Where the conventional putter measures around 35 inches and a mid-length or belly putter around 42 inches, a long putter may be 50 inches or more. Golfers using long putters employ a different technique as well, anchoring the grip end to the chest or other part of the body to provide stability. The method eliminates hand and wrist movement, making it easier to stroke putts with a pendulum-like motion.

Long putters, sometimes called “broomstick” putters, have grown in popularity among professional and amateur golfers. Many players improve their short-putting proficiency when switching to a long putter.

Thomas Golf (www.thomasgolf.com) produces a lineup of long putters and offers custom-fitting through its website.