Plumb bobbing is a technique used by some golfers to help read the break and slope of a putt more accurately. While it’s not a widely used method, it can be an effective tool when applied correctly. The process involves using the putter, or another straight object, to determine the angle of the putt based on gravity and the position of the hole.
By observing how the putter’s shaft hangs relative to the hole, you can gauge the break and slope of the green, ultimately improving your ability to sink putts. This guide will walk you through the steps on how to plumb bob with a putter, providing tips and insights for a better putting performance.
Before you begin, it’s important to note that plumb bobbing is not a universal technique for every golfer, and it does require a certain level of practice. Understanding how to read the green with your putter involves both a visual assessment and a feel for the green’s contours. With that in mind, here’s how to plumb bob with a putter effectively.
Positioning Yourself Correctly for Plumb Bobbing
To start plumb bobbing with a putter, position yourself at the spot where you are going to take your putt. You should stand directly behind the ball and align yourself with the hole. Stand up straight and position yourself so that you are looking at the hole through the shaft of your putter. The goal is to hold the putter vertically, allowing the shaft to hang straight down under the influence of gravity.
With your body aligned directly behind the ball, look at the hole while holding the putter a few inches in front of your face. You should be able to see whether the shaft of the putter is tilted to one side, indicating the slope of the green. If the putter is straight and points directly toward the hole, then the green is fairly level. Any tilt of the shaft to the left or right will show you which way the green breaks.
Using the Shaft as a Visual Reference
Once you’ve positioned yourself, the key to plumb bobbing is using the putter’s shaft as a reference point. The shaft of the putter, when held vertically, will naturally be influenced by the slope of the green. If the green slopes from left to right, the putter’s shaft will lean to the left. Conversely, if the slope goes from right to left, the putter’s shaft will lean to the right.
Take note of the degree of tilt, which will give you a sense of how much break to expect in your putt. The more the shaft leans in one direction, the more pronounced the break in the putt. If the putter’s shaft stays vertical with minimal tilt, the green is likely flatter, and your putt will follow a straighter line. Plumb bobbing helps you visualize how the green’s slope will affect the ball’s path.
Adjusting for Your Putt’s Direction
Once you’ve assessed the slope using the plumb bob method, it’s time to adjust your aiming point. This step is essential for making sure that you account for the green’s break. If the putter’s shaft leans to the left, you’ll need to aim to the right of the hole to compensate for the break. Likewise, if the shaft tilts to the right, aim to the left.
Plumb bobbing doesn’t provide exact measurements for the break, but it gives you a reliable visual cue to help you decide on the direction of your putt. By combining this visual feedback with your knowledge of the green’s contours, you’ll have a better sense of where to aim and how much to adjust for the break. This technique can help improve your overall putting accuracy, especially when you are faced with subtle breaks that are difficult to read without additional cues.
Developing a Consistent Routine with Plumb Bobbing
To effectively plumb bob with a putter, it’s important to develop a consistent routine. The more you practice the technique, the better you will become at quickly assessing the slope and determining how to adjust your aim. You should integrate plumb bobbing into your putting routine as part of your pre-putt process. Always take a few moments to evaluate the slope before committing to your stroke.
Some golfers also recommend using plumb bobbing in combination with other methods of reading greens. For example, you can assess the slope using your putter and then take a quick look at the overall green to check for any other factors, such as grain or subtle undulations, that may affect the putt. This holistic approach can provide you with a more accurate read on how the ball will break.
Is Plumb Bobbing Effective for Everyone?
While plumb bobbing with a putter can be a useful tool for some golfers, it may not work for everyone. It requires a specific visual interpretation and can be difficult to perform in certain lighting conditions or on greens with extremely subtle breaks. Additionally, not every golfer feels comfortable using the technique, especially if they rely more on feel or instinct when reading greens.
If you find that plumb bobbing doesn’t work well for you, consider experimenting with other green-reading techniques, such as walking around the putt to view it from different angles or using the “eyes on the hole” method. However, if you’re someone who finds plumb bobbing helpful, it can be a valuable addition to your putting toolkit, offering a more structured way of reading the green.
Plumb bobbing with a putter is a time-tested method that can enhance your putting accuracy and help you better read the slope of the green. By positioning yourself correctly, using the putter’s shaft as a visual reference, and adjusting your aim based on the direction of the tilt, you can make more informed decisions on your putts.
While not every golfer uses this technique, those who practice it often find it to be an effective tool for reading subtle breaks. As with any skill in golf, consistent practice and experimentation are key to finding what works best for you. By incorporating plumb bobbing into your routine, you can refine your putting and gain a new level of confidence on the greens.