Compact putter head

Abstract

Described herein is a compact putter-type club head having a compact body profile and a small striking surface area. This compact putter head is uniquely suited to produce accurate putts from the rough or fringe while achieving distinct alignment and delivery advantages under a variety of putting conditions. The small body dimensions, including the striking face, focus the player to make a centered strike while also providing minimal resistance when navigating tall grass. Certain features and characteristics of this compact putter head are specifically tailored to produce one of these benefits, while certain other features or characteristics provide benefits across multiple areas.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] (Cross Reference Priority) This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 406,657, filed September 14, 2022, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 366,131, filed June 9, 2022, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 364,709, filed May 13, 2022, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to golf club heads, and more particularly, to putter-type golf club heads having a compact profile. [Background technology]

[0003] When putting a golf ball, the ability to smoothly roll the ball at the proper speed along the intended target line leads to more accurate putting and therefore more putts going into the hole. Several factors affect the accuracy of a putt. These factors include the ability to strike the golf ball at or near the center of the striking face of the club head and the ability to smoothly roll the ball rather than letting it ricochet or bounce after impact. Putting accuracy is affected by a combination of the design of the putter-type club head and the way the golfer delivers the club head to the ball at impact.

[0004] Many golfers have difficulty consistently hitting the ball on the center of the striking face. Additionally, many prior art putter heads are not optimized to roll the ball smoothly. Both of these issues result in putts that go offline relative to the target or do not maintain the proper speed. There is a need in the art for a putter-type golf club head that produces a smooth rolling putt while allowing the player to manually align the club head and hit the ball on the center of the striking face. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0005] To facilitate further explanation of the embodiments, the following drawings are provided:

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a compact putter-type golf club head with a rear hosel according to a first embodiment.

[0007] [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 illustrates a top perspective view of the compact putter-type golf club head of FIG. 1;

[0008] [Diagram 3] 2 illustrates a top view of the compact putter-type golf club head of FIG. 1;

[0009] [Figure 4] FIG. 2 illustrates a rear-heel perspective view of the compact putter-style golf club head of FIG. 1;

[0010] [Diagram 5] 2 illustrates a front view of the compact putter-type golf club head of FIG. 1;

[0011] [Figure 6] 2 illustrates a top view of the compact putter-type golf club head of FIG. 1;

[0012] [Figure 7] 2 illustrates a front perspective view of the compact putter-type golf club head of FIG. 1;

[0013] [Figure 8] 2 illustrates a front view of the compact putter-type golf club head of FIG. 1;

[0014] [Figure 9] 1 illustrates a front view of a compact putter-type golf club head with a rear hosel according to a second embodiment.

[0015] [Figure 10] 10 illustrates a heel side view of the compact putter-type golf club head of FIG. 9.

[0016] [Figure 11] 10 illustrates a front view of the compact putter-type golf club head of FIG. 9.

[0017] [Figure 12] 10 illustrates a heel side view of the compact putter-type golf club head of FIG. 9.

[0018] [Figure 13] FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a compact putter-style golf club head with a front hosel.

[0019] [Figure 14] 14 illustrates a top perspective view of the compact putter-type golf club head of FIG. 13.

[0020] [Figure 15] FIG. 14 illustrates a heel side view of the compact putter-type golf club head of FIG.

[0021] [Figure 16] FIG. 14 illustrates a rear-heel perspective view of the compact putter-style golf club head of FIG. 13.

[0022] [Figure 17] FIG. 14 illustrates a toe side view of the compact putter-type golf club head of FIG.

[0023] [Figure 18] 14 illustrates a rear view of the compact putter-type golf club head of FIG. 13.

[0024] [Figure 19]1 illustrates a top perspective view of a compact putter-style golf club head with mass reduction features and a weight insert.

[0025] [Figure 20] FIG. 1 illustrates a top perspective view of a compact putter-type golf club head with a spade-shaped body according to a first embodiment.

[0026] [Figure 21] FIG. 2 illustrates a top perspective view of a compact putter-type golf club head with a spade-shaped body according to a second embodiment.

[0027] [Figure 22] FIG. 13 illustrates a top perspective view of a compact putter-type golf club head with a spade-shaped body according to a third embodiment.

[0028] [Figure 23] FIG. 13 illustrates a top perspective view of a compact putter-type golf club head with a spade-shaped body according to a fourth embodiment.

[0029] [Figure 24] FIG. 2 illustrates a top perspective view of a compact putter-style golf club head with rear clearance according to a first embodiment.

[0030] [Diagram 25] FIG. 1 illustrates a top perspective view of a compact putter-style golf club head with rear clearance according to a second embodiment.

[0031] [Figure 26] FIG. 2 illustrates a top perspective view of a compact putter-type golf club head with a protrusion according to a first embodiment.

[0032] [Figure 27] FIG. 1 illustrates a top perspective view of a compact putter-type golf club head with protrusions according to a second embodiment.

[0033] [Figure 28] FIG. 13 illustrates a top perspective view of a compact putter-type golf club head with protrusions according to a third embodiment.

[0034] [Figure 29] 1 illustrates a top perspective view of a compact putter-style golf club head with heel and toe wings.

[0035] [Diagram 30] 30 illustrates a front view of the compact putter-type golf club head of FIG. 29.

[0036] [Diagram 31] FIG. 30 illustrates a top view of the compact putter-type golf club head of FIG. 29.

[0037] [Diagram 32] 30 illustrates a rear view of the compact putter-type golf club head of FIG. 29.

[0038] [Diagram 33] 30 illustrates a sole view of the compact putter-type golf club head of FIG. 29.

[0039] [Diagram 34] 30 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the compact putter-type golf club head of FIG. 29. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0040] Described herein is a putter-type golf club head with improved performance having a small face and body. The club head has a compact design that allows the player to manually align the putter head and focus the player on striking the golf ball on the center of the face. The club head also has a desirable CG position and shaft axis orientation that allows the player to execute proper delivery characteristics that create a smooth roll upon impact.

[0041] The compact design of the club head centers the player and increases the player's ability to accurately and consistently hit the golf ball on the center of the striking face (hereinafter referred to as a "center hit"). The facets of the compact club head design include a compact overall body profile and a striking face with a small surface area. The compact club head provides a more precise target for the golfer to focus on when aligning the club head and during the putting stroke. This precise target provided by the compact club head encourages the player to more consistently hit the ball on the center of the striking face compared to putter heads with larger profiles and / or larger striking faces. For example, with a typical putter head with a wider face and a larger overall profile, the player must rely on various alignment aids to try to focus on hitting the ball near the center of the striking face because the overall putter body and face are much larger than a golf ball. The compact nature of the club head itself provides alignment benefits and encourages the player to produce a centrally located putt. Certain embodiments may include additional alignment features, which are provided to complement the alignment benefits of the compact club head design.

[0042] As discussed above, a compact club head has a small striking face that is not significantly wider than a golf ball. The compact striking face allows the player to properly align the club head and execute an accurate stroke. In many embodiments, the striking face is 50% or less wider than the diameter of a golf ball. With the smaller striking face of a compact club head, the player only needs to focus on contacting the ball with the compact striking face to produce a centered strike. The smaller area available to contact the golf ball causes the player to strike the golf ball near the center of the striking face. The compact club head also has a body that is wider than the striking face, resulting in a higher MOI compared to a club head with a similar small striking face size that lacks a wider body. The combination of a small striking face and a small body, while providing a body that is wider than the aforementioned small striking face, results in a club head that balances forgiveness and focusing effects.

[0043] The compact design also allows the player to manually align the club head. "Manually aligning" the club head requires the player to actively hold the club head in place at address, whether the club head is resting on the ground or suspended in the air. Manual alignment of the club head allows the player to focus more firmly on whether the club head is properly aligned. Certain features of the club head include a keel point location and a hosel location, allowing the player to manually align the club head. The club head is designed to provide feedback to the player's hands at address to help the player determine whether the club head is properly aligned.

[0044] The club head further includes various features that aid in accurate alignment by the player. The club head can be configured with various wall geometries that provide a reference for the orientation of the club head, such as walls that converge at the center of the golf ball at address, or side walls that extend perpendicular to the striking face. The club head can include various surface alignment features, such as alignment aids on the surface of the crown, in addition to the body of the club head itself being an alignment feature. These features complement the alignment benefits of the compact club head design by providing a reference for the location of the center of the striking face and alignment of the club head.

