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Names for Long Golf Putters

ByMichael Reeves

← Golf Equipment | Golf Clubs


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Quick Answer

  • Long putters are golf clubs designed for players who prefer a more upright putting stance.
  • They’re often called “broomstick putters” because of their long, straight shaft resembling a broom.
  • You’ll also hear them referred to as “belly putters” (a slightly shorter version) or simply “long putters.”

Long putters, often called ‘broomstick putters’ due to their resemblance to a broom handle, are designed for players seeking a more upright stance on the greens. If you’re curious about trying one, a quality long putter golf club is a great place to start.

Rife ENZO Putter - Extra Long 38 Inches Total Length with Extra Long 16 Inch Putter Golf Club Grip Includes Putter Headcover
Rife ENZO Putter - Extra Long 38 Inches Total Length with Extra Long 16 Inch Putter Golf Club Grip Includes Putter Headcover
  • PUTTER LENGTH: EXTRA LONG LENGTH 38 INCHES
  • GRIP LENGTH: 16 INCHES
  • SHAFT: OFFSET BENT STEEL SHAFT
  • HEADWEIGHT OF PUTTER: 380 GRAMS
  • LIE: 70 Degrees
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Who This Is For

  • Golfers dealing with back pain or discomfort from a traditional putting posture.
  • Players looking for a more stable, repeatable putting stroke and improved consistency on the greens.

What to Check First

  • Shaft Length: Long putters are typically 46 inches or longer. Measure it.
  • Grip Style: These grips are usually thicker, designed for anchoring against your body.
  • Shaft Connection: Look where the shaft meets the putter head. It can be center-shafted or have a more traditional hosel.
  • Anchoring Point: Does it feel like it’s meant to rest against your chest or belly?

Understanding What Long Putters Are Called

Step-by-Step Plan: Identifying What Long Putters Are Called

1. Action: Grab your putter and measure the total length of the shaft from the heel of the clubhead to the very top of the grip.

  • What to look for: A measurement of 46 inches or more. That’s the key marker for a true long putter.
  • Mistake to avoid: Don’t measure from the ground up or just the visible grip length. Get the whole club. This is critical for a proper fit.

2. Action: Examine the grip itself.

  • What to look for: It’s usually quite thick and often has a flat side. This helps you get a stable, two-handed hold that minimizes wrist action. I’ve found these grips really help me keep my hands steady on longer putts.
  • Mistake to avoid: Thinking any thick grip automatically makes it a long putter. The shaft length is still the main thing. A standard putter with an oversized grip isn’t a long putter.

3. Action: Look at the shaft’s entry point into the putter head.

  • What to look for: Many long putters are center-shafted. This means the shaft goes straight down through the middle of the head, promoting a more face-balanced design that suits a straight-back-and-through stroke. Some might still have a hosel, but the overall design often supports a more upright stroke.
  • Mistake to avoid: Assuming a center-shafted putter is always a long putter. Some standard mallets are center-shafted too, but they’re much shorter.

4. Action: Consider how the putter feels when you hold it in your normal putting stance.

  • What to look for: Does it feel natural to stand more upright, with less bend in your knees and back? Can you comfortably anchor the butt end of the grip against your chest or chin (depending on the type of long putter)? This is key for stability.
  • Mistake to avoid: Trying to force a long putter into a traditional, bent-over putting stroke. It’s designed for a different feel and setup. You’ll feel awkward and probably putt worse.

5. Action: Check the putter’s balance and swing weight.

  • What to look for: Long putters often have a different balance point than standard putters, designed to feel stable when anchored. The swing weight might feel lighter to you initially because of the extra length, but it should still feel controllable.
  • Mistake to avoid: Assuming a long putter should feel exactly like a standard putter. The longer shaft and different balance are intentional design features.

6. Action: Research the specific model if you can find any markings.

  • What to look for: Manufacturer websites or reviews can confirm if a model is specifically designed as a “long putter” or “broomstick putter.” This is especially helpful if you’re unsure about the measurements.
  • Mistake to avoid: Relying solely on visual appearance. Some putters might look similar but have different lengths or intended uses.

