Broomstick Putter Shaft: 2 Reasons why it may be for you

Broomstick Putter Shaft: For years, the belly putter reigned supreme on the putting green. Its longer shaft, often anchored against the belly for maximum stability, offered a magic bullet for golfers seeking to eliminate those pesky putting yips. But alas, the USGA and R&A had other plans, outlawing anchoring in 2016. Many belly putter devotees were left scrambling, their once-trusted flatstick suddenly feeling like a foreign object.

However, there’s a silver lining for those who crave the stability of a longer putter. Enter the unanchored long putter, or broomstick putter as some call it. While it may not offer the same level of stability as its anchored counterpart, it still boasts a unique set of advantages that can shave strokes off your game. But before you ditch your trusty short stick for a long friend, let’s delve into the green side of the force with a deep dive into the unanchored long putter.

The Case for Long Putters: Finding Stability in Length

Traditional putters, typically around 34-35 inches, rely heavily on feel and precise wrist action. For some golfers, particularly those battling inconsistency or the dreaded yips, this reliance on feel can be a recipe for disaster. Here’s where the long putter shines. The extended length, often ranging from 38-42 inches, promotes a more pendulum-like putting stroke. By minimizing wrist involvement, the long putter encourages a smoother, more consistent stroke that can lead to improved ball roll and reduced three-putts.

Think of it like this: imagine your putting stroke as a train on a track. A traditional putter allows for more switch-throwing in the engine room (your wrists), potentially causing the train to veer off course. The long putter, on the other hand, lays down a straighter track, minimizing the chance of unwanted deviations and leading to a more consistent putting motion.

Alignment Advantage: Seeing is Believing

Another perk of the long putter is its enhanced visual alignment aid. The increased length provides more of a sightline, allowing you to set up with better putter face alignment to the target line. This can be particularly beneficial for golfers who struggle with aiming issues. Imagine lining up a long putt – with a traditional putter, your vision might be limited to the putter head itself. With a long putter, the extended shaft acts as a visual extension of the aiming line, offering a clearer picture of your path to the hole.

The Flip Side of the Coin: Challenges of the Unanchored Long Putter

While the long putter offers stability and alignment benefits, it’s not a magic solution. Here are some potential drawbacks to consider:

• Reduced Feel: One of the biggest complaints about long putters is the potential loss of feel. The longer shaft can create a disconnect between the golfer and the putter head, making it harder to sense the weight and speed of the putt. This can lead to distance control issues, especially on those delicate lag putts.
• Awkward Setup: The longer shaft can also make it trickier to address the ball properly. Maintaining good posture throughout the putting stroke can be a challenge, particularly for golfers of shorter stature. Imagine trying to putt with a pool cue – that’s kind of the feeling some golfers experience with a long putter.
• Distance Control: While some golfers find it easier to control distance on longer putts with a long putter, the increased length can make it more difficult to manage feel and accuracy on shorter putts. Mastering distance control with a long putter requires significant practice and a good understanding of how the length affects the putting stroke.

Taming the Broomstick: Tips for Unanchored Long Putter Success

If you’re intrigued by the potential benefits of the unanchored long putter, here are some tips to help you master this unique flatstick:

• Find the Right Fit: Not all long putters are created equal. Experiment with different lengths, putter head designs, and lie angles to find one that feels comfortable and promotes proper posture at address.
• Embrace the Arc: Forget about the traditional putting stroke with its short, jabby motions. The long putter thrives on a smooth, arcing stroke that minimizes wrist action. Think of your shoulders leading the stroke, with the putter head following a gentle arc back and through.
• Feel the Pendulum: Imagine your body as the anchor and the long putter as the pendulum. Focus on maintaining a steady, balanced posture throughout the stroke. Let the weight of the putter head create a natural rhythm and tempo.
• Practice Makes Perfect: As with any new putting method, mastering the unanchored long putter takes dedication and practice. Spend time on the putting green, focusing on developing a consistent stroke and building feel for distance control.

The Final Read: To Long Put or Not to Long Put

The decision of whether to embrace the unanchored long putter ultimately boils down to your individual putting woes and preferences. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:

Who Should Consider a Long Putter?

• Strugglers with Consistency: If you battle inconsistency off the putting green, particularly with the dreaded yips, the long putter’s stability can be a game-changer.
• Alignment Challenged: For golfers who struggle with aiming woes, the long putter’s visual alignment advantage can be a significant benefit.
• Those Seeking Stability: If you crave a putting stroke that feels more anchored and repeatable, the long putter might be worth exploring.

Who Might Want to Stick with a Traditional Putter?

• Feel Players: If you have a good feel for distance and green reading, the potential loss of feel with a long putter might outweigh the benefits.
• Comfort Seekers: If the traditional putter feels comfortable and allows you to putt effectively, there’s no need to force a change.

The Bottom Line

The unanchored long putter is a viable option for golfers seeking more stability and alignment on the green. However, it’s not a guaranteed cure-all and requires dedication to master. Ultimately, the best way to decide is to give it a try. Head to your local golf shop, grab a long putter, and see if it unlocks a smoother, more consistent putting stroke. Remember, there’s no shame in experimenting – after all, the goal is to find the flatstick that helps you hole more putts and lower your scores.

Bonus Tip: Consider a Fitting

A professional putter fitting can be invaluable in determining if a long putter is right for you. A skilled fitter can assess your putting style, recommend the right long putter length and design, and help you develop a stroke that maximizes its benefits. So, ditch the anchor, embrace the challenge, and see if the unanchored long putter can help you write a new chapter in your putting story. After all, the only way to know for sure is to give it a whirl!