[0045] As discussed above, the club head can have a CG location and hosel location that creates a "smooth roll." A smooth roll is created once the ball rolls smoothly along the ground instead of ricocheting, bouncing, sliding, or bouncing along the ground. The faster the putt rolls smoothly after impact, the greater the likelihood that the putt will maintain its intended speed while traveling along the intended target line. A smooth rolling putt is typically more accurate.

[0046] The degree to which a golf ball rolls smoothly is affected by the attack angle of the club head at impact and the location of the club head CG. Generally, a higher attack angle and lower CG affect the topspin on the ball, which contributes to a smoother roll. In many embodiments, the club head of the present invention has a hosel location that promotes an increased attack angle. The club head can also have a desired CG location that produces a smoother roll. These hosel and CG locations provide a club head that produces a smoother rolling putt. Other designs and embodiments are envisioned for this compact club head.

[0047] A compact putter head can be advantageous for players who want to putt off the green. Often, when faced with a shot from the fringe of the green or in the rough, a player may choose to putt the ball rather than take a chip shot or pitch shot. The compact design of the club head reduces the resistance on the club head caused by the taller grass found on the fringe or in the rough. The club head has a compact profile and a relatively high MOI, each of which reduces the tendency of the club head to twist or catch in the grass, leading to a more predictable putting stroke off the green. Additionally, the club head can have one or more features or geometric structures designed to help the club head slide through the tall grass, such as a narrow sole, a sloped surface, and / or sidewalls that push the grass away from the body and guide the club head through the tall grass.

[0048] A compact putter head provides versatility benefits. The compact putter head is uniquely suited to produce accurate putts from the rough or fringe while achieving distinct alignment and delivery benefits under a variety of putting conditions. Certain features and characteristics of the compact putter head are specifically tailored to produce one of these benefits, while certain other features or characteristics provide benefits across multiple areas. For example, a rearward hosel position can influence the player to deliver the club head at an increased attack angle, promoting a smoother roll. This same rearward hosel position can also create an imbalance of the club head at address, which prompts the player to manually align the club head. Similarly, sidewalls extending perpendicular to the striking face (discussed in more detail below) can provide alignment benefits while also providing the added benefit of helping guide the club head through tall grass for putts from the rough. Generally, the compact nature of the putter head creates significant centralized benefits and advantages for putts executed from the rough or fringe. The small body dimensions, including but not necessarily limited to the reduced size of the striking face, allow the player to focus on making a centered strike while also providing minimal resistance when navigating tall grass.

[0049] It should be noted that putter performance is often player specific. Certain players excel with different types and shapes of putter heads. The compact putter head described herein provides advantages related to focusing on putter stroke alignment as well as delivery characteristic advantages and CG location that will benefit certain subgroups of players over others. The compact putter head provides a viable option for a significant subgroup of golfers.

[0050] (definition) For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the drawings show general structural aspects, and descriptions and details of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present invention. Furthermore, elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help understand embodiments of the present invention. The same reference numerals in different drawings refer to the same elements.

[0051] The terms "first," "second," "third," "fourth," and the like, in the specification and claims, if any, are used to distinguish between similar elements and are not necessarily used to describe a particular sequence or chronological order. It is to be understood that terms used in this manner may be interchanged under appropriate circumstances, such that the embodiments described herein are capable of operating in sequences other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. Furthermore, the terms "include" and "have," and variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus having a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements and may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus.

[0052] In this specification and claims, terms such as "front," "back," "up," "down," "above," "below," and the like, if any, are used for purposes of description and not necessarily to describe permanent relative positions. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances, such that the embodiments of the invention described herein are, for example, operable in orientations other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein.

[0053] The terms "coupled," "coupled," "connecting," and the like should be understood broadly and refer to the direct or indirect connection of two or more elements or signals in an electrical, mechanical, and / or other manner.

[0054] As used herein, the term "ground contact" may refer to a reference plane associated with the surface on which a golf ball rests. With reference to Figures 8, 9 and 11, the ground contact plane 1010 may be the horizontal plane that is tangent to the sole at address position.

[0055] As used herein, the term "striking face" of a club head refers to the front of the club head that is configured to strike a golf ball. The term striking face can be used interchangeably with "face."

[0056] As used herein, the term "strike face perimeter" of a club head can refer to the edge of the strike face. The strike face perimeter can be located along the outer edge of the strike face where the curvature deviates from the bulge and / or roll of the strike face.

[0057] As used herein, the term "loft plane" of a club head may refer to a reference plane tangent to the geometric center point of the strike face.

[0058] As used herein, the term "loft angle" may refer to the angle measured between the loft plane and a vertical plane.

[0059] As used herein, the term "lie angle" of a club head may refer to the angle between a hosel axis extending through the hosel and the ground plane. The lie angle is measured when viewed from the front.

[0060] The "leading edge" of a club head as described herein may refer to the sole-most portion of the strike face perimeter, e.g., the club head leading edge is the transition from the striking face to the sole of the club head.

[0061] The "origin" or "origin point" of a club head as described herein may refer to a point located in the center (in the heel-toe direction) of the leading edge.

[0062] The "striking face height" H of the club head described in this specification SF The height H may refer to the distance measured from the lowest point to the highest point on the striking face. SF may be measured parallel to the loft plane 1015 from the origin 128 to the top edge 118 of the striking face 102 , where the top edge 118 represents the crown-most portion of the perimeter of the striking face 102 .

[0063] The "striking face width" W of the club head described herein SF The hitting face width W can refer to the horizontal distance measured from one end of the hitting face to the other in the heel-toe direction. SF may be measured parallel to the contact surface 1010 from the heel-most extent of the striking face perimeter to the toe-most extent of the striking face perimeter.

[0064] The "face center" of the club head described herein may refer to the geometric center point of the striking face perimeter. In the same or other examples, the face center may also be centered with respect to an engineered impact zone, which may be defined by an area of ​​grooves on the striking face. As an alternative approach, the face center may be located according to a definition of a golf governing body, such as the United States Golf Association (USGA). The term "face center" may be used interchangeably with "geometric center."

[0065] The "face center height" H of the club head described in this specification FC may refer to the distance measured from the lowest point on the striking face to the center of the face. FC can be measured parallel to the loft plane 1015 from the origin 128 to the face center 150. FC is the striking face height H SF The height H FC may be between 0.25 inches and 0.50 inches. In some embodiments, the height H FC can be between 0.25 inches and 0.40 inches, between 0.30 inches and 0.50 inches, or between 0.45 inches and 0.50 inches.

[0066] As illustrated in FIGS. 8-10, the club head may define a primary coordinate system centered at the origin 128. The primary coordinate system may have an X-axis 1040, a Y-axis 1050, and a Z-axis 1060. The X-axis 1040 may extend in a heel-to-toe direction. The X-axis 1040 may be positive toward the heel end 104 and negative toward the toe end 106. The Y-axis 1050 may extend in a crown-sole direction and may be orthogonal to both the Z-axis 1060 and the X-axis 1040. The Y-axis 1050 may be positive toward the crown 110 and negative toward the sole 112. The Z-axis 1060 may extend in a front-to-rear direction parallel to the contact surface 1010 and may be orthogonal to both the X-axis 1040 and the Y-axis 1050. The Z-axis 1060 may be positive toward the striking face 102 and negative toward the rear end 108.

[0067] The "body depth" D of the club head described herein B Refers to the anterior-posterior dimension measured at both ends of the body. Referring to FIG. 6, the body depth D B may be measured parallel to the Z axis 1060 from the striking face 102 to the rearmost point of the body 101 .

[0068] The "body height" H of the club head described in this specification B may refer to the crown-sole dimension measured across the body. Referring to FIG. 8, the body height H B can be measured as the vertical distance (parallel to the Y-axis 1050) between the ground plane 1010 and the highest point of the crown 110. In many embodiments, the height H B may be measured according to a golf governing body such as the United States Golf Association (USGA).

[0069] The "body width" W of the club head described herein B may refer to the heel-toe dimension measured across the body. Referring to FIG. 6, the body width W B may be measured parallel to the X-axis 1040 from the heel end 104 to the toe end 106. In many embodiments, the body width W B may be measured in accordance with a golf governing body such as the United States Golf Association (USGA). The prescribed ranges for body depth, body height, and body width may be designed in accordance with USGA rules.

