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!
Had another good round putting with the Versa. Made 3 putts of 10+ feet and overall really good with distance control.
After switching to my Toulon Palm Beach for a while, I finally got my arccos situation sorted and decided to throw the Odyssey Versa 3T back in the bag. Played 36 holes this weekend, and had 2 3 putts all weekend…. better than the previous round I played where I had 6…. So definitely pleased with this putter.
The shape and color makes it so easy to line up and not sure if the insert got me a little more comfortable being aggressive in my stroke. Happy to have this back in the bag.
[USER=19092]@xThor[/USER] I spent some more time with the Versa 12 CS. I really really like the roll I put on it. I see myself in something similar come December.
My wallet is happy that it was a 35”. Instead of a 34 or 33. As it stayed at the store.
But with all this Jailbird crazy and the fact that I choke down on a putter a lot anyway…I’m thinking long grip on a 35 ???
I can’t wait for a proper fitting in Carlsbad.
[QUOTE=”mtbloco, post: 11752821, member: 53632″]
[USER=19092]@xThor[/USER] I spent some more time with the Versa 12 CS. I really really like the roll I put on it. I see myself in something similar come December.
My wallet is happy that it was a 35”. Instead of a 34 or 33. As it stayed at the store.
But with all this Jailbird crazy and the fact that I choke down on a putter a lot anyway…I’m thinking long grip on a 35 ???
I can’t wait for a proper fitting in Carlsbad.
[/QUOTE]
we can look at some potential options in a week too :unsure:;)
[QUOTE=”xThor, post: 11752873, member: 19092″]
we can look at some potential options in a week too :unsure:;)
[/QUOTE]
Interesting!
[QUOTE=”Jeff Spicoli, post: 11764097, member: 10545″]
Nice writeup and glad you found a gamer that works for you. (I cannot wait for my own fitting). I didn’t get fit for my Versa, but rolled almost every Odyssey putter in the lineup at Golf Galaxy and found the putter I could start and remain online the longest was the 1#. The alignment has made the biggest difference for me. It makes it so easy to line up and check that I am square. The other thing is I feel like I’m in complete control with the putter–the weight just works for me.
[/QUOTE]
For me the fitting portion was interesting, you go in groups of 4, and are in a room filled with putters. not going first I tried out all the putters that caught my eye and went to the actual fitting portion with 2 but asked our master fitter if I should look at anything else. Luckily either could have worked, but once we got on the machines then we dialed in loft/length/lie.
[QUOTE=”mancest, post: 11764159, member: 7825″]
For me the fitting portion was interesting, you go in groups of 4, and are in a room filled with putters. not going first I tried out all the putters that caught my eye and went to the actual fitting portion with 2 but asked our master fitter if I should look at anything else. Luckily either could have worked, but once we got on the machines then we dialed in loft/length/lie.
[/QUOTE]
I bet you felt like a kid in the candy store.
[QUOTE=”Jeff Spicoli, post: 11764164, member: 10545″]
I bet you felt like a kid in the candy store.
[/QUOTE]
Honestly it was almost overwhelming at first, then you start rolling the putters (I really wanted to love the 12, but the 3T spoke to me and I had to try the rossie as I love that shape) the dream state briefly subsides and got focused on the task at hand.
[QUOTE=”mancest, post: 11764176, member: 7825″]
Honestly it was almost overwhelming at first, then you start rolling the putters (I really wanted to love the 12, but the 3T spoke to me and I had to try the rossie as I love that shape) the dream state briefly subsides and got focused on the task at hand.
[/QUOTE]
That’s good to know. I have something that works well now, but always open to trying something completely different, which might be my problem, ha.
[QUOTE=”Jeff Spicoli, post: 11764190, member: 10545″]
That’s good to know. I have something that works well now, but always open to trying something completely different, which might be my problem, ha.
[/QUOTE]
Yeah, let someone else in your pod go first and see what you like of what is available (I am guessing a LOT) will be available). For me I wanted to love the new mallet options as [USER=41896]@Luke WilliamsCG[/USER] has told me a few times that Mallets are the best. I have played more of a blade with some booty (Toulon Palm Beach) and ended up with a smaller mallet.
But to be fair, the recent odyssey blades have so much MOI that they play like a lot of other mallets in the forgiveness realm.
One thing our fitter said (and what I have felt for a long time on all clubs) is if you don’t like looking down at it you won’t want to keep playing it. I am going to leave any inappropriate jokes out here….
[QUOTE=”Scrap22, post: 11765244, member: 15054″]
One more thing I should have added in here is the Stroke Lab shaft. I do think there is absolutely something to the stability of the shaft. Just another piece to a great puzzle. Alright. Now I am done with the write up.
