Plumb bobbing is a putting technique that helps golfers read the break and slope of a green. The name comes from a plumb bob, a weight suspended from a string used in construction to find a vertical reference line. Similarly, in golf, a plumb bob helps you gauge the direction and severity of a putt.
This technique has been around for decades, and many golfers swear by it. If you’ve ever watched a pro meticulously analyze a putt, you’ve probably seen plumb bobbing in action. It’s all about using visual alignment and balance to make more accurate putts. Understanding how to read a green properly can drastically improve your game.
There are a few myths floating around about plumb bobbing. Some people believe it’s a surefire way to sink every putt, which isn’t true. It’s a tool to help with reading the putt, not a magic trick.
While it’s not a guaranteed fix, mastering plumb bobbing offers benefits like improved accuracy and a better feel for the green. It’s an essential skill for anyone looking to step up their putting game.
Essential Tools and Setup for Plumb Bobbing
To start with plumb bobbing, you’ll need the right tools. While a classic plumb bob device can be used, most golfers simply use their putter, which serves the purpose well.
First, hold your putter by the top of the grip, allowing it to hang freely in front of you. The idea is to use the putter as a straight line to judge the slope and break of the green. The heavier the putter head, the steadier the line will hang, making it easier to read accurately.
Next, stand a few paces behind your ball and line up your dominant eye with the hole and the ball. Hold the putter so that it bisects the ball at the bottom and aligns with the hole at the top. The position of the putter relative to the ball and hole will give you a sense of the slope.
Your stance and grip are crucial. Keep your stance relaxed but steady to avoid swaying, which can throw off your alignment. Hold the putter lightly; a death grip will make it impossible to get a true read.
Remember, environmental factors like wind can affect the way the putter hangs. On a windy day, you may need to account for the breeze pushing your putter off line. Also, take the slope of the green into account. A severe slope could require more adjustment.
It’s important to practice setting up your plumb bob until it becomes second nature. This isn’t just about getting the right stance or grip; it’s also about training your eyes to pick up on subtle breaks and slopes. Practice makes perfect, especially when it comes to something as nuanced as plumb bobbing.
Mastering the Plumb Bob Technique
Once you’ve got the setup down, it’s time to master the plumb bob technique. Start by positioning yourself directly behind your ball, enough to see a straight line to the hole. This will give you the full picture of the green’s slope and breaks.
Hold the putter at arm’s length and line up the bottom of the putter with the ball. Keep your dominant eye (usually the one you’d use to look through a camera) directly in line with both the ball and the hole. The putter should bisect the ball at the bottom and the hole at the top, giving you a reference line to read the slope.
Notice which side of the putter the hole appears on. If the hole appears to the right, the putt will break to the left, and vice versa. The amount of offset gives you an idea of how severe the break is. Make mental notes about these details to fine-tune your read.
Common mistakes include using too tight a grip and not keeping the putter steady. A loose, relaxed hold ensures the putter hangs straight and true. Avoid the tendency to move excessively once you’ve found your position. Consistency is key here.
Learning from the pros can give you great insights. Watch professional golfers during tournaments and see how they incorporate plumb bobbing into their routine. Over time, you’ll develop your unique rhythm and style.
Practice drills are invaluable. Set up multiple balls around a hole and practice reading and putting from various angles. This helps in understanding different slopes and conditions you might encounter. Repetition will build your skill and confidence.
Finally, practice reading the greens. Different courses and even different holes on the same course can present various reading challenges. Get familiar with as many green types as possible to broaden your plumb bobbing experience. Mastery comes with time and patience.
Advanced Tips and Troubleshooting
Tackling advanced techniques can set you apart. When facing greens with varying slopes or unusual conditions, adjust your approach to maintain accuracy. For example, on double-breaking putts, break the putt into two separate reads using your plumb bob.
Windy conditions can throw off the balance of your plumb bob putter, so factor this into your alignment. Less obvious are dew or wet greens, which can change how the ball rolls. Adapt by practicing in different weather conditions to build a solid repertoire of strategies.
Troubleshooting common issues involves patience and observation. If your reads consistently lead you astray, double-check your stance and eye alignment. Even slight deviations can impact your accuracy. Keep a mental log of misreads and adjust accordingly the next time you face similar conditions.
Feedback is another essential part of fine-tuning your technique. Whether from a coach, a good golfing buddy, or even technology like putting sensors, feedback helps you recognize patterns and areas for improvement. Use this information to make informed adjustments.
Technology offers fantastic tools to complement traditional methods. Devices like digital green readers can provide real-time data on slopes and breaks. While not a replacement for skills like plumb bobbing, these can serve as excellent supplementary aids.
