Jim "Bones" Mackay's 10 Tips for Reading Greens

[iacas]

1 minute ago, Shindig said:

Yeah, I learned the chart method.  I don't think the guy I took it from is teaching still.  Fortunately I'm at a better part of my life where I can afford the lesson fee instead of relying on a free re-sit or whatever the deal was. 

The free thing would only apply to the chart course nobody teaches now anyway.

[Shindig]

Just now, iacas said:

The free thing would only apply to the chart course nobody teaches now anyway.

Good point.

I know I'm getting a little off-topic, but other than if we're able to get you to come out to Southern California, is there anyone who teaches in the area you think is particularly good?

[iacas]

On 6/17/2017 at 7:06 PM, Shindig said:

Good point.

I know I'm getting a little off-topic, but other than if we're able to get you to come out to Southern California, is there anyone who teaches in the area you think is particularly good?

I'd make the trip out if it was even a little profitable (especially if we could work it into an outing or something).

But… let me see… http://www.aimpointgolf.com/instructor/104 is about it. I'd avoid the Level 2 guy in your area, and that's about all that exists. Craig Farnsworth is a good guy. I don't buy all of his "vision"-related stuff, but he teaches AimPoint well. Go see Craig.

[Shindig]

On 6/17/2017 at 4:11 PM, iacas said:

I'd make the trip out if it was even a little profitable (especially if we could work it into an outing or something).

But… let me see… http://www.aimpointgolf.com/instructor/104 is about it. I'd avoid the Level 2 guy in your area, and that's about all that exists. Craig Farnsworth is a good guy. I don't buy all of his "vision"-related stuff, but he teaches AimPoint well. Go see Craig.

Thanks.  Given where he teaches, I doubt he's running any clinics this summer, but I'll check in with him in the not-too-distant future.  

[Pepsivanilla93]

1 hour ago, Shindig said:

Yeah, I learned the chart method.  I don't think the guy I took it from is teaching still.  Fortunately I'm at a better part of my life where I can afford the lesson fee instead of relying on a free re-sit or whatever the deal was. 

Awesome to hear you're doing well! If the opportunity arises to take an aimpoint express clinic I'd obviously recommend it.

[oregongolfguy]

the article is typical fluff with no real value.  In the past i haven't taken any aimpoint classes because none ever near me.  I do see now that there is a level 1 instructor not too far away.  I can't find any info on what the different levels of instructors means.  I would be down if i got the opportunity somewhere reasonably close.  I'm sure it would help me. 

[dennyjones]

On 6/15/2017 at 11:28 PM, iacas said:

Other people can answer that more accurately than I can, but I think most people who have done the DVDs and the classes would tell you that you get more per dollar out of the course than the DVDs. The DVDs were intended to help drive business to instructors, too.

I took the Aimpoint Express 1 class last year early in the golf season.  I also bought the DVD.   The DVD was useful after I took the class but the class was significantly better.    I can honestly say that my putting has improved tremendously.    I was always under reading the break and with Aimpoint, I at least give the putt a chance.   I still need to work on speed but the bead and read are coming around.  

@iacas, your comments are spot on in my opinion.  

[MuniGrit]

On 6/15/2017 at 2:10 PM, nevets88 said:

I really want to know the logic for this one.

Playing the many courses in North Scottsdale like he does. 

[iacas]

4 hours ago, oregongolfguy said:

the article is typical fluff with no real value.  In the past i haven't taken any aimpoint classes because none ever near me.  I do see now that there is a level 1 instructor not too far away.  I can't find any info on what the different levels of instructors means.  I would be down if i got the opportunity somewhere reasonably close.  I'm sure it would help me. 

Just means he's/she's newer and has taught fewer students.

[JonMA1]

When I stop missing 3 footers on greens I know like the back of my hands, I'll look further into it. There's a level one instructor in Lansing.

[dennyjones]

1 hour ago, JonMA1 said:

When I stop missing 3 footers on greens I know like the back of my hands, I'll look further into it. There's a level one instructor in Lansing.

Jon,  Chad is very good.   I took Express 1 from him.   The class will definitely help with the 3' putts too.  

[Kieran123]

I cringe when I go golfing and I hear other players say "well it's gotta break towards the water" or "it's gotta break away from the mountains".

There is a guy named Paul Horton here in Calgary that does AimPoint lessons...it's tempting, but it's also $210.

[JonMA1]

10 hours ago, dennyjones said:

Jon,  Chad is very good.   I took Express 1 from him.   The class will definitely help with the 3' putts too.  

Good to know Denny, thanks. Ok if I ask how much the Express 1 cost you?

If I thought it would help, I've even considered taking a road trip to Erie. But I'd be looking at 2 1/2 hrs on the road vs 7. Of course, if the trip included a round of golf with a couple of you downstaters, it might be worth it.

Back on the topic of putting and throwing money at the problem, I'm sure there would be some benefit to lessons. The same could be said for a fitted putter. But after spending $300 for a putter and $200 for lessons, I can't only imagine how pissed I'd be when I was still missing those 3 footers.

I worked all Winter on one of those ball-return putting strips. I came up with a method and was easily hitting 50% from 10' and almost automatic from 4'. Of course, there's that same straight line to go by, the same roll...  nothing like an actual green. Still, I really thought some of that might show up on the course.

[dennyjones]

The Express 1 class was $100.   It was $100 well spent.   Chad didn't offer the Express 2 class so I bought the DVD.  Between the improved reads I've been using a metal yard stick to start my putts online and it has helped.   Good luck.

[tristanhilton85]

On 6/20/2017 at 7:53 AM, Kieran123 said:

I cringe when I go golfing and I hear other players say "well it's gotta break towards the water" or "it's gotta break away from the mountains".

There is a guy named Paul Horton here in Calgary that does AimPoint lessons...it's tempting, but it's also $210.

It'd be $210 well spent.

[lastings]

welp...   I'm convinced.  

signing up for AImPoint express I & II here with Level 3 instructor Andy Thompson in Minnesota.   

$175.00.   hopefully it works out as advertised.  

 

Edited June 22, 2017 by lastings

[dennyjones]

19 minutes ago, lastings said:

welp...   I'm convinced.  

signing up for AImPoint express I & II here with Level 3 instructor Andy Thompson in Minnesota.   

$175.00.   hopefully it works out as advertised.  

 

You won't be disappointed.  

[todgot]

 

On ‎6‎/‎15‎/‎2017 at 1:34 PM, iacas said:

One read for bent, two for Bermuda. - Uhhhh… okay? Unless he's talking exclusively about short putts, the physics doesn't back this one up much at all.

What are your thoughts? For those of you who haven't taken an AimPoint class, too, I'm curious: why not?

Could he be talking about the line and grain on Bermuda grass... definitely have to take the grain into consideration.  Do you figure out the line and then take the grain into consideration?  I hardly ever play on Bermuda greens... 

I would love to take an Aim Point class but there isn't one in my area that I know of.  Always looking to get better at reading greens.