How to Use a Broomstick Putter – Grip Styles, Setup, and Stroke Mechanics

If you’ve recently picked up a broomstick putter or are thinking about switching, you might be wondering: How exactly do I use this thing?

The technique behind broomstick putting is very different from what most golfers are used to. The grip, stance, and stroke mechanics all shift toward a more structured, shoulder-driven motion. And when it’s done right, the consistency can be game-changing.

In this post, we’ll walk through the key fundamentals of using a broomstick putter—from how to set up to which grip styles work best to what the stroke should feel like.

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What Makes Broomstick Putting Different?

Traditional putting relies more on hands and wrists, but broomstick putting is about quieting those small muscles and using the bigger ones—your shoulders and upper torso. The goal is a pendulum-style stroke that reduces variables and promotes consistency.

You won’t be anchoring the putter (that’s no longer legal), but you’ll still be taking advantage of the stability that the longer shaft provides.

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Setup: Upright and Balanced

The first big change when switching to a broomstick putter is your posture.

Here’s how to set up properly:

• Stand tall, with only a slight bend at the hips

• Position your eyes either directly over the ball or just inside the line

• Let your arms hang naturally, without tension

• The putter shaft should run vertically from the ball upward toward your chest, without making contact with your body

You want to feel balanced and upright, with no need to hunch or lean over. The setup should feel stable and repeatable.

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Grip Styles: What Works with Broomstick Putters?

There’s no one-size-fits-all grip for broomstick putting, but most players use one of three styles. All are legal under the current rules, as long as you’re not anchoring the shaft or your top hand against your body.

Split-Hand Grip (Traditional Long Putter Style)

This is the most common. Your lead hand (left hand for a right-handed golfer) holds the top of the grip near your chest, while the trail hand (right hand) holds the lower part of the shaft, several inches below.

This grip gives you a strong pendulum feel and helps reduce wrist movement.

Claw Grip (Modified Split)

Same top-hand placement as the split grip, but the bottom hand uses a claw or pencil-style hold on the shaft. This is ideal for players who are prone to “flipping” or who struggle with the yips.

The claw allows the shoulders to control the stroke while keeping the trail hand from interfering.

Prayer Grip (Palms-Facing)

Both hands are placed together with palms facing each other, similar to a “prayer” position. This grip style is typically used with thicker grips and works well for golfers who like a symmetrical feel and minimal hand action.

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Stroke Mechanics: Using the Shoulders, Not the Hands

The defining feature of broomstick putting is that it’s driven by the shoulders, not the hands or wrists. That’s what makes it so consistent when done correctly.

Here’s what a good broomstick stroke looks like:

• The shoulders rock the putter back and through in a smooth, even motion

• The hands stay quiet—no flicking, hinging, or “pop” at the ball

• The putter head stays on path with the face square to your target line

• Tempo is steady and relaxed—not rushed or jerky

You’ll want to practice developing a natural rhythm. Think of your shoulders as a rocking chair—smooth, steady, and quiet.

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Start Line and Alignment Tips

Because broomstick putters often feature large mallet heads with strong alignment lines, you can use those visuals to help set the face and stay square.

Here are a few helpful habits:

• Use a line on your ball to match the alignment on your putter head

• Focus on rolling the ball over a spot a few inches in front of it

• Practice hitting putts that start on your intended line from 5–8 feet

Many golfers find that their directional accuracy improves dramatically once they learn to trust the pendulum motion and keep the face stable.

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Tempo and Distance Control

Broomstick putters tend to be heavier and longer, which can throw off your speed control if you’re used to lighter putters. That’s why it’s important to work on pace and rhythm.

Some tips for controlling distance:

• Make sure your backswing and follow-through are about equal in length

• Avoid accelerating through impact—just swing through naturally

• Use ladder drills (putting to different distances) to fine-tune your feel

If your stroke tempo is good, your distance control will come around faster than you might expect.

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A Few Things to Watch Out For

Switching to a broomstick putter doesn’t solve every putting problem overnight. Here are a few common mistakes to avoid:

• Letting the top hand or shaft rest against your chest (that’s anchoring and it’s illegal)

• Trying to guide the putter with your hands instead of your shoulders

• Getting too mechanical—allow your stroke to have a natural flow

• Ignoring your posture; slouching ruins consistency

It takes a little time to adjust, but most golfers find broomstick putting to be a long-term improvement once the stroke becomes natural.

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Recap: Using a Broomstick Putter

• Stand tall with eyes over the ball

• Choose a grip that minimizes wrist action (split, claw, or prayer)

• Use your shoulders to control the stroke—keep hands quiet

• Focus on alignment and tempo

• Practice your start line and pace with drills

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Up Next…

In the final post of the series, we’ll cover Post 11: How to Transition to a Broomstick Putter – Timeline, Drills & Mindset Tips. If you’re ready to commit to the switch, that post will walk you through how to make the change stick (legally, of course) and avoid common pitfalls.