Putter Fitting Method for Optimum Weight

Abstract

A method for fitting a putter club to an individual golfer includes steps of obtaining performance data for the golfer using a plurality of putter configurations with a range of putter weights and mass-moment of inertia. This novel system uses putter head weight variation over a very wide range exceeding the putter head weights generally otherwise available. The system further uses very small increments of weight change over the very wide range to determine the optimal weight for the golfer. A particular putter weight is selected based on the optimal performance data collected for the golfer.

1 . A method of fitting a golf putter to a user, comprising:
 providing multiple putters with a common configuration and each putter having a unique weight and mass-moment of inertia;   completing a putting test, for each putter, comprising:
 allowing a user to strike a golf ball with a putter to induce the ball to roll toward a target; 
 detecting at least one putter performance parameter while or after the putter strikes the ball; and 
 recording at least one performance parameter; 
   repeating the putting test a multiple of times for each putter; and   determining an optimum putter weight and mass-moment of inertia from the associated performance parameters.   
     
     
         2 . A method of fitting a golf putter to a user, comprising:
 providing a putter having a first configuration having a unique weight and mass-moment of inertia;   completing a putting test comprising:
 allowing a user to strike multiple golf balls with a putter to induce each ball to roll toward a target; 
 detecting, for each ball, at least one putter performance parameter while or after the putter strikes the ball; and 
 recording at least one performance parameter for each ball; 
   changing the weight and mass-moment of inertia of the putter to form multiple subsequent unique putter configurations;   repeating the putting test for each subsequent putter configuration; and   determining an optimum putter weight and mass-moment of inertia from the associated performance parameters.   
     
     
         3 . A method, according to  claim 2 , and wherein:
 the performance parameter is a measure of putter angular rotation.   
     
     
         4 . A method, according to  claim 2 , and wherein:
 the performance parameter is a measure of ball movement.   
     
     
         5 . A method, according to  claim 2 , and wherein:
 the step of detecting at least one putter performance parameter comprises recording optical images of the putter while or after the putter strikes the ball.   
     
     
         6 . A method, according to  claim 2 , and wherein:
 the putter weight is changed by an incremental weight equal to no more than 12 grams.   
     
     
         7 . A method, according to  claim 2 , and wherein:
 the putter configurations each have a weight in the range of 300 to 600 grams.   
     
     
         8 . A method, according to  claim 7 , and wherein:
 the putter configurations comprise a second configuration having a weight of about 300 grams and a third configuration having a weight of at least 600 grams.