Nina Caldwell
Plumb bobbing is a technique used in golf to line up putts by using a putter to create a vertical line that golfers can use to compare the slope of the green. It is a way to get a general feel for the overall movement of the green and determine the direction in which the ball will break. Plumb bobbing is not a method that works for everyone, but some great golfers swear by this technique. It is important to note that plumb bobbing only works when all variables—the golfer, the golf ball, and the hole—are on the same slope. This technique can be practised on the putting green and used on the golf course when needed.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is Plumb Bobbing in Golf? | A technique used by golfers to line up putts by using a putter to create a vertical line to compare the slope of the green. |
| When to use Plumb Bobbing? | When you are struggling with reading greens. |
| How to Plumb Bob? | Stand 3 paces or 5-15 feet behind the ball, with the ball directly in line with the hole. Hold the putter with your thumb and forefinger so that it hangs vertically in front of your face. Look through your dominant eye with the other eye closed. |
| What to observe? | If the green is higher on one side of the shaft, the putt will break to the other side. If the shaft appears slightly left of the hole, aim your putt slightly left, along the shaft line. |
| What to avoid? | Plumb bobbing will not work if the ball breaks severely to one side and downhill. Plumb bobbing also takes practice and might slow down your game. |
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What You'll Learn
Stand 3-20 feet behind the ball
Standing 3-20 feet behind the ball is an essential aspect of the plumb bobbing technique in golf. Plumb bobbing is a method used by golfers to read putts and determine the slope of the green. It involves using the shaft of the putter to create a vertical line, which helps identify the direction in which the ball will break.
When standing behind the ball, the golfer should crouch or squat, positioning themselves so that the ball is directly in their line of sight to the hole. For shorter putts, a distance of 3-10 feet behind the ball is recommended, while for longer putts, the golfer may need to stand further back, up to 20 feet. This increased distance allows for a better overall view of the green's movement.
It is important to note that plumb bobbing is not a universally effective technique. While some golfers find it useful, others may find it challenging to execute accurately. Additionally, it may not provide accurate readings on greens with multiple slopes or complex intersections.
To perform plumb bobbing, the golfer should hold the putter between the thumb and forefinger, allowing it to hang freely and vertically. The toe of the putter should be pointed directly at the hole, creating a vertical line. By observing the slope of the green around this vertical line, golfers can predict the break of the putt. If the green appears higher on the left, the putt will break to the right, and vice versa.
In conclusion, standing 3-20 feet behind the ball is a crucial step in the plumb bobbing technique. It allows golfers to assess the slope of the green and make informed decisions about their putts. However, it is important to practice and refine this technique, as it may not yield accurate results for all golfers or on all types of greens.
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Hold the putter with thumb and forefinger
Holding the putter with your thumb and forefinger is a crucial aspect of plumb bobbing in golf. Plumb bobbing is a technique used by golfers to determine the slope of the green and anticipate the break of the putt. When holding the putter, it's important to use a light grip, placing your thumb and forefinger just below the grip. This allows the putter to hang freely and vertically, perpendicular to the green surface.
To ensure the putter hangs vertically, you must first calibrate it. Find a vertical reference point, such as a building edge or a straight wall, and hold the putter up to compare the shaft's lean with the vertical line. Twist the putter between your thumb and forefinger until the shaft and the vertical line are level. This calibration step is essential because the shaft generally doesn't go into the exact centre of the head, causing a slight tilt.
Once calibrated, assume a crouching position behind your ball, about 5-15 feet away, depending on the length of the putt. For longer putts, you may need to stand further back or upright. Hold the putter with your thumb and forefinger, allowing the clubhead to hover just off the ground. The shaft should form a straight vertical line from the ball to the hole.
With the putter in this position, you can now observe the slope of the green. If the shaft appears to the right of the hole, the putt will break from right to left; if it appears to the left, the putt will break from left to right. Additionally, you can close one eye and observe whether the green appears higher on one side of the shaft than the other. If the green is higher on the left, the putt will break right, and vice versa.
Remember, plumb bobbing is just one of many techniques used in golf. While it can be helpful, it may not work for everyone, and it's important to maintain a good pace of play without getting too caught up in any single technique.
