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(Pinehurst, North Carolina). Max Homa and Viktor Hovland received a barrage of criticism during the first round of the 2024 US Open for their strange presentations of the contentious AimPoint putting strategy.
The two pros were part of one of the marquee groups at Pinehurst No. 2 on Thursday alongside Bryson DeChambeau. However, their rounds were significantly delayed when both simultaneously attempted to read putts using AimPoint in lengthy fashion.
The AimPoint method involves feeling the slope of the green behind the ball while closing one eye and holding up different numbers of fingers. But video showed Homa squatting twice and Hovland shuffling from side to side in their efforts to read putts.
I wonder what Bobby Locke would make of this - pic.twitter.com/IoH2tbmFxT
— TheGolfDivoTee™ (@TheGolfDivoTee) June 13, 2024
Their antics halted play for the group and drew the ire of watching experts. Golf Digest's Christopher Powers said it resembled "a legitimate clown convention" and that players would be better off making faster reads.
Gabby Herzig of The Athletic also criticized AimPoint, noting how its proponents often stomp on other players' lines. "We’ve reached a new level of disgrace. Literally what is happening here?," she wrote.
Sports writer Mark Harris added that if weekend amateurs tried similar mannerisms, they'd be ridiculed. "If you can’t do it in front of the boys, you shouldn’t do it on (Tour)," he stated.
While AimPoint is designed to provide a faster scan, Homa and Hovland's exaggerated presentations backfired in a high-profile US Open group. Their antics culminated in one of the most scrutinized sequences of the first round, fueling fresh debate over the advantages of reading putts.
The crowd reacted with amusement and hilarity to the AimPoint scene at the US Open. The scene, where Max Homa and Viktor Hovland used the technique to line up their putts, was captured on video and quickly went viral on social media. The video showed the two golfers straddling their lines to measure the slope, looking quite silly in the process. The reaction from the crowd was largely positive, with many viewers finding the scene entertaining and comical
As the week progresses at Pinehurst, all eyes will be on whether Homa and Hovland continue employing AimPoint - and if so, in a fashion that meets the moment without further controversy at golf's national championship.
What is the Aimpoint method in golf
When getting ready to putt, one approach for assessing a green's break and slope is called aimpoint.
In place of more traditional techniques like eyeballing the line using plumb bobs, Bob Aitchison created it in the 1970s.
To use Aimpoint, the player stands behind the ball with one eye closed. They then hold up 1-3 fingers near the hole to feel the slope.
More fingers indicates more break/slope is felt. The outermost finger felt gives the aim line to align the ball.
The goal is to get a quicker read of the green's contours compared to other methods.
Critics argue it can be exaggerated and slow players down. Supporters say it improves reading consistency.
To practice reading, players may squat or move side to side to cross-check slope feelings.
Major champions like Retief Goosen and Jason Day have utilized Aimpoint during their careers.
Whether its advantages exceed the disadvantages of appearances on Tour is still up for dispute.
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