[0070] The "center of gravity" or "CG" of a club head as described herein may refer to the point at which mass is centrally located within the club head.

[0071] A "CG position" or "CG location" of a club head as described herein may refer to the location of the center of gravity (CG). The CG position may be characterized by its location along an X-axis 1040, a Y-axis 1050, and a Z-axis 1060, relative to the master coordinate system, as measured from the origin 128. With reference to Figures 8-10, the CG 160 is the horizontal distance X along the X-axis 1040. O (not shown) and a height Y along the Y axis 1050 O and depth Z along the Z axis 1060 O The CG position can be characterized by its position along the Y axis 1050 with respect to the ground surface 1010. Referring to FIG. 8, the CG 160 can be located at a height Y 160 measured vertically from the ground surface 1010 along the Y axis 1050.GP The CG 160 can be characterized with respect to the shaft axis 1075 by a horizontal offset distance either forward or rearward of the shaft axis 1075. The CG position can be characterized with respect to the impact point (IP) axis by its distance along the IP axis 1030 and its vertical and horizontal offset distances from the IP axis 1030. With reference to FIG. 12, the CG 160 can be characterized with respect to the impact point 170 by a distance D measured rearward from the impact point 170 along the IP axis 1030. IP 11, the CG 160 can be further positioned by taking a horizontal offset distance X IP (not shown) and a vertical offset distance Y measured from the impact point 170 perpendicular to the contact surface 1010 IP And you can take a position.

[0072] As illustrated in FIGS. 8-10, the golf club head may further define a secondary coordinate system centered about the center of gravity (CG) 160. The secondary coordinate system may be different from the primary coordinate system, which may originate at the origin 128. The secondary coordinate system may have an X'-axis 1070, a Y'-axis 1080, and a Z'-axis 1090. The X'-axis 1070 may extend in a heel-to-toe direction and may be positive toward the heel end 104 and negative toward the toe end 106. The Y'-axis 1080 may extend in a crown-sole direction and may be positive toward the crown 110 and negative toward the sole 112. The Z'-axis 1090 may extend in a front-to-back direction and may be positive toward the striking face 102 and negative toward the back end 108.

[0073] As used herein, the "moment of inertia" or "MOI" of a club head refers to a value derived from the location of the center of gravity (CG). The MOI may be calculated assuming a club head that includes a body and a hosel structure. xx " or "I xx The term "MOI" refers to the MOI measured about the X' axis 1070. yy " or "Iyy The term "MOI" refers to the MOI measured about the Y' axis 1080. zz " or "I zz The term "MOI" refers to the MOI measured about the Z' axis 1090. xx , M.O.I. yy , M.O.I. zz The MOI value can determine how forgiving a club head is for off-center impacts with a golf ball.

[0074] The "volume" of the club head described herein may refer to the volume of the body. In some embodiments, the volume is about 75 cm 3 Smaller, about 70cm 3 Smaller, about 65cm 3 Smaller, about 60cm 3 Smaller, about 55cm 3 Smaller, about 50cm 3 Smaller or about 45cm 3 In some embodiments, the volume is less than 30 cm 3 and 50cm 3 Between, 40cm 3 and 50cm 3 Between, 45cm 3 and 50cm 3 Between or 50cm 3 and 60cm 3 In one embodiment, the volume is between 44.7 cm 3 It is.

[0075] The "heel-toe interplane" of the club head described herein may refer to the intermediate plane of the body extending from the heel end to the toe end. With reference to FIG. 2, the heel-toe interplane 1020 may extend from the heel end 104 to the toe end 106 and may be located at the midpoint between the striking face 102 and the rear end 108. The heel-toe interplane 1020 may divide the body 101 into a front half and a rear half.

[0076] The "front-to-rear midplane" of the club head described herein may refer to the midplane of the body that extends from the striking face to the rear end. With reference to FIG. 2, the front-to-rear midplane 1025 may extend from the striking face 102 to the rear end 108 and may be located at a midpoint between the heel end 104 and the toe end 106. The front-to-rear midplane 1025 may divide the body 101 into a heel portion and a toe portion.

[0077] (I. General Club Head Description) Described herein are embodiments of putter-type golf club heads with a compact profile that focus the player to strike the golf ball on the center of the face, improve impact and delivery characteristics to produce a smooth roll and accurate putt, and allow the player to manually align the putter head. The compact profile of the club head provides alignment and centers the player on a small, precise target for striking the golf ball. In many embodiments, the club heads also have desirable hosel and CG locations, both of which combine to improve the impact characteristics of the club head and allow the golf ball to roll across the ground rather than skid or bounce. The facets of the compact putter have a striking face width W of less than 1.55 inches. SF , Body width W less than 2.30 inches B , Body depth D less than 2.50 inches B , 1.50in 2 A further aspect of a compact putter may include, but is not limited to, any one or combination of body dimensions such as a striking face area less than 0.75 mm and a striking face area that is less than 80% of the striking face surface area of ​​a typical prior art putter-type club head. B Striking face width W SF Ratio of W SF / W B , and a striking face surface area A greater than 230 g SF Moment of inertia (MOI) yy MOI ratioyy / A SF The above example outlines certain characteristics of this compact putter, but further parameters are outlined below.

[0078] The features discussed below are demonstrated on club head 100. For ease of discussion, the features illustrated on club head 100 are applicable to the various embodiments of club heads in accordance with the present invention. Any one or more of the features described in the various embodiments below may be used in combination with each other.

[0079] 1, a club head 100 includes a body 101 including a striking face 102 formed at a front end of the body 101, a heel end 104, a toe end 106 opposite the heel end 104, a rear end 108 opposite the striking face 102, a crown 110 defining a top of the body 101, and a sole 112 opposite the crown 110, the sole 112 defining a bottom of the body 101. In some embodiments, the body 101 may be divided into a first portion 114 at the front end of the club head 100 and a second portion 116 rearward of the first portion 114, as illustrated in FIG. 2. In one such embodiment, the first portion 114 may include the striking face 102 and a transition region 120, and the second portion 116 may include the remaining portion of the body 101. Additionally, the first portion 114 and the second portion 116 may be separated by a notional transition surface 1035 that extends from the heel end 104 to the toe end 106 .

[0080] The striking face 102 forms a substantially flat striking surface configured to impact a golf ball. As will be described in more detail below, the striking face 102 is substantially smaller than the striking faces of many prior art putter-type golf club heads (i.e., less than 80% of the size of prior art striking faces). The small striking face 102 centers the player on the face center 150 by providing a smaller and more precise target location for the player to strike the ball. In some embodiments, the striking face 102 has a loft angle that is greater than the loft angle of a typical putter-type golf club head (i.e., greater than 5 degrees), as will be discussed in more detail below. In such embodiments, the increased loft angle contributes to the improved delivery characteristics of the club head 100.

[0081] 2, the transition region 120 couples the striking face 102 to the second portion 116. The transition region 120 can include the striking face 102, a first transition wall 119, a second transition wall 121, and a forward portion of the body 101. In many embodiments, a majority of the body 101 is wider than the striking face 102. In many embodiments, the transition region 120 can be gradually tapered to form a transition between the striking face 102 and the second portion 116. In some embodiments, discussed in more detail below, the transition region 120 can provide alignment benefits by aligning the club head with the golf ball and helping center the player on the face center 150.

[0082] 1, the club head 100 further includes a hosel 130 configured to couple a golf club shaft (not shown) to the club head 100. The hosel 130 has a hosel bore 132 configured to receive an end of the golf shaft and secure the golf shaft therein. The hosel 130 is coupled to the body 101 at a hosel attachment point 131, as shown in FIG. 2. In many embodiments, the hosel attachment point 131 is located substantially rearward on the body 101 and can be located closer to the rear end 108 than the striking face 102 (closer to the back than the face). The rearward location of the hosel 130 contributes to improved delivery characteristics by encouraging the player to deliver the striking face 102 upward at impact, providing a better attack angle and therefore a better roll. In some alternative embodiments, the hosel attachment point 131 is located substantially forward on the body 101 and can be located closer to the striking face 102 than the rear end 108. The forward location of the hosel 130 contributes to improved delivery characteristics by positioning the hosel 130 forward of the CG 160 for improved forgiveness.

