Many upgrades and new approaches in sports often face mixed opinions, but sometimes it’s just plain disagreement. For example, professionals like Bubba Watson have openly disliked data-centric analysis. He said he doesn’t even watch his swing on video. It’s the fear of paralyzing the natural rhythm of the game. But what happens when upgrades slow down this very pace?

The golf community is fed up with one such approach. Used by golfers to align their putts, it is criticized by many in the golf community. This technique involves using a complex system to read greens and line up putts, but it has been accused of dragging the game. The debate about slow play in golf has gained momentum, with Masters Chairman Fred Ridley joining the chorus of critics. Ridley expressed his concerns, citing the importance of respecting other players’ time and the fans who support the game.

“Golf is a special game because it requires us to be considerate while also being competitive. Respecting other people’s time, including, importantly, the fans who support the game, is a fundamental courtesy,” said Ridley in the Masters press conference. This sentiment was echoed by commentator Jim Nantz, who questioned the lengthy process of a young golfer using the infamous “AimPoint” technique to line up her putt (around two minutes to do so). Ridley pointed out that young players often look to their professional heroes for guidance on the game, and they need to set a good example.

He praised Dottie Pepper for speaking out on the issue, saying, “I think it’s been very – a good thing that knowledgeable people such as Dottie Pepper have commented on this recently and I hope that — she made the point, which I alluded to in my comments, about respect for others, including most particularly the people who watch the game, the fans.” CBS on-course reporter and former LPGA player Dottie Pepper criticized the AimPoint putting method, especially on short putts, for contributing to slow play. The use of lines and angles delays the game. Then, Ridley added that the PGA Tour is testing new timing rules to address the issue.

The issue was highlighted during the Drive, Chip & Putt competition, where a young golfer took an excessive amount of time to pace off a putt. Ridley noted that this was unnecessary, as the competition features standardized chip and putt lengths. He hinted that next year’s competition might introduce time limitations to address the issue, saying, “I think it’s safe to assume that next year at the Drive, Chip & Putt you will see some sort of time limitations placed on the competition.” But this isn’t the first time golf enthusiast are raising their voice against the issue.

Paige Spiranac weighs in on the AimPoint issue in golf

With everyone else, retired LPGA player Marina Alex also supported Pepper’s sentiments, agreeing that the method’s application in certain situations is excessive. Then, only a few weeks ago, Paige Spiranac had reignited the debate over slow play in professional golf. While discussing the AimPoint technique, Spiranac said, “In all seriousness, there’s nothing wrong with AimPoint. The problem is when it’s not taught correctly, which will slow down pace… My issue is when they are so conditioned to use AimPoint that it’s a habit they have to use even on tap-ins. Trampling around the golf hole is not it.” This highlights the concern that its improper use can lead to slow play, particularly when players become overly reliant on the technique.

The controversy surrounding AimPoint has sparked a broader discussion about slow play in professional golf. Some, like veteran PGA Tour player Lucas Glover, argue that the method hasn’t provided superior results compared to other green-reading techniques. Others have suggested solutions, such as adopting a ‘gimme’ rule for putts inside two feet, to speed up the game. As the debate continues, it’s clear that finding ways to maintain a good pace is essential for the sport. But what are your thoughts on the matter? Let us know in the comment section below!