How to Use A Broomstick Putter: Step-by-Step Guide

← Golf Instruction & Improvement | Swing Mechanics & Fundamentals

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Quick Answer

• A broomstick putter, also known as a long putter, is designed for an upright stance and a pendulum-like stroke powered by your shoulders, not your wrists.
• Focus on a tall, balanced posture, hands stacked near the grip’s end, and a smooth, controlled swing.
• It’s a fantastic tool for golfers seeking more stability, especially those with back pain or mobility concerns.

Who This Broomstick Putter Guide Is For

• Golfers who struggle with back pain or stiffness, making a traditional putting stance uncomfortable or difficult. This putter lets you stand tall.
• Players looking to eliminate wrist breakdown and promote a more consistent, stable putting stroke. It’s all about that pendulum motion.

What to Check First When Using a Broomstick Putter

• Putter Length: This is crucial. Stand up straight and let the putter hang. The grip should comfortably reach your sternum or slightly above, depending on your preference. Too short or too long will throw off your whole game.
• Stance and Posture: You’ll be standing much taller and closer to the ball than with a standard putter. Ensure your weight is balanced, and your shoulders are square to your target. No slouching allowed.
• Ball Position: Generally, the ball should be positioned under your lead eye or slightly forward of it. This helps facilitate the pendulum stroke.
• Grip: Stack your hands one on top of the other near the very end of the grip. Keep it firm enough for control but relaxed enough to allow your shoulders to move freely. Think of it as a single unit.

Step-by-Step Plan: How to Use a Broomstick Putter

1. Establish Your Stance: Approach the ball and get into your putting stance. Stand tall, with your feet shoulder-width apart or slightly narrower. Your weight should be evenly distributed.

• What to look for: A balanced, athletic posture where you feel stable and comfortable. Your spine should be relatively straight, not hunched over.
• Mistake to avoid: Bending too far forward from the hips or slouching. This will restrict your shoulder movement and lead to an inconsistent stroke.

2. Position Your Hands: Stack your hands one directly on top of the other near the top of the putter grip. Some players prefer a slight overlap or interlock, but the key is a connected feel.

• What to look for: A comfortable, secure grip that feels like a single unit. There should be no tension in your wrists.
• Mistake to avoid: Gripping too tightly, which will lock up your wrists, or spreading your hands too far apart, which reduces control and stability.

3. Align Your Body and Ball: Ensure your shoulders, hips, and feet are square to your intended target line. Place the ball slightly forward in your stance, typically aligned with your lead eye.

• What to look for: A clear line from your eyes, the ball, and the target. The putter face should be square to this line at address.
• Mistake to avoid: Aiming your body incorrectly or consistently changing the ball position, leading to off-line putts.

4. Initiate the Stroke: Begin your putting stroke by moving your shoulders. Think of your arms and the putter as one solid piece, swinging like a pendulum.

• What to look for: A smooth, unforced movement originating from your upper body. Your arms should hang naturally from your shoulders.
• Mistake to avoid: Trying to “hit” the ball or using your wrists to generate power. This is the biggest pitfall with long putters.

5. Execute the Pendulum Motion: Swing the putter back and through the ball using your shoulders as the pivot. Keep your wrists firm and still throughout the entire stroke.

• What to look for: A consistent, rhythmic arc. The putter head should feel like it’s gliding smoothly along the intended line.
• Mistake to avoid: Any independent wrist action, like scooping or flicking. This will cause the putter face to open or close unintentionally.

6. Maintain Balance Through Impact: Continue the pendulum motion through the ball, ensuring your body remains balanced. Your focus should be on the tempo and the arc of the stroke.

• What to look for: A smooth transition from backswing to forward swing, with the putter head meeting the ball squarely.
• Mistake to avoid: Decelerating through the ball or trying to guide it with your hands after impact.

7. Complete the Follow-Through: Allow the momentum of the stroke to carry the putter through to a balanced finish. Your shoulders should continue their rotation.

• What to look for: A complete, controlled finish where you feel balanced and stable. The putter should finish in front of you, not behind.
• Mistake to avoid: Stopping the stroke abruptly after hitting the ball or lifting your head too early to see where it went.

Mastering the Broomstick Putter Stroke

The key to successfully using a broomstick putter lies in understanding and executing a consistent, shoulder-driven stroke. Unlike traditional putters where wrist action can be a significant factor, the length and design of a long putter necessitate a different approach. This isn’t just about holding the club differently; it’s about fundamentally changing how you move your body to impart energy to the ball.

