In 20 years as a professional, I had never practised with the broom putter. I’ve been feeling comfortable for a while now and playing quite well from tee to green, regaining the best sensations of yesteryear. However, I’m struggling to get results and see myself truly competitive due to my performance on the greens. Solutions had to be found…
Pepín Rivero, my lifelong coach, suggested I give the broom putter a chance. Many players have revitalised their careers with this significant change in their equipment. Honestly, at first, I didn’t see it; initially, the solution didn’t convince me. It seems like a strange and uncomfortable position, but as they say, nothing ventured, nothing gained. At least I wanted to try… Who knows.
So, I’ve been pondering the broom putter for a few days. I’m practising with it, although not completely abandoning the regular putter. If we talk about comfort, there’s no debate. I’m much more at ease with the traditional putter, something that’s absolutely normal because I’ve been using it for almost 40 years. The feeling of oddness with the broom is inevitable.
However, if we go beyond sensations and look at the colder data, the reality is that I feel more secure with short putts, those that range from just over a metre or metre and a half downwards. I’m not quite sure how to explain it. It’s as if they go in better. It’s a different story when we move away from the hole. Then, the feeling is that anything can happen. In short, I have less control. If I want to make a putt that breaks on the last turn or goes faster, it’s easier with the traditional putter. For example, a fast putt with a lot of break is much harder with the broom.
On Saturday, I head to South Africa to play the Alfred Dunhill Championship, a DP World Tour tournament where I enter as a former winner. I’m really looking forward to it. I achieved my first victory on the Tour there, and I love the course. I have until Saturday to make a decision. I don’t even rule out taking both and choosing at Leopard Creek on the fly, although I think it’s best to decide before travelling and fully commit to it. In favour of the traditional putter, the greens at Leopard Creek are fast and undulating. In favour of the broom, it gives me more confidence in short putts, which reduces my stress.
We’ll see what I end up doing. I’ll keep you updated…
