Miles Bennett
Plumb bobbing is a technique used in golf to read the greens and determine the direction of the putt. It involves using a putter or the fingers to establish a vertical or 'plumb' line, helping golfers visualise the slope and make more accurate shots. While it has been a controversial technique in the golfing world, it has been used by many professionals, including Masters Champion Patrick Reed and PGA Tour winner Rickie Fowler. This introduction will explore the basics of plumb bobbing and how it can be utilised to improve one's golf game.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To help golfers read greens and identify subtle breaks in the green |
| History | Older than golf itself, dating back to ancient Egypt |
| How it works | Using the putter to establish a vertical or 'plumb' line, determining if the green slopes to the left or right |
| How to do it | Find a known vertical, hold the putter up and compare it with the shaft lean, twist the putter until the shaft and vertical are level |
| What to remember | The shaft should hang vertically and be straight up and down |
| Limitations | Does not work for multiple breaks and longer putts, does not determine the slope of the putt or the grain |
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What You'll Learn
Hold the putter up to find the plumb position
When holding the putter up to find the plumb position, you are using a system to help you read the greens. This is called plumb bobbing, and it is an ancient technique that has been used to help construct buildings.
To find the plumb position, first, check the shaft of your putter hangs vertically when holding it lightly between your thumb and forefinger on the grip. It likely won't do this automatically as the shaft will not go into the very centre of the head, so there will be some tilting. To counter this, find a known vertical, like the edge of a building, and hold the putter up so you can compare the vertical with the shaft lean.
Twist the putter between your thumb and forefinger to find the point where the shaft and the chosen vertical are level. Look at where the putter head is positioned and remember this, as this is how you must hold your putter each time to have a true vertical line when plumb bobbing.
You can also use a laser level or a door jamb in your house as a reference, as this "should" be plumb and level. Hold the putter out in front of you, at the centre of your body, with your body square to the target, and in your hand opposite your dominant eye. If the shaft is not hanging parallel to your door jamb, slowly spin the putter until it is.
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Check the shaft is straight and vertical
Checking that the shaft is straight and vertical is a crucial step in the plumb bobbing technique. Plumb bobbing is a method used to read greens and determine the direction of the break of the green—whether it slopes to the left or the right. This technique has been used by many golfers, including Masters Champion Patrick Reed and PGA Tour winner Rickie Fowler.
To check that the shaft is straight and vertical, you must first find a known vertical, such as the edge of a building or a door jamb, and hold the putter up to compare the shaft lean with the vertical line. You may need to twist the putter between your thumb and forefinger to find the point where the shaft and the chosen vertical are level. This position is essential, as it is how you should hold your putter each time to ensure a true vertical line when plumb bobbing.
It is important to note that the shaft of your putter may not hang perfectly vertically at first. This is because the shaft generally does not go into the exact centre of the head, resulting in some tilting. Therefore, you must take the time to find the plumb position and remember it, as this is the position you will use to check the breaks of the green.
Additionally, when checking the shaft's vertical alignment, it is recommended to stand about ten feet behind the ball, with the centre of your body aligned with the ball and the flag or hole. You can then use your non-dominant eye to verify if the shaft is hanging straight and vertical. If the hole and flag line up with the shaft, it indicates a straight putt. If the ball is to the right or left of the shaft, it suggests a break in the green in that direction.
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Line up the putter with the hole
To line up the putter with the hole, you must first check that the shaft of your putter hangs vertically. Hold the putter lightly between your thumb and forefinger on the grip and twist it until the shaft is straight up and down. You can verify this by comparing it to a known vertical, such as the edge of a building or a door jamb, and adjusting the putter until it is level with the vertical line.
Once you have found the plumb position, remember this position as it is how you must hold your putter each time to ensure a true vertical line. Stand about 10 feet behind the ball, with the centre of your body aligned with the ball and the hole. Hold the putter in the hand opposite your dominant eye, with your non-dominant eye closed.
If the hole is covered by the shaft of the putter, the putt will be straight. If the ball is to the left or right of the shaft, it will indicate the break on the green. For example, if the shaft is lined up with the hole and the ball is to the right of the shaft, the putt will break from right to left.
