Friday, August 12, 2011

Some New AimPoint Videos

The past couple of times I played golf, some golfers remarked at my ability to make some rather long and difficult putts that had quite a bit of break to them. I was asked how, but I gave a brief explanation. I basically have 3 priorities on those putts:

1. Realistic expectations

The chances of me making those putts were slim, so the goal is to have good touch/speed (so the hole is more likely to 'get in the way')...give it a 'good chance'...and to not 3-putt.

2. Find the high and low anchor.

3. Visualize the last 5 feet of where the putt would have to be to go in

4. Aim above #3

5. Re-focus on speed/touch


Here's a video showing #3 and #4



Very important to understand that. And for those looking to go to an AimPoint clinic or work with an AimPoint instructor, understanding the video above will speed up the learning process.

Here's a video by 3Jack Top 20 Putting/Short Game instructor...and AimPoint certified teacher, Jamie Don



And here's an example of a great success that can be had by understanding AimPoint



Yes, AimPoint works better than you will imagine.

With all of the talk about 'Danger Zone' play, I often get asked if it makes putting 'less important.'

The answer is no.

With all of my statistical data, the main point is that if you improve a part of the game, over time it will improve your score (providing the rest of your game stays the same).

Bunker play is an example of a part of the game that doesn't have a big affect on most golfers' handicap. But, if you go from a mediocre bunker player to a great one...over time that will help.

It just will not help nearly as much as if you go from mediocre Danger Zone player to a very good Danger Zone player.

I have Putting as #2 of importance for players. In fact, here's the order I have the 4 critical parts of the game at:

1. Danger Zone Play
2. Putting
3. Driving
4. Short Game (around the green)

Putting and driving are pretty close together, but that's because if you are very long with the driver, in general you can be a worse putter and get away with it. If it weren't for that, putting would be well ahead of driving. Although it's telling that if you don't hit it long, you probably want to work on your putting more.

Anyway, at #2 improving putting is indeed a great help to one's game.

On the PGA Tour, it usually doesn't matter as much as Danger Zone play unless the golfer is in the top 30 in Putts Gained or approximately in the bottom 50 in Putts Gained. If Golfer A is ranked 70th and golfer B is ranked 90th in putts gained, then that generally doesn't make a huge difference. But a golfer who can get to 25th in putting (and was never in the top 30 before), that could lead to a career year. Conversely, a putter who drops to 170th in putting is likely to squander potential victories and could suddenly lose their Tour card.

I think the great thing about AimPoint is that it should greatly help Tour golfers not finish in the bottom 50 in putting and increase their chances of being in the top 30. And for the amateur, it should help them do the same for their given handicap.






3JACK

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