Struggling to read the break on tricky putts? You’re not alone. Even seasoned golfers second-guess themselves on undulating greens. If you’ve ever wondered, “How do you plumb bob a golf putt?” you’re in the right place. This simple yet powerful technique—used by legends like Ben Crenshaw—can help you decode the slope and aim with confidence. Let’s break it down clearly, step by step.
What Is Plumb Bobbing in Golf?
Plumb bobbing is a green-reading method where a golfer uses a putter as a vertical reference line to assess the slope of the green. By holding the putter steady and aligning one eye over the shaft, players estimate the break direction based on where the ball appears in relation to the putter.
While not 100% foolproof, plumb bobbing offers a quick visual cue—especially helpful on subtle breaks where the naked eye fails.
Fun Fact: The term “plumb bob” comes from construction, where a weighted string is used to establish a true vertical line. In golf, the putter replaces the string.
For more on this concept in physics and surveying, see Plumb Bob on Wikipedia.
Does Plumb Bobbing Actually Work?
This is the million-dollar question. The short answer: it depends.
According to a 2018 study by the Golf Science Lab, plumb bobbing has limited scientific validity because accurate results require:
- Perfect eye dominance alignment
- A truly vertical putter shaft
- A consistent stance
However, many PGA Tour players—including Jim Furyk and Zach Johnson—still use it as a supplemental tool alongside modern green-reading techniques.
Key Insight: Plumb bobbing doesn’t measure the amount of break—it only indicates the direction on certain slopes. Think of it as a starting point, not a complete solution.
Step-by-Step: How Do You Plumb Bob a Golf Putt?
Ready to try it? Follow these precise steps for the best chance of accuracy:
- Stand Behind the Ball
Position yourself 6–10 feet directly behind your golf ball, in line with the hole. - Hold Your Putter Correctly
Grip the putter lightly at the very top of the grip. Let it hang freely from your dominant hand. Your arm should be relaxed—not rigid. - Close One Eye
If you’re right-eye dominant (most golfers are), close your left eye. If left-eye dominant, close your right. Eye dominance matters—using the wrong eye skews results. - Align the Shaft with the Ball
Adjust your stance slightly until the putter shaft appears to cover the golf ball from your open eye’s perspective. - Observe the Hole’s Position
Now note where the hole appears relative to the putter shaft:- If the hole is to the left of the shaft → ball breaks left
- If the hole is to the right → break is right
- If the hole lines up directly behind the shaft → likely straight putt
- Confirm with Additional Reads
Never rely solely on plumb bobbing. Walk the line, observe grass grain, and check from behind the hole too.
⚠️ Pro Tip: For best results, use a putter with a straight shaft (no offset). Offset or angled necks can distort vertical alignment.
Pros and Cons of Plumb Bobbing
| Advantages | Limitations |
|---|---|
| Quick and requires no tools | Only indicates break direction, not severity |
| Works well on moderate slopes | Less effective on flat or multi-tier greens |
| Builds confidence in green reading | Requires correct eye dominance |
| Used by multiple major champions | Can mislead if putter isn’t perfectly vertical |
Common Mistakes When Plumb Bobbing
Even small errors can lead to misreads. Avoid these pitfalls:
- Using both eyes: This creates parallax error. Always close one eye.
- Gripping too tightly: Tension tilts the putter. Let gravity do the work.
- Ignoring eye dominance: Test your dominant eye beforehand (try the “triangle test” with your hands).
- Over-relying on the method: Plumb bobbing is a clue, not a verdict. Combine it with visual slope assessment.
When Should You Not Use Plumb Bobbing?
Plumb bobbing has its limits. It’s least effective in these situations:
- Flat greens: No meaningful slope to detect.
- Severe undulations: The ball may break in multiple directions.
- Downhill or uphill putts: Gravity distorts visual alignment.
- Wet or grainy greens: Visual cues conflict with plumb bob results.
In these cases, trust your feet (feel the slope) and use AimPoint or caddie assistance if available.
FAQ: How Do You Plumb Bob a Golf Putt?
Q1: Can beginners use the plumb bob method?
Yes! It’s beginner-friendly because it’s simple and requires no gadgets. Just ensure you know your dominant eye.
Q2: Does plumb bobbing work on all greens?
No. It works best on greens with a single, consistent slope. Avoid using it on double-break putts or severely contoured surfaces.
Q3: How do I test my dominant eye?
Form a small triangle with your hands and focus on a distant object (like the hole). Close one eye at a time. The eye that keeps the object centered is your dominant eye.
Q4: Why do some pros swear by it while others dismiss it?
It’s personal preference. Players like Ben Crenshaw used it religiously, while modern analytics-focused golfers prefer data-driven tools like AimPoint. Both approaches can coexist.
Q5: Do I need a special putter to plumb bob?
No—but a straight-shaft putter gives the clearest vertical line. Avoid putters with extreme hosel offsets.
Q6: Can plumb bobbing replace green reading apps?
Not entirely. Apps like GreenBook or PuttZilla offer precise break data. Plumb bobbing is best as a quick, on-the-spot sanity check.
Conclusion: Turn Doubt Into Confidence on the Green
Learning how do you plumb bob a golf putt isn’t about magic—it’s about adding one more reliable tool to your green-reading arsenal. While it won’t replace practice or modern tech, it can give you that extra edge when the pressure’s on and the break is subtle.
Remember: Great putting starts with great reading. Use plumb bobbing wisely, verify with your eyes and feet, and never stop refining your feel.
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Drop your plumb bob success stories in the comments—we’d love to hear how it’s working for your game!
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