You have seen the Callaway Odyssey 2-Ball Putter everywhere of late. Since the middle of last year when they first popped up on tour, the 2-Ball has been the putter of choice for millions of weekend hackers around the country. The big question is whether or not it is a worthwhile purchase.

The biggest proponent of the 2-Ball putter is one of the best in the world; Annika Sorenstam. She essentially put the 2-Ball on the map last year with a year like we have not seen from anyone for decades. But, the thing to realize is that putting is not what put Annika on top of the golfing world. She hits the ball better than any other women. She led the world in fairways and greens in regulation. Her putting, well, it was obviously good, but not spectacular. My point is that you should not run out and purchase a putter because someone is winning golf tournaments and endorsing the club.

The 2-Ball is interesting that it provides an alignment aid like no other putter. The face of the putter is nothing unusual, but then the back of the putter looks like something from another planet. The back of the putter has two fake golf balls immediately behind where you would hit the ball. Think of it as three balls lined up- the actual ball and then the two "alignment" balls. A wonderful idea that does help with alignment. By looking down you are able to visualize the three balls on a line to the hole.

The 2-Ball also seems to produce a better roll than many putters. Granted, it could have been a flat unspoiled portion of green that I spent a lot of time on, but the 2-Ball rolled very smoothly. Callaway claims this is because of the extended mallet design. I could care less. I know that less backspin and fewer bounces are important to making putts and the 2-Ball produced both.

I found two "problems". First of all, the 2-Ball is one strange looking putter. Akin to going from waking up with Anna Kournikova to Rosanne. Yeah, a huge change. I have never used a putter that extends back two inches plus. I have never used a putter that looks like it should be illegal without a question. I have never used a putter that looks so strange. However, once you get used to the look, it does get the ball in the hole.

Secondly, it takes a while to get used to the feel. I felt as if I was putting with a mallet. I would recommend spending some time on the practice green in order to get accustomed to the new feeling (You have not putted with anything like it.) and the touch that is required with a new putter.

A note about the long shafted options of the 2-Ball. They are the same putter as the 2-Ball with the shaft extending all the way up or stopping at mid- gut. Either way, they are good options. Again, the problem is getting accustomed to having weight where it would not typically be. The longer putters are already heavier and now they will be even heavier. I can assure you that it will take some time to get accustomed to the new feel with either of these putters, but they are both viable options.

So, would I purchase the 2-Ball? Yes, I would. I have not yet purchased it, but I plan to when I get enough pro shop credit to do so. The other reason I am not in a hurry to do so is that I am happy with my putting. Of course I am always trying to improve, but for now I am pleased with the way I am rolling the ball for April. The first putting struggles will bring the arrival of the 2-Ball. After long being a skeptic, I am now a believer and would recommend it to any golfer looking to improve their putting.

A final note. I will rarely recommend a putter for the simple reason that I strongly believe that successful putting is a function of practice and comfort with the putter. In other words, you get comfortable with a putter the more you use it and, hence, should improve over time. Furthermore, putting is usually not improved because of the club, unlike length being added due to a high tech driver. Take this as a strong recommendation regarding the 2-Ball. It actually has something that can improve your putting without spending more time on the practice green. Rarely, will I ever say that. But the catch to this is that initially you will spend more time getting accustomed to the 2-Ball. Enjoy.



Recommended: Yes