Pros and Cons of Broomstick Putters – Is It the Right Fit for You?

Broomstick putters aren’t just a workaround for the yips or aging golfers—they’ve become a viable option for anyone seeking consistency and confidence on the greens. But they’re not for everyone.

If you’re on the fence about switching to a long putter, this post is for you. We’ll dive into the advantages and disadvantages of broomstick putters, who they’re best for, and how to decide if one belongs in your bag.

---

What Is a Broomstick Putter?

A broomstick putter is an extra-long putter, usually between 44–52 inches, designed to be used in a more upright, shoulder-driven putting stroke. While the anchoring ban now prohibits anchoring the putter against your body, broomstick putters are still legal when used correctly.

---

The Pros of Broomstick Putters

1. More Consistent Stroke

Broomstick putters promote a pendulum motion controlled by your shoulders—not your hands or wrists. This makes it easier to:

• Repeat your stroke

• Start the ball on line

• Avoid breakdowns under pressure

2. Reduced Wrist Involvement

One of the biggest causes of missed putts is wristy strokes. Broomstick putters naturally minimize wrist action, leading to a more stable face at impact.

3. Helpful for Yips or Nerves

Golfers who struggle with the yips or nerves on short putts often find relief with a long putter. The broomstick grip style gives you more structure and less “feel pressure” on those must-make putts.

4. Improved Posture

The upright setup of a broomstick putter puts less strain on the lower back and can improve alignment for some golfers.

5. Tour-Proven

Despite the anchoring ban, several tour pros—like Adam Scott and Bernhard Langer—have continued to putt successfully with broomstick-style putters using legal techniques.

---

The Cons of Broomstick Putters

1. Awkward Transition Period

The broomstick stroke is very different from a traditional putting stroke. It can feel strange at first and take weeks or even months to groove.

2. Harder to Judge Distance at First

The longer shaft and slower tempo can make distance control tricky, especially on fast or undulating greens. You’ll need to recalibrate your feel.

3. Stigma or Style Concerns

Let’s be honest—broomstick putters can still carry a bit of a “gimmick” stigma, especially among traditionalists. Some players worry they’ll look odd or signal weakness on the green.

4. More Challenging to Travel With

Very long broomstick putters can be harder to fit into travel bags or compact setups. Some airlines or hard cases may require special accommodations.

5. Not Ideal for Everyone

Golfers who rely heavily on feel-based putting or who naturally use more hand action may struggle to adapt. It’s also less suited to putting styles with lots of arc.

---

Who Should Consider a Broomstick Putter?

You might want to seriously consider a broomstick putter if you:

• Struggle with consistency or short putts

• Tried the claw grip and still struggle (sort of a joke here, but not really)

• Battle the yips or putting nerves

• Have lower back issues or trouble bending over

• Want to reduce hand and wrist movement

• Prefer a mechanical, repeatable stroke

---

Who Might Be Better Off with a Standard or Alternative Putter?

Stick with traditional or other non-anchored options (like armlock or mallet putters) if you:

• Have excellent touch and feel

• Prefer a more arched or hand-controlled stroke

• Don’t want to go through the adjustment period

• Play on lightning-fast greens and need precise touch

---

Summary: Should You Switch to a Broomstick?

Ultimately, broomstick putters are like any club—you need to try it, practice with it, and see if it fits your stroke and mindset.

---

What’s Next?

If you’re ready to try one yourself, our next post covers The Best Broomstick Putters on the Market – Top Picks for 2025, featuring models from LAB Golf, Scotty Cameron, Odyssey, and more.