When it comes to putters, I often wonder if amateurs truly grasp the level of success and dominance that Odyssey golf achieves not only with each release, but over decades. Take the fact that for the last 13 years they have been atop the PGA Tour and have also been #1 on the LPGA, DP World Tour, and PGA Tour Champions for the last twenty.
Impressive for sure, but to take it even further, in 2023 Odyssey Golf won more worldwide Tournaments than all other putter manufacturers combined. It wasn’t just wins either, they also took the honors in eight Major Championships. Now, before you yell about paying more players to play their putters, you should know that 70% of the Odyssey’s in play on worldwide Tour’s are from non-staff players.
With all that success, how do you continue to grow and improve? For Odyssey golf it all centers around making speed more consistent across the face, and that centers around A.I.
Bringing Artificial Intelligence to Putters
There is little doubt that if you are reading this article, then you understand that the putter is a different animal than any other club in the bag when it comes to performance and innovation. It is for that reason that it may not surprise you to know that the putter now has the longest lifespan in the bag without changes for most golfers, about 2.5 years according to Odyssey’s research. So, to take that on and inspire golfers of all skill levels to change, they knew they needed to live up to Ely Callaway’s mantra of creating something “Demonstrably Superior and Pleasingly Different”.
So, with the success that the company has had using artificial intelligence in every other club in the bag, it was time to invest it into putters to improve the most critical element for golfers across the spectrum, speed control and consistency. By applying A.I. to the putter, Odyssey was able to test thousands of shapes, inserts, materials, and any other thing you could think up and then apply that knowledge to create unique topographies within an insert to increase speed retention. How much of an increase? Robot testing claims it to be 21% closer to the hole on miss-hits.
Percentages are great, but Odyssey knew the application and adoption would be the key, and if you are one who pays attention to all the Tour pictures that float around the internet, then you know some of the best tour pro putters in the world have already made the switch. From the Tour Champion who had never switched putters in his PGA Career, to LPGA Major winners, and even the man himself, Jon Rahm, adoption has been swift.
A key to that was Odyssey being able to show players just what 21% closer would mean for their game in a career where 0.9 strokes gained per round is the difference in making the Tour Championship or losing your Tour card. Using Rahm as a reference, Odyssey was able to use Shot Link data for 2023 and show that a player who won four times (including a Major) could have cut his 3-Putt total in almost half from 30’ and out by changing nothing but the insert. How significant is that really? Try around 2.5 million dollars and moving his strokes gained 2 shots, taking him from 23rd on Tour to tied for 8th.
Odyssey likes to use the word “Transformative”, and with the new Ai-ONE and Ai-ONE Milled lineups, it is possible they have taken it to levels not seen before in putting. This journey started in 2019 for Odyssey, and it is finally time to fully unveil what’s behind the curtain.
Odyssey Ai-ONE Putters
First and foremost, the Ai-ONE will be the option which appeals most to those who are long time Odyssey insert design users. Those who are familiar with the White Hot (greatest insert of all time) will find that the company went through significant design work to ensure that the same feel/sound which so many of the best putters on the planet know and love is still present.
This time however, it is a White Hot Urethane insert which has been co-molded to an aluminum backing. That aluminum is the “secret sauce” if you will, showcasing the A.I. designed contours which are responsible for the previously discussed 21% better proximity to the hole on missed putts. The front of the insert is noticeably grooved this time, another part of ensuring that the feel is correct for what golfers expect out of Odyssey given the aluminum behind the White Hot material.
Visually, Odyssey is showing off this new Ai-ONE technology in the blade models by using an “Ai-Window” that is made of Panlite, an automotive grade polymer, to literally give golfers a window to see what makes the new putters perform. The body of the putter is finished in a deep Navy Blue PVD and paired with the new SL90 Stroke Lab design (featuring blue accents) that is now 20g heavier than the previous SL shaft but still allowing for 20-30g of counter-balance weighting. Additionally, the putters will utilize interchangeable forward sole weights which will be available in 5, 10, 15, and 20g options.