[/QUOTE]
Keep going, ha. I think there is something to be said for the stability shaft as well, especially on shorts putts.
Thanks to THP knowledge (right hand, left eye) and the fitting chops of [USER=19092]@xThor[/USER], I spent some quality time with a [B]Versa 12 CS[/B]. Things went so well that I ordered on of these as soon as I got home from the trip.
build: 34″, 1 flat, SuperStroke Tour XL 2.0.
[QUOTE=”mtbloco, post: 11779420, member: 53632″]
Thanks to THP knowledge (right hand, left eye) and the fitting chops of [USER=19092]@xThor[/USER], I spent some quality time with a [B]Versa 12 CS[/B]. Things went so well that I ordered on of these as soon as I got home from the trip.
build: 34″, 1 flat, SuperStroke Tour XL 2.0.
[/QUOTE]
Kinda figured we were going to see you in this thread pretty soon. :LOL:
[QUOTE=”BigMac, post: 11779512, member: 3386″]
Kinda figured we were going to see you in this thread pretty soon. :LOL:
[/QUOTE]
this will be the second longest week….waiting for it to arrive.
[QUOTE=”mtbloco, post: 11779420, member: 53632″]
Thanks to THP knowledge (right hand, left eye) and the fitting chops of [USER=19092]@xThor[/USER], I spent some quality time with a [B]Versa 12 CS[/B]. Things went so well that I ordered on of these as soon as I got home from the trip.
build: 34″, 1 flat, SuperStroke Tour XL 2.0.
[/QUOTE]
Heck yes. Welcome to the Versa family.
[QUOTE=”mtbloco, post: 11779420, member: 53632″]
Thanks to THP knowledge (right hand, left eye) and the fitting chops of [USER=19092]@xThor[/USER], I spent some quality time with a [B]Versa 12 CS[/B]. Things went so well that I ordered on of these as soon as I got home from the trip.
build: 34″, 1 flat, SuperStroke Tour XL 2.0.
[/QUOTE]
Just keep draining them buddy!!!
[QUOTE=”xThor, post: 11779676, member: 19092″]
Just keep draining them buddy!!!
[/QUOTE]
That’s the plan. The EXO seven is going back to CPO. Along with my Epic Flash driver.
I played 27 yesterday in a member guest and the Versa was an absolute monster for me. Fantastic with speed control and money from shorter range.
If you had told me in the beginning of the year that I was going to be playing a blade and putting better than I have in a long, long time, I would have laughed. The Versa #1 has been a wonderful surprise. I’ve touched on it in some previous posts, which can be found a few pages back, that the Versa alignment works as described and for someone who struggles with alignment and has a natural tendency to set up with a closed face with a putter, the black/white color scheme is a simple and effective visual cue to check for those two things before pulling the trigger.
I touched on it earlier that my putting statistics have noticeably improved since making the switch. The improvement is not just in one area either—there has been improvement in 3 putt avoidance, more made putts from 10-15 feet, and a big improvement from 10 feet and in. I played in a member-guest this weekend and apparently people weren’t feeling generous and had to putt just about everything out. Over 45 holes, I didn’t miss any shorties or miss any putt that I reasonably should have made. I did miss a 15 footer to win a match, but I’m an amateur and can’t expect to make all of those.
The most remarkable thing about the Versa has been that it’s enabled me to start more putts on my intended line, which has led to more made putts. One thing that has been an adjustment is the White Hot insert. Just about everyone has either played or at least heard of the White Hot insert. I’ve noticed there is a harsher feeling/sound if I don’t hit the putt exactly in the center, which is great for feedback. When struck in the center, there is a soft feel of an unmistakably well-struck putt. Anything out of the toe or heel has a harsher feel. Even though I went from a mallet to a blade and I am more aware of mishits, I have found the Versa to be quite forgiving. I have had zero issues with distance-control. Lag putting has always been a strength and I’ve found the Versa to be super consistent from long and medium range putts.
The #1 has been in the bag for not quite 4 months and it still looks brand new. I’m noting this because one of my all-time favorite putters, the Spider Tour Red would chip very easily and it drove me crazy how quickly the imperfections showed up. I’m not a savage and keep my headcover on my putter when it’s not being used and am careful not to drop it. I’ve seen no issues with the Versa.
One thing to add is I am a believer now in the Stroke Lab shaft. I had a few short putts this weekend that I thought for sure I missed, but they started and stayed right on the path.
[QUOTE=”Jeff Spicoli, post: 11789892, member: 10545″]
One thing to add is I am a believer now in the Stroke Lab shaft. I had a few short putts this weekend that I thought for sure I missed, but they started and stayed right on the path.
[/QUOTE]
Having not golfed in quite some time until earlier this year, I’m out of the loop. What makes the stroke lab shaft different?