[0083] In many embodiments, the hosel 130 is formed separately and attached to the body 101. In many embodiments, the hosel 130 is constructed of a different material than the body material. In many embodiments, the body 101 can include a first material having a first density and the hosel 130 can include a second material having a second density, the second density being less than the first density. Providing the hosel 130 with a material that is less dense than the material of the body 101 allows for the creation of discretionary mass that can be allocated to other portions of the club head 100 to improve the mass properties of the club head without increasing the overall mass or profile of the club head 100. In other embodiments, the hosel can be made of the same material as the body 101. In some embodiments, the hosel 130 can be integrally formed with the body 101 to create a one-piece club head 100, rather than being formed separately and attached to the body 101.

[0084] In some embodiments, the sole 112 includes one or more sole features (not shown) that create an imbalance feel at address that forces the player to manually align the club head. These sole features create instability points in strategic areas of the sole 112 such that when the club head 100 is resting on the ground, the club head 100 naturally rests in a position that is not properly aligned with the golf ball. The sole features provide feedback to the player's hands and force the player to actively hold the club head 100 in place through the imbalance feel that occurs at address. The sole features can create the strategically placed instability points through the natural curvature or geometry of the sole 112, through asymmetries in the geometry of the sole 112 through protrusions extending from the sole 112, or through any other suitable structure.

[0085] (A. Relationship of the hitting face) As discussed above, the striking face 102 is substantially smaller than the striking face of a typical prior art putter-type golf club head (i.e., less than 80% of the size of the prior art striking face). The smaller striking face 102 provides a more precise target location for striking the golf ball than a larger striking face. The smaller striking face 102 focuses the player on the forward portion of the club head closest to the golf ball. This substantially smaller striking face draws the player's eye to a point adjacent the striking face, focusing the user on a position adjacent the ball. This can prevent distractions and encourage focus on the ball throughout the putting stroke. In many embodiments, the inclusion of the alignment feature 134 and / or the transition area 120 can further contribute to focusing the player on the ball throughout the stroke. As discussed above, the transition area 120 can be configured to encourage focus on the golf ball.

[0086] The compact nature of the striking face 102 provides an added benefit for putting from the rough or fringe by allowing the club head 100 to glide smoothly through tall grass. The small striking face 102 presents a substantially smaller surface area perpendicular to the direction of the putting stroke, thus minimizing the force of tall grass or other obstacles acting against the club head 100 during the stroke.

[0087] In many embodiments, the striking face 102 is 1.00 in. 2 and 1.50in 2 In some embodiments, the surface area of ​​the striking face 102 is between 1.50 in 2 Less than 1.45in 2 Less than 1.40in 2 Less than 1.35in 2 Less than 1.30in 2 Less than 1.25in 2 Less than 1.20in 2 Less than 1.15in 2 Less than 1.10in 2 Less than 1.05in 2 Less than or equal to 1.00 in 2 In some embodiments, the surface area of ​​the striking face 102 may be less than 1.00 in 2 and 1.15in 2 Between, 1.10in 2 and 1.25in 2 Between, 1.20in 2 and 1.45in 2 Between 1.20in and 1.20in 2 and 1.50in 2 In many embodiments, the surface area of ​​the striking face 102 may be less than 80% of the striking face surface area of ​​a typical prior art putter-type club head. In some embodiments, the surface area of ​​the striking face 102 may be less than 70% or less than 60% of the surface area of ​​a prior art putter head.

[0088] With reference to FIG. 5, the club head 100 has a striking face width W which can be between 1.25 inches and 1.75 inches. SF In some embodiments, the striking face width W SF can be between 1.25 inches and 1.50 inches, between 1.40 inches and 1.60 inches, or between 1.50 inches and 1.75 inches. In many embodiments, the striking face width W SF may be less than 1.75 inches. In some embodiments, the striking face width W SF may be less than 1.70 inches, less than 1.65 inches, less than 1.60 inches, less than 1.55 inches, less than 1.50 inches, less than 1.45 inches, less than 1.40 inches, less than 1.35 inches, or less than 1.30 inches. SF is substantially less than the striking face width of a typical prior art putter-type golf club head. SF This results in an overall smaller striking face 102 , helping the player focus on the center 150 of the striking face 102 .

[0089] Compact striking face width W SF can be further characterized in relation to the diameter of the golf ball. In many embodiments, the striking face width W SF may be between 75% and 150% of the diameter of the golf ball. In some embodiments, the striking face width W SF may be between 75% and 100%, between 90% and 120%, between 100% and 125%, between 110% and 130%, or between 125% and 150% of the diameter of the golf ball. SF can be substantially equal to the diameter of a golf ball. In many other embodiments, the striking face width W SF can be only slightly larger than a golf ball. In many embodiments, the striking face width W SF can be less than the diameter of a golf ball. In many embodiments, the striking face width W SFmay be less than 90% of the diameter of the golf ball. In some embodiments, the striking face width W SF may be less than 50% wider than the diameter of a golf ball. In some embodiments, the striking face width W SF may be less than 150%, less than 145%, less than 140%, less than 135%, less than 130%, less than 125%, less than 120%, less than 115%, less than 110%, less than 105%, less than 100%, less than 95%, less than 90%, less than 85%, or less than 80% of the diameter of the golf ball. SF may be approximately 90% of the diameter of the golf ball.

[0090] 5 and 10, the club head 100 has a striking face height H that can be between 0.50 inches and 1.00 inches. SF (measured parallel to the loft plane 1015). In some embodiments, SF can be between 0.50 inches and 0.75 inches, between 0.60 inches and 0.80 inches, or between 0.75 inches and 1.00 inches. In some embodiments, the height H SF may be less than 1.00 inches, less than 0.95 inches, less than 0.90 inches, less than 0.85 inches, less than 0.80 inches, less than 0.75 inches, less than 0.70 inches, less than 0.65 inches, less than 0.60 inches, or less than 0.55 inches.

[0091] In many embodiments, the striking face 102 can have a substantially square profile and a striking face width W SF is the striking face height H SF In many embodiments, the striking face has a striking face height H SF For the striking face width W SF Compare W SF / H SF In many embodiments, a ratio can be defined. SF / H SF The ratio may be between 1.50 and 2.00. In some embodiments, WSF / H SF The ratio may be between 1.50 and 1.60, between 1.55 and 1.75, or between 1.65 and 2.00. SF For this reason, W SF / H SF The ratio is the W of a typical prior art putter type golf club head. SF / H SF Substantially smaller than the ratio W SF / H SF A small hitting face 102 with a ratio between 1.50 and 2.00 helps the player to focus on the center 150 of the hitting face 102 .

[0092] The small striking face 102 may be further characterized by a striking face perimeter length. In many embodiments, the striking face perimeter length may be less than 5.0 inches. In some embodiments, the striking face perimeter length may be less than 4.75 inches, less than 4.50 inches, less than 4.25 inches, or less than 4.0 inches. The club head 100 may have a striking face perimeter length that is substantially less than a typical prior art club head having a larger striking face.

[0093] 5, the striking face 102 has a vertex 126 located at the intersection between the top edge 118 and a Y-axis 1050. The vertex 126 is directly above the origin 128. The striking face 102 further comprises a high toe corner 122, a low toe corner 123, a high heel corner 124, and a low heel corner 125. The high toe corner 122 defines the crown-most and toe-most point of the striking face periphery. The low toe corner 123 defines the sole-most and toe-most point of the striking face periphery. The high heel corner 124 defines the crown-most and heel-most point of the striking face periphery. The low heel corner 125 defines the sole-most and heel-most point of the striking face periphery.

[0094] Referring again to FIG. 5, the size of the striking face 102 is further defined by the diagonal distance D between the corners of the striking face 102. SF The distance D SF is measured as the diagonal distance between the lower heel corner 125 and the higher toe corner 122, measured along the surface of the striking face 102. In many embodiments, the distance D SF may be between 1.25 inches and 1.80 inches. In some embodiments, the distance D SF can be between 1.25 inches and 1.50 inches, between 1.40 inches and 1.60 inches, or between 1.50 inches and 1.80 inches. In many embodiments, the distance D SF can be less than 1.80 inches, less than 1.75 inches, less than 1.70 inches, less than 1.65 inches, less than 1.60 inches, less than 1.55 inches, less than 1.50 inches, less than 1.45 inches, less than 1.40 inches, less than 1.35 inches, or less than 1.30 inches. The distance D between 1.25 inches and 1.80 inches SF This results in a smaller striking face 102 overall and helps the player focus on the center 150 of the striking face 102.