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Observe the slope of the green
Observing the slope of the green is a crucial aspect of golfing success. It requires a keen eye and a sense of the terrain's nuances. Here are some detailed instructions to help you master this skill:
Start by taking a walk around the green to get a sense of its general layout and contours. Look out for any obvious slopes, ridges, or valleys that might influence your putt. The direction of the grain is also important, so pay attention to whether the grass is shiny or dull, as this indicates the direction the grain is growing. You can often feel the slope through your feet, so stroll across the green and focus on the subtle changes in inclination.
Another technique is to straddle your ball's path to the hole, about halfway between your ball and the hole. This position will help you determine the percentage of slope from one to five. For instance, a gentle slope might be a 1% grade, while a more noticeable slope could be a 4% grade. This method provides a quantitative assessment of the slope's influence.
Now, stand behind the ball and close one eye. Lift your hand and extend your pointer finger so that it is just outside the hole. Based on the percentage of slope you estimated, put up the corresponding number of fingers. For example, if you think there is a 3% slope, put up three fingers. This technique helps you visualize the slope's impact.
Additionally, use the plumb-bob method to cross-reference your observations. Hold your putter by the grip and let the head dangle. Align the shaft with your target line and observe how the putter head hangs. If it points left, the green slopes left, and if it points right, the green slopes right.
Finally, take a few practice swings and imagine the ball rolling along the path you've chosen. If you're still unsure, don't hesitate to ask a friend, caddie, or teacher for their perspective. Observing the slope of the green is a skill that develops over time, so be patient and keep refining your abilities.
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Identify your dominant eye
Plumb bobbing is a technique used in golf to line up putts by using a putter as a plumb bob to create a vertical line. This line is used to compare the slope of the green and get a general feel for the overall movement of the green. To plumb bob effectively, it is important to identify your dominant eye.
Another method to identify your dominant eye is to use a circular object, such as a pipe or a tube. Look through the circle at a distant object. If the object remains in the circle when you close your left eye, your left eye is dominant. Conversely, if you can still see the object in the circle with your right eye closed, your right eye is dominant.
Once you have identified your dominant eye, you can use it to your advantage when plumb bobbing in golf. Keep your non-dominant eye closed as you hold the putter out in front of you, allowing the shaft to bisect the ball. This technique will help you determine the slope of the green and make more accurate putts.
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Plumb bobbing is not for everyone
Plumb bobbing is a technique used in golf to line up putts by using a putter to create a vertical line that helps compare the slope of the green. While it can be an effective way to determine the putt's break, it is not a method that works for everyone. Here's why plumb bobbing may not be for everyone:
Plumb bobbing requires a specific setup and technique that can be time-consuming. Golfers need to crouch or squat behind the ball, hold the putter with thumb and forefinger, and observe the slope of the green through their dominant eye. This process can slow down the pace of play, and golfers need to be mindful of their playing speed.
The technique may not always provide accurate readings due to multiple slopes and intersections on the green, which can be challenging to interpret. Greens with complex contours can fool the eyes, and plumb bobbing instructions found in most resources may not adequately address these complexities.
Plumb bobbing is a supplementary method to reading putts. It is not a replacement for traditional methods of reading a putt, such as observing the putt from all angles and considering factors like uphill or downhill slopes and grain direction. Most greens have fairly obvious slopes, and plumb bobbing is not necessary for every putt.
Some golfers, including traditionalists and golf purists, frown upon plumb bobbing as it is considered unconventional. The technique may be viewed as a last resort or a "trick" rather than a standard practice.
Additionally, plumb bobbing may not suit every golfer's style or comfort level. It requires a certain level of flexibility and physical positioning that some golfers may find uncomfortable or challenging.
In conclusion, while plumb bobbing can be a valuable tool for some golfers, it is not universally embraced or effective for all players. Golfers should experiment with different techniques, including plumb bobbing, to find the methods that align with their skills, preferences, and playing style.
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Frequently asked questions
Plumb bobbing is a technique used to line up putts by using a putter to create a vertical line to compare the slope of the green.
Stand about three paces behind the golf ball, ensuring that you, the ball, and the hole are in a perfectly straight line. Hold the putter out in front of you with your dominant eye closed so that the shaft of the putter bisects the ball.
Plumb bobbing helps golfers determine the slope of the green and which way the ball will break.
Plumb bobbing is a good technique to use when you are struggling to read greens. It is important to note that plumb bobbing will not improve your stroke, stance, or alignment.
To determine your dominant eye, hold your arm out straight in front of you with your thumb pointing up and aligned with an object in the distance. Close one eye and then the other—your dominant eye is the one where the thumb remains still.
