185: Mark Sweeney | Drain More Putts with Aimpoint Golf

Have you ever been watching golf and seen pros like Justin Rose, Adam Scott, and Lydia Ko on the green getting ready to putt and you see them do the same kind of ritual (walking between the ball and the cup, rocking back and forth, closing their eyes, putting two fingers in the air) and then they drain the putt! Today we are talking to Mark Sweeney, the creator of the AimPoint Golf putting system, that over 100 of these touring professionals are using, where he is going to break down exactly what it consists of, how you can use it, and how you can take it into your game. So often when we get to the green, we are trying to get the lay of the land and it can be all over the place but Mark brings his background as a software engineer into the world of golf and helps players be able to strategically read greens. Mark Sweeney’s Background Mark Sweeney is the inventor and founder of AimPoint Technologies. He developed the AimPoint Virtual Putting Line and is the developer of the AimPoint Green Reading System; the most used green-reading method in the world. He won an Emmy in 2008 for the George Wensel Technical Achievement Award for his AimPoint Virtual Putting Line, which was shown on Golf Channel from 2007 until 2012. He has taught more than 100 tour players including World #1 Ranked players Adam Scott, Lydia Ko, Stacy Lewis, and Yani Tseng. Other students include PGA TOUR players Ian Poulter, Padraig Harrington, Justin Rose, Brian Gay, Dicky Pride, Zach Johnson, Daniel Summerhays, JB Holmes, and LPGA Tour Players Na Yeon Choi, Amy Yang, Christina Kim, Julie Inkster, Beatrice Recari, Azahara Munoz, Belen Mozo, Anna Norqvist, and many others. Mark was voted one of the Best Teachers in Florida and nominated for Golf Digest Best 50 Teachers in the U.S. in 2015 and 2017. Highlights from this Episode Mark Sweeney talks about his background in software development allowed him to develop, analyze, create, and perfect his AimPoint system from both theoretical and applicable standpoints. From the initial challenges of getting 3D imaging of the topography of golf greens (with limited technology back in 2003,) getting the physics just right, and the pressure to get it right the first time. How being forced to simplify this technique snowballed into implementing his findings with junior players using the thumb technique to gauge distance and break. He talks about how the method works due to its reliability and resiliency on courses around the world. Tips and tricks you can begin to use next time you go out on the course to best understand the slope using a digital leveler and the finger method, Overcoming the optical illusions that come with your sense of sight and relying on your sense of feel, and what results you can expect from it. What his clinics look like for players as well as certification programs for coaches and golf professionals and how to set up a clinic in your area. Mark explains why the range of 4-6 feet putts are usually the most uncomfortable and are likely the most crucial to spend time perfecting. Parting Questions . . . Caddy Shack or Happy Gilmore?  Caddy Shack “Walk-up” Song?  Thunderstruck by AC/DC Who would you play 18 Holes with:   Scarlett Johansen at Augusta What are the pros doing differently than us?  Their aim is always within 1 degree and they tend to be more relaxed. Parting advice:  Putting is a lot easier than people think if you understand how to read greens. It will transform your putting game if you know what to look for. Find Mark Sweeney: Website:  AimPointGolf.com Twitter:  @AimPointGolf Instagram: @aimpointgolf Episode Sponsors RADRoller.com Join The 18STRONG Movement! If you listened to the very end of this episode, then you know that there is a movement happening in golf and fitness.  To join, simply follow this link to the private Facebook group and ask to join!  Once you’re accepted, you are officially part of The 18STRONG Movement!  Introduce yourself to the group and let’s get connected!