[0095] The size and shape of the striking face 102 is further determined by an apex angle α α , which relates the location of the apex 126 of the striking face 102 to the lower toe angle 123 and the lower heel angle 125, as shown in FIG. 1 It can be characterized by the apex angle α 1 is defined as the angle between a first reference line joining the lower toe corner 123 and the apex 126 and a second reference line joining the lower heel corner 125 and the apex 126. In many embodiments, the apex angle α 1 can be between 70 and 90 degrees. In some embodiments, the apex angle α 1 can be between 70 and 80 degrees, between 75 and 85 degrees, or between 80 and 90 degrees. In many embodiments, the apex angle α 1may be less than 90 degrees, less than 85 degrees, less than 80 degrees, or less than 75 degrees. The substantially square shape of the striking face 102 results in a relatively small apex angle α compared to the apex angle of a more elongated rectangular striking face. 1 This results in:

[0096] The size and shape of the striking face 102 are further determined by a center of gravity (CG) angle α α , which relates the CG projection point (i.e., the location of the CG 160 projected onto the striking face 102 perpendicular to the loft plane 1015) to the low toe corner 123 and the low heel corner 125, as shown in FIG. 2 The C-G angle α 2 is defined as the angle between a first line connecting the lower toe corner 123 and the CG projection and a second line connecting the lower heel corner 125 and the CG projection. In many embodiments, the CG angle α 2 may be between 115 and 130 degrees. In some embodiments, the C-G angle α 2 can be between 115 and 125 degrees, or between 120 and 130 degrees. In many embodiments, the C-G angle α 2 may be less than 130 degrees, less than 125 degrees, or less than 120 degrees. The substantially square shape of the striking face 102 results in a relatively small CG angle α compared to the CG angle of a more elongated rectangular striking face. 2 This results in:

[0097] In some embodiments, the club head 100 can have a loft angle that is greater than that of a typical putter-type golf club head. In many embodiments, the loft angle can be between 5 degrees and 14 degrees. In some embodiments, the loft angle can be about 5 degrees, about 6 degrees, about 7 degrees, about 8 degrees, about 9 degrees, about 10 degrees, about 11 degrees, about 12 degrees, about 13 degrees, or about 14 degrees. In some embodiments, the loft angle can be greater than 5 degrees. The increased loft angle of the club head 100 produces a smoother, rolling putt. The increased loft angle creates a slight upward force on the golf ball upon impact that allows the ball to roll faster, rather than a downward force that pushes the golf ball into the ground after impact and causes the golf ball to ricochet or bounce.

[0098] (B. Body dimensions and relationships) The club head 100 has a compact body profile and a body width W B and / or body depth D B can be substantially smaller than the body width and body depth of a typical prior art putter-type golf club head. The compact body profile helps center the player on the center 150 of the striking face 102 and allows the player to more accurately deliver the club head for a more consistent impact with the golf ball.

[0099] In many embodiments, the body width W B may be between 1.90 inches and 2.50 inches. In some embodiments, the body width W B can be between 1.90 inches and 2.10 inches, between 2.00 inches and 2.25 inches, between 2.15 inches and 2.35 inches, or between 2.25 inches and 2.50 inches. In many embodiments, the body width W B may be less than 2.50 inches. In some embodiments, the body width W Bmay be less than 2.45 inches, less than 2.40 inches, less than 2.35 inches, less than 2.30 inches, less than 2.25 inches, less than 2.20 inches, less than 2.15 inches, less than 2.10 inches, less than 2.05 inches, less than 2.00 inches, or less than 1.95 inches.

[0100] In many embodiments, the body depth D B may be between 1.90 inches and 2.50 inches. In some embodiments, the body depth D B may be between 1.90 inches and 2.10 inches, between 2.00 inches and 2.25 inches, between 2.15 inches and 2.35 inches, or between 2.25 inches and 2.50 inches. In many embodiments, the body depth D B may be less than 2.50 inches. In some embodiments, the body depth D B may be less than 2.45 inches, less than 2.40 inches, less than 2.35 inches, less than 2.30 inches, less than 2.25 inches, less than 2.20 inches, less than 2.15 inches, less than 2.10 inches, less than 2.05 inches, less than 2.00 inches, or less than 1.95 inches.

[0101] In many embodiments, the body height H B (measured parallel to the Y-axis 1050) can be between 0.50 inches and 1.00 inches. In some embodiments, the body height H B can be between 0.50 inches and 0.75 inches, between 0.60 inches and 0.80 inches, or between 0.75 inches and 1.00 inches. In many embodiments, the body height H B may be less than 1.00 inches. In some embodiments, the body height H B may be less than 1.00 inches, less than 0.95 inches, less than 0.90 inches, less than 0.85 inches, less than 0.80 inches, less than 0.75 inches, less than 0.70 inches, less than 0.65 inches, less than 0.60 inches, or less than 0.55 inches. B , Body depth D B , and body height H BThe combination results in a compact putter-type club head that is significantly smaller than many typical prior art club heads.

[0102] In many embodiments, the body profile can be substantially square. A square body profile can have a width of W B / D B It can be characterized by the ratio, W B / D B The ratio is the body depth D B Body width W B In many embodiments, W B / D B The ratio can be between 1.00 and 1.15. In many embodiments, the ratio W B / D B may be less than 1.15. B / D B The ratio may be less than 1.15, less than 1.14, less than 1.13, less than 1.12, less than 1.11, less than 1.10, less than 1.09, less than 1.08, less than 1.07, less than 1.06, less than 1.05, less than 1.04, less than 1.03, less than 1.02, or less than 1.01. In accordance with USGA rules for conforming putter-type club heads, which require the width of the club head to be greater than the depth of the club head, the ratio W B / D B is greater than 1.

[0103] The striking face 102 can be substantially smaller than the remainder of the body 101. The club head 100 has a body width W B For striking face width W SF Compare W SF / W B In many embodiments, a ratio can be defined. SF / W B The ratio may be between 0.60 and 0.80. In many embodiments, W SF / W B The ratio may be less than 0.80. SF / W BThe ratio may be less than 0.75, less than 0.70, or less than 0.65. Pursuant to USGA rules for conforming putter-type club heads, which require the width of the striking face to be equal to or greater than one-half the width of the club head, W SF / W B The ratio is greater than or equal to 0.5. W between 0.60 and 0.80 SF / W B The ratio results in an overall smaller striking face 102 compared to the body 101, which helps center the player on the center 150 of the striking face 102. Providing a striking face 102 that is not as wide as the body 101 allows for a slightly larger overall profile of the club head 100, which increases the MOI while providing the centering effect associated with a smaller striking face 102.

[0104] The compact body profile can be further characterized by the length of the maximum rectangular body dimension 178, as illustrated in FIG. B , Body depth D B , and body height H B In some embodiments, the maximum rectangular body dimension 178 may be between 1.90 inches and 2.50 inches. In some embodiments, the maximum rectangular body dimension 178 may be between 1.90 inches and 2.10 inches, between 2.00 inches and 2.25 inches, between 2.15 inches and 2.35 inches, or between 2.25 inches and 2.50 inches. In some embodiments, the maximum rectangular body dimension 178 may be less than 2.50 inches, less than 2.45 inches, less than 2.40 inches, less than 2.35 inches, less than 2.30 inches, less than 2.25 inches, less than 2.20 inches, less than 2.15 inches, less than 2.10 inches, less than 2.05 inches, less than 2.00 inches, or less than 1.95 inches. In many embodiments, the maximum rectangular body dimension 178 may be less than the body width W B It is.