Common Mistakes in Identifying Long Putters

  • Mistake: Thinking any putter with an extended grip is a “long putter.”
  • Why it matters: You might end up with a club that’s technically the right length but lacks the design features (like shaft balance or grip) for a stable, upright stroke. It just won’t perform as intended.
  • Fix: Always verify the actual shaft length is 46 inches or more and check the grip style. Don’t get fooled by a thick grip on a standard-length shaft.
  • Mistake: Not recognizing the “broomstick” nickname.
  • Why it matters: This is a super common term for the longest variants (often over 48 inches). You’ll hear it a lot from fellow golfers, so knowing it refers to a long putter is key to understanding the conversation.
  • Fix: Just remember “broomstick” = long putter. Easy. It’s just a catchy, descriptive nickname.
  • Mistake: Confusing belly putters with true long putters.
  • Why it matters: Belly putters are shorter, usually 40-44 inches, and designed to be anchored against the belly. They are a subset of long putters but not the full-length “broomstick” type. Using a belly putter when you think it’s a true long putter can throw off your stance and stroke.
  • Fix: Pay attention to the length difference. If it’s under 46 inches and meant for the belly, it’s a belly putter. Know the specific length range for each.
  • Mistake: Assuming all long putters are center-shafted.
  • Why it matters: While common, not all long putters use a center shaft. Some still have a heel-shafted design, which can influence the putter’s face-balancing and how it rotates through the stroke.
  • Fix: Look at the overall length and intended anchoring method first, then consider the shaft placement. Shaft placement is important for feel, but length and anchoring are the defining characteristics of what makes it a “long” putter.
  • Mistake: Not understanding the rule changes regarding anchoring.
  • Why it matters: While long putters themselves are legal, the rules about anchoring the club against your body changed in 2016. You can still use the technique of anchoring as long as the club isn’t “anchored” in a way that provides undue support. Many players still use the long putter stroke that mimics anchoring.
  • Fix: Familiarize yourself with the current rules on anchoring. The spirit of the long putter stroke is still very much in play for many golfers, focusing on a pendulum motion.
  • Mistake: Buying a long putter without trying it first.
  • Why it matters: The feel and setup of a long putter are significantly different from a standard putter. What works for one person might not work for another. You need to see if the upright stance and stroke feel natural for you.
  • Fix: Always test a long putter on the practice green before committing. Get a feel for the length, balance, and how it integrates with your body.

FAQ

  • What is the primary difference between a long putter and a belly putter?

The main difference is length and intended anchoring point. Long putters are typically 46 inches or longer and can be anchored against the chest or chin, while belly putters are shorter, usually 40-44 inches, and anchored against the belly. Both are designed to promote a more upright stance and a pendulum-like stroke.

  • Are there any official rules regarding the length of putters?

Yes, the USGA and R&A rules state that a putter shaft must be no shorter than 30 inches and no longer than 48 inches. However, the rules regarding anchoring the club have changed, impacting how belly and long putters can be used. Always check the latest rules for precise definitions of anchoring.

  • Why are long putters sometimes called “broomstick putters”?

They get this nickname because their long, straight shaft, often exceeding 46 inches, resembles the handle of a broom. It’s a colloquial term that’s widely understood and descriptive of their appearance. It’s a good way to quickly identify the longest models.

  • Can I use a long putter if I don’t have back pain?

Absolutely. Many golfers use long putters for the stability and consistency they offer, regardless of physical issues. It’s all about finding what works best for your stroke and helps you control distance and direction. Some players just prefer the simplified stroke.

  • How does a long putter affect my putting stroke?

It generally promotes a more upright stance, reducing wrist action and encouraging a pendulum-like stroke powered by the shoulders. This can lead to more consistent distance control and a more stable face angle through impact. It simplifies the stroke for many.

  • What is the advantage of a center-shafted long putter?

A center-shafted long putter often promotes a more face-balanced design, which is ideal for golfers with a straight-back-and-through putting stroke. It tends to rotate less during the stroke, helping to keep the putter face square to the target line.

  • Are long putters harder to learn than standard putters?

Not necessarily harder, just different. The learning curve involves adapting to the upright stance and the pendulum-like stroke. Many find it easier to achieve consistency with a long putter once they get the hang of it, as it takes the wrists out of the equation.

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