The Ai-ONE putters will be priced at $299.99 and are part of a split launch. The #1, Double-Wide DB, Rossie S, and #7 CH as well as S will drop on 11/3/2023. Meanwhile, the #2, Double-Wide CH, Rossie DB, #7 DB, and the 2-Ball (DB/CH) as well as much desired Jailbird Mini (DB/CH) will hit on 2/9/24.
Odyssey Ai-ONE Milled Putters
While the Ai-ONE will undoubtedly be the model which catches the most eyes, and potentially play, the Ai-ONE Milled is Odyssey going all in on providing something for everyone, as the topography of this insert is entirely different than the other. Not to mention, the Milled segment is where Odyssey sees the most room to make headway because though they have had some milled putters be successful, they have never achieved the Tour presence that they would like. The Ai-ONE Milled design seeks to rectify that.
The entire body of these are 100% milled from stainless steel and showcase a Titanium insert. The base putter is finished in the same deep Navy Blue PVD as its sibling line, but on the milled frame Odyssey believes the putter looks as premium as any milled putter on the market. The eye catcher will of course be that titanium insert with its gorgeous champagne finish and refined big tuna like milling.
That titanium insert is the engine that makes the Ai-ONE Milled putters go. Featuring its unique topography designed via artificial intelligence, this design also tested within the massive claims of hole proximity via its more consistent speeds on misses. There is no Ai-Window in this one in order to keep the premium milled look, and that is also part of the equation that Odyssey claims has ensured the sound/feel is right in line with what milled putter users are accustomed to.
Shapes for the Ai-ONE Milled lineup are the One T, Two T, Three T S (akin to the Toulon Atlanta), Six T (New shape for Odyssey), Seven T (DB/CH), Eight T (S), and Eleven T (DB). The putters feature interchangeable forward sole weights in 5, 10, 15, and 20g. Each will also come paired with the new SL95 shaft in blue accents, while the SL70 will still be available for custom orders in both models. The Ai-ONE Milled putters are priced at $449.99 and will all hit retail on 11/3/23.
Keep an eye on the THP community as we will have much more on these two putter lineups as myself and Off Course’s own Dan Edwards will be in attendance for the release. What do you think of the new direction from Odyssey? Does the story catch your imagination? Jump into the discussions and let us know!
29, 31 and 35 putts (and 2 birdies) with the Seven S this weekend, on courses I’ve never played before. It might have been the only thing decent about my game the whole weekend.
I may have lost my swing this weekend, but I didn’t lose the putter. That’s about the only thing that continues to go right. Speed control and lines are DIALED…I know our greens aren’t up to full speed yet and I may be blowing putts by at Ballyhack in a couple weeks, but right now, I’m rolling the damn rock
[QUOTE=”Remlap, post: 12299333, member: 23299″]
We’ll see how it goes. I think I need to take it out on the course at least once just to see the reaction from my group. I [B]know[/B] I’ll get razzed for it.
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That is UNTIL you start draining everything in front of them ?
The more I look at that 6T on the contest right now THP’s socials, the more that look grows on me.
Someone is going to win a sick sick putter!
[ATTACH type=”full”]9260783[/ATTACH]Rolled the Ai One #1 today and had another good day with the flat stick. Made a few putts in the 10 foot range and scared the hole on some longer ones. Biggest standout is the distance control. No three putts today and I’m finding it easy to dial in the longer putts. And it’s a good looking putter to boot.
I currently own the Ai one 2 ball, which I find fantastic. Recently, I had the chance to try out the jailbird cruiser, and I was quite impressed. I’m torn because I appreciate the longer shaft and stability it offers. It seems like I might be adding it to my collection soon.
[QUOTE=”Lefty11, post: 12308062, member: 77729″]
I currently own the Ai one 2 ball, which I find fantastic. Recently, I had the chance to try out the jailbird cruiser, and I was quite impressed. I’m torn because I appreciate the longer shaft and stability it offers. It seems like I might be adding it to my collection soon.
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I think just about everyone who has rolled the Jailbird is pondering it. Crazy stable.
Being 6 foot 5 the longer shaft and grip helps as well. ?
Whew.
This….yeah, we are onto something….
