Long or "Broomstick" Putters - Anyone?

[George Kelley]

For those of you that have experienced the dreaded “yips”; this is the way to go. I’ve been using mine for three years. You wil see good success on short putts and it will take some practice to gain speed control on mid and long putts.

the USGA needs to make rules for amateur golfers, separate from processionals to make the game more enjoyable/playable (for example arm-lock and anchoring).

[frazzman80]

On 2/23/2022 at 4:05 PM, HDTVMAN said:

I've tried :broom-stick" putters, but couldn't keep them steady. I also had belly putters but eventually cut them down and adjusted the lie & loft to a 36".

Try L.A.B. Broomsticks. Specifically designed to be weighted as a long putter and the easiest steady stroke imaginable.

I’ve putted with Broomsticks since the early 2000s (save that year or 2 after the anchoring ban when I tried to go back to a short putter and almost quit golf) and nothing putts better than my L.A.B.

On 2/23/2022 at 4:05 PM, HDTVMAN said:

I've tried :broom-stick" putters, but couldn't keep them steady. I also had belly putters but eventually cut them down and adjusted the lie & loft to a 36".

Try L.A.B. Broomsticks. Specifically designed to be weighted as a long putter and the easiest steady stroke imaginable.

I’ve putted with Broomsticks since the early 2000s (save that year or 2 after the anchoring ban when I tried to go back to a short putter and almost quit golf) and nothing putts better than my L.A.B.

[frazzman80]

On 2/23/2022 at 4:05 PM, HDTVMAN said:

I've tried :broom-stick" putters, but couldn't keep them steady. I also had belly putters but eventually cut them down and adjusted the lie & loft to a 36".

Try L.A.B. Broomsticks. Specifically designed to be weighted as a long putter and the easiest steady stroke imaginable.

I’ve putted with Broomsticks since the early 2000s (save that year or 2 after the anchoring ban when I tried to go back to a short putter and almost quit golf) and nothing putts better than my L.A.B.

[YamYam]

Yup, got two.

A Ping B90 and a Scotty Cameron Studio.  Going on for 500 quid's worth that has now been rendered virtually useless and unsellable.

I tend not to use them now because of the stupid ridiculous anchoring ban.  I tended not to anchor but the trouble is it's so open to misinterpretation.  Your playing partners and others in the field will claim that you are anchoring, (when you know you are not).  It ends up in an argument your game is affected and upset.  So not worth the hassle.

I considered the ban unnecessary.  Another stupid ruling by the R&A and USGA.  The statistics and results did not show the long putters to be any more effective than conventional putters.

I had the problem explained to me by a member of the R&A.  The American universities and colleges were encouraging players from an early part of their careers to use the belly putter.  The coaches were actually encouraging the use and teaching them how to use them.  There were more and more players from developing countries in Asia opting to go straight to the long putter before they had even tried to use a conventional type.  It was deemed untraditional.  So by introducing the anchoring ban the long putter was effectively banned in the process, which was the objective, because if they had gone for a direct ban, the manufacturers would have no doubt taken it to litigation.

The long putter, whether belly or broomhandle, was developed for those golfers of a certain age or who had developed serious age related yips.  It was OK as far as most people were concerned.  It enabled some good golfers to prolong their careers and enjoyment of the game.  But then along came the ruling body spoilers.

I started using one because of a bad back.  I couldn't spend the amount of time practicing that I wanted without coming away and needing a serious massage and pain killers.  So the upright uncrouched stance suited me.  I didn't putt any better or worse.

My argument against a ban at the time was that pretty soon golf was being reintroduced at the Olympics and as such would be also be included in the highly televised Paralympics.  Separate rules would have to be introduced for golfers with disabilities - how were they going to govern and police that?  A separate rule book was published in the end by the R&A which has now been incorporated into the main rule book.  But they still can't police it properly.

Just because other players who lack sympathy and understanding think that long putters should go, doesn't mean to say they are wrong.  I don't see the argument.  If you don't like them, don't use them - simple.  But leave those who are less able to enjoy the game as best they can.

They should have left well alone, like many other things that have been needlessly changed.  Nothing was really broken, so why attempt fixing it?

[DaveP043]

1 hour ago, George Kelley said:

the USGA needs to make rules for amateur golfers, separate from processionals to make the game more enjoyable/playable (for example arm-lock and anchoring).

