Is the long putter becoming a trend on the LPGA? This former No. 1 just ordered one

BRADENTON, Fla. — Jin Young Ko tried a long putter for the first time on Tuesday at the Founders Cup and immediately put in an order. Over the weekend, Ko went toe-to-toe with Yealimi Noh, a young American player who switched to a broomstick putter in 2023 and completely turned her game around.

Two-time major winner Minjee Lee switched to a long putter over the offseason and carded a career-low 10-under 62 in the final round of the season-opening Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions.

"Switching to the broomstick gave me back my confidence," said Noh, who collected her first LPGA title in by defeating 15-time winner Ko down the stretch in the LPGA's first full-field event of the season. Noh beat Ko by four strokes at Bradenton Country Club with a gusty final-round 68.

Is it the start of a long putter trend?

"I mean, just my father said I think the putter looks good, so I tried," said Ko. "I made a lot of putt, so I order."

Don't expect Ko to put the long putter in play in her next start in Thailand, however. She said she'll need more time.

As for Noh, it was her coach and her dad who suggested that she give the long putter a try. She put the L.A.B. Golf Mezz.1 Max model in the bag about 18 months ago and skyrocketed up the rankings. Noh ranked 130th in putts per green in regulation on tour in 2022 and 102nd in 2023. She finished last season ranked 30th in putts per GIR.

"Since last year, a lot of people have come up to me and they're like, Oh, let me try it,'" said Noh. "I heard some people are using it as a training aid, even if they don't use the broomstick. Apparently it helps, too."