Odyssey Putter Poker Chip

[wengerlaw]

I recently purchased an Odyssey putter. The headcover has a pocket which contains an Odyssey poker chip inside. Does anyone know the purpose/history behind this poker chip?

I did a quick Google search and some people refer to it as a ball marker. However, the chip is way too big and thick for anyone to use the chip as a marker and not get laughed at and/or chastised by their playing partners.

[total consciousness]

their head putter designer is a compulsive gambler. saw it on the Golf Channel.

[PBCgolfer]

It's probably not a chip, it's most likely a card protector, so you dont accidentally reveal your cards when involved in a hand. (yes i play poker)

[TarDawg]

could also be used as a good putting tool? I've seen where a pro while practicing his putting will put a quarter under the ball and wait to see the quarter until he looks up. Perhaps the compulsive gambler designer is using the chip the same way?

[RoyalBull]

I just bought an Odyssey Rossie and got the poker chip. I use it on the practice green or in the living room to putt to.

It is an odd thing to have in a putter cover without an explanation. I kind of like it!

I also have to say that I love this putter. I have an old Ping Zing from 20 years ago that finally went dry on me. I love the mallet and the feel. And the poker chip. :)

[wengerlaw]

Here is the response I received from Callaway Customer Service:

"Thank you for your recent E-mail. We appreciate your taking the time to contact us with your inquiry, and we hope that your White Hot XG putter is performing well for you.

"In response to your inquiry, the poker chip that was included with the headcover of your White Hot XG putter is intended to be used as a ball marker.

"If you have any further questions, please call our Customer Service Department at (800) 588-9836. Our business hours are Monday through Friday, 6:00am to 5:00pm Pacific Standard Time. The Representative you speak with will be happy to assist you in any way possible."


I think the ball marker explanation is silly and unimaginative. The chip is the size of a silver dollar, I don't think this constitutes a "small coin" for marking your ball as required by the rules. It would be cool if Callaway would come up with an interesting backstory for this chip (true or false, I don't care, just make it interesting).

[RunOfTheDill]

Cool if that was the reason. I googled and found that you can buy a custom set of chips with odyssey cards with the chips.

[fusioncal]

Here is the response I received from Callaway Customer Service:

First of all, the poker chip serves as a reminder to always gamble whenever you are playing golf with your buddy. Secondly, there's always a chance your ball will be in between the hole and your buddy's ball when in play. Do I need to explain what will happen when it's your buddy's turn to putt?

[rmccabe6]

I recently purchased an Odyssey putter. The headcover has a pocket which contains an Odyssey poker chip inside. Does anyone know the purpose/history behind this poker chip? I did a quick Google search and some people refer to it as a ball marker. However, the chip is way too big and thick for anyone to use the chip as a marker and not get laughed at and/or chastised by their playing partners.

I had one of those recently, and I do beleive it is supposed to be a ball marker. When I first looked at it, i thought it was a drink chip from a bar

[Guest]

I use it as a ball marker unless Im in someone's line. In that case I use a smaller one.

[fusioncal]

I use it as a ball marker unless Im in someone's line. In that case I use a smaller one.

Do not use smaller one. The poker chip is meant to be in someone's line of putt. If the other person objects, say it comes with the putter and it's the only ball marker you've got. When he's ready to lend you one, please refer to the rule that lending or borrowing equipment from each other during golf round is subject to penalty.

[Buckswin]

Do not use smaller one. The poker chip is meant to be in someone's line of putt. If the other person objects, say it comes with the putter and it's the only ball marker you've got. When he's ready to lend you one, please refer to the rule that lending or borrowing equipment from each other during golf round is subject to penalty.

Except that you can move your ballmarker (and replace it) without penalty...

[Guest]

My buddy just got a new putter and busted out one of these poker chips to mark his ball. I was giving him s**t all day that there's gotta be a limit to the size of the ball marker. I came home and tried to look it up in the rules but couldn't find anything. Is it true your marker can be anything, shape or size?

[motius]

Is it true your marker can be anything, shape or size?

I don't know what the official rules say, but in a casual game you could really have some fun taking this to an extreme... Can you imagine the possibilities?

- Golf Glove - Bottle of Water - Driver Head Cover ! Seriously though, anything larger than the size of the actual golf ball is pretty pointless. I use a small plastic ball marker that is the size of a dime (but flatter), and has a small plastic spike in it.

[iacas]

I don't know what the official rules say, but in a casual game you could really have some fun taking this to an extreme... Can you imagine the possibilities?

I believe you still have to accurate represent the location of the ball. With your headcover, it could blow away and you're not entirely sure where the ball goes to a high degree of certainty. If you're off an inch, well, technically that's cheating.

PGA Tour tournaments and other high-profile events add a local rule saying you can only use a small coin or something. I think someone tried to use a flower to mark his ball once or something... Anyway, technically, yeah, you can use just about anything to mark your ball.

[MGP]

Here's an actual USGA ruling on the subject:

20-1/16 Method Used to Mark Position of Ball


Q. The Note to Rule 20-1 provides that “the position of a ball to be lifted should be marked by placing a ball-marker, a small coin or other similar object immediately behind the ball.” Is a player penalized if he uses an object which is not similar to a ball-marker or small coin to mark the position of his ball?

A. No. The provision in the Note to Rule 20-1 is a recommendation of best practice, but there is no penalty for failing to act in accordance with the Note.
Examples of methods of marking the position of a ball which are not recommended, but are permissible, are as follows:
• placing the toe of a club at the side of, or behind, the ball;
• using a tee;
• using a loose impediment;
• scratching a line, provided the putting green is not tested (Rule 16-1d) and a line for putting is not indicated (Rule 8-2b). As this practice may cause damage to the putting green, it is discouraged.
However, under Rule 20-1 it is necessary to physically mark the position of the ball. Reference to an existing mark on the ground does not constitute marking the position of a ball. For example, it is not permissible to mark the position with reference to a blemish on the putting green.

[Guest]

That casino size poker chip that came with your Odyssey putter cover is a ball marker. It's not used to mark your ball location when on the putting green; it's too of large course. It's used when you are playing in a scramble/ best-ball match. You place the chip in line with the best-ball, it marks that ball so you and the other members of your scramble know where to place their ball, it marks where to shoot from whether you are on the fairway or putting green.

[iWALK18]

I have always thought that the poker chip was meant to be a target to putt to on a crowded practice green.

On a side note, I will now be using a hockey puck to mark my ball.