OT - Rules Question - Why are two sided putters legal?

[Wayne_Kozun]

Two sided putters, like the Bullseye are legal in golf, yet two sided chippers or other clubs are not legal.  What is the rationale for two sided putters being legal?


This is from 54 - Part 2: - USGA Equipment Rules (https://www.usga.org/content/dam/usga/pdf/Equipment/Equipment%20Rules%20Final.pdf)


d. Striking Faces
The clubhead must have only one striking face, except that a putter may have two such faces if their characteristics are the same, and they are opposite each other.


It goes on to say: "The exception for putters was introduced in order to accommodate traditional blade‑type putters."


But why accomodate traditional blade-type putters?

[David_Tepper]

Wayne -

Good question. As someone who putts off of both sides of my Bullseye, I sure hope the rule does not change any time soon.

DT

[Wayne_Kozun]

Wayne -

Good question. As someone who putts off of both sides of my Bullseye, I sure hope the rule does not change any time soon.

DT

I believe Notah Begay putted both left and right handed with a Bullseye in tour events.


Do you even use the bullseye from your non-normal side for other shots - like up against a tree or very near a bunker?

[Pete_Pittock]

Probably Scottish economics. Cheaper to build a putter for both right handers and mollydookers than separate ones for each. There is more athleticism/coordination needed to hit from both sides as the degree of loft increases.

[Jim_Coleman]

   Anybody good enough to use a bullseye should be given free reign. Probably haven’t seen one on tv for a quarter century or more.

[Erik J. Barzeski]

Maybe think of it more as two-sided non-putters are illegal? 

[Tom Bacsanyi]

It's a pity that Club Pro Guy's triple sided punchout club is illegal.


https://clubproguy.com/products/xe747-punchout-club-with-cover

[Wayne_Kozun]

Yes but it clearly has a third hitting surface and it isn't a putter.  But I really think that the USGA was just scared by the camel toe technology. 

[JohnVDB]

Wayne -

Good question. As someone who putts off of both sides of my Bullseye, I sure hope the rule does not change any time soon.

DT

Don’t worry David, the Bullseye will always be legal.  As the Rule says, putters are ok as long as both faces are identical (no different lofts) because they always have been. It is the exception That proves the Rule.

[Marty Bonnar]

Does it matter if either face has any writing (like, say, a logo or manufactures name) on it?

[Cal Carlisle]

It's a pity that Club Pro Guy's triple sided punchout club is illegal.


https://clubproguy.com/products/xe747-punchout-club-with-cover

Complete with "Camel Toe" headcover.

[JohnVDB]

Does it matter if either face has any writing (like, say, a logo or manufactures name) on it?

No as long as the playing characteristics are the same.

[Pete_Pittock]

Does the definition of the putting green as a part of the course specially prepared for putting assist in making the distinction of a two-sided club?