Arm Lock vs Broomstick Putting: Which Technique Offers Better Stability?

In the quest to become more consistent and confident on the greens, golfers have started exploring alternative putting methods that improve stability and reduce wrist breakdown. Two of the most popular USGA-legal styles are arm lock putting and broomstick putting. While both techniques rose in popularity following the 2016 anchoring ban, they remain legal because they don’t anchor the putter to the body.

But which one provides better putting stability — and who should consider switching?

This comprehensive comparison explores the science, Tour player experiences, and expert advice to help you decide between arm lock and broomstick techniques.

What Is Arm Lock Putting?

Arm lock putting involves using a longer putter (typically 40–43 inches) with a forward shaft lean, where the putter grip is pressed against the lead forearm. The method eliminates wrist movement and promotes a body-controlled stroke.

Key Benefits:

• Reduces wrist breakdown
• Promotes consistency and a pendulum-like motion
• Still compliant with USGA rules
• Great for players who struggle with yips or “handsy” strokes

Tour Players Using Arm Lock:

• Bryson DeChambeau
• Matt Kuchar
• Will Zalatoris

What Is Broomstick Putting?

Broomstick putting, or long putter style, uses a 45–50 inch putter and a vertical stroke that mimics a pendulum. Players use a split grip, one hand near the top of the shaft and the other at the bottom, guiding the putter with minimal wrist and arm action.

Key Benefits:

• Highly stable under pressure
• Reduces the chance of yips
• Enables a more upright posture (ideal for back problems)
• Consistent tempo and alignment

Tour Players Using Broomstick:

• Adam Scott
• Bernhard Langer
• Lucas Glover

Head-to-Head Comparison

1. Stability in the Stroke

Arm Lock:

• Golf Digest tested Bryson DeChambeau’s putting and noted a significant reduction in wrist movement and torque.
• Still relies on arm and shoulder mechanics, which can vary under pressure.

Broomstick:

• The Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) has shared insights on broomstick putting reducing face angle variation by up to 20% vs. traditional methods. (TPI Website)

Winner: Broomstick – More mechanically stable with fewer moving parts.

2. Learning Curve

Arm Lock:

• Easier for traditional putters to adopt.
• Requires getting used to forward shaft lean and higher loft (usually 5–7°).

Broomstick:

• Drastically different from standard putting.
• Players report a 2–4 week adjustment period just to feel natural. (Adam Scott’s broomstick switch)

Winner: Arm Lock – Smoother transition from conventional putting.

3. Yips and Pressure Performance

Arm Lock:

• Helps eliminate minor wrist flicks or tremors.
• Not always effective against full-blown putting yips.

Broomstick:

• Bernhard Langer credits the broomstick with saving his career after struggling with the yips.
• Lucas Glover also saw a resurgence in form after switching to a long putter.

Winner: Broomstick – Favored by players with severe putting issues.

4. Posture and Comfort

Arm Lock:

• Requires more forward lean, which can cause discomfort for players with back issues.

Broomstick:

• Promotes upright posture, ideal for older players or those with limited mobility.

Winner: Broomstick – More ergonomic and easier on the back.

5. Roll Quality and Distance Control

Arm Lock:

• Tends to de-loft the club, making distance control harder if loft isn’t customized.
• With proper fitting, it provides tight roll consistency.

Broomstick:

• Consistent roll quality due to smooth, pendulum motion.
• Slightly less sensitive on very fast greens.

Winner: Tie – Both require proper fitting but offer excellent roll when dialed in.

Expert Opinions

David Orr, PGA Tour putting coach:

“Arm lock gives you structure, but broomstick eliminates almost all hand action. That’s the ultimate stability play.”

Bryson DeChambeau (Golf Digest):

“The arm lock stroke takes out human error by removing the wrists.”

Adam Scott (Golf.com):

“I didn’t think I’d ever use a broomstick again after the anchoring rule, but it still works — it’s saved my putting.”

Scientific Research

A 2019 study in the Journal of Sports Sciences examined elite golfers using traditional, arm lock, and broomstick putting strokes. Findings included:

• Broomstick putting had the lowest stroke variability and most consistent tempo.
• Arm lock reduced wrist torque by 45%, improving direction control.
• Both were superior to conventional putting on short putts (5–10 feet) in terms of face control.

Putter Recommendations

Best Arm Lock Putters:

• SIK Pro C Arm Lock
• Bettinardi Studio Stock 28 ArmLock
• Odyssey 2-Ball Ten Arm Lock

Best Broomstick Putters:

• Odyssey Broomstick Ten
• LAB Golf B.2 Long
• Scotty Cameron Big Sur
  (Note: Pre-anchoring ban model)

Summary Table: Arm Lock vs Broomstick

Final Verdict

If you’re battling the yips or need a truly mechanically consistent putting stroke, the broomstick method offers the greatest stability — especially when properly fit. The longer stroke arc, minimal wrist involvement, and upright posture make it the top choice for golfers needing maximum control.

But if you’re looking for a powerful yet familiar alternative to traditional putting, arm lock is a strong option. With easier transition and less radical change in mechanics, it’s perfect for mid to low handicappers wanting better consistency.