As I’m making my journey from 10 handicap to scratch (I know it’ll be tough, but that’s the eventual goal), the lowest hanging fruit should be my putting. According to my Shot Scope data from last season, putting is by far where I’m losing the most strokes compared to a typical 10 handicap. I spent the winter practicing indoors, which can only help so much. I’ve tried several different putters, hoping something would assist me with improving my start line. I’ve decided it is time to take the plunge into broomstick putting. After watching Bernhard Langer and Akshay Bhatia draining putts, and more and more pros who have struggled with putting transform their game, I think it is time to give it a try. In addition to documenting my journey, I’m also starting a blog series on the long putter.
In the past the broomstick putter was more of a niche novelty for only the most severe cases of the yips, but now it seems to be on the verge of making a major breakthrough. Hopefully I can be in on the process.
In this post, we’ll break down what makes broomstick putters unique, the benefits they offer, and why they might be the putting solution you didn’t know you needed.
What Is a Broomstick Putter?
A broomstick putter is a type of long putter—typically between 44 to 48 inches in length. Interestingly, putters can legally be longer than the 48″ maximum that other clubs must meet. In 2016, a rule was added that banned “anchoring” of the putter, which is the method many broomstick golfers used. It turns out that many golfers can putt quite well with broomsticks, even without anchoring them. The term “broomstick” refers to its exaggerated length and upright posture, resembling a broom being pushed straight toward the hole.
Unlike standard-length putters (33″ to 35″), broomstick putters allow golfers to stand more upright, engage their shoulders, and eliminate unwanted hand and wrist movement.
The History of Broomstick Putters
Broomstick putters have been around for decades but gained notoriety in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Champions Tour players and pros battling the yips (involuntary wrist spasms) turned to long putters to stabilize their strokes.
The real game-changer came when Adam Scott won the 2013 Masters using a broomstick-style putter. While the USGA and R&A banned “anchoring” in 2016, broomstick putters remained legal—as long as the player does not anchor the club to their chest or any other part of the body. There are two main ways a broomstick can be anchored – either the butt of the club is held against the chest, or the forearms are held against the torso. Either form of anchoring is against the rules. Sometimes it can be difficult to see if someone is anchoring their putter.
Today, modern broomstick designs and grip techniques allow golfers to stay within the rules while enjoying the benefits of this unique putter style.
Why Would You Use a Broomstick Putter?
1. Stability and Control
The biggest benefit of a broomstick putter is increased stability. Because it’s longer and held with two hands far apart, the putter doesn’t twist as easily. This helps golfers with shaky hands or those who struggle to keep the face square.
2. Helps with the Yips
Many golfers switch to broomstick putters to combat the putting yips. By minimizing wrist action and emphasizing a shoulder-driven stroke, these putters can restore confidence and consistency.
3. Improved Posture
Broomstick putters allow golfers to stand more upright, which can reduce back strain and promote better sight lines over the ball. This makes them especially appealing to older players or those with physical limitations.
4. Simplified Stroke Mechanics
The split grip and anchored feeling (even within the rules) help encourage a pendulum motion. This can make distance control easier to manage and reduce the temptation to “jab” or “pop” at the ball.
Who Uses Broomstick Putters?
Although they were once mostly seen on the senior tours, broomstick putters are gaining momentum among younger players, too.
Notable professionals who have used broomstick or long putters include:
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Adam Scott – Masters Champion and long-time broomstick user
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Bernhard Langer – Champions Tour legend who still dominates with a long putter
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Lucas Glover – Recently found putting success switching to a broomstick putter
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Will Zalatoris – Experimented with broomstick putting during practice rounds
- Akshay Bhatia (PGA)
- Minjee Lee (LPGA)
Are Broomstick Putters Legal?
Yes—broomstick putters are 100% legal as long as they comply with the anchoring rule. You cannot anchor the club to your body.
The key is to make sure the putter is not being stabilized by a fixed point on the body. Most broomstick users have adjusted their grip and technique to stay within the rules while still gaining the benefits of this style.
Is a Broomstick Putter Right for You?
If you:
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Struggle with inconsistent putting
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Fight the yips
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Have trouble keeping the putter face square
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Want a more repeatable stroke
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Deal with back or neck issues when putting
…then a broomstick putter might be worth testing.
Final Thoughts: The Case for Trying a Broomstick Putter
Broomstick putters aren’t just for senior golfers or those with the yips—they’re a legitimate option for anyone looking for more control, better posture, and a simplified stroke. As more pros find success with them and new models continue to hit the market, it’s clear the broomstick is here to stay.
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