How to Use the Plumb Bob Method of Putting (Step-by-Step Guide)

Struggling to read the break on tricky putts? You’re not alone. Many golfers—especially amateurs—miss short putts simply because they misread the slope. That’s where the plumb bob method of putting comes in. This classic green-reading technique has been used for decades by players at all levels, from weekend warriors to PGA Tour pros. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to use the plumb bob method of putting with clear, actionable steps so you can sink more putts and lower your score.

What Is the Plumb Bob Method of Putting?

The plumb bob method is a visual technique golfers use to determine the direction (not the amount) of a putt’s break on a sloped green. It relies on gravity and your dominant eye to create a vertical reference line—like a builder’s plumb line—hence the name.

While it won’t tell you how much the ball will break, it helps answer a critical question: “Does this putt break left or right?”

💡 Pro Tip: Legendary golfer Ben Crenshaw famously used the plumb bob method throughout his career. Though not foolproof, it’s a quick, no-equipment-needed trick that adds confidence to your pre-putt routine.

For more on visual alignment in sports, see Wikipedia’s entry on visual perception .

How Does the Plumb Bob Method Work? (The Science Behind It)

At its core, the plumb bob method uses gravity and your dominant eye to create a true vertical line. When you hold your putter vertically in front of your eye and align the shaft with the ball and hole, any deviation you see indicates slope direction.

Here’s why it works:

• Gravity pulls the putter straight down.
• Your dominant eye sees the alignment without parallax distortion.
• If the hole appears to the left or right of the putter shaft, the green slopes in that direction.

⚠️ Important: This method only works if you know your dominant eye and stand in the correct position (more on that below).

Step-by-Step: How to Use the Plumb Bob Method of Putting

Follow these 5 precise steps every time you face a breaking putt:

Step 1: Stand Behind the Ball

Position yourself directly behind your golf ball, in line with the hole. Your feet should be shoulder-width apart, and your body aligned with the intended putt line.

Step 2: Hold Your Putter Correctly

• Grip the putter lightly at the very end of the grip.
• Let your arm hang naturally—do not extend or angle it.
• The putter should hang freely like a pendulum, pulled straight down by gravity.

Step 3: Close One Eye (Your Non-Dominant Eye)

• Determine your dominant eye first (see next section).
• Close your non-dominant eye. Keep your dominant eye open and focused on the putter shaft.

Step 4: Align the Putter Shaft with the Ball

• Adjust your stance slightly left or right until the putter shaft covers your golf ball from your dominant eye’s perspective.
• Keep your head still and avoid tilting.

Step 5: Observe the Hole’s Position Relative to the Shaft

• If the hole appears to the right of the shaft → the putt breaks left.
• If the hole appears to the left → the putt breaks right.
• If the hole lines up directly behind the shaft → the putt is likely straight (or very minimal break).

✅ Real-World Example: On a 10-foot putt at Augusta National’s 12th green, a golfer using the plumb bob method might see the hole clearly to the left of the shaft—confirming a right-to-left break, which matches the green’s notorious slope.

How to Find Your Dominant Eye (Critical for Accuracy)

Using the wrong eye renders the plumb bob method useless. Here’s a quick test:

1. Extend both arms and create a small triangle with your thumbs and index fingers.
2. Focus on a distant object (like a cup or flagstick) through the triangle.
3. Close your left eye. If the object stays centered, your right eye is dominant.
4. Close your right eye. If the object stays centered, your left eye is dominant.

Most people are right-eye dominant (~67%), but never assume—test it on the course.

Pros and Cons of the Plumb Bob Method

📊 Stat Insight: A 2022 Golf Digest survey found that 41% of amateur golfers who used green-reading aids (including plumb bobbing) reported improved putting accuracy within 3 rounds.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced players mess this up. Watch out for:

• Using both eyes: This creates double vision and false alignment.
• Holding the putter too tightly: Tension causes the shaft to tilt.
• Standing off the ball-to-hole line: You must be directly behind the ball.
• Ignoring green speed: Plumb bobbing shows direction only—fast greens break less, slow greens break more.
• Over-relying on it: Use it as one tool in your green-reading toolkit, not the only one.

FAQ: Plumb Bob Putting Questions Answered

Q1: Does the plumb bob method work on all putts?

A: It works best on putts with a single, consistent slope (e.g., 6–20 feet). It’s less reliable on double-breaking putts, severe slopes, or grainy greens (like Bermuda grass).

Q2: Can left-handed golfers use the plumb bob method?

A: Absolutely! The method works the same way—just ensure you’re using your dominant eye and standing correctly behind the ball.

Q3: Why do some pros say the plumb bob method doesn’t work?

A: Critics argue it’s subjective and ignores green speed, grain, and moisture. However, many still use it as a quick directional check, not a complete read. It’s about how you use it—not whether it “works.”

Q4: Should I plumb bob every putt?

A: Only when you’re unsure of the break. For straight putts or very short ones (<3 feet), it’s unnecessary. Save it for mid-range putts with visible slope.

Q5: Can I use a tee or string instead of a putter?

A: Technically, yes—but your putter is always with you, and its weight ensures a true vertical hang. A lightweight object may sway in the wind or lack stability.

Q6: Is the plumb bob method legal under USGA rules?

A: Yes! The USGA allows it as a natural part of reading the green (Rule 13.1d). No equipment or artificial aids are involved.

Final Thoughts: Add Confidence to Your Putting Game

Mastering how to use the plumb bob method of putting won’t turn you into Tiger Woods overnight—but it will give you a reliable, no-cost way to eliminate guesswork on breaking putts. Combine it with walking the green, observing water flow, and feeling the slope with your feet, and you’ll read greens like a seasoned player.

Remember: Great putting isn’t just about stroke mechanics—it’s about making the right decision before you swing.

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Now grab your putter, hit the practice green, and start plumb bobbing your way to fewer three-putts! 🏌️‍♂️⛳