Alignment of golf putters with an intended putting direction

Abstract

High performance putters utilizing effective visual alignment features, enhanced feel, and excellent rolling characteristics.

1 . A golf putter comprising a shaft, a neck, and a body, wherein the shaft extends from the neck and the neck extends from the body, the neck comprising at least a linear portion that indicates alignment with an intended putting direction as viewed from above the body of the putter when the putter is held in a putting stance by a golfer. 
     
     
         2 . The putter of  claim 1 , wherein the linear portion of the neck appears parallel or coincident with the intended putting direction. 
     
     
         3 . The putter of  claim 1 , wherein the linear portion of the neck comprises a horizontal portion. 
     
     
         4 . The putter of  claim 1 , wherein the linear portion of the neck comprises a vertical portion. 
     
     
         5 . The putter of  claim 1 , wherein the neck is positioned at the center of gravity of the body of the putter. 
     
     
         6 . The putter of  claim 1 , wherein the neck is spaced from the center of gravity of the body of the putter. 
     
     
         7 . The putter of  claim 1 , wherein the linear portion of the neck is visually distinct from another portion of the neck. 
     
     
         8 . A golf putter comprising a shaft, a neck, and a body, wherein the shaft extends from the neck and the neck extends from the body at or near one of a center of gravity of the body, a heel of the body, and a rear face of the body, the neck comprising at least a linear portion that indicates alignment with an intended putting direction as viewed from above the body of the putter when the putter is held in a putting stance by a golfer. 
     
     
         9 . A golf putter comprising a shaft having a longitudinal axis, a neck, and a body extending from the neck, wherein the neck comprises a first portion that extends radially from the shaft in a generally perpendicular direction by a first distance in a direction of a front face of the body, wherein the front face of the body is spaced from the longitudinal axis of the shaft by a distance that is at least as great as the first distance that the first portion of the neck extends from the shaft, and wherein the first portion of the neck indicates alignment with an intended putting direction as viewed from above the body of the putter when the putter is held in a putting stance by a golfer.