Broomstick Putters for Seniors: Do They Really Help?
By Allen Pedersen
As golfers age, putting often becomes the most frustrating part of the game. Hands get less steady, wrists become more active, and confidence on short putts can disappear overnight. For many golfers over 60, broomstick putters for seniors have become a popular solution — but do they really help?
Originally published April 30, 2024 · Updated December 17, 2025 – 8 minutes read time
The short answer: for the right senior golfer, absolutely.
Let’s break down what broomstick putters are, why seniors are turning to them, and whether they could improve your putting.
A broomstick putter is an extra-long putter, typically measuring 44–48 inches, designed to be held higher on the grip — often near the chest or sternum — while maintaining a pendulum-style stroke.
After the anchoring ban, broomstick putting remains legal as long as the club is not anchored against the body.
👉 Senior tip: Length matters more than brand. Get fit if possible.
How to Set Up a Broomstick Putter (Senior-Friendly)
Stand taller than with a standard putter
Let shoulders control motion
Light grip pressure
Keep elbows relaxed
Focus on pendulum rhythm
Does It Actually Lower Scores?
For many seniors: ✔ More holed short putts ✔ Fewer 3-putts ✔ Increased confidence ✔ Less stress on greens
That alone can save 2–5 strokes per round.
Final Verdict: Do Broomstick Putters Really Help Seniors?
Yes — when matched to the right golfer.
Broomstick putters aren’t a gimmick. They’re a legitimate, legal, senior-friendly tool that can dramatically improve consistency, especially for golfers battling the yips or shaky hands.
They won’t fix bad green reading — but they will help you roll the ball more consistently.
Senior Insight 💡
“The best putter isn’t the one that feels flashy — it’s the one that removes tension.”
How Senior Golfers Putt with a Broomstick Putter (Technique & Tips)
Senior golfers often turn to a broomstick putter because it promotes stability, reduces hand and wrist tension, and encourages a smooth, repeatable stroke. While the fundamentals of putting remain the same, many seniors benefit from a few specific setup and technique adjustments when using a broomstick-style putter.
Stance and Setup
A stable, comfortable stance is the foundation of effective broomstick putting. Most senior golfers do best standing with their feet shoulder-width apart or slightly wider, creating a solid base and improving balance. The length of the broomstick putter should allow you to stand upright with minimal bend at the waist, reducing strain on the lower back and neck.
Many seniors find that positioning the ball slightly forward of center helps promote a smooth roll and consistent contact.
Grip and Hand Position
One of the biggest advantages of a broomstick putter for seniors is reduced stress on the hands and wrists. Many golfers adopt alternative grips such as the pencil grip or claw grip to quiet excessive hand action.
Larger, ergonomic grips are especially beneficial for senior golfers with arthritis or reduced grip strength. These grips help stabilize the putter, minimize tension, and make it easier to maintain control throughout the stroke.
Alignment and Aiming
Proper alignment is critical for consistent putting. Most modern broomstick putters include alignment lines or visual aids on the putter head to help square the face at address. Senior golfers should take advantage of these aids and ensure their shoulders, hips, and feet are aligned parallel to the target line.
A consistent pre-putt routine focused on alignment can dramatically improve accuracy on short and mid-range putts.
Stroke Technique: Pendulum Motion
Broomstick putters naturally encourage a pendulum-style putting stroke, which is ideal for senior golfers. The stroke is driven primarily by the shoulders rocking back and forth, while the arms and wrists remain quiet and relaxed.
The longer shaft of the broomstick putter helps smooth out tempo and promotes a repeatable motion — a major reason many seniors see fewer yips and better consistency under pressure.
Distance Control
Distance control is often the biggest adjustment when switching to a broomstick putter. Senior golfers should focus on controlling distance by varying the length of the backswing, not by hitting the ball harder.
Practicing consistent tempo and rhythm is key. Many seniors find it helpful to practice lag putting with a simple counting rhythm (for example, “one-two”) to develop reliable feel on faster or slower greens.
Practice and Adaptation
Like any equipment change, using a broomstick putter effectively takes practice. Spending time on the practice green allows senior golfers to experiment with setup, grip pressure, and stroke length to find what feels most natural.
The goal is not perfection, but repeatability and confidence — two areas where broomstick putters truly shine for golfers over 60.
Course Management on the Greens
On the course, senior golfers should combine good technique with smart green-reading. Pay close attention to green speed, slope, and grain, and trust the stability of the broomstick putter to deliver the ball on your intended line.
Many seniors report that once they commit fully to the broomstick putter, they experience fewer three-putts and greater confidence on short, pressure-filled putts.
Senior Insight 💡
A broomstick putter doesn’t eliminate putting mistakes — but it removes tension, steadies your stroke, and lets your best roll show up more often.sn’t force you to putt differently — it helps you putt more consistently by removing unnecessary tension.
FAQ: Broomstick Putters for Senior Golfers
Q: Are broomstick putters legal for seniors? A: Yes. Broomstick putters are legal as long as they are not anchored to the body during the stroke.
Q: Do broomstick putters help seniors with the yips? A: Many seniors find broomstick putters reduce wrist action and tension, which can significantly calm the yips.
Q: What length broomstick putter is best for seniors? A: Most seniors use broomstick putters between 44–48 inches, depending on height and posture.
Q: Is a broomstick putter better than a standard putter for seniors? A: For seniors with shaky hands, arthritis, or consistency issues, broomstick putters often provide better stability and control.
Q: Can seniors switch to a broomstick putter without changing their stroke? A: Yes, but some setup and grip adjustments are required. Many seniors adapt quickly.
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Every golfer has been there. You stand over a short putt—just three feet away. You know it’s makeable. You’ve made this same putt a thousand times.
And then, just as you draw the putter back… your hands twitch, your wrists tighten, and the ball skids off line.