GolfWell Podcast · Cordie Walker - Formerly Golf Science Lab

Broomstick vs. Armlock: David Orr’s No-BS Guide to Smarter Putting

·1 hr 18 min·5 clips

Elite putting instructor David Orr joins the podcast for a deep-dive into alternative putting styles — specifically the broomstick long putter and arm-lock — as part of an ongoing alternative putting series. Orr systematically dismantles the golf industry's one-size-fits-all pendulum-swing assumption, arguing that many elite putters (including Tiger Woods) actually drive the putter with their trail arm rather than swing it. He explains why the broomstick is biomechanically simpler (fixed radius, lateral plane, minimal torque), shares the inside story of changing Justin Rose's grip at the 2015 Masters and the near-miss that followed, details Adam Scott's technique from a 20-minute practice-green conversation, and gives practical frameworks for listeners to diagnose whether they are swingers or drivers and how to select and set up the correct putter for each pattern.

As heard by us

A technical putting conversation that treats broomstick, arm lock, and putter design as fit questions rather than one-size-fits-all answers.

David Orr comes across as a putting specialist with a clear lane: he has worked with Justin Rose and Hunter Mahan, and he now runs Flat Stick Academy.

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Why you'd press play

You want a clearer read on whether broomstick or arm-lock putting fits your stroke.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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