Stricker with a new putter at the World Challenge

[GolfWRX]

Stricker puts a new putter in the bag

 

By Zak Kozuchowski

 

GolfWRX Managing Editor

 

Steve Stricker finished 67th on the PGA Tour in its Strokes Gained-Putting Statistic in 2012, marking one of the worst putting years for the Wisconsin native since to Tour began tracking the stat in 2004.

 

Maybe that's why Stricker abandoned his trusty Odyssey White Hot #2 putter in favor of an Odyssey Sabertooth mallet putter, a face-balanced design that Stricker is using in the same "toe-down" style of his old flat stick.

 

Take a look at Stricker's putting statistics since 2004. With the exception of 2010 and 2011, Stricker's putting stats have slipped every year. Maybe it was time to try something new?

 

Stricker's Strokes Gained-Putting Statistics:

 

2012: 67th

2011: 2nd

2010: 22nd

2009: 61st

2008: 32nd

2007: 27th

2006: 7th

2005: 6th

2004: 3rd

 

[Dscvrr St Louis]

I am guessing the mallet is just way more stable than the Rossie so he feels more comfortable, and that he might have a mental block using the Rossie after the Ryder Cup..although I cannot blame him for that loss...

[tsmcanada]

[quote name='Dscvrr St Louis' timestamp='1354302278' post='6001059']
I am guessing the mallet is just way more stable than the Rossie so he feels more comfortable, and that he might have a mental block using the Rossie after the Ryder Cup..although I cannot blame him for that loss...
[/quote]

He didn't use a rossie, Snedeker does... But his putting has been way below his level of acceptance all year. He's probably just gotta switch it up.

[wolfpack]

Sabertooth's are sweet, I would think they should be more popular than the #7 but it doesn't seem so. Go Stricker!

[tembolo1284]

Sad to see him using this. Whatever works I guess.

[born4golf77]

i think zak is trying to set the record for most locks of competitive thread. seriously, can you not let a decent thread go on w/o writing article and then closing all other threads.

it is interesting to see stricker switch. wonder how if it will last?

[hayzooos]

[quote name='born4golf77' timestamp='1354310368' post='6001687']
i think zak is trying to set the record for most locks of competitive thread. seriously, can you not let a decent thread go on w/o writing article and then closing all other threads.

it is interesting to see stricker switch. wonder how if it will last?
[/quote]

I think they just need to combine them...bring the comments from the other thread into this one. Or have the OPs article posted in the other thread. I don't particularly care for all the locked threads either. I know it's not because Zak is trying to be "the man", it's because there is way more information in this OP than in the other one. It makes sense on some level, but I think in a topic as short as this one, it would be good to see the other comments brought over instead of being lost in a locked topic.

[Fornesto]

its funny that he uses an otr odyssey instead of a $1500 tour issue scotty he could get for free

[MadGolfer76]

[quote name='tembolo1284' timestamp='1354310352' post='6001683']
Sad to see him using this. Whatever works I guess.
[/quote]

Interested in why you say this. I always thought the ST was a good stick.

[robbie91]

[quote name='MadGolfer76' timestamp='1354316579' post='6002137']
[quote name='tembolo1284' timestamp='1354310352' post='6001683']
Sad to see him using this. Whatever works I guess.
[/quote]

Interested in why you say this. I always thought the ST was a good stick.
[/quote]

I share the same sentiment. The ST is a great putter but there was something cool about watching Stricker pour everything in with such a simple old style putter. It showed that it truly is the indian and not the arrow. But from the putts I saw Stricker hit yesterday he seems to be rolling the ST really well so good for him. He has always been one of my favorite players.

[tbowles411]

I've always liked the Sabertooth, but it does look odd that he's using it.

[mickeytbones]

Hate to be Captain Obvious, but Stricker must only like the feel of insert putters.

[Runt1122]

Sticker is pure class. Hopefully a putter change will bring him more success in 2013.

[huntdog99]

At least the heel is still in the air. I mean really? Can someone please fit the man?

[hayzooos]

[quote name='huntdog99' timestamp='1354336930' post='6003439']
At least the heel is still in the air. I mean really? Can someone please fit the man?
[/quote]

That's not an accident, he's always putted that way. I'm pretty sure Arnold putted the same way, didn't he? I remember reading about this a few years back because I thought it was weird too. I don't know if it was Arnold or not, but one of the greats putted with the heel in the air as well.

And yes, Stricker is pure class. I worked at a course in Wisconsin and got a chance to meet him and Jerry Kelly a few times. Stricker is a pleasure to be around. Just a good guy the whole way though. Kelly is a riot, that guy has a good sense of humor. Andy North on the other hand....I don't particularly care for him.

[kakashi54]

[quote name='hayzooos' timestamp='1354348185' post='6003687']
[quote name='huntdog99' timestamp='1354336930' post='6003439']
At least the heel is still in the air. I mean really? Can someone please fit the man?
[/quote]

That's not an accident, he's always putted that way. I'm pretty sure Arnold putted the same way, didn't he? I remember reading about this a few years back because I thought it was weird too. I don't know if it was Arnold or not, but one of the greats putted with the heel in the air as well.

And yes, Stricker is pure class. I worked at a course in Wisconsin and got a chance to meet him and Jerry Kelly a few times. Stricker is a pleasure to be around. Just a good guy the whole way though. Kelly is a riot, that guy has a good sense of humor. Andy North on the other hand....I don't particularly care for him.
[/quote]Im pretty sure that huntdog99 was having a joke

[floyd]

Strange to see him with a different putter.

