The age-old debate about speeding up play has reared its head once again, and this time, it’s the overuse of AIM Point on the greens. The technique has come in for some stick of late, particularly after an LPGA player was spotted lining up a putt that barely stretched two feet. But she’s hardly alone.
For me, the bigger issue isn’t AIM Point itself, it’s the rules that allow this level of deliberation in the first place. The method, at its core, is designed to help players feel the early movement of a putt and give them extra confidence on the greens. Nothing wrong with that. But, as with all good things in golf, too much of it quickly becomes a problem.
I’m all for players exploring new ways to gain an edge, that’s how the sport evolves, but let’s be honest, AIM Point takes far too long. If we’re serious about speeding up play, I’d go even further and suggest conceding all putts inside two feet. Not only would it keep things moving, but it would also save the wear and tear around the hole.
My only firsthand experience with AIM Point came about a decade ago when Henrik Stenson and I gave it a go during a round at Lake Nona. We stuck with it for all 18 holes, and while I found it time-consuming, I can’t say it offered much of an advantage. Granted, I was never the best putter on Tour, but even the caddies I know have a nickname for it, ‘No Point’.
Detry and Pieters became the first Belgium pairing to win the World Cup of Golf in 2018.
Having just landed in Florida to help my players fine-tune their games ahead of the Masters, one question keeps coming my way. Why have the Europeans got off to such a flying start on the PGA TOUR this year?
There’s no simple answer, but one thing I do know, Thomas Detry’s victory at the Waste Management Phoenix Open was no fluke.
Two decades ago, we launched the Flemish Golf Union (VVG) project at a top sports school in Belgium, a venture I was fortunate to be involved in alongside David Pietre, Ramsey Macmaster (both sadly no longer with us), and Ryan Lumsden. The first players to emerge from that programme were Thomas Pieters and Thomas Detry. They both progressed to Illinois University under the guidance of Mike Small, who polished them into elite players, but the foundation was laid back in Belgium. When Detry and Pieters won the World Cup in Australia, we knew we’d got something right.
In recent years, Detry’s coach, Jerome, has done a brilliant job in Abu Dhabi, installing real self-belief in him, and his breakthrough on the PGA TOUR felt inevitable. It’s not a question of if he wins again, but when.
Another player making waves is South African powerhouse Aldrich Potgieter. He might be a fresh face to some, but those in the know have had him marked for years.
I first heard whispers about this young phenomenon from South African caddies four years ago. Then I saw him in action at the British Amateur Championship at Hoylake, where he defeated our own Sam Bairstow in the final. That victory earned him spots in the Majors, and his raw power was showcased at The Open when he drove the 18th green at St Andrews with a two iron!
He was unfortunate to miss out in the Mexico playoff recently, but that course suited his game perfectly being wide open and long. While everyone was mesmerised by his raw power, many overlooked a crucial stat, he led the field in putting that week. That’s the complete package. If he picks the right courses, there’s no doubt he’ll be lifting trophies soon.
One of my players who could be a real threat this season is Joaquin Niemann. His ball speed sits comfortably at 185 mph and can nudge 190 mph when needed. But Augusta isn’t about sheer power, it’s about finesse. That’s why we’ve been focusing on his short game.
His victory at the LIV event in Adelaide was particularly impressive, as that course features severe run-offs similar to those found at Augusta. Over the past two years, we’ve worked tirelessly on his bunker play and ball-striking, ensuring he controls his low point to deliver consistent strikes. We’ve also worked hard on controlling his ball flight from inside 100 yards, which is essential to win any tournament. Winning at Augusta is about knowing where to miss and having the short-game confidence to recover. You don’t overpower this course to slip on a Green Jacket, as Jack Nicklaus repeatedly proved. It’s about strategy. When to attack, when to back off, and how to capitalise on your opportunities. That’s why past champions can never be ignored.
The real question for this year’s Masters is how the LIV players will shape up. Critics argue that a lack of four-round tournaments could leave them underprepared, but you could just as easily argue they’ll arrive fresher and ready to go. Either way, one thing is certain. For today’s elite players, Majors are the only currency that truly matters. The money’s already in the bank. It’s now all about legacy.