Hearing about success stories from seasoned golfers can be inspiring. Many pros have tales of how mastering plumb bobbing has impacted their game. Use these stories to stay motivated and committed to continuous improvement. Remember, every golfer’s journey is unique, but learning from the experiences of others can expedite your progress.
I remember the first time I tried using the plumb bob method on the green—it was a bit tricky at first, but it made a huge difference in my putting accuracy. Your tips on positioning and how to use the method effectively really hit the mark. It’s amazing how a simple technique can refine your game so much. Thanks for breaking it down so clearly
Hi Andy,
Thanks so much for sharing your experience! I completely agree the plumb bob method can feel tricky at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s a game-changer for putting accuracy. I’m glad the tips on positioning resonated with you! It’s all about those small adjustments that can make such a big difference in your game. Keep at it, and I’m sure you’ll see even more improvement. Thanks again for your feedback!
Take care,
Mercy
Having played golf for over sixty (60) years, I have used the plumb bob technique pretty much all of that time having learned it when I was young. I have always found it to be a good guide and still do today. It gives me a good idea about the amount of break in a putt and then I read the green more closely to determine my aim. Of course, plumb bobbing has been second nature for me for quite some time. I agree that practicing reading the greens is essential. Appreciate the advanced tips.
Hi Joseph
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experience with the plumb bob technique! It’s inspiring to hear how it has been a consistent part of your game for over 60 years. I agree that it serves as a great guide, especially when assessing the break on a putt. Like you, I find it useful as a starting point before fine-tuning my aim based on a closer read of the green. Practicing green reading is definitely key, and it’s interesting to see how second nature these techniques can become over time. I appreciate the insights and look forward to putting them into practice!
Take care,
Mercy
Hello Mercy,
I recently read your enlightening piece on plumb bobbing in golf, and I must say, it has piqued my interest in taking up the sport myself. As someone who is considering embarking on the golfing journey, the technique of plumb bobbing seems like a fascinating aspect to master, especially when it comes to improving putting skills.
Your detailed explanation of how plumb bobbing works, utilizing the putter as a vertical line to determine the slope and break of the greens, was particularly insightful. It’s intriguing to learn that such a traditional method still holds significant value in a sport that is increasingly leveraging high-tech equipment. This blend of old-school techniques with modern technology makes golf appear both accessible and deep in skill development, which is very appealing to a beginner like me.
The myths around plumb bobbing that you debunked were also quite helpful. Understanding that it’s not a magical solution but a tool to aid in reading greens puts things into perspective. Beginners need to recognize that golf skills require practice and patience, and there are no shortcuts.
Your advice on the importance of practice and consistency, from the grip of the putter to the stance, and even considering environmental factors like wind, all contribute to painting a realistic picture of what one should focus on as a novice. It’s clear that mastering plumb bobbing and putting in general, is as much about understanding and reacting to the physical environment as it is about technique.
I am particularly drawn to the idea of using practice drills to get accustomed to various green conditions, as mentioned in your article. This seems like a practical approach to not only enhance one’s plumb bobbing proficiency but also to gain a broader understanding and feel of the game’s challenges.
Moreover, the community aspect, learning from professionals, and gathering feedback are aspects of golf that I find very encouraging. Knowing that there’s a supportive environment where one can continually improve and share experiences adds a significant social element to the sport, making it even more enticing to start.
Thank you for such a comprehensive look at a crucial part of golf. Your article has not only educated me on the specifics of plumb bobbing but has also inspired me to seriously consider golf as a new hobby. The blend of technical skill, environmental strategy, and community makes golf seem like a rewarding endeavour.
Looking forward to more insights from you as I hopefully begin this new sporting adventure.
All the Best,
Eric
Hi Eric,
Thank you so much for your thoughtful and detailed comment on my post about how to plumb bob a Golf Putt! I’m truly glad to hear that the piece resonated with you and sparked your interest in the sport. Golf has a unique blend of tradition, technique, and community that makes it rewarding for players at any level, and it’s exciting to see you’re considering taking up the game.
Plumb bobbing is one of those techniques that connects the old-school charm of golf with the precision of skill development, and it’s fantastic to hear that you appreciate the balance between the two. I’m glad the explanations and tips on using the putter to read the greens were insightful. It’s true—while plumb bobbing isn’t a magic solution, it’s a tool that can help refine your green-reading abilities when practiced consistently.
Your approach of focusing on practice drills to adapt to varying green conditions is spot on. That hands-on experience will certainly deepen your understanding and feel for the game, allowing you to react more intuitively over time. And you’re right; the golf community is supportive, and sharing experiences and feedback is a huge part of what makes the sport enjoyable and enriching.
I’m delighted to have inspired you to consider golf as a new hobby, and I look forward to providing more insights to help you on your journey as you dive deeper into this sport. Wishing you all the best as you explore and enjoy the game—keep that passion and curiosity alive!
Take care,
Mercy