[GIR LOL]

The world is coming to an end.

[hayzooos]

[quote name='kakashi54' timestamp='1354354688' post='6003773']
[quote name='hayzooos' timestamp='1354348185' post='6003687']
[quote name='huntdog99' timestamp='1354336930' post='6003439']
At least the heel is still in the air. I mean really? Can someone please fit the man?
[/quote]

That's not an accident, he's always putted that way. I'm pretty sure Arnold putted the same way, didn't he? I remember reading about this a few years back because I thought it was weird too. I don't know if it was Arnold or not, but one of the greats putted with the heel in the air as well.

And yes, Stricker is pure class. I worked at a course in Wisconsin and got a chance to meet him and Jerry Kelly a few times. Stricker is a pleasure to be around. Just a good guy the whole way though. Kelly is a riot, that guy has a good sense of humor. Andy North on the other hand....I don't particularly care for him.
[/quote]Im pretty sure that huntdog99 was having a joke
[/quote]
Those darn internets, always tough to pick up on that stuff sometimes!!

[pgolf22]

[quote name='hayzooos' timestamp='1354348185' post='6003687']
[quote name='huntdog99' timestamp='1354336930' post='6003439']
At least the heel is still in the air. I mean really? Can someone please fit the man?
[/quote]

That's not an accident, he's always putted that way. I'm pretty sure Arnold putted the same way, didn't he? I remember reading about this a few years back because I thought it was weird too. I don't know if it was Arnold or not, but one of the greats putted with the heel in the air as well.

And yes, Stricker is pure class. I worked at a course in Wisconsin and got a chance to meet him and Jerry Kelly a few times. Stricker is a pleasure to be around. Just a good guy the whole way though. Kelly is a riot, that guy has a good sense of humor. Andy North on the other hand....I don't particularly care for him.
[/quote]

Are you thinking of Tom Watson with the heel in the air?

[T Shaf]

[quote name='Fornesto' timestamp='1354316215' post='6002109']
its funny that he uses an otr odyssey instead of a $1500 tour issue scotty he could get for free
[/quote]

he could've traded the White Hot Tour #2 in - PGA value guide is giving $23 for it...

actually it is strange to see him with the ST, wonder if it will stick?

[Shrapnac]

[quote name='Fornesto' timestamp='1354316215' post='6002109']
its funny that he uses an otr odyssey instead of a $1500 tour issue scotty he could get for free
[/quote]

Probably because he's more concerned with what makes putts, not if he's going to lose cred from his bros on GolfWRX because he doesn't have a goofy rat stamped on his putter.

[teejaa6]

i think Stricker is going to return to the top of the putting ranks over the next year...taking advantage of the new technology/balance/MOI and the guy can just plain putt! great combination.

I love the feel of my XG Sabertooth but i wish they had put a nice sight line on it....not those 2 dots. same with the #7s.

[golfware]

Stricker is a smart man! The Sabertooth is incredibly stable! I've gamed one for years.

[jonn443]

[quote name='golfware' timestamp='1354415754' post='6006119']
Stricker is a smart man! The Sabertooth is incredibly stable! I've gamed one for years.
[/quote]

+1 here! though I recently had to switch to a left hand low grip, but it sure is working...

[hayzooos]

[quote name='pgolf22' timestamp='1354403298' post='6005515']
[quote name='hayzooos' timestamp='1354348185' post='6003687']
[quote name='huntdog99' timestamp='1354336930' post='6003439']
At least the heel is still in the air. I mean really? Can someone please fit the man?
[/quote]

That's not an accident, he's always putted that way. I'm pretty sure Arnold putted the same way, didn't he? I remember reading about this a few years back because I thought it was weird too. I don't know if it was Arnold or not, but one of the greats putted with the heel in the air as well.

And yes, Stricker is pure class. I worked at a course in Wisconsin and got a chance to meet him and Jerry Kelly a few times. Stricker is a pleasure to be around. Just a good guy the whole way though. Kelly is a riot, that guy has a good sense of humor. Andy North on the other hand....I don't particularly care for him.
[/quote]

Are you thinking of Tom Watson with the heel in the air?
[/quote]

Very possible, I cannot remember who was referenced in the article or interview when they were talking about this with Stricker.

[lenny318]

make sense since Strick likes to putt straight back and straight through so why not embrace the technology, a high MOI putter, that will help his stroke.

[pga43]

[quote name='lenny318' timestamp='1354473487' post='6008261']
make sense since Strick likes to putt straight back and straight through so why not embrace the technology, a high MOI putter, that will help his stroke.
[/quote]

I agree. Think it's more about finding a putter that works better then thinking about the Ryder Cup


Greg

[makaveli]

[quote name='wolfpack' timestamp='1354310257' post='6001671']
Sabertooth's are sweet, I would think they should be more popular than the #7 but it doesn't seem so. Go Stricker!
[/quote]
i agree. when i started playing 3 years ago the sabertooth was my favorite and I almost bought one but i sided with the traditional anser style.

it seems that #7 is getting alot of use on tour, maybe cuz it works for Luke Donald, maybe not. I was sure Stricker was using the #7 but these pics dont lie

[Nelson A]

Heel up? never seen this style before? usually it is toe up of flat.

Sabertooth is a sweet looking putter. might game something like it next year.

is his a tour issue or just off the rack?