[QUOTE=”War Eagle, post: 11790067, member: 6727″]
Having not golfed in quite some time until earlier this year, I’m out of the loop. What makes the stroke lab shaft different?
[/QUOTE]
Maybe it’s just me but it feels more in control and lighter. Like versus some steel shafts that seem to weigh the stroke down.
[QUOTE=”PharaohHB, post: 11790120, member: 60146″]
Maybe it’s just me but it feels more in control and lighter. Like versus some steel shafts that seem to weigh the stroke down.
[/QUOTE]
I think I need to give one a go.
[QUOTE=”War Eagle, post: 11790146, member: 6727″]
I think I need to give one a go.
[/QUOTE]
I have a CH 7 with it and it feels significantly smoother than my Rossie S that I think I will be putting a stroke shaft in or trading in for a newer one with one.
[QUOTE=”PharaohHB, post: 11790176, member: 60146″]
I have a CH 7 with it and it feels significantly smoother than my Rossie S that I think I will be putting a stroke shaft in or trading in for a newer one with one.
[/QUOTE]
I play my putters in 38″-39.5″ in length, with extra weight in the grip and putter head. Wonder how that would jive?
[QUOTE=”PharaohHB, post: 11790176, member: 60146″]
I have a CH 7 with it and it feels significantly smoother than my Rossie S that I think I will be putting a stroke shaft in or trading in for a newer one with one.
[/QUOTE]
Having used the SL, it would be hard to back to something else.
[QUOTE=”War Eagle, post: 11790067, member: 6727″]
Having not golfed in quite some time until earlier this year, I’m out of the loop. What makes the stroke lab shaft different?
[/QUOTE]
I am rolling with the Stroke Lab in my testing with the Eleven and will be coming from the All-In putter shaft that is in my Metal Milled 7.
[QUOTE=”Mmaynard11, post: 11790211, member: 19877″]
I am rolling with the Stroke Lab in my testing with the Eleven and will be coming from the All-In putter shaft that is in my Metal Milled 7.
[/QUOTE]
I’m assuming you are liking it?
[QUOTE=”War Eagle, post: 11790223, member: 6727″]
I’m assuming you are liking it?
[/QUOTE]
My first round with the Stroke Lab will be this afternoon. I will be posting about it over in the Eleven thread.
[QUOTE=”Mmaynard11, post: 11790239, member: 19877″]
My first round with the Stroke Lab will be this afternoon. I will be posting about it over in the Eleven thread.
[/QUOTE]
Awesome, looking forward to it. Now I have a new ponder.
[QUOTE=”War Eagle, post: 11790204, member: 6727″]
I play my putters in 38″-39.5″ in length, with extra weight in the grip and putter head. Wonder how that would jive?
[/QUOTE]
Not exactly the same, but I play my TH5K Triple Wide at 37″ with the Stroke Lab shaft and really like it.
[QUOTE=”BigMac, post: 11793144, member: 3386″]
Not exactly the same, but I play my TH5K Triple Wide at 37″ with the Stroke Lab shaft and really like it.
[/QUOTE]
I think I need one.
[QUOTE=”War Eagle, post: 11793268, member: 6727″]
I think I need one.
[/QUOTE]
Agreed
[QUOTE=”War Eagle, post: 11793268, member: 6727″]
I think I need one.
[/QUOTE]
I think you do too.
[QUOTE=”Jeff Spicoli, post: 11793374, member: 10545″]
Agreed
[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE=”BigMac, post: 11794423, member: 3386″]
I think you do too.
[/QUOTE]
Enablers.
[QUOTE=”War Eagle, post: 11794472, member: 6727″]
Enablers.
[/QUOTE]
This is THP, home of the Lunatic Fringe, what else would you expect?
[QUOTE=”BigMac, post: 11794489, member: 3386″]
This is THP, home of the Lunatic Fringe, what else would you expect?
[/QUOTE]
I expect it. Annnnnd I am here for it!
It has arrived!!!
[ATTACH type=”full”]9210034[/ATTACH][ATTACH type=”full”]9210035[/ATTACH]
[QUOTE=”mtbloco, post: 11797206, member: 53632″]
It has arrived!!!
[ATTACH type=”full” alt=”IMG_6717.jpeg”]9210034[/ATTACH][ATTACH type=”full” alt=”IMG_6718.jpeg”]9210035[/ATTACH]
[/QUOTE]
[IMG alt=”will ferrell omg GIF”]https://media2.giphy.com/media/V2AkNZZi9ygbm/200.gif[/IMG]
[QUOTE=”brians, post: 11797219, member: 44109″]
[IMG alt=”will ferrell omg GIF”]https://media2.giphy.com/media/V2AkNZZi9ygbm/200.gif[/IMG]
[/QUOTE]
unfortunately my course is closed for overseed. otherwise I’d be on the practice green putting away.
