Broomstick Putters: Rules, Mechanics & Top Picks
The broomstick (long) putter is 100% legal under Rule 10.1b, provided your hand is not anchored to your body.
- Best For: Golfers battling the "yips" or lower back pain.
- The Mechanism: Forces a shoulder-driven pendulum stroke and eliminates wrist breakdown.
- Top Picks: L.A.B. Golf Mezz.1 (Zero Torque) and TaylorMade Spider ZT (High MOI).
The broomstick putter is not a fadāitās a proven mechanical solution. Below, we break down the core mechanics, the legal stroke post-2016, and rank the top stability-focused putters available today.
1. Mechanics: The Pendulum Stroke
The long putter eliminates wrist hinge by forcing the stroke to be driven entirely by the shoulders. This creates a stable, consistent pendulum motionāa major reason players like Adam Scott and Bernhard Langer have relied on them for decades.
Eliminates The Yips
By removing the hands and wrists from the active stroke, the long putter prevents the dreaded twitch reflex.
Reduces Back Strain
The upright stance allows you to stand taller, relieving pressure on the lower lumbar compared to a standard crouch.
Consistent Path
The high MOI of the large head combined with the long shaft stabilizes the face through impact.
2. Legality: Understanding Rule 10.1b (The Ban)
The putter itself is legal, but the method of stroke is restricted. In 2016, the USGA and R&A banned anchoring the club, not using long clubs.
š« PROHIBITED: Anchoring
You cannot intentionally hold the club or your gripping hand against your chest or stomach (direct anchoring). You also cannot use your forearm to establish an "anchor point" where the hands work independently.
ā PERMITTED: Unanchored
You may use the long putter as long as the butt-end is held away from your body (even slightly). You are also permitted to brace the grip against your forearm (the Arm-Lock method).
3. Top Long Putters for Stability
Modern long putters feature high-MOI mallet heads and zero-torque designs to ensure stability, even without physical anchoring.
TaylorMade Spider ZT
Features a Low Torque Design (KBS shaft) and Pure Roll Insert. Engineered specifically to minimize face twisting and normalize ball speed.
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Cleveland HB Soft 2
Uses HB SOFT milling to normalize ball speed on off-center hits. A finely tuned, near-custom putter at an accessible price point.
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L.A.B. Golf MEZZ.1 MAX
The "King of Broomsticks." Lie Angle Balanced (Zero Torque) technology keeps the face square automatically without hand manipulation.
Shop on Amazon ā4. Essential Gear for Stroke Consistency
A great putter requires a clean face and a repeatable stroke. These accessories ensure perfect execution.
Magna-Anchorā¢ Towel
Essential for a clean, true roll. The Wash Pocket ensures your ball and putter face are pristine before every putt.
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Putting Arc Trainer
Trains your shoulder-driven stroke on a precise mathematical arc, helping eliminate wrist breakdown.
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5-in-1 Divot Tool
Includes a magnetic ball marker for precise alignment. Critical for maintaining green quality during your round.
Shop on Amazon āFrequently Asked Questions
Are broomstick putters legal in 2025?
Yes. The putter itself is fully legal. Rule 10.1b only bans anchoring the club against your body. As long as the top hand is held away from your chest, you can use a broomstick putter.
Do I need a special fitting for a long putter?
Yes. Length and lie angle are critical. If the putter is too long, it will force you to stand too upright or anchor accidentally. If it's too short, you lose the mechanical advantage.
Which pros use a broomstick putter?
Notable players include Adam Scott, Bernhard Langer, and Lucas Glover. All have used the long putter to extend their careers and cure putting yips.
About Our Testing & Selection
Independent Selection: The products recommended on this page are selected based on mechanical advantage, build quality, and user reviews. We do not accept payment to feature specific putter brands.
Affiliate Disclosure: Links to Amazon and other retailers may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you. This supports our independent content creation. Aiming Fluid Golf products are our own engineering.
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