Golf manufacturers are constantly navigating the ever-winding road of balancing riding a successful design with continually evolving and innovating. Perhaps no company knows that struggle better than Odyssey Golf.
In 2022 Odyssey was the number one putter on every single Tour. More interesting than that? They did it with 70% of the play being from non-sponsored golfers. In fact, that has been the story for about 12 years, when Odyssey re-established themselves as alpha in the putter world. We took a deep dive into the dominance of Odyssey Golf, here.
No putter company has done a better job of listening to consumer desires and thus being willing to bring back massively popular innovations like White Hot while still pushing forward. So, with that history it is no wonder that in 2023 we are seeing the return of Versa from Odyssey Golf. Oh, and that moment 12 years ago when they re-took the throne? That coincided with Versa.
The Versa Effect
If you look back on the Versa and its introduction in 2013, you will see an interesting tale. Among internet golfers and self-proclaimed purists, the designs were source of significant debate and discussion. The “striped” look was a love it or leave it kind of release for many, however, what if I told you that in 2022 there was a Versa in play on a Tour over 1,100 times?
You see, in putting, alignment is King, and even those who are the absolute 1% of golfers on the planet like having easy and accurate feedback on it. That is why Versa was created. The zebra look has a rhyme and a reason as internal testing from Odyssey has shown that the black and white contrasting lines are so effective at showing even the most minute face alignment woes that it is 67% more effective than a putter without it.
The tagline “The Path to Better Alignment is Black and White” centers around that data, and rightfully so. While so many focus on pace, if your alignment is off even fractions of degrees, the best pace in the world still won’t prevent you from missing your target significantly. So yes, Versa is back, but if you paid attention to the return of White Hot with the OG release, then you should already know it is returning with much needed improvements and streamlining.
2023 Odyssey Versa Putters
Odyssey is quick to admit that when Versa made its debut in 2013 there were some issues with it, not so much in performance, but rather the overall package. Part of that was too many models and too many line variations (parallel and perpendicular options) that were confusing to the golfer and cumbersome for retailers to get a clear message across. So, in 2023 there are five head shapes and eight models coming to retail.
Yes, the One and Double Wide are present, as is the Seven with DB and S versions. They are also joined by the new Three T which takes its shaping base from the Toulon Atlanta (with some massaging) as well as the Twelve, a shape that at its root is a “filled in” Seven and possesses the only parallel B/W/B alignment scheme of the release.
One aspect which will undoubtedly aid Versa in re-emerging on the scene with amateurs is the inclusion of the striking Red Stroke Lab shaft which absolutely stands out visually almost as much as it does in terms of performance. Another, however, is using the true White Hot insert, and not the more firm variation utilized back in 2013 which may have been more polarizing than the look ever was.
Finally, based on early images we have seen and Odyssey’s telling of the story themselves, the aesthetics are being done to the proper level this time around. Every shape has a premium finish with specific attention paid to the transition of the colors to keep crisp and clean visuals. Additionally, forward weights on the sole help optimize the stability and CG of the putters ensuring they live up to the Odyssey standard of performance.
The Details
Versa isn’t going to be for everyone, it wasn’t last time around and there is nothing which says it will be drastically different in 2023. However, for those who do struggle with face alignment and give the contrasting visual a chance, they will likely fall head over heels for what it does to their scores. If you love it, you will love it, that is part of the beauty of Versa. The putters will be available for purchase 2/10/23 with a price of $259.99.
How is your putting alignment? Could Versa help give your putting a triumphant return like the one Odyssey hopes it makes in 2023? Comment below or jump into the conversation on the THP Community and share your thoughts on the Versa comeback!
That Three T has my interest peaked with the Atlanta look.
Edit: Will the Three T have a double bend or just the slant neck shown?
Oh so Rickie’s wasn’t a mutilated training aid. ?
Played so well with my Versa 7 and may need to this going again
Love the looks of the Three T! I did not even give the previous Versas a thought because back in those days I was in the less is more pigheaded camp. After spending a good bit of time with a tour lined 2-ball Eleven, I am much more open-minded and would love to give these a try.
That’s crazy. I had no idea. I looked at the picture while reading the first paragraph and my first thought was “a striped putter…weird” but reading the article it showed that it helped a lot of golfers with alignment and then I look at my putter and it’s pure black. Maybe there’s something to be said about that.
I never was a fan of the Versa and it was all based on aesthetic’s. However as I’ve evolved as a golfer I’m looking / thinking differently about the equipment I put into plat. That Three T is one I definitely want to give some rolls with.
That double wide has peaked my interest some. The shape, toe hang, and alignment should mesh well.
Not smitten with the looks off the bat but if it rolls true it will look beautiful.
Oh man…more Odyssey putters thrown into the mix. I’ve salivating over a 2-ball lately, but now these. That Three T looks legit.
