Arm Lock vs Broomstick - a look at two alternative putting styles

February 11, 2022 | by Pete Wlodkowski of AmateurGolf.com

Anchoring is illegal, but thousands of pros and amateurs have learned to use long putters in different ways with great success

I used to practice putting for an hour a day. I got to the point where the stroke got so routine (especially on short putts) that I could spend time on the course thinking of the break, speed, and entry point of each putt-- not worrying about which of my many putting personalities was going to take over when it came time to pull the trigger.

When you practice that much, things get automatic.

And the funny thing is, it wasn't a case of the yips or after a 40 putt round that I decided to try long putting. Nope, it was watching one of my friends shoot 65 and make everything with his "broomstick" that I decided to make the switch. That was before the USGA declared anchored putting illegal. When the rule banning anchoring went into play, I found it difficult to go back.

I wasn't ready to spend an hour a day putting, so I followed the path of several top pros and started putting with the same style, only with the putter away from my body. I've also played around with arm lock, and the saw/claw grip.

If you're putting well, I wouldn't recommend changing. We all have bad days or even weeks where nothing seems to drop. But making a switch to an alternative style (especially one that requires a new putter like arm lock) requires commitment. Unless you are ready for a 30-60 day learning curve, I would suggest practicing more, and maybe getting a lesson from a teacher that concentrates on putting and the short game.

If none of that works for you, then maybe you're ready to join the ranks of the alternative putters out there. Check out the video below for my thoughts on the two styles, and how to get fitted for the right long or arm lock putter.

Most Popular Articles

Masters: Memorable performances by amateurs in the last 40 years

Apr 2, 2026A Mid-Amateur legend and a 14 year old have won low-amateur honors at Augusta National over the years

Meet the Amateurs in the 2026 Masters: Six Different Paths to Augusta National

Mar 22, 2026From teenage phenoms to seasoned dreamers, the amateur class at the 2026 Masters brings six compelling stories to Augusta

FINAL RESULTS: 2026 Junior Invitational at Sage Valley

Mar 14, 2026Miles Russell surged with a closing 67 to reclaim the boys title while Asterisk Talley dominated the girls division at Sage Valley

San Francisco City Championship: Champions Crowned

Mar 22, 2026Joey Hayden, Gianna Singh, Bob Niger, and Jeff Thomas capped championship week with title-winning performances at Harding Park.

Gary Woodland Wins Houston Open in Emotional Comeback After Brain Surgery

Mar 30, 2026Gary Woodland’s Houston Open win is a reminder of why perseverance matters in golf

Filters

Loading latest news...

Loading review...