By using the plumb bob method, you can improve your green reading skills and make more accurate putts. It is a useful technique for shorter putts and can help you identify subtle breaks on the green.
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Analyse the contours of the green
Analysing the contours of the green is a crucial aspect of golfing, and it can be a challenging skill to master. Here are some detailed tips to help you analyse and conquer complex green contours:
Understanding Green Contours:
Start by observing the green from a distance, preferably from the fairway, to get a sense of the overall slope. Some greens have obvious high and low points that can be spotted from a distance. Take advantage of tools like the GolfLogix app, which offers an Approach View feature, providing a colour-coded map of the green. This will help you identify the best spots to aim for and plan your approach shot accordingly.
Walking the Green:
Once you are on the green, it is crucial to walk around your entire putt. Don't just view it from a single spot; move around to analyse it from different angles. As you walk, pay attention to the slope not only visually but also by feeling it with your feet. Ask yourself: Am I walking uphill, downhill, or on a level surface? This will help you confirm the slope's direction and steepness.
Using a Putter as a Plumb Bob:
You can use your putter as a plumb bob to determine the horizontal contours of the green. First, find a known vertical reference point, such as the edge of a building. Hold your putter up and twist it between your thumb and forefinger until the shaft is perfectly vertical. This will help you identify if the green slopes from left to right or vice versa. If the hole is covered by the shaft, the putt will be straight. If the hole is to the left or right of the shaft, it indicates the break on the green.
Using Technology:
Take advantage of modern technology to enhance your understanding of green contours. The Garmin Golf app, for example, offers Green Contour data. This feature allows you to visualise the slope direction of the green and make more informed approach shots. Additionally, the GolfLogix app provides a Green Contours feature to confirm your analysis of the slope.
Analysing green contours is a skill that even professionals are constantly refining. By combining observation, feel, and technology, you can improve your green-reading abilities and make more precise shots.
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Use your dominant eye
The plumb bobbing technique is a great way to read the greens and improve your putting. It is a traditional method that has been used for centuries, even predating the game of golf.
To use your dominant eye effectively when plumb bobbing, there are a few key steps to follow. First, position yourself about 10 feet behind the ball, with your body centred and aligned with the ball and the flag. Hold the putter in the hand that is opposite your dominant eye. For example, if your right eye is dominant, hold the putter in your left hand, and vice versa.
Next, you want to ensure that the putter is hanging vertically and plumb. Close your non-dominant eye and adjust the putter until the shaft is hanging straight up and down. You can use a reference point like a door jamb or the edge of a building to help you find that true vertical line. Twist the putter between your thumb and forefinger until the shaft is perfectly vertical.
Once you have found the plumb position, remember this spot as it is crucial for checking the breaks on the green. If the hole is covered by the shaft, the putt will be straight. If the ball is to the right or left of the shaft, it indicates the break's direction.
Using your dominant eye in conjunction with the plumb bobbing technique will help you read the greens more effectively and make more confident putting strokes.
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Frequently asked questions
The plumb bob method is a technique used to read greens and determine the break of the green, i.e., whether it slopes to the left or right. It involves using a putter to establish a vertical or 'plumb' line.
First, check that the shaft of your putter hangs vertically when held lightly between your thumb and forefinger on the grip. Then, find a known vertical, like a door jamb, and hold the putter up to compare the shaft lean. Twist the putter until the shaft and the vertical line up. Remember this position and use it each time you plumb bob.
Stand about 10 feet behind the ball with your body centred and square to the target. Hold the putter in front of you with your non-dominant hand, with the putter shaft hanging vertically. If the hole and flag line up with the shaft, it's a straight putt. If the ball is to the right or left of the shaft, it will break right to left or left to right, respectively.
The plumb bob method is best used for shorter putts with subtle breaks in the green. It may not work as well for longer putts or those with multiple breaks. It is also not useful for determining the slope of the putt or the grain.
Some golfers swear by the plumb bob method, while others do not believe in it. Masters Champion Patrick Reed used the technique on his way to winning the 2018 Masters. Other PGA Tour winners who have used it include Rickie Fowler and Jim Furyk.