Hello!!!!! These look outstanding!
[QUOTE=”Nappy, post: 11255483, member: 2407″]
Oh man…more Odyssey putters thrown into the mix. I’ve salivating over a 2-ball lately, but now these. That Three T looks legit.
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There are new Tri-Hot 5k models, too. A few 7 and Rossie variations among them.
At first I wasn’t a fan of the black white combo. Still not sure that I’m the biggest fan, but after reading about the alignment it makes more sense. Another good option from the stable of Odyssey putters.
So many contradicting thoughts going through my head here. I will first say I don’t love this look and never really have. However, I’ve seen some people putt really well with the old Versa line and they saw improvement after the switch.
The only model I see much personal interest in from a putting stroke standpoint is the 12CS, but man. That’s a tough look :ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO: That being said, I love my 2ball CS. I’ll try it and be as open minded as possible.
Never thought I would use a center shafted putter, but here I am. Fit into it at ECPC by Nick (Thank you Nick). Was trying out all the different putters in the studio and for some reason I grabbed this center shaft and it just clicked. I kept trying others and then going back to this exact putter. It was really good when playing at Hideaway and no it is back in hand. Rolling great indoors and will get on course play this weekend. I really like this putter – a lot.
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[QUOTE=”hadi05, post: 11255486, member: 50784″]
Hello!!!!! These look outstanding!
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Yea I’m a big fan of the look too ?
[QUOTE=”Golfers Anonymous, post: 11255428, member: 59233″]
That Three T has my interest peaked with the Atlanta look.
Edit: Will the Three T have a double bend or just the slant neck shown?
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Slant only
[QUOTE=”Daluteh, post: 11255460, member: 59803″]
That’s crazy. I had no idea. I looked at the picture while reading the first paragraph and my first thought was “a striped putter…weird” but reading the article it showed that it helped a lot of golfers with alignment and then I look at my putter and it’s pure black. Maybe there’s something to be said about that.
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[media=giphy]jRr2ofoTp2HErToR86[/media]
The story behind these is so fascinating, great article, and I am sooo excited.
the 3T is an amazing shape! But the 7 feels sooooo good as well!
I never fell in love with the Versa line. But, it was plenty popular among tour pros and people around the home course.
Sweet Jesus that 7 looks so good. I just said yesterday that I wasn’t buying a putter this year haha maaaaaybeee that’s not the case
Great piece James. Thinking this might help with some putting woes my better half has- the twelve might be up her alley.
Great write-up [USER=1579]@Jman[/USER]! Very informative as always!
Very interesting and competitive price proving at $259.
These should do very well at retail
[QUOTE=”xThor, post: 11255606, member: 19092″]
Very interesting and competitive price proving at $259.
These should do very well at retail
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And in your putter collection!
When I see these I immediately think
[media=giphy]NgqbQoJ3Bdmg[/media]
I have an original Versa from 2013. I felt it did help greatly with alignment, but maybe the head shape didn’t fit me or my stroke type didn’t match because I found I was pulling my putts more than other putters (found out later after I had joined THP and got a SeeMore)
[QUOTE=”xThor, post: 11255606, member: 19092″]
Very interesting and competitive price proving at $259.
These should do very well at retail
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And the price of White Hot OG are being lowered despite staying in line, and getting a bit of a facelift still. Power moves by Odyssey.
Great Write-Up [USER=1579]@Jman[/USER] – As someone who is normally a 7 guy or a 10 guy in the Odyssey line – That #12 is speaking to me.
The price point is better than I expected too!
[QUOTE=”Golfers Anonymous, post: 11255428, member: 59233″]
That Three T has my interest peaked with the Atlanta look.
Edit: Will the Three T have a double bend or just the slant neck shown?
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I’m normally a double bend guy, and went with the Three T with the slant at ECPC. I didn’t see it with a DB shaft there.
Looks wise, I’m not a fan. But, I can completely see and understand how this could really help alignment. I can get past the visual aspects if it allows me to make more putts and lower my scores.
[QUOTE=”baylrballa, post: 11255437, member: 52381″]
Oh so Rickie’s wasn’t a mutilated training aid. ?
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Rickie is playing an older model versa.
[QUOTE=”goalie, post: 11255638, member: 5611″]
I’m normally a double bend guy, and went with the Three T with the slant at ECPC. I didn’t see it with a DB shaft there.
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Only reason I ask is Nick told me in my fitting I can play any neck as long as it wasn’t a slant neck in my fitting.
[QUOTE=”J.B. Cobb III, post: 11255644, member: 50607″]
Looks wise, I’m not a fan. But, I can completely see and understand how this could really help alignment. I can get past the visual aspects if it allows me to make more putts and lower my scores.
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part of bringing this back, was Phil Kenyon really pushing for it because of how well it works. That’s saying a lot.
