How to Use Plumb-Bobbing in Golf to Read Greens Like a Pro

Green-reading is the art that separates average golfers from great ones. Understanding how to predict and play the break of a putt can mean the difference between walking off with a birdie or settling for a frustrating two-putt.

Among the many techniques used to read greens, plumb-bobbing stands out as one of the more traditional—yet still polarizing—methods. While not as widely used today due to modern techniques like AimPoint Express and green-reading books, plumb-bobbing is still seen on tour and remains part of the toolbox for some skilled players.

This guide explains what plumb-bobbing is, how it works, its pros and cons, how professionals use it on tour, and whether amateur golfers should consider using it.

What Is Plumb-Bobbing in Golf?

Plumb-bobbing is a visual green-reading technique golfers use to determine the slope of a green—specifically the break direction of a putt—by using the putter shaft as a vertical reference.

Much like a construction worker uses a weighted string to find vertical alignment (a plumb line), a golfer holds the putter loosely between their fingers so it hangs vertically. By lining up the shaft between the ball and the hole, golfers aim to detect the tilt of the green based on which side the hole appears to “lean.”

This method can provide a general sense of slope near the hole, but it has clear limitations and is not effective on all green types or putts.

How to Plumb-Bob a Putt: Step-by-Step

Although simple in theory, effective plumb-bobbing takes practice and precise visual alignment. Here’s how to do it:

1. Stand Behind the Ball

Position yourself several feet behind your ball, directly in line with the hole. Stand upright, with your eyes focused down the intended putting line.

2. Hold the Putter Vertically

Grip your putter gently between your thumb and forefinger so it hangs freely. The shaft should hang completely vertical—this becomes your plumb line.

3. Align the Shaft with the Ball

Move the shaft so it visually aligns with or just slightly in front of the ball. You’re creating a visual line between the ball and the hole.

4. Observe the Hole’s Position

Look up toward the hole and notice where it appears in relation to the shaft:

• If the hole is left of the shaft → expect a left-to-right break

• If the hole is right of the shaft → expect a right-to-left break

• If the hole is directly behind the shaft → likely a straight putt

5. Use It to Confirm Other Reads

Plumb-bobbing is most effective when used as a secondary confirmation, not the primary method. Walk your line, read from multiple angles, and use other techniques first—then use plumb-bobbing to validate your final read.

When Plumb-Bobbing Works Best

This method is most effective under specific conditions:

• Relatively flat greens – Avoids misreads on tiered or multi-slope surfaces

• Mid- to long-range putts – Useful for gauging general slope direction

• Consistent green speed and texture – Uneven surfaces distort perception

• Straight-shafted putters – Offset or bent shafts compromise accuracy

Key Limitations of Plumb-Bobbing

Despite its old-school charm, plumb-bobbing has real drawbacks:

• Reads only one slope location – It tells you about slope behind the ball, not along the full putt path

• Ignores grain and elevation – Southern greens with Bermuda grass often mislead plumb-bob users

• Requires a perfectly straight shaft – Curved or offset putters make it unreliable

• Dominant eye matters – Using the wrong eye introduces parallax error

• Highly subjective – Visual perception varies by golfer, making reads inconsistent

Do Tour Pros Still Use Plumb-Bobbing?

Yes—but sparingly. While it was once a mainstay, today’s pros have largely moved on to more precise methods like AimPoint Express and green-reading books. Still, some golfers incorporate plumb-bobbing as a secondary tool, particularly on flatter greens.

Notable Tour Players Who Have Used Plumb-Bobbing:

• Ben Crenshaw – A master of putting, he relied heavily on this method

• Phil Mickelson – Used plumb-bobbing earlier in his career

• Jim Furyk – Occasionally used it as part of a broader strategy

• Rickie Fowler – Employed it in earlier years before modernizing his routine

Should Amateur Golfers Use Plumb-Bobbing?

It depends on your playing style and goals.

When It May Help:

• You enjoy visual green-reading techniques

• You want a free, tool-free method

• You’re confirming a read rather than relying on it exclusively

When It May Not Help:

• You’re a beginner or high-handicap golfer

• You use a bent/offset shaft

• You don’t know your dominant eye

• You rely solely on plumb-bobbing without using other techniques

Tips for Practicing Plumb-Bobbing

• Use on known breaks: Practice on greens where you know the slope direction

• Test with and without plumb-bobbing: Build comparison experience

• Check eye dominance: Use the triangle test to find your dominant eye

• Experiment with lighting: Shadows can affect perception—try at different times of day

Popular Alternatives to Plumb-Bobbing

Golfers today have several modern options that offer more consistent results:

1. AimPoint Express

Used by pros like Adam Scott and Lydia Ko, this method uses your feet to feel slope and translate that into a precise break read. It’s fast, teachable, and works well in all conditions.

2. Green-Reading Books

These contour maps provide exact slope data, though they’re banned in many amateur and pro events. Still useful in practice and during legal play.

3. Training Tools

Laser levels, chalk lines, and digital green-mapping apps help players improve green-reading accuracy over time.

Final Thoughts: Is Plumb-Bobbing Worth It?

Plumb-bobbing is a classic method that still holds value—especially when used as a supplemental green-reading tool. It’s easy to try, costs nothing, and can enhance your awareness of green slope if used properly.

Just remember:

• It reads only part of the green

• It requires practice and proper technique

• It should be combined with other green-reading methods

In golf, green-reading is a blend of science and art. Whether you rely on AimPoint, visual inspection, or the age-old hang of your putter, consistency and confidence are key to draining more putts.