What Is a Broomstick in Golf?

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Quick Answer

• A broomstick putter is a super long golf club, stretching from your hands all the way up to your chest or chin.
• Its main gig is to give your putting stroke some serious stability by resting its end on your body.
• This setup helps you keep your stroke smooth and consistent, all while staying on the right side of the rules about anchoring.

Who This Is For

• Anyone who battles a shaky putting stroke, where hands and arms tend to go rogue.
• Golfers who want to nail their short game with a more stable method, legally.

What to Check First: Broomstick Putter Rules

• Know the Rules: First things first, get hip to the latest USGA and R&A rules on anchored strokes. You don’t want to be the reason they have to update the rulebook.
• Putter Length Check: Make sure any broomstick putter you eye up is the right size for you. It needs to hit your chest or chin comfortably when you’re set up.
• Grip Inspection: Take a good look at the grip. It shouldn’t be designed to let you jam it into your body. The rules are pretty specific about what’s allowed.

Step-by-Step Plan: Using a Broomstick Putter

1. Get the Right Length. Grab a broomstick putter that fits your height. It should comfortably reach your chest or chin when you’re in your putting stance. Mistake to avoid: Going with a club that’s too short or too long. It’ll mess with your posture and make your stroke feel awkward.

2. Dial In Your Grip. Get a feel for the broomstick putter’s grip. Keep it light and steady. Think relaxed, not like you’re trying to crush a soda can. Mistake to avoid: Squeezing the life out of it. That tight grip can feel like an anchor point to the rules hounds.

3. Find Your Stance. Set up like you normally would over the ball. Position the end of the broomstick putter against your chest or chin. It should just rest there, not be jammed in tight. Mistake to avoid: Forcing the putter against your body. It’s a guide, not a vise.

4. Initiate the Stroke. Make your putting stroke using a pendulum motion powered by your shoulders. Keep your wrists and arms quiet and smooth. Mistake to avoid: Trying to muscle the ball or guide it with your wrists. That’s what this club is meant to prevent.

5. Maintain Light Contact. Throughout your swing, make sure the end of the putter maintains only the lightest touch against your body. It’s there to steady you, not to lock you down. Mistake to avoid: Pressing hard against yourself throughout the stroke. It defeats the purpose and can get you in hot water.

6. Follow Through Smoothly. Finish your stroke naturally, again driven by your shoulders. Let the momentum carry you. Mistake to avoid: Cutting your stroke short abruptly. That’s a recipe for inconsistency on the greens.

7. Practice, Practice, Practice. Spend time on the practice green with your new broomstick. Get comfortable with the feel, the length, and the stroke mechanics. Mistake to avoid: Expecting miracles on day one. Like any new tool, it takes time to master.

What is a Broomstick in Golf? Understanding the Long Putter

You might see a golfer with a club that looks like it belongs in a cleaning closet, and that’s likely a broomstick putter. It’s a type of long putter, and its design is all about control and consistency. The defining characteristic is its length. Unlike a standard putter, a broomstick putter extends from the golfer’s hands all the way up to their chest or chin. This extra length isn’t just for show; it’s a strategic design choice.

The primary goal is to create a more stable putting stroke. By resting the butt end of the putter against the golfer’s body – typically the sternum or chin area – the golfer can minimize the movement of their hands and wrists. This leads to a pendulum-like motion driven more by the shoulders and core, which is inherently more stable and repeatable than a stroke that relies heavily on wrist action. I remember my first time trying one, felt a bit weird, but man, the ball rolled straighter.

It’s important to note that the rules of golf have specific regulations about “anchoring” a putter to the body. The broomstick putter is designed to be used in a way that complies with these rules. The contact with the body is meant to be a stabilizing point, not a fixed anchor. The golfer still needs to maintain a stroke that allows the club to pivot freely, albeit with the support of the body. This distinction is crucial for legal play. Many golfers, from amateurs looking to improve their game to professionals seeking an edge, have turned to the broomstick putter as a way to combat the inconsistencies that can plague a putting stroke.

