As Lifestyle Editor for The Daily Duffer, I’m always looking for ways to bridge the gap between the aspirational world of professional golf and the everyday golfer’s journey. We often watch our favorite pros with a mix of awe and a little bit of “how do they do that?” When it comes to putting, that feeling is magnified. It’s often said that putting is a game within a game, and lately, I’ve noticed a fascinating trend sweeping both the tours and local greens: the resurgence of the broomstick putter.
For many of us, the image of a broomstick putter might conjure up memories of a bygone era or perhaps even a chuckle. But trust me, this isn’t just a quirky piece of equipment; it’s a game-changer, and it reveals a deeper truth about how we can all cultivate a more consistent, less nerve-wracking stroke. It’s not just about what club is in your bag, but how that club empowers your body and mind on the course.
The Human Element of the Broomstick: Finding Your Flow
I’ve always believed golf is about more than just numbers on a scorecard. It’s about rhythm, feel, and managing the butterflies in your stomach on that crucial five-footer. The broomstick putter, in a surprising way, speaks directly to this human element. It takes the frantic, often anxious twitching of our hands and wrists out of the equation, inviting us to rely on something more primal: our larger, more stable muscles.
GOLF Top 100 Alumni Scott Munroe, a man who knows a thing or two about what works on the green, sees the broomstick as more than just a reliable gamer. He views it as an effective training aid, and his explanation resonates deeply with the lifestyle aspect of golf. It’s about building foundational habits that transcend specific equipment.
“What it does is it gets you rocking your shoulders, taking your hands out [of the movement],” Munroe said. “It’s a great way to calibrate your distances and get used to seeing the ball rolling perfectly.”
Think about that for a moment. “Rocking your shoulders” – it evokes a balletic, almost meditative movement. This isn’t about brute force; it’s about a smooth, pendulum-like motion that reduces tension and encourages a more consistent roll. In our fast-paced lives, golf often serves as a retreat, a chance to slow down and find our center. The broomstick’s mechanics intrinsically promote this kind of calm, controlled approach, helping us find our flow not just in our swing, but in our overall demeanor on the course.
Recreating the Magic: A Drill for Every Golfer
Now, I know what many of you are thinking: “Alexis, I don’t have a broomstick putter, and I’m not about to go buy one just yet.” And that’s perfectly fine! The beauty of golf’s underlying principles is that they can often be recreated with simple techniques. Scott Munroe, with his practical wisdom, has a brilliant drill that allows us to mimic the feel of a broomstick putter, no special equipment required.
This is where the lifestyle connection truly shines. You can practice this at home, in your office, or on the practice green before your round. It’s an accessible way to integrate better mechanics and a more mindful approach to your putting routine.
- Step 1. Set your hands: Place your hands on the club with your fingers underneath the grip.
- Step 2. Create a pentagon: Raise the putter out in front of you. This should cause your arms to form a pentagon.
- Step 3. Tuck your elbows: Pull your elbows in so they are touching your torso.
Once you’ve achieved this position, place the putter back down on the ground and get set up as if you’re about to strike a putt. Start with rehearsal swings, consciously focusing on moving the club with your larger muscles – your shoulders and torso – rather than allowing your hands and wrists to dominate. Munroe emphasizes the simplicity and effectiveness of this recreated feel:
“What you’re doing is recreating the long putter,” he said. “From this position, all you do is rock your shoulders. That’s going to help you putt really well.”
This drill isn’t just about golf; it’s about body awareness and intentional movement. It teaches you to engage your core strength, reduce unnecessary tension, and cultivate a sense of grace in your actions. These are skills that extend beyond the green, contributing to better posture, reduced stress, and increased presence in your daily life.
When you feel comfortable with this pendulum-like motion, introduce a ball into your practice. Observe how the ball rolls. If you’re engaging those bigger muscles correctly, you’ll notice a beautiful, consistent end-over-end roll – a sign of a true stroke.
For those looking to take their practice even further, tools like a putting mirror (like the Short Game Gains Signature Stainless Steel Putting Mirror, pictured above) can be invaluable. These mirrors help with eye line alignment, shoulder alignment, and ensuring your club path is on target – all crucial elements that complement the broomstick philosophy of consistency and precision. Details like the included ruler for stance and the ability to set up tee gates for path work truly elevate your practice, whether indoors or out.
Beyond the Green: A Lesson in Consistency
The lessons gleaned from the broomstick putter and Munroe’s drill extend far beyond the golf course. It’s about cultivating consistency, not just in putting, but in life. How often do we let small, “twitchy” reactions derail our larger goals? By focusing on the “big muscles” of our routines, our habits, and our intentions, we can achieve a more stable, reliable outcome.
Whether you choose to incorporate a broomstick putter into your bag or simply adopt Munroe’s elbow tuck drill, you’re embracing a lifestyle philosophy that values control, calm, and a deep understanding of your own body. It’s about finding that natural rhythm, trusting your larger movements, and ultimately, sinking more putts with confidence and poise. And isn’t that what we all aspire to, both on and off the course?
