Equipment
Happy NEW YEAR !
by SCOTT KRAMER
New year , new you . That ’ s always the promise every January , isn ’ t it ? Well for 2025 , you can actually reinvent your golf game if you choose some of the latest gear to help you out on the fairways . This fresh equipment can help you make better contact , generate improved ball flight and lower your scores . Now that ’ s a resolution we ’ d all love to keep .
TAYLORMADE // TOUR X BLACK MALLET PUTTER
For years , TaylorMade ’ s Spider mallet putters have been a staple with Tour pros and amateurs alike . The new Tour X Black promises to continue that tradition . Its striking look is comprised of a durable black and sultry PVD finish with copper accents . The white TPU face insert is made of Surlyn and aluminum , and yields a soft impact feel . Grooves are angled at 45 degrees — encouraging an optimal forward roll as well as better sound , feel and overall roll characteristics . The proprietary True Path alignment system provides visual clarity as you stand over your putts . It naturally leads your eyes right down your target line , so you can confidently focus on simply taking a stroke . A thin wall undercut construction helps create a high MOI via a highly stable structure that removes excess weight . As a bonus , there ’ s dampening material built in behind the face that mutes any unwanted vibrations at impact . It ’ s available in two neck shapes and three shaft lengths . $ 350 ; taylormadegolf . com
ODYSSEY // Ai-ONE SQUARE 2 SQUARE JAILBIRD PUTTER
Odyssey ’ s Ai-ONE Square 2 Square Jailbird putter has a modern centershafted design that makes it stay square throughout your stroke . It ’ s especially great if you ’ re looking to minimize face rotation . The face insert was designed using artificial intelligence and has an aluminum backer co-molded to a White Hot urethane surface to promote consistent ball speed across the face with solid feel . The center-shafted design results in a putter that rests with the toe up in a reverse torque position , opposite of a traditional putter with toe hang . That in turn promotes a square face throughout the stroke , with a forward shaft lean that presets your hands in a normal forward press position — eliminating the face from opening , something that often happens when you forward press on your own . This gets the ball rolling on your intended path . The shaft is made of lightweight steel and has counterbalance weight in the butt end . Its navy blue PVD finish lends a premium look , as well . $ 300 ; odyssey . callawaygolf . com
38 V IRGINIA G OLFER | JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2025 vsga . org