In an unexpected twist within the golfing world, the seasoned professional Sam Burns recently made a pivotal change to his equipment, breaking a six-year bond with his trusted Odyssey O-Works Black 7S mallet putter in favor of the cutting-edge Odyssey Ai-One 7S. The surprising switch unfolded at the Tour Championship, the climactic finale of the golf playoffs, leaving even Odyssey’s seasoned Tour representatives astonished by Sam Burns’ Putter Switch.
Known for routinely rejecting new putters presented by Odyssey Tour reps, Burns had cultivated an unyielding attachment to his O-Works Black 7S since turning pro in 2017. Despite periodic attempts to explore alternative options, he consistently gravitated back to the familiar mallet featuring the Microhinge insert.
The turning point leading to this significant change occurred when Burns found himself grappling with a performance slump with his existing putter. Troubled by a recent lack of confidence on the greens, he devoted time on the Callaway Tour truck in a quest to discover a solution, exploring various putter options. It was during this period that Odyssey reps introduced him to the Ai-One 7S.
While the head of the Ai-One 7S closely resembled his beloved O-Works Black 7S, the critical departure lay in the insert. Recognizing the need for a change and a spark in his game, Burns decided to put the new putter to the test on the state-of-the-art putting green aboard the tour truck.
In a surprising departure from his usual resistance to putter changes, Burns was pleasantly surprised by the feel and performance of the Ai-One 7S. Within a brief period on the practice green at East Lake, he noted a remarkable consistency and a confidence-inspiring feel. In a move unprecedented for Burns, he requested to use the Ai-One 7S in competition, initially causing Odyssey reps to question whether he was joking.
Reflecting on the swift decision to switch putters, Burns emphasized the cleaner lines and appealing aesthetics of the Ai-One. As a golfer renowned for his discerning taste in equipment, rarely deviating from his established preferences, the speed of his decision to adopt the Ai-One 7S within an hour of testing speaks volumes about the immediate impact the putter had on Burns’ confidence.
Since making the switch, Burns hasn’t looked back. He went on to secure an impressive T9 finish at the Tour Championship, showcasing a remarkable 6th place ranking in Strokes Gained: Putting. With one final start scheduled for the year at the Hero World Challenge, it appears increasingly likely that the Ai-One 7S will continue to be a staple in Burns’ bag, underscoring the success of this unexpected equipment change in the highly competitive world of professional golf.