When should you take an Aimpoint course?

[RobWC]

A quick background first:

I've been golfing a year. I've never had my handicap assessed (GolfShot says 26.8) so I'll just say when I started my average outing was 118 (counting everything). Now I'm at about 101, with my lowest score being 96. I rarely three putt, but never 1 putt. Golfshot has my last 10 rounds at 2.13 putts per hole. I practice for about 3 hours a week. I play at least 9 holes a week; Many weeks I get 9 in with co-workers (they shoot in the low 80's) and 18 in with my regular group. I really need to work on every aspect of my game. I plan on taking short game lessons starting in late May and then long game lessons in July.

So now Aimpoint:

After a few rounds with coworkers, several different guys noticed/mentioned I never one putt. So I began looking into options because even though I use 80% of my practice time for short game I'm not improving enough. So I ran across Aimpoint. Like most people who post about it, I find it incredibly interesting. I have two instructors near me (Mike Dickson CCC and Bernie Najar WCC)

I'm wondering if it's to early for me to begin thinking about using Aimpoint because I am such a green golfer. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Rob

**I'm as conflicted about this as I am about whether I should get a custom Edel putter or a new putter fitted from Golf Galaxy.

[boogielicious]

No, it is not too early.  No one you play with will teach you how to read greens.  Most people use the "it's all feel" approach.  If they have been putting for 35 years, then that may work.  But you are new to the game.  Learn how to read greens now.

Also, get your putter adjusted by a good fitter so you can aim correctly and start your putts on your intended line.

If you are averaging around 100, I am guessing you are putting about 40 times a round.  If you can get that down to 30, without doing anything else, you'll break 90.

[Danattherock]

Agreed, go for it. But prior to doing so, I would encourage you to take some putting lessons. Be sure to get a SAM putting eval if you can. It will show all the good and bad aspects of your putting stroke. Then with your improved stroke, consider a putter fitting. No sense in fitting a putter to a faulty stroke, but that doesn't stop most folks from doing it. Fix your stroke, then your putter. After working on these issues, an Aimpoint course would yield maximum results in my opinion.

FYI, never say David Edel and Golf Galaxy in the same sentence. A custom fit Edel is a Ferrari, Golf Galaxy is a Hyundai.

Also, if wanting to improve your putting, be sure to read the "Tips" section on Geoff Mangum's website. Tons of articles about putting, putter fit, green reading, etc...

Dan

[jamo]

I agree with the two posts above me. Word of advice that was given to be before I took an AimPoint less: if you can't get a putting lesson work on being able to start the ball on the line you want. You'll get a lot more out of the lesson.

[RobWC]

Guys thanks for the input. Dan sorry for the Edel faux pas.

Rob

[Danattherock]

I mean it light heartedly of course, but the "fitting" does vary drastically depending on where you get it done.

Golf Galaxy is Walmart for golf.

David Edel is the most respected putter fitter in the country.

You are thinking about the right things. Putting is a weakness in many folks game. The more time and energy I dedicate towards my putting, the better I get. Shot my all time low (81) twice in the last two weeks. My putting is one of the main reasons. I drained two 20 footers today and made numerous 5-8 footers. The driver was not on today. Irons were mediocre. My wedges were so so. My putter was on fire and I shot my all time low. Focus on the putter, love it, cherish it, think of every aspect of what you are doing well and poorly. A SAM putting lab is a great first move in my opinion.

-Dan