Specs
While Odyssey is owned by Callaway, which manufactures everything golf, its sole focus is on making better and better putters. Odyssey is considered one of the leading putter companies in the world and was among the first to introduce mallet-style putters, which helped revolutionize putting. Odyssey makes traditional blade putters, mallet-style putters and hybrids, most with their patented "White Hot" technology, which makes the putters more responsive. The company offers a range of lengths in its putter shafts, including several belly-putter styles. Prices range from below $60 up to nearly $300.
Field Use
Odyssey's putters roll true and have great feel. Because of the company's "White Hot" technology, there is more give in the clubface and putts come off the putters straight and true. Anecdotally, Odyssey's putters can make a critical different on short putts, usually within about four feet of the hole. The mallet putters slide nicely over the top of the green and big heads make it easier to see the line to the ball and make it easier to line up for a shot. Odyssey's putters are durable and withstand the test of time. Even the older models, such as the Rossie, (which was an original mallet-head putter), stand up to the wear and tear of hundreds of rounds and still produce excellent results.
Pros and Cons
Whether you are looking for a crank-neck hosel, an offset shaft or a traditional blade putter, you'll find an Odyssey putter in every category. The company has also developed its "black" series to cater to scratch-level golfers. The mallet putters are a favorite, though the weighting in these clubs may take some getting used to. Once you know how to swing with a mallet head, you'll see a difference in your putting. The mallets do encourage a pendulum putting stroke, which in turn will keep the ball rolling straight.
From a purchasing perspective, Odyssey's two-year guarantee on construction is a huge plus. Potential negatives are the price--Odyssey's better putters are often well over $150.
Bottom Line
With regards to technology, Odyssey is generally on the cutting edge. Odyssey makes a durable product that should help improve your game. You'll find Odyssey putters in the hands of touring pros and hackers alike, and both rave about the quality of construction and durability of these putters. Using an Odyssey putter should almost certainly improve your putting, if only because the softer clubface forces you to feel putts and takes some of the guesswork out of putting. An Odyssey is certainly worth considering and if the price tag is a deterrent, you'll find them for sale on online auction sites and, if you're lucky, for resale at golf stores.
About The Author
J.D. Chi is a professional journalist who has covered sports for more than 20 years at newspapers all over the United States. She has covered major golf tournaments and the NFL as well as travel and health topics. Chi received her Bachelor of Arts in professional writing from Carnegie Mellon University and is working toward a master's degree in journalism.
