Can putter inserts deform with a lot of use?

[danthegolfer]

I've had an original 2 ball putter with the original white hot insert for 23 years. It's the only putter I've ever used since I got it. It's played nearly 1000 rounds, plus an equal amount of putting practice sessions. So I would say a conservative estimate would be that it's delivered tens of thousands of hits.

 

I've also played some of the big putting courses (or just some courses with huge greens) that have required occasionally those 'big' hits to send the ball 130+ feet.

 

When I inspect the insert closely I don't currently see any deforms or dents but I was wondering if this is something that could happen with this type of insert, and if it can happen would it be enough to affect the start line of a putt even if not easily visible?

[Pepperturbo]

I still have a Callaway White Hot putter from early 2k, which has an insert.  NO deterioration or deformity of the insert that I can see.

[pkshooter]

While I suppose denting is possible, I would think the more likely scenario would be a potential change in the physical properties of the polymer over long periods of time.  Either way, after 23 years, you are well justified to flirt with some other putters 😀 

[Phebus]

Place a straight edge on it and see if you see any light under it. 

[dokex]

58 minutes ago, danthegolfer said:

I've had an original 2 ball putter with the original white hot insert for 23 years. It's the only putter I've ever used since I got it. It's played nearly 1000 rounds, plus an equal amount of putting practice sessions. So I would say a conservative estimate would be that it's delivered tens of thousands of hits.

 

I've also played some of the big putting courses (or just some courses with huge greens) that have required occasionally those 'big' hits to send the ball 130+ feet.

 

When I inspect the insert closely I don't currently see any deforms or dents but I was wondering if this is something that could happen with this type of insert, and if it can happen would it be enough to affect the start line of a putt even if not easily visible?

OVERTHINKING

[robbie91]

4 hours ago, danthegolfer said:

I've had an original 2 ball putter with the original white hot insert for 23 years. It's the only putter I've ever used since I got it. It's played nearly 1000 rounds, plus an equal amount of putting practice sessions. So I would say a conservative estimate would be that it's delivered tens of thousands of hits.

 

I've also played some of the big putting courses (or just some courses with huge greens) that have required occasionally those 'big' hits to send the ball 130+ feet.

 

When I inspect the insert closely I don't currently see any deforms or dents but I was wondering if this is something that could happen with this type of insert, and if it can happen would it be enough to affect the start line of a putt even if not easily visible?

 

Snedeker said that he has had the insert on his XG replaced a number of times. It's in a Bob Does Sports video that was done recently. However, if you don't see any obvious flaws in the insert, it's likely fine. I find the old school Odyssey inserts to be quite hearty and have never noticed issues. 

[Barfolomew]

Never understood how players like them 2 ball putters without the alignment line..... carry on 😛

[Jeff58]

And today’s award for most unique excuse to ho a new putter goes to…

[coops]

Depends where you live... Thailand is brutal on plastics. It's a local rite of passage to have the sole of a (golf) shoe fall off mid round at some point.

 

Sister in law sent her trusty old Odyssey over to see if i could sort out the grip which was rotten.

Was having a look.. and noticed this

🤫

 

[robbie91]

1 hour ago, coops said:

Depends where you live... Thailand is brutal on plastics. It's a local rite of passage to have the sole of a (golf) shoe fall off mid round at some point.

 

Sister in law sent her trusty old Odyssey over to see if i could sort out the grip which was rotten.

Was having a look.. and noticed this

🤫

 

 

Good post. I didn't think of the role of climate in impacting the insert. Should be relatively simply to replace though. 

[jda]

Straight edge and fishing line, or a good set of feeler wire and you will know.  I had a BeCu Ping that had a worn spot in the middle after years of use...  Yes, they can wear out.  How much is unknown unless you test it.

[chip75]

On 7/5/2024 at 9:43 PM, robbie91 said:

 

Snedeker said that he has had the insert on his XG replaced a number of times. It's in a Bob Does Sports video that was done recently.  

Michael Campbell has said to have done the same thing when he was rolling an Odyssey.

 

Unless it's an environmental issue, apart from paint wear, you should be okay.

[Baitkiller]

I would wager that face isn't anywhere close to flat. A trip to the spa is in order. 

[cw1209]

You might want to get a credit card out to check the face.

 

https://golf.com/gear/putters/will-zalatoris-credit-card-shocking-discovery/

 

[Putter Addict]

I would also have your lie/loft looked at since I would think that is more likely to get out of spec over the years and can impact the stroke and starting line.