Arm Lock vs Broomstick - a look at two alternative putting styles
2/11/2022 | by Pete Wlodkowski of AmateurGolf.com
see also: Equipment Reviews
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.
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 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
2025 PGA TOUR Q-School Guide: Sites, Scores, and Who Advanced
Dec 5, 2025Second Stage is complete and Final Stage awaits at Sawgrass — follow every Q-School leaderboard and the players still chasing
2025 LPGA TOUR Q-Series: Final Qualifying Stage FINAL SCORING
Dec 8, 2025Helen Briem earns medalist honors, 31 players headed to the LPGA next year
Australian Open at Royal Melbourne: Preview, amateur bios, and how to watch
Nov 30, 2025Rory McIlroy headlines one of the championship's top fields in years - at least four amateurs will have their chance at glory
Luke Ringkamp Cruises to Rolex Tournament of Champions Title at TPC San Antonio
Nov 26, 2025One week after committing to Pepperdine, Luke Ringkamp won the Rolex Tournament of Champions by nine shots.
Inside Gil Hanse’s Restoration of Baltusrol’s Upper Course: A Return to Tillinghast’s
Dec 11, 2025Renowned architect Gil Hanse reveals how he brought Baltusrol’s Upper Course back to life by honoring A.W. Tillinghast’s originalLoading latest news...