Arm lock is allowed under the current Rules.  Anchoring is not, but that doesn't stop players from using long putters without anchoring.  I don't see any reason for a change.

[SteveGH7]

1 hour ago, YamYam said:

The long putter, whether belly or broomhandle, was developed for those golfers of a certain age or who had developed serious age related yips.  It was OK as far as most people were concerned.  It enabled some good golfers to prolong their careers and enjoyment of the game.  But then along came the ruling body spoilers.

I started using one because of a bad back.  I couldn't spend the amount of time practicing that I wanted without coming away and needing a serious massage and pain killers.  So the upright uncrouched stance suited me.  I didn't putt any better or worse.

My argument against a ban at the time was that pretty soon golf was being reintroduced at the Olympics and as such would be also be included in the highly televised Paralympics.  Separate rules would have to be introduced for golfers with disabilities - how were they going to govern and police that?  A separate rule book was published in the end by the R&A which has now been incorporated into the main rule book.  But they still can't police it properly.

Just because other players who lack sympathy and understanding think that long putters should go, doesn't mean to say they are wrong.  I don't see the argument.  If you don't like them, don't use them - simple.  But leave those who are less able to enjoy the game as best they can.

This is a really good argument.  You made some great points.

[Nat]

I used a long putter years ago. Unlike what most say I had no issue with longer putts. I could really control distance with how far back I took it. But I struggled with shorter putts and I found the technique very temperamental. Anything off, esp ball position, was a sure way to hit a bad putt. 
 

btw, I have a new tour issue ski pole shaft I found in my old shafts if anyone wants to build one 

[RATOUR7]

The Broom handle putter should be outlawed....  The fact is the shaft is anchored when holding the fist pressed against the  sternum (chest bone).... PRACTICE ,PRACTICE ,PRACTICE IS WHAT WILL HELP TO BECOME A GOOD PUTTER.... OR PLAYER IN TOTAL... PRACTICE ,K.I.S.S. METHOD Keep It Simple 

[George Kelley]

RATOUR7; 1)  are you a tour pro? If so, then your anchoring argument may be valid for “professionals”. 
2) , if done properly the long putter is not anchored, but held away from the chest. 3) amateur golf is about enjoyment of the game. Golf is difficult enough, don’t try and legislate something that could cause some amateurs to leave the game.

[Mackey]

Now that the USGA has gone to bifurcating the ball their reason for taking belly putters away is gone.  Look into a belly putter if you are looking for a change.  

They said we couldn't have them because the pros gained to much of an advantage.  So they no longer have any credibility around that rule.  Just take it from the pros like the ball rollback!

You should be able to find one one ebay to try or in some golf shops back room.

[ShimmyCocoBop]

After seeing how a broomstick helped Lucas Glover, I think everyone should be considering it.  

That poor guy couldn't hit the hole from a foot - find the video and watch it.

I am so happy for him because not being able to get the ball in the hole from super-short distances was no way for a player to end their career.  His self-esteem is back and still growing.

I like the fact that newer broomstick heads are 500+ grams - that seems to be the biggest change.

Anyone have any feedback on the heavier heads? 

[George Kelley]

If you’ve had the yips or putting inconsistency, the broomstick is a great answer a balanced weighted version works best for me. Don’t listen to  those purists that are against long or arm lock putters. Only a few play professionally, for the 99% of recreational golfers, whether you play for enjoyment or in amateur competition use what makes you better at getting the ball in the hole….conventional, belly, armlock or broomstick putter!

[BIG STU]

A lot has changed for me since my posts of 2 + years ago. Because of my injuries I had to go to my graphite shafted TM CBs on a permanent basis. After other members persuading me to I joined the big golf league at our course. I could not put it behind me I thrived on competition. I had worn my old 588s out and I had built a Cally PM 56* and had obtained a brand new Vokey SM5 58*. For some reason I had developed the yips putting. Between my neurosurgeon (who plays golf) we figured out that those damaged nerves in my back were acting up bending over putting. Yeah I went back to my Ping broomstick. I putt much better especially 5 feet in and do not hurt as much. I did not anchor before when I used it and I do not anchor now. I had found out in the past that if I anchored I tended to get stuck and not let the head flow through. But I have went back to it now and I am enjoying myself again and scoring better. No one in our league has questioned it and one other guy putts with one too. Really I could care less what anyone else thinks I am using it unless the damaged nerves in my back clear up. Like one of my friends and fellow members said it enables me to practice putting and playing more without pain

[ShimmyCocoBop]

I watched the DP World Tour in Prague this morning and starting to see more guys there BROOMING. One guy I remember in particular had his top hand really far away from his sternum perhaps so that no one could accuse him of anchoring.

