How to Plumb Bob a Putt in Golf Like a Pro

Struggling to read the break on tricky putts? You’re not alone. Many golfers—especially beginners—miss short putts simply because they misread the green’s slope. That’s where learning how to plumb bob a putt in golf can give you a real edge. This simple yet powerful technique helps you visualize the true vertical line of the putt, making your green-reading more accurate and your confidence higher.

Whether you’re on the 18th green with a tournament on the line or just trying to shave strokes off your weekend round, mastering plumb bobbing is a low-effort, high-reward skill worth adding to your arsenal.

What Is Plumb Bobbing in Golf?

Plumb bobbing is a visual technique golfers use to determine the slope or break of a putt by using gravity and alignment. The method involves holding your putter vertically so the shaft hangs straight down (like a plumb line) and using your dominant eye to sight the ball-to-hole line against the putter shaft.

Why does it work?
Because gravity always pulls straight down, the putter acts as a true vertical reference. When done correctly, plumb bobbing can help you see if the green slopes left, right, or is relatively flat between your ball and the hole.

Pro Tip: According to PGA teaching professional Michael Breed, “Plumb bobbing won’t give you the full story on grain or speed, but it’s a reliable quick-check for major slope direction—especially on double-breaking putts.”

When Should You Use the Plumb Bob Technique?

Not every putt requires plumb bobbing—but knowing when to use it makes all the difference.

✅ Best for:

• Putts over 15 feet
• Greens with subtle or confusing breaks
• Situations where you can’t walk the entire line (e.g., tournament play)
• Cross-slope putts (where the ball must travel across the grain)

❌ Not ideal for:

• Very short putts (under 5 feet)
• Severely undulating greens (use full walk-around instead)
• Putts affected heavily by grass grain (common on Bermuda grass)

Note: Plumb bobbing works best when you have a clear line of sight and consistent lighting—avoid using it in heavy shadows or early morning glare.

Step-by-Step: How to Plumb Bob a Putt in Golf

Follow these exact steps to execute plumb bobbing correctly:

1. Stand Behind the Ball
   Position yourself 3–5 feet directly behind your golf ball, in line with the hole.
2. Hold Your Putter Correctly
   Grip the putter lightly at the very end of the grip with your non-dominant hand. Let the putter hang freely—don’t force it vertical.
3. Align Your Dominant Eye
   Close your non-dominant eye. With your dominant eye open, align the putter shaft so it covers the ball.
4. Observe the Hole’s Position
   Keep the shaft covering the ball. Now, note where the hole appears in relation to the shaft:
   • If the hole is to the left of the shaft → putt breaks right to left
   • If the hole is to the right of the shaft → putt breaks left to right
   • If the hole is directly behind the shaft → minimal break (likely straight)
5. Confirm with a Second Look
   Shift slightly left or right and repeat. Consistency in what you see increases reliability.

Key Detail: Your putter must hang naturally. Don’t tilt your wrist or arm—gravity does the work. Even a 2° tilt can mislead you.

Plumb Bobbing: Pros vs. Cons

Expert Insight: A 2021 study by the Golf Science Lab found that golfers who used plumb bobbing correctly improved their green-reading accuracy by 18% on medium-length putts—but only if they knew their dominant eye.

Not sure which eye is dominant? Try this: Form a small triangle with your hands, frame a distant object, and close one eye at a time. The eye that keeps the object centered is your dominant one. Learn more about eye dominance on Wikipedia.

Common Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

Even experienced players mess up plumb bobbing. Here’s what to watch for:

• Using the wrong eye: Always use your dominant eye. Using the non-dominant eye flips your perception.
• Holding the putter too tightly: This introduces tension and prevents natural vertical alignment.
• Standing too close or too far: Stay 3–5 feet back for optimal perspective.
• Ignoring lighting and shadows: Bright sun or shadows can distort your visual line.

Fix: Practice plumb bobbing on a flat putting green first. Place a ball 20 feet from the hole and verify your read with a level app or a trusted coach.

Do Pros Use Plumb Bobbing?

Yes—many do! While it’s not universal, several top players have used this method for decades.

• Ben Crenshaw famously relied on plumb bobbing during his two Masters wins.
• Rickie Fowler and Justin Thomas have been seen using it in PGA Tour broadcasts.
• Even Tiger Woods has mentioned using “visual plumb lines” in his pre-putt routine.

However, modern pros often combine plumb bobbing with other techniques like aimpoint or feeling the slope with their feet.

Reality Check: Plumb bobbing isn’t a magic fix—it’s one tool in your green-reading toolkit. The best players use it in context, not in isolation.

FAQ: How to Plumb Bob a Putt in Golf

Q1: Does plumb bobbing work on all types of greens?
A: It works best on consistent, smooth surfaces like bentgrass or poa annua. On bumpy or grain-heavy greens (e.g., Bermuda), it’s less reliable. Always combine it with a physical walk-around when possible.

Q2: Can I plumb bob during a tournament?
A: Yes! The Rules of Golf (Rule 13.1d) allow plumb bobbing as long as you don’t touch the line of the putt or improve your lie. It’s a legal and widely accepted practice.

Q3: Why do I get different readings each time I plumb bob?
A: Inconsistency usually comes from shifting your stance, using the wrong eye, or poor lighting. Practice in controlled conditions to build muscle memory.

Q4: Is plumb bobbing better than using a slope meter app?
A: Apps can measure exact gradients, but they’re banned in competition. Plumb bobbing is tournament-legal, free, and trains your natural perception—making it more valuable long-term.

Q5: Should beginners learn plumb bobbing?
A: Absolutely. It’s simple, builds spatial awareness, and helps new golfers trust their eyes. Start with straight putts to build confidence before tackling breaks.

Q6: What if my putter has a curved or offset hosel?
A: Use a putter with a straight shaft or align using the grip end. The key is the hanging line, not the clubhead shape. Many golfers use a ball marker string or even a tee as an alternative.

Conclusion

Learning how to plumb bob a putt in golf is a game-changer for reading greens with greater accuracy—especially under pressure. While it won’t replace walking the green or feeling the slope with your feet, it’s a fast, legal, and surprisingly effective method used by amateurs and pros alike.

With just a few seconds of practice per round, you’ll start seeing breaks you once missed, leading to fewer three-putts and more confidence on the green.

Ready to sink more putts? Try plumb bobbing on your next round—and if it helps, share this guide with your golf buddies on social media! 🏌️‍♂️💚

Got questions or your own plumb bobbing tip? Drop a comment below!