[0105] The profile of the body 101 can be characterized by comparing the volume of the body 101 to a cubic reference volume 180. With reference to FIG. 7, the cubic reference volume 180 is defined as the volume of a reference cube having sides equal in length to the maximum rectangular body dimension 178. In many embodiments, the volume of the body 101 can be between 15% and 40% of the cubic reference volume 180. In some embodiments, the volume of the body 101 can be between 15% and 25%, between 20% and 30%, or between 25% and 40% of the cubic reference volume 180. In many embodiments, the volume of the body 101 can be greater than 15% of the cubic reference volume 180. In some embodiments, the volume of the body 101 can be greater than 20%, greater than 25%, greater than 30%, or greater than 35% of the cubic reference volume 180. A compact putter-type club head 100 having a volume greater than 15% of the cubic reference volume 180 is achievable because of the body dimensions described above. The cubic nature of the club head body 101 profile allows the body 101 to fill a greater percentage of the cubic reference volume 180 than typical prior art club heads.

[0106] The compact body profile further includes a body span distance D at each end of the body 101, as illustrated in FIG. BS The body 101 may define a rear high toe corner 127, which is the toe-most and rearward point of the crown 110. BS is measured as the diagonal distance between the striking face lower heel corner 125 and the rear higher toe corner 127. In many embodiments, the distance D BS can be between 2.25 inches and 3.25 inches. In many embodiments, the distance D BS can be between 2.25 inches and 2.50 inches, between 2.40 inches and 2.70 inches, between 2.50 inches and 2.90 inches, between 2.75 inches and 3.00 inches, between 2.90 inches and 3.15 inches, or between 3.00 inches and 3.25 inches. In many embodiments, the distance D BSmay be less than 3.25 inches. In some embodiments, the distance D BS may be less than 3.20 inches, less than 3.15 inches, less than 3.10 inches, less than 3.05 inches, less than 3.00 inches, less than 2.95 inches, less than 2.90 inches, less than 2.85 inches, less than 2.80 inches, less than 2.75 inches, less than 2.70 inches, less than 2.65 inches, less than 2.60 inches, less than 2.55 inches, less than 2.50 inches, less than 2.45 inches, less than 2.40 inches, less than 2.35 inches, or less than 2.30 inches. BS With a diameter of between 2.25 inches and 3.25 inches, the compact putter-type club head 100 is significantly smaller than many typical prior art club heads.

[0107] The compact body profile can be further characterized by the projected area of ​​the body 101. The body 101 has a frontal projected area PA, defined as the two-dimensional area of ​​the club head 100 viewed from the front (as in FIG. 11 ) and projected onto a vertical plane parallel to both the X-axis 1040 and the Y-axis 1050. F The body 101 may have a diameter of 1.5 in. 2 and 2.25in 2 In many embodiments, the frontal projection area PA F is 2.25in 2 Less than 2.0in 2 Less than 1.75in 2 Less than or equal to 1.5 inches 2 The front projection area PA of the main body 101 may be less than F can be less than the frontal area of ​​a typical prior art putter head. Providing a body 101 with a small frontal area helps a user putt from the rough or fringe by allowing the club head 100 to glide through tall grass with little resistance.

[0108] (C. Relationship between the hosel and shaft axis) As discussed above, the club head 100 includes a hosel 130 coupled to the body 101 at a hosel attachment point 131. In many embodiments, the hosel attachment point 131 is located at a rearward position of the body 101 (closer to the rear end 108 than the striking face 102). The location of the rear hosel 130 encourages the player to impact the golf ball with an upward delivery, influencing the golf ball to roll rather than ricochet or bounce after impact. In some alternative embodiments, the hosel attachment point 131 is located at a forward position of the body 101 (closer to the striking face 102 than the rear end 108). The location of the forward hosel 130 contributes to the improved forgiveness of the club head 100.

[0109] 2, the club head 100 may have a heel-toe interface 1020 extending through the body 101 and intermediate the striking face 102 and the rear end 108. The heel-toe interface 1020 extends parallel to the X-axis 1040 and the Y-axis 1050 and divides the body 101 into a front half and a rear half.

[0110] In many embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the hosel attachment point 131 can be located rearward of the heel-toe interface 1020. In such embodiments, the hosel 130 is attached to the rear half of the body 101. The hosel attachment point 131 is located a distance D rearward of the heel-toe interface 1020. H-M can be located at a distance D H-M is measured perpendicular to the heel-toe midplane 1020. In many embodiments, the distance D H-M may be between 0.10 inches and 0.90 inches behind the heel-toe interface 1020. In some embodiments, the distance D H-M may be between 0.10 inches and 0.25 inches, between 0.20 inches and 0.50 inches, between 0.40 inches and 0.75 inches, between 0.50 inches and 0.80 inches, or between 0.75 inches and 0.90 inches behind the heel-toe interface 1020. In many embodiments, the distance D H-Mcan be greater than 0.10 inches behind the heel-toe interface 1020. In some embodiments, the distance D H-M can be greater than 0.20 inches, greater than 0.30 inches, greater than 0.40 inches, greater than 0.50 inches, greater than 0.60 inches, greater than 0.70 inches, or greater than 0.80 inches behind the heel-toe interface 1020.

[0111] In many embodiments, such as the example illustrated in FIG. 14, the hosel attachment point 131 can be located forward of the heel-toe interface 1020. In such embodiments, the hosel 130 is attached to the front half of the body 101. The hosel attachment point is located a distance D H-M can be located at a distance D H-M is measured perpendicular to the heel-toe midplane 1020. In many embodiments, the distance D H-M may be between 0.01 inches and 0.25 inches forward of the heel-toe interface 1020. In some embodiments, the distance D H-M can be between 0.01 inches and 0.15 inches, between 0.10 inches and 0.25 inches, or between 0.20 inches and 0.25 inches forward of the heel-toe interface 1020. In many embodiments, the distance D H-M may be less than 0.25 inches forward of the heel-toe interface 1020. In some embodiments, the distance D H-M may be less than 0.20 inches, less than 0.15 inches, less than 0.10 inches, or less than 0.05 inches forward of the heel-toe interface 1020.

[0112] The location of the hosel attachment point 131 is further determined by a forward vertical distance D from the striking face 102, measured perpendicular to the striking face 102, as shown in FIGS. H-F In many embodiments, the distance D H-Fcan be between 1.00 inches and 2.00 inches. In some embodiments, the distance D H-F can be between 1.00 inches and 1.30 inches, between 1.25 inches and 1.50 inches, between 1.40 inches and 1.60 inches, between 1.50 inches and 1.80 inches, or between 1.75 inches and 2.00 inches. In many embodiments, the distance D H-F can be greater than 1.00 inches. In some embodiments, the distance D H-F can be greater than 1.10 inches, greater than 1.20 inches, greater than 1.30 inches, greater than 1.40 inches, greater than 1.50 inches, greater than 1.60 inches, greater than 1.70 inches, greater than 1.80 inches, or greater than 1.90 inches.

[0113] The location of the hosel attachment point 131 is further determined by a rearward vertical distance D from the rear end 108. H-R As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 14, the distance D H-R is the distance between the hosel attachment point 131 and the rearmost point of the back end 108, measured perpendicular to the striking face 102. In many embodiments, the distance D H-R may be between 0.25 inches and 1.30 inches. In some embodiments, the distance D H-R can be between 0.25 inches and 0.50 inches, between 0.40 inches and 0.80 inches, between 0.50 inches and 0.90 inches, between 0.75 inches and 1.00 inches, between 0.90 inches and 1.15 inches, or between 1.00 inches and 1.30 inches. In many embodiments, the distance D H-R may be less than 1.30 inches. In some embodiments, the distance D H-R may be less than 1.20 inches, less than 1.10 inches, less than 1.00 inches, less than 0.90 inches, less than 0.80 inches, less than 0.70 inches, less than 0.60 inches, less than 0.50 inches, less than 0.40 inches, or less than 0.30 inches.

[0114] The location of the hosel connection point 131 is further determined by a vertical distance D from the heel end 104. H-H As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 14, the distance D H-H is the distance between the hosel attachment point 131 and the heel-most point of the heel end 104, measured parallel to the striking face 102. In many embodiments, the distance D H-H may be between 0.25 inches and 0.75 inches. In some embodiments, the distance D H-H can be between 0.25 inches and 0.50 inches, between 0.40 inches and 0.60 inches, or between 0.50 inches and 0.75 inches. In many embodiments, the distance D H-H may be less than 0.70 inches, less than 0.65 inches, less than 0.60 inches, less than 0.55 inches, less than 0.50 inches, less than 0.45 inches, less than 0.40 inches, less than 0.35 inches, or less than 0.30 inches.

