The present invention is directed to a segmented bottom guide for directing the top of a tubular member into and through a bore in the bottom of a tapered bowl so that the tubular member can be engaged by pipe slips. One embodiment of the segmented bottom guide of the present invention comprises a bottom guide retainer having a plurality of chambers for being disposed intermediate the top of a bell guide and the bottom of the tapered bowl. The bottom guide segments are radially received into, and securable in, the retainer to therein and together form a generally conical frustum generally aligned with and intermediate the top of the bell guide and the opening of the tapered bowl.