Golf can be an intimidating sport for beginners, especially when they see experienced golfers performing actions they may not be familiar with. One such action that may confuse newcomers is the practice of plumb bobbing.
This technique involves a golfer holding a club and gazing down while aiming at something, which is actually an attempt to measure the nuances of the course.
Let’s dive in and learn more about plumb bobbing!
What Is Plumb Bobbing In Golf?
Plumb bobbing is a technique used in golf on the putting green to determine the direction of a putt’s break. To use this technique, golfers will squat down behind the ball with their putter in front of their eyes, and read the line of the putt based on how their putter hangs. Although it used to be a last resort, top players now use it along with gauging the putt from all angles.
How Plumb Bobbing Works In Golf?
When using the plumb bobbing technique, golfers will try to imagine a line connecting their putter and the ball. As they look at the potential path of their putt from behind the ball, they can then determine how much break there is in the green based on how their putter hangs. Golfers may also use this technique to determine the speed at which they should putt. By examining how their putter hangs, golfers can better understand how hard or soft to hit the ball to ensure it rolls into the cup.
Although plumb bobbing is an effective technique when used correctly, some golfers may find it difficult to read the break of a putt using this method accurately. In these cases, it may be beneficial for golfers to use multiple techniques, such as looking at the putt from all angles, in order to gain a better understanding of how their ball will move on the green.
Plumb bobbing is an effective technique that can help golfers read the break of their putts and ensure they hit their shots with the correct speed to keep them rolling into the cup. By using this technique, along with other methods such as gauging a putt from multiple angles, golfers can maximize their chance for success on the green.
How To Use The Plumb Bobbing Method?
Now that we’ve discussed how it works in golf, let’s discuss how to use it properly.
To begin, you’ll want to select a spot on the green that is level with the hole. This should be done by standing directly behind your ball and adjusting your stance until both eyes are perpendicular to the target line. You may need to adjust this stance slightly if there is any significant elevation involved.
Once in position, hold your putter in a comfortable grip as if you’re ready to hit a putt and extend your arms outward. Then slowly lower your clubhead until it touches the ground directly beneath where you are standing. When done correctly, this will form an imaginary vertical line from the ground directly to the hole.
Finally, take your time and observe the direction of the break before taking your shot. This will give you a better understanding of how much force you should apply when hitting the ball and prevent any potential misfires that could cost you strokes.
A small tip to help you define the direction is close your non-dominant eye while holding the putter; if the opening is on the right side, then it indicates that the break is occurring from right to left. The same with the other side
Now that we’ve discussed all the basics about plumb bobbing, it’s time to put it into practice and see firsthand what this tool can do for your game. With proper application consistently, golfers can improve their accuracy with putts and ultimately shave shots off their scorecards.
What Are The Common Mistakes Made While Using Plumb Bob?
Using plumb bobbing when attempting a putt is fairly simple, however there are still some common mistakes made by golfers. Here are some of the most common mistakes to avoid:
- Not Adjusting for Elevation. When putting on an elevated surface, you need to raise the clubhead slightly higher than normal in order to compensate for the extra distance the ball will travel due to the incline.
- Not Focusing on the Break. Plumb bobbing is used primarily to determine the break of a putt, so it’s important that you pay attention to this aspect rather than just focusing on how far the ball needs to travel.
- Not Closing Your Non-Dominant Eye. When using the plumb bob technique, it’s important to close your non-dominant eye to better define the direction of the break.
- Not Taking Adequate Time Observing the Break. Many golfers rush through this step without taking their time and studying the direction of the break. This often leads to inaccurate putts and missed shots.
These are some of the most common mistakes that golfers make when using plumb bobbing. By avoiding these pitfalls and taking your time, you can greatly improve your accuracy with putts and shave strokes off your overall scorecard. Good luck!
Conclusion
Plumb bobbing is an effective tool that golfers can use to gauge the direction and strength of a putt. By following the steps outlined above, golfers can get a better understanding of how much force they should apply when hitting the ball and avoid any potential misfires that could cost them strokes. With proper application consistently, golfers can improve their accuracy with putts and ultimately shave shots off their scorecards. So give it a try and see firsthand what plumb bobbing can do for your game!
FAQs
How Accurate Is The Plumb Bob Method?
A plumb line helps you determine the direction of a subtle break in the green that is going sideways. However, it’s important to note that a plumb line will not assist you in determining the slope of the putt or the grain. So, it’s essential to only use a plumb line if you’re unsure about how a putt will break. With practice and patience, mastering the skill of reading greens will improve your game and lower your scores.
How Does Plumb Bob Differ From Other Alignment Techniques?
The plumb line is one of the oldest alignment systems used in golf, and it’s different from other methods such as aiming sticks, laser sighted-putters, or string lines. The plumb line technique is a simpler approach that uses gravity to help determine the direction of the break in a putt.
Is Plumb Bobbing Legal In Golf?
Plumb bobbing is allowed by the Rules of Golf. However, you cannot use any artificial devices to help support the weight of the putter when using this method. Additionally, players cannot attach weights to their club or employ any other methods that would provide additional assistance with determining the break in a putt.
Can Beginners Use Plumb Bobbing In Golf?
Plumb bobbing is a technique that all golfers can use and benefit from. Beginners should take their time when using the plumb line method to ensure they accurately read the break of the putt. With practice, beginners can master and improve their accuracy with this technique and lower scores in their rounds.