[0115] Various locations of the hosel attachment point 131 can provide different benefits in terms of delivery characteristics and alignment to different players. In many embodiments, a rearward location of the hosel attachment point 131 can affect the upward delivery of the club head 100 at impact, creating a smoother roll. Additionally, in some embodiments, a rearward location of the hosel attachment point 131 can create an imbalance of the club head 100 at address that forces the player to focus on manually aligning the club head 100. In other embodiments, a forward location of the hosel attachment point 131 can create a more conventional feel when aligning the club head 100, which may be felt more desirable by certain players.

[0116] 8-10, the club head 100 has a shaft axis 1075 that extends through the hosel 130. The shaft axis 1075 is concentric with the hosel bore 132, which is configured to receive and couple a golf shaft to the club head 100. The shaft axis 1075 thus represents the orientation of the golf shaft in relation to the club head 100. The orientation of the shaft axis 1075 relative to the body 101 affects how the putter feels in the player's hands and where the player's hands point when holding the putter. In general, the orientation of the shaft axis 1075 is influenced by the location of the hosel attachment point 131 and the design of the hosel 130 itself.

[0117] 8-10, the shaft axis 1075 intersects the body 101. In many embodiments, referring to FIG. 10, the shaft axis 1075 can be located rearward of the CG 160. The rearward location of the shaft axis 1075 relative to the CG 160 directs the player's hands toward the rear end 108 of the body 101, which encourages the player to deliver the club head 100 in an upward direction upon impact. In some alternative embodiments, the shaft axis 1075 can be located forward of the CG 160.

[0118] Referring to FIG. 10, the shaft axis 1075 is a forward or rearward horizontal distance D from the CG 160. S-CG The offset distance D measured between the shaft axis 1075 and the CG 160 S-CG creates a desirable imbalance in the feel of the club head 100 when held in the air. S-CG The offset distance can be between 0.01 inches and 0.90 inches behind the CG 160. In some embodiments, D S-CGThe offset distance can be between 0.01 inches and 0.15 inches, between 0.10 inches and 0.25 inches, between 0.20 inches and 0.50 inches, between 0.40 inches and 0.75 inches, between 0.50 inches and 0.80 inches, or between 0.75 inches and 0.90 inches behind the CG 160. In many embodiments, D S-CG The offset distance can be between 0.01 inches and 0.90 inches in front of the CG 160. In some embodiments, D S-CG The offset distance can be between 0.01 inches and 0.15 inches, between 0.10 inches and 0.25 inches, between 0.20 inches and 0.50 inches, between 0.40 inches and 0.75 inches, between 0.50 inches and 0.80 inches, or between 0.75 inches and 0.90 inches forward of the CG 160. S-CG Because the shaft axis 1075 is offset from the CG 160 (as characterized by an offset from the center of gravity (center) of the club head 100), gravity naturally rotates the club head 100 away from its properly aligned position. The offset between the shaft axis 1075 and the CG 160 forces the player to actively resist the natural rotation of the club head 100 and manually align the club head 100 in the proper position.

[0119] In many other embodiments, the shaft axis 1075 can intersect the IP axis 1030, which is discussed in more detail below. In some embodiments, the shaft axis 1075 can intersect the IP axis 1030 at a location rearward of the CG 160. Providing the shaft axis 1075 to extend through the IP axis 1030 balances the club head 100 in the player's hands and increases the player's ability to strike the golf ball at the impact point 170.

[0120] (D. Mass properties) The club head 100 described herein is configured to impart topspin to the golf ball at an anticipated optimum impact point by positioning the CG 160 along or below an axis perpendicular to the striking face. With reference to Figures 11 and 12, an impact point 170 is defined on the striking face 102, and an IP axis 1030 extends tangent to the striking face 102 at the impact point 170.

[0121] A golf ball struck at impact point 170 transfers a desired amount of energy and provides a desired amount of "transmission" between striking face 102 and the golf ball to impart topspin onto the golf ball. Impact point 170 is located at an impact point height H IP It is located at a height of H IP is derived from the geometric configuration of the golf ball, and an average optimum impact location is determined for the golf ball. Thus, the impact point 170 is a relatively constant point on the striking face 102 since the physical dimensions of a golf ball do not become larger or smaller with changes in club head dimensions. The impact point 170 is located at the striking face height H SF is independent of.

[0122] In many embodiments, the impact point 170 has a height H IP The impact point height H is located below the center line of the golf ball so that it is less than half the height of the golf ball. IP is measured perpendicularly from the ground plane 1010. In some embodiments, the height H IP In some embodiments, the height H is between 0.25 inches and 0.60 inches. IPis about 0.25 inch, about 0.26 inch, about 0.27 inch, about 0.28 inch, about 0.29 inch, about 0.30 inch, about 0.31 inch, about 0.32 inch, about 0.33 inch, about 0.34 inch, about 0.35 inch, about 0.36 inch, about 0.37 inch, about 0.38 inch, about 0.39 inch, about 0.40 inch, about 0.41 inch, about 0.42 inch, about 0. 43 inches, about 0.44 inches, about 0.45 inches, about 0.46 inches, about 0.47 inches, about 0.48 inches, about 0.49 inches, or about 0.50 inches, about 0.51 inches, about 0.52 inches, about 0.53 inches, about 0.54 inches, about 0.55 inches, about 0.56 inches, about 0.57 inches, about 0.58 inches, about 0.59 inches, or about 0.60 inches. In many embodiments, the impact point 170 is positioned below the centerline of the golf ball to affect spin. In other embodiments, the impact point 170 is positioned below the centerline of the golf ball to affect spin. IP The impact point 170 may be located at or above the centerline of the golf ball such that the impact point 170 is approximately half or more of the height of the golf ball. The impact point 170 may alternatively be located at the face center 150.

[0123] The impact point 170 defines the point where the striking face 102 intersects the IP axis 1030. The IP axis 1030 extends rearward from and perpendicular to the striking face 102 from the average optimum impact location between the striking face 102 and the golf ball. The location of the CG 160 relative to the IP axis 1030 affects the topspin imparted to the golf ball and the ability of the club head 100 to produce a smooth, rolling putt.

[0124] In some embodiments, the CG 160 can be located directly above the IP axis 1030. In some embodiments, the CG 160 can be located below the IP axis 1030. In such embodiments, the force of the impact causes the striking face 102 to rotate backward about the CG 160, increasing the dynamic loft at impact and creating a transmission effect between the striking face 102 and the golf ball. The transmission effect imparts topspin to the golf ball and creates a smoother roll.

[0125] In many embodiments, the CG position can be described relative to a point of impact (IP) axis 1030. With reference to Figures 11 and 12, the CG position is a distance D along the IP axis 1030 relative to the point of impact 170. IP and the horizontal offset distance X measured parallel to the ground plane 1010 IP (not shown) and a vertical offset distance Y measured perpendicular to the ground plane 1010 IP and the distance D can be calculated by taking IP can describe the rear distance from the impact point 170 to the CG 160. In many embodiments, the distance D IP can be between 1.00 inches and 1.25 inches. In some embodiments, the distance D IP can be between 1.00 inches and 1.05 inches, between 1.05 inches and 1.10 inches, between 1.10 inches and 1.15 inches, between 1.15 inches and 1.20 inches, or between 1.20 inches and 1.25 inches.

[0126] distance IP may describe the horizontal offset between the CG 160 and the impact point 170. In many embodiments, the distance X IP can be between 0.0 inches and 0.25 inches. In some embodiments, the distance X IP can be between 0.0 inches and 0.15 inches, between 0.10 inches and 0.25 inches, or between 0.20 inches and 0.25 inches. In some embodiments, the distance X IPmay be less than 0.25 inches, less than 0.20 inches, less than 0.15 inches, less than 0.10 inches, or less than 0.05 inches. IP helps the putter-type club head 100 to be delivered more accurately for a more consistent impact with the golf ball.