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[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 12308088, member: 1579″]
Whew.
This….yeah, we are onto something….
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[QUOTE=”Jeff Spicoli, post: 12308091, member: 10545″]
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I have made more putts the past two days with this in the head than I have in weeks without it.
?
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[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 12308095, member: 1579″]
I have made more putts the past two days with this in the head than I have in weeks without it.
?
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If you ever miss a putt from 5 feet and in, that’s on you with this setup hahaha
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 12308095, member: 1579″]
I have made more putts the past two days with this in the head than I have in weeks without it.
?
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Did I miss a review thread on it somewhere? Or is that still to come?
[QUOTE=”jlew, post: 12308101, member: 40346″]
Did I miss a review thread on it somewhere? Or is that still to come?
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No thread yet as the review will go up soon and a thread will start with that
[QUOTE=”Jeff Spicoli, post: 12308098, member: 10545″]
If you ever miss a putt from 5 feet and in, that’s on you with this setup hahaha
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I’ll look damn good missing at least haha
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 12308118, member: 1579″]
I’ll look damn good missing at least haha
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No kidding. That shaft paired with the Jailbird is spot on.
So got some practice in today with my Milled T Two. 23 of 24 at 4 ft. 12 made streak from various distances of 5- 9ft. Seems like right now the putter is hot coming off the 2nd place finish last weekend that missed first by one stroke. Two weeks until the next tour event. Before that we have the mid atl meet up at Golden Horseshoe which will be a great test on the greens.
36 putts today wasn’t on my bingo card, but the 3TS stays in the bag. Maybe a grip change?
1st round of the year with bumpy greens? Not a great indicator of any level of putting prowess.
Definitely different than just touching the ball and having it go forever, when you are trying to hammer putts past the hole, and it is still coming up well short.
Oh well, hopefully next time out yields some better results. I thought in general the alignment was pretty good, just speed/weight needs some adjusting at this point.
I’m not playing my best but I’m putting lights out once I get on the green. I have never been more confident on 6-10 foot putts. I feel like I’m making 80% of them. It’s a pretty cool feeling. I just wish I was scoring and giving myself a chance at birdie and par instead of having to save par or bogey right now.
Went to go purchase one with some trade in and 6-8 weeks out…. think I’ll try my luck locally.
[QUOTE=”jlew, post: 12315292, member: 40346″]
Went to go purchase one with some trade in and 6-8 weeks out…. think I’ll try my luck locally.
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Woah really? Like the putters are 6-8 weeks out?? Or just to process the trade credit?
Still can’t say enough about the 7t db. I’ve begun taking for granted just how good it is.
[QUOTE=”Muchmore, post: 12315306, member: 56094″]
Woah really? Like the putters are 6-8 weeks out?? Or just to process the trade credit?
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The putter ? trade was 2-3
I had a lot of AZ wedge action today with my Ai milled 8T. I think all the fringe freed me up. I had a great time lagging up for tap ins.
[QUOTE=”Muchmore, post: 12315306, member: 56094″]
Woah really? Like the putters are 6-8 weeks out?? Or just to process the trade credit?
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On the Callaway website it says 4-6 weeks.
[QUOTE=”Muchmore, post: 12315306, member: 56094″]
Woah really? Like the putters are 6-8 weeks out?? Or just to process the trade credit?
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It varies by model, but a box stock milled Seven T DB is showing 4-6 weeks right now.
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[QUOTE=”Muchmore, post: 12315306, member: 56094″]
Woah really? Like the putters are 6-8 weeks out?? Or just to process the trade credit?
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Cause I’m awake now:
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[QUOTE=”Muchmore, post: 12315306, member: 56094″]
Woah really? Like the putters are 6-8 weeks out?? Or just to process the trade credit?
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I think it’s real, but in my experience they usually take less time than what they state
So I’ve been playing with my Rossie S for three solid weeks now and I’m convinced it’s a cheat club. It being my first real mallet I have to say I’m enjoying the stability it has or at least the idea in my head it gives me (feel is real, right?!?!). I’m actually trending in the wrong direction for 3 putts but that’s because I can’t hit my irons if my life depended on it right now so I’ve had too many really long putts but I’ve been very good on normal length attempts..really good. I might be upset about a 3 putt once every round or two as I try not to give myself a hard time when I’m 50+ feet away, I try to stay realistic with expectations.
