WEDGES & PUTTERS
Odyssey Strokelab putters Callaway PM Grind 2019 wedge
The ten new Strokelab putters are said to improve your stroke through a change in weight distribution. The unique tip-heavy shafts are 40 grams lighter than a normal Odyssey #7 putter, with a design that combines a graphite body with a steel tip.
Odyssey studies show this improves the consistency of backswing time, face angle at impact, ball speed and ball direction. The shaft is also slightly stiffer and lower torque than standard putters, enabling it to better control the heavier putter head. The additional weight in the sole and butt-end of the grip will also help create more consistency in the swing, allowing for a smoother and more accurate stroke.
The range features ten different head shapes – six mallets and four blades – all of which boast a new White Hot Microhinge insert that enables a smoother roll and improved feel. These include the #7, 2-ball Fang, R-ball, Marxman and Tuttle (right), which was used by Danny Willett to win the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai late last year. Co-created by Phil Mickelson and Roger Cleveland, the new Callaway PM Grind 2019 wedge features a high toe and large face with horizontal and vertical grooves to make it easier to hit Lefty’s three essential shots – the knockdown, the hit-and-check and the flop shot.
Micro-grooves at a 20° angle increase spin by up to 12 per cent on lob shots compared with the previous Mack Daddy PM Grind. Callaway has also increased the offset to make it easier to move the ball back in your stance and position your hands ahead of the ball when hitting the knockdown. The face also features a higher toe to further assist with flop shots and a C-grind sole with heel and toe relief to aid versatility.
Replacing the popular Spider Tour is the more refined Spider X. It features a much lighter 15g carbon composite core (it was 70g on the Spider Tour) and a 30 per cent heavier outer frame to provide increased stability. This is helped by heavier but more compact tungsten weights in the back corners of the head.
A new True Path Alignment system, comprising a white strip that is half the width of a golf ball with a contrasting black sightline, helps highlight where the putter is aiming at set-up.
At impact, a thicker Pure Roll insert provides a better sound and feel, while the 45-degree-angled grooves help get the ball rolling on line early. This new premium putter range focuses on combining beauty and performance. The nine models feature a deep diamond mill across the face, with cross hatch grooves to control sound and feel by channelling vibration. The small groove inside each diamond pattern is designed to aid roll.
All the putters come in a new Charcoal Smoke finish and with pistol or oversize grips. They are available with the Odyssey Strokelab shaft, which is said to improve tempo and consistency.