First Look: 2013 Odyssey Versa Putter

What’s in the Box?  Tell Me What’s in the Box!

Ah Seven, the movie where I learned that my wife and I may not have the same taste in movies.  Be that as it may, “What’s in the Box?” was exactly what came to mind today after an unexpected white box came from Odyssey today.  I am expecting some boxes from Callaway and Odyssey, but this one was a surprise.  Those of you who follow me on Twitter (@Golfspy_Dave) saw the initial photo earlier today.  I am sorry for being such a tease, but life got busy right after I took that photo.  So let’s wait no longer and look in that box!

Look at that!  It’s a putter!  My lovely wife was not impressed that another putter had arrived, but I was enthralled.  But, what’s in the Box, Dave?  Stop digressing and TELL ME WHAT’S IN THE BOX!  OK, OK.  As I said, its a new Versa putter from Odyssey.  It’s not a new head style, it’s a classic #1 head.  However, it is a huge deviation from Odyssey’s alignment system.  While other putters use lines perpendicular to the face to aim, the Versa has a line parallel to the face, which Odyssey says helps you to square the face to target.  Check out these graphics from the box:

I spent about 20 minutes with the Versa #1 on the putting green today, and in terms of alignment, there may be something to the Versa.  As you hold it at address and slowly rotate it clockwise and counter-clockwise you can definitely tell when it is at that squared up position.  Getting it back to square will still depend upon your stroke, but perhaps the Versa alignment system will help golfers in 2013 to at least start out square to target.  Regardless, I commend Odyssey for taking a chance with the Versa.  Something this far from the norm could definitely rub some traditionally minded golfers the wrong way, that is until they start dropping putts with it.  Anyway, here are some shots of the putter and also a shot of the letter that came in the box.

 

What do you think about the Versa?  Is it too far out there?  If it works, will golfers get over its unconventional looks?  Who will be the first pro to bag it in 2013?