Odyssey is one of the biggest names in golf thanks to their efforts in helping golfers wherever they can. Back in 2013, they unveiled the Odyssey Tank putters. These putters are made with counterbalance technology to help golfers smooth out their putting stroke. With the anchoring ban coming at the new year, counterbalance putters will be in demand. To get the inside scoop about Odyssey Tank, we talked with Chris Koske, the global director for product and strategy for putters and wedges at Callaway. That full conversation is below, loaded with information for all golfers.
TGW: At the beginning of 2016, the USGA’s anchoring ban goes into effect. What challenges does this present to club making and design?
Chris Koske: This is one that we’ve been thinking about for quite a while. While it represented a significant business challenge initially with the Belly putters having so much success and then completely falling off a cliff, it challenged us to think about putters from a different perspective. We were the first to commercialize an Arm Lock style putter in early 2013 and then launched our Counterbalance line of Tank putters in April of 2013. It forced us to look at why players were using anchored putters and how we can help them in new ways.
TGW: What elements of a putting stroke do you see in golfers that would lead you to recommend an Odyssey Tank putter?
CK: Typically the people who benefit the most are those are either those that are inconsistent from stroke to stroke or those that tend to get a little yippy. When I say yippy, it can also mean inconsistent in tempo.
TGW: What counterbalance features are included in the Odyssey Tank putters to help improve the putting stroke?
CK: The heavier mass of the whole club really helps people smooth out their strokes. The counterbalance definitely provides a benefit there as well, but we didn’t simply counterbalance our Tank putters. We wanted to ensure the balance point of the putter remained in a similar spot that of a traditional putter so we weighted up all the components. We’ve seen a lot of golfers benefit from this, from tour players to your everyday Joe.
TGW: For golfers that currently use anchored putters, do you see them moving to counterbalanced designs when the ban is enacted or will they try standard putters?
CK: So many golfers have switched already, but counterbalance will certainly be a destination for many ex-anchorers. I think we’ll see a little more interest in Arm Lock as well.
TGW: Finally, if someone is searching for a more stable putting stroke, tell us why he or she should try an Odyssey Tank putter.
CK: Tank putters are built to smooth the putting stroke. Every component has been specifically weighted to give golfers a better chance at making consistent strokes. That means making more putts.