When you stand tall and hold the putter with stacked hands at the top, your arms naturally hang down. This setup creates a connection between your shoulders and the putter shaft. Your shoulders then become the primary engine for the swing. Imagine a metronome: the backswing and forward swing should have a consistent tempo, driven by the rotation of your upper body. Your arms and the putter simply follow this motion, creating a stable, predictable arc.

Many golfers find that this method significantly reduces the “nervous hands” that can plague their putting. By anchoring the grip and relying on larger muscle groups, the tendency to manipulate the putter face with the wrists is greatly diminished. This translates to more consistent face control at impact, which is paramount for accurate putting.

Practicing this shoulder-driven pendulum motion is essential. Start with short putts, focusing purely on the feel of your shoulders moving and the putter head tracing a straight line back and through. Gradually increase the distance as you build confidence in the stroke. Remember, the goal is not brute force, but smooth, controlled acceleration through the ball.

Common Mistakes When Using a Broomstick Putter

• Hunching Over the Ball — This defeats the purpose of the upright stance and restricts shoulder movement, leading to a less stable stroke. — Stand tall, letting the putter hang naturally from your shoulders. Your spine should be relatively straight.
• Wrist Manipulation — Trying to use your wrists to guide the putter or add power is the biggest mistake. It introduces inconsistency and loss of control. — Focus on a pendulum motion powered by your shoulders. Keep your wrists firm and locked.
• Incorrect Grip Tension — Gripping too tightly restricts the free-flowing motion needed for a good pendulum stroke. Too loose, and you lose control. — Aim for a firm but relaxed grip. Your hands should feel connected, but not tense.
• Inconsistent Ball Position — Placing the ball in different spots on the green will lead to inconsistent contact and aim. — Find a consistent ball position, typically under your lead eye, and stick with it.
• Looking Up Too Soon — Lifting your head to see the ball’s path before the stroke is complete will cause you to pull the putter off-line. — Keep your head down and eyes focused on the ball until after your follow-through.
• Poor Stance and Balance — A wobbly stance means a wobbly stroke. You need a solid foundation. — Ensure your weight is evenly distributed and you feel stable and athletic.

FAQ: Broomstick Putter Usage

• What is the main advantage of using a broomstick putter?

The primary advantage is enhanced stability and consistency by minimizing wrist action. This is achieved through an upright stance and a shoulder-driven pendulum stroke. It’s also often a lifesaver for golfers experiencing back pain or mobility issues, allowing them to putt comfortably.

• How do I adjust my putting stance for a broomstick putter?

You’ll stand much taller and closer to the ball than with a traditional putter. Your arms will hang more vertically from your shoulders, and your hands will be stacked near the top of the grip. Think of it as standing at a high counter.

• What is the correct grip for a broomstick putter?

The most common grip involves stacking your hands one directly on top of the other near the very end of the grip. This “hands together” approach creates a single unit with your arms and the putter, facilitating the shoulder-driven stroke. The grip should be firm enough for control but relaxed enough to allow for a smooth pendulum motion.

• Can a broomstick putter help with shaky hands or tremors?

Absolutely. The anchored nature of the broomstick putter and the reliance on larger muscle groups (shoulders) rather than fine motor control (wrists) can significantly reduce the impact of hand tremors. Many golfers with shaky hands find this type of putter provides much-needed stability.

• How far away from the ball should I stand with a broomstick putter?

You’ll typically stand further away than with a conventional putter. The shaft should be nearly vertical, and the grip should comfortably reach your sternum or slightly higher, depending on your height and preference. Your lead eye should generally be in line with the ball. Experiment to find the distance that allows for a free, balanced stroke.

• Is a broomstick putter legal in professional golf?

Yes, broomstick putters (long putters) are legal under the Rules of Golf, provided they conform to the rules regarding length and design. However, the anchoring rule, which prohibits anchoring the putter against the body, applies to all putters, including broomstick putters.

• How do I practice the shoulder-driven stroke effectively?

Start by practicing without a ball. Focus on the feeling of your shoulders rotating smoothly and your arms and the putter following that motion. Then, place a ball down and practice short putts, concentrating on maintaining that shoulder-driven pendulum. Use a mirror or video to check your posture and stroke consistency. Tempo is key.