New Odyssey Arm Lock putter conforms to proposed anchor ban

That didn’t take long. Two days after the USGA and R&A proposed banning the anchored putting stroke, and in what will likely be the first of many such introductions, Odyssey Golf disclosed that its new Metal-X Arm Lock putters will conform with the new regulation.

(Photo: Odyssey Golf)

“We have been working toward solutions for the proposed ban on the anchoring technique for some time now, and working with our tour players, have identified an alternative and tour-proven putting method,” Chris Koske, Odyssey’s global director, said in a statement on Friday. “We’re now moving quickly to deliver the Arm Lock products that promote a stable and consistent putting stroke for both professionals and amateur golfers.”

The flat stick, which will let golfers stabilize the putter the way Matt Kuchar does -- by resting the shafts against their forearms -- will be available in January in two versions -- the Metal-X #7 and Metal-X DART.

“At Odyssey we were adamant about offering alternative solutions to golfers who might change their current technique based on the recent anchoring proposal,” said Austie Rollinson, Odyssey’s principal designer. “We worked closely with many of [the tour players who use Odyssey putters] to dial in the new Arm Lock putters to ensure they perform at the highest level.”

Keegan Bradley could be an early adapter of the new club. The first player to win a major with a belly putter practiced Thursday after the opening round of this week’s World Challenge with his Odyssey XG Sabertooth snaking up his left arm, a la Kuchar. Golf’s rules-makers have okayed Kuchar’s stroke going forward.

The Metal-X Arm Lock will retail for $189.99.