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

Making the switch to a broomstick putter can be game-changing—but only if you’re using it the right way. Long putters require a different setup and motion than traditional flatsticks, and getting the fundamentals right is key to unlocking their full potential.

In this guide, we’ll break down how to use a broomstick putter with proper posture, grip options, and stroke technique. Whether you’re new to broomsticks or fine-tuning your mechanics, this is your starting point.

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1. Broomstick Putter Setup: It Starts with Posture

The setup with a broomstick putter is more upright than a conventional putter. This position helps you use your shoulders and upper body to control the stroke, rather than your hands or wrists.

Key Setup Tips:

• Stand tall with minimal bend at the waist.

• Your eyes should be roughly over the ball or slightly inside it.

• Let your arms hang naturally, with your lead (top) hand resting just below your chin or sternum.

• The putter shaft should run straight up from the ball toward your chest (but not anchored).

Pro Tip: Practice your setup in front of a mirror or record your posture from the side—most issues with broomstick putting start with bad setup angles.

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2. Proper Grip Techniques for Broomstick Putters

One of the most important decisions you’ll make is how to grip a broomstick putter. These grips are meant to reduce wrist action and make the stroke more repeatable.

The 3 Most Common Broomstick Grips:

Split-Hand (Traditional Broomstick Grip)

• Lead hand (left for righties) at the top, pressed lightly against your sternum or just below your chin (not anchored).

• Trail hand (right for righties) rests lower on the shaft, separated by several inches.

• Creates a pendulum motion with the shoulders.

Claw Grip

• Lead hand stays at the top.

• Bottom hand uses a “claw” or pencil-style grip for minimal wrist involvement.

• Helps smooth out twitchy strokes or the yips.

Prayer or Palms-Facing Grip

• Hands are close together, palms facing each other like a prayer.

• Reduces twisting, used by some arm-lock or alternative putter users.

Which Grip is Best?
The split grip is most common with broomsticks, but if you struggle with tension or wrist breakdown, try the claw or palms-facing style.

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3. Broomstick Putter Stroke: The Pendulum Motion

With a broomstick putter, you’re aiming for a shoulder-driven, pendulum-like stroke. The arms stay quiet and the putter swings back and through like a grandfather clock’s pendulum.

Mechanics of the Stroke:

• Shoulders control everything. Let them rock gently.

• No wrist hinge or hand flip—keep your hands passive.

• The path can be slightly arced or straight-back-straight-through depending on putter design and your natural stroke.

• Maintain even tempo back and through.

Practice Drill: Try putting with your trail hand only. This helps develop feel for the proper motion without wrist manipulation.

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4. Avoiding the Illegal Anchor

Since the 2016 anchoring ban (Rule 14-1b), you can’t anchor the putter against your body. However, broomstick putters are still 100% legal when used correctly.

Legal vs Illegal Broomstick Technique:

• Legal: Shaft and hands are close to your chest, but nothing is “fixed” or pressed in place.

• Illegal: Shaft or hand is anchored (held tightly) against your body.

How to Stay Legal: Maintain a slight gap or allow a light hover between the shaft/top hand and your chest.

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5. Practice Tips for New Broomstick Users

Switching to a broomstick can feel awkward at first, but the benefits are worth the learning curve. Here’s how to fast-track your progress:

• Start with short putts (3–6 feet) to build confidence and feel.

• Use alignment sticks or mirrors to check your posture and stroke path.

• Practice with just one hand to feel what each arm contributes to the motion.

• Record your stroke to identify any hand or wrist breakdown.

• Keep your grip pressure light to avoid tension.

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6. Who Should Consider Broomstick Putting?

Broomstick putting isn’t just for older golfers or those with the yips. It’s a legitimate option for anyone who wants:

• A more consistent stroke

• Less reliance on hands or wrists

• Better control of start line and speed

• A mechanical, repeatable routine under pressure

It’s no coincidence that even PGA Tour players have experimented with long putters in recent years.

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Summary: Broomstick Putter Basics

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Final Thoughts

Learning to use a broomstick putter the right way can totally change how you feel over the ball. With a proper setup, a consistent grip, and a quiet, shoulder-led stroke, you’ll be rolling putts with more confidence and control than ever.

In the next post, we’ll take a look at Post 6: Broomstick Putting Techniques & Drills – Build Consistency on the Greens, where we’ll go deeper into training strategies and specific drills for better performance.