vocal in his opposition, arguing it “takes forever” and questioning its proven success. However, AimPoint founder Mark Sweeney strongly defended the system, calling Glover’s claims “malicious” and citing data that 90-95% of users see improved results.
“I get it if people just don’t like it,” he told Bunkered. “That’s a personal preference, but Lucas was factually incorrect to claim it’s never helped anyone, that’s just crazy. AimPoint has been around on tour for 17 years, with Scott McCarron being the first tour player to adopt it. He transformed from a pretty mediocre putter to ranking in the top 20 every year since.”
“Adam Scott went to number one in the world when he started using it. Lydia Ko went to number one, Stacy Lewis went to number one. There are loads of stats to show that people got better, so I don’t know where that came from. I think that was out of order, honestly.
“And it’s not my opinion, this is ShotLink data. If you know when a player started AimPoint, and you look before and afters, 90 to 95% improve.”
“I have nothing against Lucas, but if we’re banning AimPoint I think we should ban long putters as well.”
Lowry and Day wade in
Shane Lowry and Jason Day also jumped into the AimPoint discussion. Lowry criticized the method for slowing down play, while Day made his stance clear to The Golfing Gazette, saying simply, “I am not an AimPoint guy.”
Day clarified his position, saying: “I am not anti-AimPoint. The only thing I don’t like about AimPoint is that when it’s your putt, they’re in there reading their putt. Wait your turn and get out, you know what I mean. I understand, but it’s actually bugging your playing partner.”
Last year, when questioned about which golf rules he’d change, Lowry answered without pause: “AimPoint. Ban straddling the line.”
Mickelson and Morikawa respond
Even with complaints that it slows play, many players—like Collin Morikawa and Phil Mickelson—stand by AimPoint, arguing it benefits the game.
Morikawa claims it’s “1,000 percent” improved his performance, while Mickelson has been openly supportive without hesitation.
“Yarbrough has really helped me because he is very good with AimPoint and tells me it’s a one, it’s a two, and then the grain is doing this, and if it’s going with it I’ll give a little more, if it’s going against I’ll give it a little less.”
“He’s really helped me on these greens to get a better visual of what the ball is going to do. These greens have always been challenging for me, and I feel like we got pretty dialed in. I made some good putts.”
Mickelson and Morikawa aren’t alone in adopting AimPoint. Top players like Adam Scott, Ludvig Åberg, Dustin Johnson, Justin Rose, Padraig Harrington, and Tommy Fleetwood have all been seen using the technique during recent tournaments.
