Any broomhandle putter users here?

[Don Barzini]

After having a nightmare with putting recently, I decided I'm going to give a broomhandle putter a try. Never tried one before, never played with anyone who uses one. Have bought a second hand one off eBay just to see what happens. Had a look in a couple of shops and couldn't see any for sale to try out first. Assume they're losing any popularity they might have had following the anchoring ban.

Anyone here use one? Did you find an immediate improvement to your putting? Or any ex broomhandle users who had to change their putting style due to the anchoring ban?

 

[duncan mackie]

So what did your pro recommend?

I only ask because so many seem to change putters rather than get lessons - it's a slippery (and expensive) slope!

 

[Don Barzini]

Had a lesson with him and he said I had the basics right, but he felt the lie angle of my putter head was wrong for me - it meant I was standing too far away from the ball. He didn't have a strong view on whether I should use a broomhandle putter or not and said to try one.

Bought one for £15 off eBay, should get it in a few days. At that price, I was willing to take a punt! If it's horrible, at least I've tried!

 

[duncan mackie]

Well you have a number of different set ups you can use it with, and some that are no longer legal..

 

[Don Barzini]

So I've now received my broomhandle putter! Haven't had a chance to test it out on a proper putting green yet.

It's one of these:

http://res3.graysonline.com/handler...&id=3923221&s=n&index=0&ts=635162113099970000

My biggest problem has always been judging power/distance when putting. I've practised in my lounge - putts from 5 feet, 10 feet, 15 feet and 20 feet. I seem to get on pretty well with it from a power/distance point of view so I'm cautiously optimistic. However, only thing I'm not sure about is direction! My carpet's grain seems to make everything randomly bob to one side!

Also, I mentioned previously my pro advised me my current putter's lie angle was wrong for me. I think this one might be as well. If it was, would a shop be able to adjust the shaft/head, or is that not possible?

 

[duncan mackie]

So how are you gripping that thing such that the butt isn't anchored?

I ask because the lie is going to be heavily dependent on that.

Very much doubt that most pro shops will have the engineering facilities to adjust the lie on it - would need to be able to adjust the shaft bend, and unsupported tubes don't like that!

 

[Don Barzini]

So how are you gripping that thing such that the butt isn't anchored?

Left hand on the top grip, elbow out to the side at a right angle, hand a couple of inches away from my chest. Right hand on the lower grip. To get the putter head "flat" against the ground I have to hold my right hand further away than I'd like.

Guess it's a bit weird to most people, but it seems ok. It may not work when I try it for real but I felt it worth a punt!

 

[duncan mackie]

Left hand on the top grip, elbow out to the side at a right angle, hand a couple of inches away from my chest. Right hand on the lower grip. To get the putter head "flat" against the ground I have to hold my right hand further away than I'd like.

Guess it's a bit weird to most people, but it seems ok. It may not work when I try it for real but I felt it worth a punt!

Not weird at all.

However, that putter looks to be designed to have the top of the handle well back in the midriff ie I can't see how you are ever going to get your eyes over that putter head with the grip you have outlined.