I don’t think my Scotty Squareback is going back in my bag anytime soon. I’d be ecstatic if this is my putter for the rest of my life honestly. I’ve been a putter wh@re since I starated golfing for real 7 years ago but I’m hoping I can just settle down and be a 1 putter man hahaha
33 putts today with no 3 putts. I had a few long ones that had me sweating, but distance control with the Ai-ONE face is so good, even when you don’t hit the exact center of the face.
[QUOTE=”vonbonds, post: 12316559, member: 61237″]
I’d be ecstatic if this is my putter for the rest of my life honestly.
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This is a hell of a statement!!!
[QUOTE=”vonbonds, post: 12316559, member: 61237″]
So I’ve been playing with my Rossie S for three solid weeks now and I’m convinced it’s a cheat club. It being my first real mallet I have to say I’m enjoying the stability it has or at least the idea in my head it gives me (feel is real, right?!?!). I’m actually trending in the wrong direction for 3 putts but that’s because I can’t hit my irons if my life depended on it right now so I’ve had too many really long putts but I’ve been very good on normal length attempts..really good. I might be upset about a 3 putt once every round or two as I try not to give myself a hard time when I’m 50+ feet away, I try to stay realistic with expectations.
I don’t think my Scotty Squareback is going back in my bag anytime soon. I’d be ecstatic if this is my putter for the rest of my life honestly. I’ve been a putter wh@re since I starated golfing for real 7 years ago but I’m hoping I can just settle down and be a 1 putter man hahaha
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I really like the Rossie shape. I am glad it is working well for you. I have been struggling with putter, but it is a me thing. I tried an old Odyssey I had in my garage for a recent round and I was worse with it than my Ai double wide. There is definitely something to this face that leaves my bad putts closer to the hole.
[QUOTE=”oumagic, post: 12319218, member: 52535″]
I really like the Rossie shape. I am glad it is working well for you. I have been struggling with putter, but it is a me thing. I tried an old Odyssey I had in my garage for a recent round and I was worse with it than my Ai double wide. There is definitely something to this face that leaves my bad putts closer to the hole.
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I too love the double wide shape. There’s something about the Rossie though with the extra material I just feel like I can put a smooth stroke on the ball. There’s also something to the white hot insert being a tad hotter than my Tri-Hot Double Wide as I don’t feel the need anymore to give a putt a little extra oomph as I know it will come off of the face with plenty of pace. Again feel versus real but I just feel much calmer and free when putting now. I don’t think it’s a honeymoon phase either as I‘ve played a lot of golf and my friends are all calling me a good putter now hahaha. I actually feel confident when I go up to putt.
I have a Tri-Hot 5K One I practice with as well. Not sure that’s what one is supposed to do practicing with multiple putters but it seems to work for me. Once I go to play golf I only bring my Rossie though. I do my warm up routine where I just literally warm up and then hit some putts at the practice green to get a feel for what the speed is that day (assuming they even match the course lol) and I go off. The bigger head of the Rossie just instills confidence and I’m on my way.
I love practicing with the Ai One Milled 1 T. As long as I keep my grip nice and light, I am quite consistent on distance and make quite a few putts. I’m still curious though if I’d have better success with it on course with the SL 70 shaft.
The Ai-One 7T is such a good putter. Keeps the ball rolling end over end and distance across the face is consistent. The greens we have been playing on for league are trash. Haven’t been watered in who knows how long and feel like I’m putting on an old driving range mat. They are actually closing the course in three weeks to redo the greens. Had some really good putts that did not go in. Ball was just not stopping. Yes apparently that is painted grass in the picture below, but damn that putter looks so good!!!
