When it comes to finding the perfect putter, a thorough search is often necessary. Just ask Wyndham Clark, who embarked on a quest to find a spark for his career. Last season, Clark experienced a major breakthrough by winning the Wells Fargo Championship and the U.S. Open in just 42 days with an Odyssey Versa Jailbird putter. However, as all good things eventually come to an end, Clark found himself in need of something new to reignite his putting game.
The Search for a New Putter
With the help of his new putting coach, Mike Kanski, Clark identified a slight left-aim tendency that raised questions about the need for a putter change. It was at this point that the Odyssey Tour reps, Joe Toulon and Cody Hale, entered the picture. They received the green light to build several different putter options for Clark to test, including Odyssey Ai-One Jailbird Cruiser putters with no alignment lines.
The Power of Experimentation
Toulon and Hale engaged in a detailed discussion with Clark, addressing the issues he was encountering and offering potential solutions from a putter perspective. The process of finding the ideal putter involved a Sunday putting lesson and experimentation with a left-hand low grip. The change in grip required a modification in the putter’s length, which was cut down to 35.75 inches from Clark’s previous 39 inches. This adjustment aimed to level Clark’s shoulder and ensure a square address. Additionally, the head was bent 1 degree flat to create the illusion of a more open/square appearance when Clark stood over putts.
Alignment Aid Change
One significant adjustment made to Clark’s new putter was the removal of the alignment dots on the topline. While lines and dots are commonly used as visual aids to assist golfers in focusing on their target, relying too heavily on them can have unintended consequences. Removing the dots helped prevent Clark from fixating on visuals and contributed to a slightly more open/square appearance at address. This seemingly small change can make a world of difference, especially for elite professionals like Clark.
The Impact of Changes
In addition to the modifications made to the putter’s head and alignment aid, Clark discovered the benefits of Odyssey’s Ai insert, which proved particularly effective for mishits. Clark’s performance at the Pebble Beach Pro-Am showcased the immediate impact of these changes, as he dropped nearly 200 feet worth of putts during the tournament. Not only did the changes improve Clark’s putting, but they also had a positive effect on his bank account.
Clark expressed his satisfaction with the adjustments, stating, “A lot changed, but I think not having the line on the putter’s been the biggest thing for me.”
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
How did Wyndham Clark’s search for a new putter begin?
After his previous successes with an Odyssey Versa Jailbird putter, Clark found himself in need of a new spark for his putting game.
Who were the Odyssey Tour reps involved in helping Clark find a new putter?
Joe Toulon and Cody Hale, the Odyssey Tour reps, played a crucial role in building and presenting different putter options for Clark to test.
What changes were made to Clark’s putting technique and style?
Clark experimented with a left-hand low grip and underwent modifications in the putter’s length and head angle to address aiming issues.
What was the impact of removing the alignment dots on Clark’s new putter?
Eliminating the alignment dots helped prevent Clark from fixating on visuals and contributed to a more open/square appearance at address.
How did Clark’s putting performance improve after the changes?
Clark’s immediate success at the Pebble Beach Pro-Am demonstrated the positive impact of the changes, as he dropped nearly 200 feet worth of putts during the tournament.
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