That augmented-reality device this pro is using at the US Open? Here’s what it does
Alex Fitzpatrick’s preparations for the US Open looked a little different on Tuesday at Shinnecock Hills, where he was spotted on the practice green wearing a headset over his eyes. The English coach was seen using this tool before his training session, attracting the attention of the media and fans, most of whom were left wondering what he was using.
The answer, it seems, is PuttView X – a smart-goggle system designed with Microsoft HoloLens-augmented-reality technology that creates visuals directly on the putt.
Designed to help golfers improve green reading, alignment, distance control and more, the system overlays real-time information based on slope, target line and selected speed. For players who already use tools like AimPoint, it provides another layer of feedback to interpret distance and speed more accurately.
How PuttView X works
Once the glasses are on and placed over your eyes, a digital projection appears directly on the display in front of you. These images will show metrics such as the expected ball path, ideal starting line and how different speeds affect the split. And the visuals are updated instantly, so players can test multiple iterations of the same putt – dead it, pass it, or match a combination of breaks and speed.
After spending time with the PuttView team at the PGA Show last year and testing the system in person, what really stood out was the flexibility. I love that you can customize it to your own style of placement. This feature also allows players to test different reads and speed preferences in a structured environment, a tool that could prove useful later this week on Shinnecock’s sought-after fast greens.
Features of PuttView X
According to the PuttView website, the program includes a series of training tools that help players hone aspects of their game such as line, speed and green reading. The Ideal Line, for example, shows a curved, speed-corrected ball path to the hole with animated guides to reinforce the correct starting line and speed. Aiming Line, another feature from PuttView, provides an alignment reference and shows how different speeds change the break.
The Contour Lines feature highlights slopes and elevation changes. You can also adjust your speed from a dead-weight roll to an aggressive putt (up to 3 feet past) to train distance control by using the power factor. Also Green Speed allows players to program the green speed based on the Stimpmeter so the feedback you get matches the real world feedback.
PuttView X comes with the PuttView Companion App, which serves as a training hub. It allows instructors to simulate the player’s view by streaming the screen, access detailed placement data, record and review sessions, and control the system remotely from a smartphone during practice.
In theory, with real-time remote training, Fitzpatrick’s coach could have been giving him feedback or instructions virtually while he was alone on the practice green.