I think I also saw a guy on Korn Ferry Tour yesterday BROOMING too with a putter similar to Lucas Glover's.

[Martinping]

I started using a broomstick putter about 6 weeks ago just after hitting 15 greens and having 4 three putts.  To be honest, I love it.  My longer and short putts are better.  I am actually making more 10 to 20 foot putts.  I will have a hard time ever going back.

 

[ole gray]

I got tired of consistently 3 jacking an average of five per round and went back to my Odyssey Broomstick.  I'm getting back in the broom mode as I ordered a LAB Mezz Max Broomstick and it won't be here for five more weeks. As for anchoring 1: I think it's total bull shat and that ban should be banned. 2:  I personally hold the handle approximately 2 balls length away from any anchoring point. It actually feels uncomfortable for me to anchor so moving the putter away from my body feels more free. It frees me up to make a smooth pendulum stroke.  Since I went back to my old broom my 3 putts are much rarer now than when I was putting conventional length. If the old Odyssey has me putting better just think how the LAB Putter will improve my stroke.  I'm pumped, to say the least, however, the custom build takes several weeks so I have to be patient.  I was fit for length at 45 with Lie at 78 degrees.   I bought my old Odyssey off eBay so I have no clue what the specs are for it.   One week into a six-week lead time and a lonnnnnnng way to go. 

 

Edited October 21 by ole gray

[ShimmyCocoBop]

Ole Gray - 

Your new Broom looks hella-cool!

[ole gray]

21 hours ago, ShimmyCocoBop said:

Ole Gray - 

Your new Broom looks hella-cool!

 

 

Heck yea!  My new putter is going to be cooler than a swamp rat with his arse stuck to the ice on a cold January day! 

[Haro]

Yea still have my broomstick that I take out and practice or play a round with once in a while 

Its not any better than the short putter but it can free up some rigid thought about about "how one suppose to putt" 

Putting is more an art than a science for me 

As far as anchoring  I dont hold the butt end to my chest when I putt and I dont have problems with others using the broomstick as long as they follow the rules  

If I really want to "anchor" the putter then the arm lock is the way to go   

[ole gray]

1 hour ago, Haro said:

Yea still have my broomstick that I take out and practice or play a round with once in a while 

Its not any better than the short putter but it can free up some rigid thought about about "how one suppose to putt" 

Putting is more an art than a science for me 

As far as anchoring  I dont hold the butt end to my chest when I putt and I dont have problems with others using the broomstick as long as they follow the rules  

If I really want to "anchor" the putter then the arm lock is the way to go   

 

I putt much better with my broom.  I had been running up 3 jacks with my regular putters faster than a pro counterfeiter pumping out Ben Franklins.  I've had pretty much every fricking "regular putter" known to man over the last several decades.  Sure I'd run through a few weeks with hot spells however consistency was never there for me. A couple of weeks ago I pulled out an old Odyssey Broom and began getting acquainted with it pending the arrival of my new LAB Mezz Max.   Even back in the old days when I was gaming a Broom, I couldn't do the anchor thing.  I tried but it felt like I was trying to wrestle a dry hog at the county fair. A dry hog grinds, grunts, farts, and hops around like it's got a good case of jock itch.  Anchoring the putter grip against my body felt like a dry hog.  Now you get ya self a greased-up hog and that sucker slips right along with a smooth flow.  Just like non-anchoring a Broom Putter.  No shirt, button,  beer gut, or other item kinking up the flow of things.  So yea the anchor rule although I thought it was a bunch of bullshat, I never could use anyways so it didn't pertain to me. 

The new LAB Broom is smoother than a warm slice of butter on a steaming hot ear of corn!  It's miles ahead of that old Odyssey I pulled out of the closet.  I changed out my grip this weekend from a Jumbo Max to a SuperStroke Golf Zenergy Tour 1.0 Grips - Two-Piece. I went out and practiced for an hour today getting ready for my three rounds this week and It's cooking with Crisco now baby! 

Edited November 12 by ole gray