Golfing putter

Abstract

This invention relates to a golfing putter and, more particularly, a golfing putter (1) for helping golfers strike a golf ball (17) consistently without inducing backspin on the ball. The golfing putter (1) comprises a head (2) fixed to a shaft (3). The head (2) has a front face (7) for striking the golf ball (17), and an upper face (6) disposed in use towards the golfer. The vertical centre of mass (8) is behind an upper portion of the front face (7) of the head (2). The head (2) has at least in a central portion (35) of the front face (7) an inverted L-shaped cross-section with the top face (6) forming an upper arm (36) of the L-shape and the front face (7) forming the front arm (37) of the L-shape. The front arm (37) is thinner than the top arm (36). The head therefore has a vertical centre of mass (8) behind an upper third of the front face (7) of the head (2) above the impact point with the golf ball (17).

Description

BACKGROUND [0001] a. Field of the Invention [0002] This invention relates to a golfing putter for striking a golf ball towards a golf hole. [0003] b. Related Art [0004] When playing golf the putter is used to strike a golf ball into the hole from the green or around the green. The golfer addresses the ball with the putter, which is then swung back and forward striking the ball towards the hole on the forward swing. On striking the ball the putter propels the ball towards the hole overcoming the inertia of the stationary ball. [0005] A golfer when preparing to make a putt takes great care in setting up to align the putter and his / her body so as to maximise the effectiveness of the putt. The alignment of the head relative to and eyes along the line of the putt is seen as an important element in this process. [0006] The design of the putting head has a crucial effect on the quality and repeatability of the strike. Modern putters are typically made with some of their mass situated towar...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0014] To help raise the centre of gravity of the head with respect to a central portion of the front face, it is preferred if the bottom of the front face is below the lower limits of the end lobes.

[0021] The upper face may be polished to a shiny or mirror finish, allowing the golfer to see her / his reflection. The front face should be thick enough to resist any permanent distortion due to the strike of a golf ball but preferably also thin enough to provide differentiated noises according to whether the strike is in the centre of the sweet spot, below it or to the side of it. It has been found to be particularly advantageous if the bottom front face extends below the lower limits of the end lobes, as this can enhance the ringing sound.

[0023] The golfer may therefore more readily strike a golf ball correctly with said centre of mass above the point of impact with the golf ball.

[0024] The inventor has found that the noise of the strike of the ball against the putting head front face can also provide useful information as to the nature of the strike. In contrast, many modern putters have been designed to all but eliminate this element—through the use of plastic or resin inserts and thick front faces.

Problems solved by technology

Although backspin can be beneficial in some circumstances, for most golfers this present difficulties because of the length and speed of the putt being dependant on both the swing of the putter by the golfer and on the potentially variable quality of the putting surface.

It has been found by the inventor that the combination of a low centre of gravity and these other factors reduces the predictability in the direction and distance travelled by the ball—both essential aspects of control when a golfer is putting.

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