Wow. They’d did a great job with the coloring on these. Extremely sharp lines. I love that Versa 7, may end up ordering that when released.
“67% more effective” I like that little tidbit
The original versa predates my golf life. The visual, at least from pics so far, looks fantastic. This alignment style resonates with me. ?
I wasn’t hot on the white hot insert from last year. I like a milled sound/feel and felt like the correlation between sound and roll was off for me with WH. If versa can help my not so good eyes see a better line, that’s an adjustment I can work through.
Very strong ponder. Any chance for an armlock version? 😀
[QUOTE=”baylrballa, post: 11255437, member: 52381″]
Oh so Rickie’s wasn’t a mutilated training aid. ?
[/QUOTE]
And I thought he had a different insert.
I was hoping for some more tech in these if they were bringing back this design. I am sure some WH insert players will like it, but it’s a hard pass for me. I could maybe make the 3T work based on shape, but the neck option is a non starter with me.
[QUOTE=”mikeg_74, post: 11255675, member: 15992″]
And I thought he had a different insert.
I was hoping for some more tech in these if they were bringing back this design. I am sure some WH insert players will like it, but it’s a hard pass for me. I could maybe make the 3T work based on shape, but the neck option is a non starter with me.
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the shapes or the insert making it a hard pass?
[QUOTE=”TRyan, post: 11255635, member: 5933″]
Great Write-Up [USER=1579]@Jman[/USER] – As someone who is normally a 7 guy or a 10 guy in the Odyssey line – That #12 is speaking to me.
The price point is better than I expected too!
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I liked their terminology of a “filled in seven”
[QUOTE=”mikeg_74, post: 11255675, member: 15992″]
And I thought he had a different insert.
I was hoping for some more tech in these if they were bringing back this design. I am sure some WH insert players will like it, but it’s a hard pass for me. I could maybe make the 3T work based on shape, but the neck option is a non starter with me.
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His would be one of the 1100 previous Versas in play on Tour that I mentioned in the article.
Better finish this time (by a million percent), better weighting, the greatest insert ever made (literally), and one hell of a price point is pretty solid.
7s looks really nice to my eye
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 11255689, member: 1579″]
I liked their terminology of a “filled in seven”
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Yep – Saw that in your review and it is what instantly drew me to it. It is a #7 with a little “junk in the trunk” which I quite like.
[QUOTE=”xThor, post: 11255667, member: 19092″]
part of bringing this back, was Phil Kenyon really pushing for it because of how well it works. That’s saying a lot.
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I also like that they acknowledge it isn’t for everyone, but for those who can get used to the look, it’s drastically effective.
I wonder how the 12 will sit at address? The shape is pretty intoxicating.
[QUOTE=”Golfers Anonymous, post: 11255665, member: 59233″]
Only reason I ask is Nick told me in my fitting I can play any neck as long as it wasn’t a slant neck in my fitting.
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Yeah, then it’s not for you.
But, man, the shape.
Mmmmm mmmmm
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 11255695, member: 1579″]
His would be one of the 1100 previous Versas in play on Tour that I mentioned in the article.
Better finish this time (by a million percent), better weighting, the greatest insert ever made (literally), and one hell of a price point is pretty solid.
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My point was Rickie has a different insert in his than what this release offers.
I do agree its pricing a product to sell for those who like these, but they are a pass from me.
[QUOTE=”Scooby45, post: 11255685, member: 62865″]
the shapes or the insert making it a hard pass?
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Insert for me. I like the shapes (would really like it if the 3T had a different neck), but the WH insert is not for me. I know I’m in the minority there.
[QUOTE=”mikeg_74, post: 11255733, member: 15992″]
Insert for me. I like the shapes (would really like it if the 3T had a different neck), but the WH insert is not for me. I know I’m in the minority there.
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You may have company in that thought 😉
My Triple Wide isn’t going anywhere (with a Ten as backup), but those are some nice looking putters. The Three T is a great shape, as is the Seven. Easy to see how the contrasting black and white could help with alignment, and the OG White Hot insert is a great addition to the line.
I’ve always seemed to get more out of perpendicular lines (to the target) than parallel lines, so might have to check this out. I like their star insert a little better than white hot but I’ve gamed white hot too.
In person this line up is either something people will love or they’ll gravitate toward something else because of the sight lines.
I ended up being fit into a milled Toulon and never looked back at ECPC. Other than getting to see them, I don’t think I physically hit one in the putting lab. ?????
[QUOTE=”PKorf, post: 11255748, member: 38677″]
In person this line up is either something people will love or they’ll gravitate toward something else because of the sight lines.
I ended up being fit into a milled Toulon and never looked back at ECPC. Other than getting to see them, I don’t think I physically hit one in the putting lab. ?????
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Yeah, I’d agree with that.
As someone who’s left eye dominant and putts right handed, the Versa alignment is awesome.
I also love triple track on the putter, so there’s that……