Do you want to make more putts and have more confidence on the greens? If so, it might be time to consider broomstick putting (aka using a long putter).
Putting is an integral part of the game and if you have a cold putter, it can wreak havoc on your scores. Not to mention crush your confidence too.
I’ve been seeing more and more golfers – of all ages – using a broomstick putter. Today, I’ll help you understand the pros/cons to this unique style, how to use a broomstick putter, and answer the most common questions.
Broomstick Putting
Broomstick putting is a unique technique that requires the use of an extra long putter, roughly the length of a broom (hence the name). Most standard length putters for male golfers are between 33–35 inches, while a broomstick putter is 44 to 50 inches. These are not to be confused with armlock putters, which are between 36–40 inches.
Broomstick putters are longer, which allows you to stand more upright and not bend over the ball. They have a split grip for more control and typically much heavier than traditional mallet or blade putters.
Key Takeaways
- The use of broomstick putters began in the mid 1990s and have become popular for golfers who struggled with regular length putters.
- They are known to help alleviate the putting yips as they remove the wrists from the putting stroke.
- Broomstick putters are legal to use, although anchoring your putter is not allowed by the USGA.
- Like any putting style, there are pros and cons, but a good option if you’re going through a putting slump.
Broomstick putting has been around for a few decades and gained a lot more popularity in the 1990s. Players like Adam Scott (when he won the Masters) and Bernhard Langer (one of the most consistent golfers ever) have both found success with these long putters.
Now, let’s get into the pros and cons of using a broomstick putter.
Pros of Using Long Putters
The biggest advantage of using a long putter is the increased stability during the putting stroke. The heavier design of broomstick putters make it easier than ever for a smooth pendulum stroke.
This helps minimize excess wrist activity that can happen with traditional length putters. If you’re someone that gets a little “yippy” there’s no doubt this style of putter can help that issue quickly.
Another advantage of these putters is improved alignment. Since you’re more upright, it can make it easier to set up to the target square, improve your aim, and hopefully get more putts started on the proper line.
Lastly, these putters can also help if you’re someone that is battling common back injuries in golf. Since you can stand more upright, you don’t have to bend over as much and will alleviate stress on your body (which might help you practice longer, too).
Cons of Using Long Putters
While there are plenty of benefits to using a long putter, there are a few notable disadvantages too.
The first downside to long putters is the steep learning curve. With a normal putter, you can switch from a blade to a mallet or try out a new grip with ease (like trying out cross hand or the claw).
However, this is not the case with broomstick putters. Not only do you have to find and buy a new one, you have to learn the unique putting style. This might take a while depending on your golf experience, but if you’re in a slump, it might be worth it.
Some golfers find they’re great for longer putts but take more getting used to shorter putts as well. They’re also slightly awkward and might not fit in your current golf bag. Not to mention potentially hard to travel with depending on your travel case.
Finally, the other downside is the negative stigma of using these types of putters. You might hear some comments from fellow playing partners and feel self-conscious about the switch. But if it helps, who cares, and let the results do the talking.
How to Use a Broomstick Putter
If the pros outweigh the cons, it might be time to switch putting styles. Here’s how to use a broomstick putter so you can have more confidence on every putt.
Step 1: Find the Right Putter
The first step is choosing the right length putter and style that suits your game.
Like traditional putters, you can choose from mallets, blades, and other designs. In terms of length, you want to make sure it’s long enough to reach your chin when you stand upright. Most of these putters range from 45 to 50 inches.
Additionally, make sure you like the split grip that is needed with broomstick putting. Since this isn’t as popular of a method as normal putting, there aren’t nearly as many grip choices.
Step 2: Proper Setup Position
Once you have a broomstick putter that feels comfortable, it’s time to change your setup almost entirely. The first difference is standing more upright than you do with a normal length putter. This makes it easy to reduce back strain that many golfers – especially seniors – feel during the round.
The second big change with these putters is the grip placement and position of your arms. It starts with the top hand placement.
If you’re a right-handed golfer, your left hand will be on the top portion of the grip. Your left elbow will be pointing toward the target, which is a big change for most golfers, as you don’t have the same setup with a short putter.
While your right hand will be on the lower part of the grip. This hand will guide the putter during the stroke and the left hand will act as an anchor (it’s important to remember that you cannot anchor a putter against your body with the ban in recent years).
Lastly, make sure to focus on putting ball position and eye alignment too. You want your eyes over or slightly underneath the golf ball, just like a normal putting setup position.
Step 3: Plenty of Practice
As you can imagine, this type of putting might take some time getting used to, so head to the putting green to put in some extra work. If you’re in the offseason and/or want even more practice, use some of our favorite indoor putting greens as well. This way, you can practice at home to improve your feel on the greens.
The heavier design of the putter should help with a more consistent, fluid stroke. Make sure to read our guide to putting tempo too.
FAQs About Broomstick Putters
Do you have more questions about long putters? If so, keep reading through the most commonly asked questions and answers now.
What is a broomstick style putter?
A broomstick style putter is a long putter that is 10–15 inches longer than a standard putter (about the length of a broom). Not to mention, the unique length produces a more fluid putting stroke and a “sweeping” motion that can help improve speed control.
How do you legally use a long putter in golf?
Anchoring your putter against any part of your body is illegal by the rules of golf. As long as you don’t anchor them, you’re not penalized (even if it accidentally brushes against your shirt). Just make sure to hold the putter with both hands and not have it rest against your body.
Are belly putters legal?
Belly putters and long putters are still legal. However, you can’t anchor them to your body thanks to a recent ban from the USGA. Which makes belly putters kind of pointless, as that was their main selling point, but they’ve been replaced with armlock putters.
Who uses broomstick putters?
A ton of professional golfers use broomstick putters including Will Zalatoris, Bernard Langer, Adam Scott, and many others. Most golfers think of these putters as ideal for seniors, but they can work for all ages of players.
My Experience
I was playing a practice round recently and a fellow player was using one despite being in his early 20s. He rolled the rock beautifully throughout the round and let me try out the putter a few times. It was a good feeling, but it took time to adjust and get my head around a putter that was longer than a driver.
If you do decide to try out broomstick putting, don’t expect overnight results. While they might happen – especially if you have the putting yips right now – it might take some time getting adjusted. It’s an entirely different technique and might take some time to understand the fundamentals of this unique style.
However, if you’re in need of a change, especially if you struggle with short putts, broomstick putting is a fantastic alternative.
Final Thoughts
Broomstick putting can help you improve your putting and truly be a game changer for some golfers. The unique design can help alleviate back issues, improve alignment, and develop a more fluid stroke by removing excess wrist activity.
However, they are somewhat inconvenient, harder to travel with, and overall, there is still a negative perception of these putters. Not to mention a potentially steep learning curve too.
Ultimately, there are a lot of pros and cons to switching putters, especially one that is longer than a driver. If you do make the switch, give yourself some time to adjust and commit to a lot of putting practice to get more comfortable with the equipment change.
For more help with putting, check out these guides below:
Michael Leonard
Michael is an avid golfer of 25 years who played in high school, college, and now competes in Arizona amateur events. He is a full-time writer, podcast host of Wicked Smart Golf, and mental golf coach.