Common Mistakes When Using a Broomstick Putter

• Mistake — Pressing the putter firmly against the body.
• Why it matters — This is the quickest way to get yourself flagged for an illegal anchored stroke. The rules are pretty clear: no jamming the club into yourself.
• Fix — Keep the contact light. Think of it as a gentle guide, not a clamp. The putter needs to pivot from your shoulders, not be locked in place.
• Mistake — Relying on wrist action for power or direction.
• Why it matters — This completely negates the whole point of the broomstick putter. You’re trying to eliminate wristiness, not amplify it.
• Fix — Focus on a smooth, controlled pendulum swing powered by your shoulders and upper body. Keep those wrists quiet.
• Mistake — Using a putter that’s the wrong length.
• Why it matters — A putter that’s too long or too short will force you into an awkward posture. This leads to a sloppy stroke and inconsistent results. It’s like trying to chop wood with a toothpick.
• Fix — Measure carefully. Stand naturally, and have someone measure from your sternum (or where the rules allow contact) to your hand position. Check the manufacturer’s specs too.
• Mistake — Gripping the putter too tightly.
• Why it matters — A death grip creates tension throughout your arms and shoulders, hindering that smooth pendulum motion. It can also feel like you’re trying to anchor the club.
• Fix — Keep your grip relaxed. You want to feel the club, not strangle it. Let your shoulders and arms move as one unit.
• Mistake — Not practicing enough with the new stroke.
• Why it matters — Switching to a broomstick putter requires a new feel and tempo. Rushing the process means you won’t reap the benefits.
• Fix — Dedicate time on the practice green. Work on your setup, your stroke, and getting a feel for the longer club. Patience is key.
• Mistake — Trying to “guide” the putter with your hands.
• Why it matters — The broomstick putter is designed to take the hands out of the stroke. Trying to guide it defeats its purpose and leads to inconsistency.
• Fix — Trust the pendulum motion. Feel the weight of the clubhead and let your shoulders swing it back and through.

FAQ: Understanding the Broomstick Putter

• What is the primary benefit of using a broomstick putter?

The main advantage is dramatically increased stability in your putting stroke. By using the length of the club to stabilize against your body (without violating anchoring rules), you minimize unwanted hand and wrist movement. This leads to a more consistent, repeatable roll on the greens, which is what every golfer dreams of.

• How does a broomstick putter differ from a belly putter?

The key difference is length and where they make contact. A broomstick putter is the longest of the long putters, designed to reach your chest or chin. A belly putter is shorter, typically resting against your stomach or belly area. Both aim for stability, but the mechanics and contact points are distinct.

• Are broomstick putters legal in professional golf tournaments?

Yes, they are legal, provided the golfer adheres to the rules regarding anchoring. The golfer uses the club’s length for stabilization and support, but they cannot “anchor” it in a way that the rules prohibit, meaning it can’t be fixed to the body. The stroke must still allow for a pivot.

• Can I use a broomstick putter if I’m not a professional golfer?

Absolutely. In fact, many amateur golfers find them incredibly beneficial for improving their putting consistency. If you struggle with shaky hands, wristy strokes, or just want a more stable approach to the short game, a broomstick putter is a fantastic option to consider.

• What’s the best way to choose the right length for a broomstick putter?

The best method is to stand naturally in your putting stance. Have someone measure from your sternum (or the specific point the rules allow contact) down to where your hands comfortably rest on the grip. This measurement will give you a strong indication of the correct putter length. Always cross-reference with the manufacturer’s sizing guides for their specific models.

• Do I need to change my entire putting stance when using a broomstick putter?

Not necessarily. While you’ll adjust your posture slightly to accommodate the longer club and the contact point, the fundamental principles of a good putting stance remain the same. You still want to be balanced, with your eyes over the ball and a comfortable setup. The broomstick simply provides an additional point of stability.

• How do I know if I’m “anchoring” illegally with a broomstick putter?

The key is that the club must be able to pivot. If you are pressing the club so firmly against your body that it cannot move freely, or if you are locking it in place, that’s likely an illegal anchor. The contact should be light and allow for a swinging motion. When in doubt, consult the official USGA or R&A rules or speak with a PGA professional.