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Took the DW for a spin tonight instead of the jailbird… and it felt great! My speed was great, i was getting the ball to the hole for the most part and was putting with confidence… end up with 1.7 putts per hole which is an average I like seeing
It’s back with a new UST All In Shaft and grip. Can’t wait for you tomorrow
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It took me a little to get used to this club I was not a huge fan right at first. HOWEVER I got the heavier weight kit for this and I finally got used to it. Last night I had 12 putts and shot a 33 with this club. It was a great night with the putter. I am looking forward to many more rounds with this thing now!!
[QUOTE=”Ronnie D, post: 12321413, member: 75887″]
It took me a little to get used to this club I was not a huge fan right at first. HOWEVER I got the heavier weight kit for this and I finally got used to it. Last night I had 12 putts and shot a 33 with this club. It was a great night with the putter. I am looking forward to many more rounds with this thing now!!
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I was tempted to buy the kit too. Might have to.
[QUOTE=”Ronnie D, post: 12321413, member: 75887″]
It took me a little to get used to this club I was not a huge fan right at first. HOWEVER I got the heavier weight kit for this and I finally got used to it. Last night I had 12 putts and shot a 33 with this club. It was a great night with the putter. I am looking forward to many more rounds with this thing now!!
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Heyyyy we both had 12 putts last night! I shot six strokes worse than you but still 12 putts! I don’t think I’ve ever been more confident in a putter
[QUOTE=”Nappy, post: 12321425, member: 2407″]
I was tempted to buy the kit too. Might have to.
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It totally changed my feeling on this club. I love it now that I have the heavier weights
[QUOTE=”Muchmore, post: 12321443, member: 56094″]
Heyyyy we both had 12 putts last night! I shot six strokes worse than you but still 12 putts! I don’t think I’ve ever been more confident in a putter
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Awesome! I wasn’t at first but I am gaining more and more since I put the weight kit in. It has totally changed my feeling on the putter
[QUOTE=”Briton G, post: 12320462, member: 63796″]
Took the DW for a spin tonight instead of the jailbird… and it felt great! My speed was great, i was getting the ball to the hole for the most part and was putting with confidence… end up with 1.7 putts per hole which is an average I like seeing
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Can confirm, Brit was rolling everything in.
[QUOTE=”Briton G, post: 12320462, member: 63796″]
Took the DW for a spin tonight instead of the jailbird… and it felt great! My speed was great, i was getting the ball to the hole for the most part and was putting with confidence… end up with 1.7 putts per hole which is an average I like seeing
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Almost like that’s the one you were fit for my guy!!
Played this morning and my lag putting with the exception of one putt was as good as I could hope for. Hit a decent amount of greens and had some tricky breaks, but managed them well and had plenty of tap ins for par. Through three rounds with the shaft change in the Ai One #1, I’ve only had one three putt. Didn’t make any putts of note outside of a par save from about 7 feet. Burned plenty of edges.
I had a few longer lag putts that I know I didn’t hit the center of the face and had a fairly poor strike, but it didn’t hurt me and was surprised by the lack of distance loss on those putts.
[QUOTE=”Muchmore, post: 12321505, member: 56094″]
Almost like that’s the one you were fit for my guy!!
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My 1st round with the jailbird on decent greens my average was 1.4…… but I played the same 9 holes monday and tuesday and putted a lot better tuesday with the DW over mond with the jailbird…. on slow furry greens.
[QUOTE=”Briton G, post: 12321941, member: 63796″]
My 1st round with the jailbird on decent greens my average was 1.4…… but I played the same 9 holes monday and tuesday and putted a lot better tuesday with the DW over mond with the jailbird…. on slow furry greens.
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Ohhhh so you might have two different weapons for different conditions!
[QUOTE=”Muchmore, post: 12321999, member: 56094″]
Ohhhh so you might have two different weapons for different conditions!
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32 putts with the 7S today, with no 3-putts. Lag putting was so good, I was leaving stress-free second putts and even came close to burying a few of them.
Even though the forgiveness/distance control is the major talking point for the Ai-ONE (and I’m definitely seeing that in real world use), I’m very impressed with the stability as well. I’m making a much higher percentage of the shorter putts that used to be knee-knockers for me, and the ones that I miss are usually bad reads rather than pushes or pulls. As I often say, I don’t have anything to complain about if the ball goes where I aimed it!