[QUOTE=”mtbloco, post: 11797206, member: 53632″]
It has arrived!!!
[ATTACH type=”full” alt=”IMG_6717.jpeg”]9210034[/ATTACH][ATTACH type=”full” alt=”IMG_6718.jpeg”]9210035[/ATTACH]
[/QUOTE]
Don’t drop that cap too much in the next two months. I heard how well this worked for you lol
[QUOTE=”Muchmore18, post: 11797222, member: 56094″]
Don’t drop that cap too much in the next two months. I heard how well this worked for you lol
[/QUOTE]
LOL. i’m just going to go be me. If it drops, it drops. I want to be at my best rolling into the Grandaddy. This at least gives me one Callaway product in addition to CSX golf ball in my bag.
Plus I’m excited to remove a variable. was green reading or alignment my primary issue of not making more putts? This should give me the confidence to trust my alignment.
[QUOTE=”mtbloco, post: 11797220, member: 53632″]
unfortunately my course is closed for overseed. otherwise I’d be on the practice green putting away.
[/QUOTE]
How long will the course be closed? I’d be off the walls excited.
[QUOTE=”brians, post: 11797235, member: 44109″]
How long will the course be closed? I’d be off the walls excited.
[/QUOTE]
Typically 2 weeks. All the courses here go through it this time of year. they stagger the shutdowns so I can still play. but i would have to cross town in rush hour to get there…..thus not tonight. But TOMORROW I roll!
[QUOTE=”mtbloco, post: 11797206, member: 53632″]
It has arrived!!!
[ATTACH type=”full” alt=”IMG_6717.jpeg”]9210034[/ATTACH][ATTACH type=”full” alt=”IMG_6718.jpeg”]9210035[/ATTACH]
[/QUOTE]
[IMG alt=”Fire Elmo GIF”]https://media1.giphy.com/media/Lopx9eUi34rbq/200.gif[/IMG]
[QUOTE=”mtbloco, post: 11779420, member: 53632″]
Thanks to THP knowledge (right hand, left eye) and the fitting chops of [USER=19092]@xThor[/USER], I spent some quality time with a [B]Versa 12 CS[/B]. Things went so well that I ordered on of these as soon as I got home from the trip.
build: 34″, 1 flat, SuperStroke Tour XL 2.0.
[/QUOTE]
you putted so well with that thing! ? hopefully the new ones treats you even better!
So, I walked in to PGA SS the other day to look at another putter. Saw the 12 on display and thought that the alignment stripe looked really cheap. HOWEVER, then I tried it out. I have never putted like that in my life, and I’m a good putter. Did you ever do the wheel drill, where you drop 6 balls in a circle around the hole and hole them each in succession? At 6 ft. I holed every one, and I was hardly trying. Even allowing that I am a cynic who believes the putting surface at the store is meant to funnel balls into the hole, it was just amazing. I tried a couple of other putters, but nothing could touch this. Gave myself a day to think about, it but ordered one, and it comes tomorrow. I can’t wait!
[QUOTE=”LONGBALL777, post: 11800641, member: 24350″]
So, I walked in to PGA SS the other day to look at another putter. Saw the 12 on display and thought that the alignment stripe looked really cheap. HOWEVER, then I tried it out. I have never putted like that in my life, and I’m a good putter. Did you ever do the wheel drill, where you drop 6 balls in a circle around the hole and hole them each in succession? At 6 ft. I holed every one, and I was hardly trying. Even allowing that I am a cynic who believes the putting surface at the store is meant to funnel balls into the hole, it was just amazing. I tried a couple of other putters, but nothing could touch this. Gave myself a day to think about, it but ordered one, and it comes tomorrow. I can’t wait!
[/QUOTE]
Nice. I am always cautious when I start rolling in putts at the store as well. I tried a lot of different putters and different models from the Versa line and no other putter could get the ball started on line consistently for me as the Versa #1.
Has anyone lengthened one of these and added a Super Stroke grip? Mine came today, and I love it but I would definitely like to make those changes.
I went right to the putting green, which, unfortunately has just been aerated, and it’s as amazing as it was in the store. Short putts are almost automatic.
Thus, I’m a bit scared of changing anything, but I’m pretty tall and would be more comfortable with my normal 37″ putter.
Any insight would be appreciated.
[QUOTE=”shanewu, post: 11797632, member: 38120″]
you putted so well with that thing! ? hopefully the new ones treats you even better!
[/QUOTE]
Unfortunately work keeps making me stay late. I’m yet to get it in a proper putting green.