The Odyssey 3 Ball Putter has been around 2006 and has been quite popular throughout the years. However, the rules of golf equipment have changed a lot and many golfers believe that this club no longer conforms to the equipment rules, thus making it illegal.
To see whether or not the Odyssey 3 ball putter is illegal, I checked the USGA’s equipment guidelines.
Is the Odyssey 3 Ball Putter Illegal? According to the equipment rules of the USGA and R&A, the Odyssey 3 Ball Putter is legal to use for any casual, high-level amateur, and professional golf outings. In other words, any golfer can use the Odyssey 3 Ball Putter as it conforms to all the equipment rules.
For reference, the USGA and R&A are considered governing bodies of the golfing world. All other golfing groups, organizations, and local associations should follow their rules. So, if the USGA approves of any equipment, it should be legal for all golf games and tournaments.
Why Is The Odyssey 3 Ball Putter Considered Controversial?
One of the biggest reasons why many golfers think this club is illegal is because of the holes that it has. The Odyssey 3 ball putter has 2 distinct holes through the top of it. The USGA has very strict rules about clubs having holes in the head.
However, the USGA makes an exception for putters when it comes to having holes in the club head. All golf clubs, with exception for most putters and cavity-back irons, are not allowed to have holes in the top. This means that the Odyssey 3 Ball Putter is legal even with the holes through its head.
Below is a direct quote from the USGA and R&A site regarding this matter:
“This provision is interpreted very liberally for putters and holes through the head (excluding the face) for any purpose including aiming, sighting or alignment are permitted”
As you can see, as long as the putter does not have holes going through the club face, then it is considered legal. Having holes in the club head is legal. Below is an image of what the USGA has as an example of a legal putter with a hole through its head.
As you can see, in example B, the club head has a hole in it and it is still considered conforming. So, you can rest assure that your Odyssey 3 Ball putter is considered legal.