Our Review of the Original Odyssey White Hot 2-Ball Putter

Today, 2-Ball refers to a specific type of clubhead design found in several golf putters under the Odyssey Golf brand. In 2001, the original 2-Ball — the Odyssey White Hot 2-Ball putter — debuted and made significant waves in the golf equipment arena.

The legacy of that original 2-Ball putter is radiated through the larger, geometric mallet-headed putters available in today’s market, characterized by strong alignment patterns on their crowns.

Callaway Golf, which has owned the Odyssey brand since 1997, continues to offer a wide range of 2-Ball putters. Each time a new “family” of putters is unveiled, a 2-Ball option—a sizable, high-MOI mallet putter featuring two white discs on its crown—is typically included.

The white discs on the putter head mimic golf balls (matching the circumference of an actual golf ball), allowing golfers to visually perceive three golf balls in a line when addressing the real golf ball with a 2-Ball putter. This was the significant breakthrough of the original 2-Ball putter in 2001: a simple yet remarkably effective alignment aid that works.

Pros of the 2-Ball Putter

• Alignment is effortless with the 2-Ball.
• The mallet head’s weighting promotes a smooth pendulum motion.
• The urethane insert offers a soft feel during use.

Cons of the 2-Ball Putter

• Some golfers may be hesitant about using mallet heads. (Ed: This perception has notably decreased since 2002.)
• Ball may initially veer to the right for some users.
• Occupies considerable space in your golf bag. (Ed.: This was particularly relevant years ago when larger mallets were still a novelty.)

Key Features of the Odyssey White Hot 2-Ball Putter

• The 2-Ball boasts a sizable mallet head about twice the size of most conventional putter heads.
• Two white discs create the illusion of three balls in alignment when the putter is set down.
• The rear weighting of the clubhead minimizes backspin at impact.
• Available in standard lengths, as well as mid (belly) and long (broomstick) options.

As a division of Callaway Golf, the popularity of the Odyssey White Hot 2-Ball Putter remains strong in the golfing community. According to Golf Datatech, the 2-Ball has been recognized as the best-selling putter.

However, does the 2-Ball deliver successful results for everyone? The answer is likely yes. If alignment is your primary concern when putting, trying the 2-Ball could prove beneficial.

As Vic Yannuzzi, Director of Golf at Northern Hills Country Club in San Antonio, Texas, states, “Alignment is the biggest problem for most golfers. That’s where many putts are made or missed.”

The 2-Ball’s distinct design features a larger mallet head, accommodating the twin white discs mimicking golf balls that enhance alignment. This innovative feature is crucial to the 2-Ball’s appeal.

Research from Callaway suggests that over 70 percent of golfers tend to putt to the right of the hole. Interestingly, Callaway’s own findings indicated that 68 percent of golfers experienced improved accuracy after switching to the 2-Ball.

Yannuzzi highlights the “White Hot” urethane insert and the clubhead’s weighting as significant advantages of the 2-Ball, contributing to user satisfaction. The enlarged mallet fosters a smooth stroke, maintaining stability throughout the swing.

While you won’t choose the 2-Ball solely for the urethane insert—many putters now incorporate such inserts at varying price points—the true advantage resides in its superior alignment features, which appeal to numerous amateur golfers.

The Bottom Line: Facts indicate that numerous professional players embraced the 2-Ball in 2002, primarily due to its alignment traits. It is undoubtedly a club worth considering for golfers facing challenges with putting.

The Odyssey 2-Ball Putter Today

The White Hot and 2-Ball branding remains significant within the Callaway/Odyssey putter lineup. Additionally, visiting Odyssey Golf or Callaway Golf unveils various models embodying the White Hot and 2-Ball features.

Even almost two decades post the original Odyssey White Hot 2-Ball’s launch, many brands still attempt to replicate its design. Over time, many configurations have emerged, including 1-ball, 3-ball crowns, squares, arrows, and varied shapes atop the mallet heads. Nonetheless, all these adaptations trace back to the original 2-Ball, aiming to achieve the same visual guidance that assists golfers in achieving a straighter line and initiating their putts accurately.