In 2010, pro golfers will be required to play newly mandated "competition" grooves in short irons and wedges (more specifically, in clubs with 25° or more of loft).
You might not realize it, but the rule change could affect your putter choice. Consider this: New conforming grooves generate less spin on shots from rough than current grooves do. Switching to a softer Tour ball might be one way for pros to regain some spin.
Odyssey's brass is banking on this scenario. The firm's new White Ice putters feature a firmer face insert (than the White Hot XG) to complement softer Tour balls. The multilayer face has the same outer material (thermoplastic elastomerurethane blend) as in the White Hot XG, while the inner material (a different thermoplastic elastomer compound) is twice as stiff. Bottom line: Putts sound louder (for a longer period) than they do with the White Hot XG but softer than with the Black Series putters. Ball speeds with White Ice are marginally faster than White Hot XG and comparable to the Black Series.
The 8-gram insert (it saves close to 60 grams versus steel) contributes to more weight low and rear, for improved roll. Five models (pictured) are in shops now, while additional flavors debut in February. $129 (core head shapes) to $179 (progressive)
odysseygolf.com
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