A One-of-a-Kind Putter for a One-of-a-Kind Professional
In addition to extraordinary talent, what makes Phil Mickelson one of the world’s greatest golfers is an equally uncommon attention to detail in every part of his game. In no place was this more evident than in the development of Phil’s Odyssey PM Prototype Putter. Phil currently has two Odyssey Putters in rotation. And he chooses his putter depending on where he’s playing and how he’s putting.
Both versions of the Odyssey PM Prototype Putter were specifically designed for him by long-time Odyssey Designer Ron Hettinger. Phil’s newest putter utilizes the latest Odyssey insert technology. It’s the Odyssey White Hot XG 9 Putter. The multi-layer insert technology in the Odyssey White Hot XG 9 Putter was inspired by the latest technological developments in multi-layer golf balls, a blend of two materials with differing levels of firmness. The core of the insert is made of a soft, highly resilient elastomer material that provides rebound quality in order to return energy to the ball and get it rolling. On top of that is a thinner outer striking surface that contains urethane for fine-tuned responsiveness. Phil likes the soft, but solid feel of the insert and the audio feedback it provides, as well as the crisp lines on the head of the club that make it easy to line up putts. In order to reduce glare, the putter undergoes a gun bluing process that dulls and darkens the putter head.
Lefty unveiled his new Odyssey White Hot XG 9 Putter in early 2006, and when he used it to win his second straight BellSouth Classic, the cat was officially out of the bag. He won the tournament in runaway fashion, finishing at 28-under-par, 13 shots clear of the field. One week later, Phil used his Odyssey White Hot XG 9 Putter to capture his second Green Jacket in three years, winning the Masters by two strokes. It was his second straight major victory. Phil noted that the unmatched feel in the newly acclaimed Masters Putter, regardless of the type or construction of the golf ball being played, is superior to that found in any single insert putter.
 Milled from a single-piece, solid billet of #303 stainless steel, the design form of Phil’s other Odyssey PM Prototype Putter is based on the original Odyssey White Hot Blade #8. With that bloodline, Phil sat down with Hettinger and they set out to create a truly unique flatstick. Dozens of drawings, 18 CAD alternates and several production prototypes later, The “Phil Mickelson putter” has been in play since late 2004 and was raised in the air on the 18th green at Poipu Bay as he shot his remarkable 59 at the PGA Grand Slam of Golf last November.
Phil’s second putter has less offset than normal and a slimmer, sleeker hosel to result in a look at address that flows more cleanly into the head. Additionally, the shape of its flange is less bulky to give it a smooth, elegant appearance that gives him confidence.
For those wanting the nitty-gritty specs, the putter is a traditional weight of 330 grams, although he sometimes adjusts this ever so slightly from week to week on Tour depending on course conditions. The lie angle is 68 degrees and loft 3.5 degrees. Some are surprised to learn that the putter is only 33 ½ inches in length, short by typical standards and especially for a tall man like Phil. But this length suits Phil’s unique style and stance. With a flare-tipped shaft installed, the shorter length results in a grip end that’s thinner than Phil likes so Ron uses four layers of grip tape to beef up the grip to Phil’s liking.
You’d think that his magical 59 and 27 PGA Tour victories, including The PGA Championship would be enough, but as you might imagine by now, Phil Mickelson is never satisfied that the best is good enough. Not even the Masters Putter. Accordingly, every couple of weeks or so Phil can be found in Carlsbad at the company test center, working with Ron Hettinger in pursuit of the perfect putter. |