[0127] Referring to FIG. 11, the distance Y IP can describe the vertical offset between the CG 160 and the impact point 170. In some embodiments, the impact point 170 is located at a distance Y IP can be a distance to CG 160 below impact point 170. In other embodiments, impact point 170 is located above CG 160, such that impact point 170 can be a distance to CG 160 below impact point 170. IP can be located below CG 160, just as it can be the distance to CG 160 above impact point 170. Thus, distance Y IP is measured as an absolute value even when no explicit reference to an absolute value is made. In many embodiments, the distance Y IP can be between 0.01 inches and 0.25 inches. In some embodiments, the distance Y IP can be between 0.01 inches and 0.15 inches, between 0.10 inches and 0.25 inches, or between 0.20 inches and 0.25 inches. IP helps the putter-type club head 100 produce a smoother roll. To achieve this optimized CG position, the club head components can be carefully aligned to position the CG 160 on or near the IP axis 1030.

[0128] As discussed above, the center of gravity (CG) 160 may be optimally located to improve certain club head characteristics, such as moment of inertia (MOI), launch angle, or spin. In many embodiments, the CG position may alternatively be described relative to a primary coordinate system based at the origin 128. With reference to FIGS. 8-10, the CG position is the horizontal distance X along the X-axis 1040 relative to the origin 128. O (not shown) and a height Y along the Y axis 1050 O and a depth of Z along the Z axis 1060 O And you can take a position.

[0129] distance O may describe the horizontal offset between the CG 160 and the origin 128. In many embodiments, the distance X O may be between 0.01 inches and 0.10 inches. In some embodiments, the distance X O may be between 0.01 inches and 0.03 inches, between 0.02 inches and 0.05 inches, between 0.04 inches and 0.08 inches, or between 0.06 inches and 0.10 inches. In many embodiments, the distance X O may be less than 0.10 inches. In some embodiments, the distance X O may be less than 0.09 inches, less than 0.08 inches, less than 0.07 inches, less than 0.06 inches, less than 0.05 inches, less than 0.04 inches, less than 0.03 inches, or less than 0.02 inches.

[0130] The height Y as illustrated in FIGS. O can describe the vertical offset between the CG 160 and the origin 128. In many embodiments, the height Y O can be between 0.15 inches and 0.65 inches. In some embodiments, the height Y O can be between 0.15 inches and 0.25 inches, between 0.20 inches and 0.40 inches, between 0.30 inches and 0.50 inches, or between 0.40 inches and 0.65 inches. In many embodiments, the height Y Omay be less than 0.65 inches. In some embodiments, the height Y O may be less than 0.60 inches, less than 0.55 inches, less than 0.50 inches, less than 0.45 inches, less than 0.40 inches, less than 0.35 inches, less than 0.30 inches, less than 0.25 inches, or less than 0.20 inches.

[0131] At a depth Z as shown in FIG. O may describe the horizontal offset between the CG 160 and the origin 128. In many embodiments, the depth Z O can be between 1.00 inches and 1.25 inches. In many embodiments, the depth Z O can be between 1.00 inches and 1.10 inches, between 1.05 inches and 1.15 inches, or between 1.10 inches and 1.25 inches. In many embodiments, the depth Z O can be greater than 1.00 inches. In some embodiments, the depth Z O can be greater than 1.05 inches, greater than 1.10 inches, greater than 1.15 inches, or greater than 1.20 inches.

[0132] In many embodiments, the CG position can be described relative to the ground plane 1010. With reference to FIG. 8, the CG 160 is located at a height Y above the ground plane 1010 along the Y axis 1050. GP In many embodiments, the height Y GP can be between 0.25 inches and 0.75 inches. In some embodiments, the height Y GP can be between 0.25 inches and 0.50 inches, between 0.40 inches and 0.60 inches, or between 0.50 inches and 0.75 inches. In many embodiments, the height Y GP may be less than 0.75 inches. In some embodiments, the height Y GPmay be less than 0.70 inches, less than 0.65 inches, less than 0.60 inches, less than 0.55 inches, less than 0.50 inches, less than 0.45 inches, less than 0.40 inches, less than 0.35 inches, or less than 0.30 inches. O , height Y O , depth Z O , and height Y GP A CG position within the above ranges relative to the center of gravity may provide the club head 100 with improved launch and delivery characteristics for a more consistent impact with the golf ball.

[0133] Club head 100 defines a total mass including the mass of body 101 and the mass of hosel 130. In many embodiments, the total mass is between 325 grams and 400 grams. Club head 100 further defines a body mass including only the mass of body 101. In many embodiments, the body mass is between 300 grams and 375 grams. In many embodiments, club head 100 defines a body mass that is comparable to the body mass of many prior art putter-type club heads, despite the compact profile of body 101. As discussed above, club head 100 has a mass of 20 cm 3 From 75cm 3 In many embodiments, the club head 100 can define a body mass / volume ratio that compares the body mass to the volume of the body 101.

[0134] Because of the compact profile and size of club head 100, the club head inherently has a lower moment of inertia than a typical prior art putter head having a larger overall profile. However, the moment of inertia is maximized relative to the compact size of club head 100. Thus, club head 100 has as much forgiveness as possible without sacrificing the alignment and centering benefits of a compact profile.

[0135] The club head 100 has a moment of inertia (MOI) measured about the X' axis 1070.xx ) and the moment of inertia (MOI) measured around the Y´ axis 1080 yy ) and the moment of inertia (MOI) measured around the Z´ axis 1090 zz ) and MOI xx , M.O.I. yy , M.O.I. zz The MOI value is maximized to maximize the forgiveness of the club head 100 on off-center impacts with a golf ball. In many embodiments, the MOI xx is 1000g cm 2 and 2000 g cm 2 In some embodiments, the MOI is between xx is 1000g cm 2 and 1300g·cm 2 Between 1200g cm 2 and 1500g·cm 2 Between 1400g·cm 2 and 1700g·cm 2 Between 1600g·cm 2 and 1900g·cm 2 Between 1700g cm 2 and 2000 g cm 2 In many embodiments, the MOI is between yy is 1700g cm 2 and 3000g·cm 2 In some embodiments, the MOI is between yy is 1700g cm 2 and 2300g·cm 2 Between 2000g cm 2 and 2500g·cm 2 Between 2400g cm 2 and 2700g·cm 2 Between 2600g·cm 2 and 2900g·cm 2 Between 2700g cm 2 and 3000g·cm 2 In many embodiments, the MOI is between zz is 1000g cm 2 and 2000 g cm 2 In some embodiments, the MOI is between zzis 1000g cm 2 and 2000 g cm 2 In some embodiments, the MOI is between xx is 1000g cm 2 and 1300g·cm 2 Between 1200g cm 2 and 1500g·cm 2 Between 1400g·cm 2 and 1700g·cm 2 Between 1600g·cm 2 and 1900g·cm 2 Between 1700g cm 2 and 2000 g cm 2 It is between.

[0136] The compact putter-type club head 100 strikes a balance between forgiveness and centralization. Centralization requires the club head 100 to have a small striking face 102 and a compact body profile, which generally correlates with a low MOI. However, the features described herein (such as the transition wall and mass reduction features) provide a maximized MOI compared to a small body profile. A maximized MOI provides the greatest amount of forgiveness given the compact size of the body 101. A maximized MOI can also provide the added benefit of stabilizing the club head 100 for putts through the rough or fringe. As noted above, the compact size of the club head 100 minimizes the force of tall grass acting against the club head 100 during the putting stroke. A maximized MOI stabilizes the club head 100 by providing increased resistance to twisting or rotation caused by the aforementioned forces on putts through taller grass.

[0137] As discussed above, in many embodiments, the body width W B can be between 1.9 inches and 2.5 inches. In many embodiments, the club head 100 is adapted to have a moment of inertia (MOI yy ) to the body width W B Compare MOIyy / W B In many embodiments, the MOI ratio can be defined as yy / W B The ratio can be greater than 300 g cm. In some embodiments, the MOI yy / W B The ratio can be greater than 305g·cm, greater than 310g·cm, greater than 315g·cm, greater than 320g·cm, greater than 325g·cm, greater than 330g·cm, greater than 335g·cm, greater than 340g·cm, greater than 345g·cm, greater than 350g·cm, greater than 355g·cm, greater than 360g·cm, greater than 365g·cm, greater than 370g·cm, greater than 375g·cm, greater than 380g·cm, greater than 385g·cm, greater than 390g·cm, greater than 395g·cm, or greater than 400g·cm. MOI greater than 300g·cm yy / W B The ratio is based on the relatively small body width W of the compact putter-type club head 100. B and a relatively large MOI yy This is achievable for the following reasons.

[0138] As discussed above, in many embodiments, the striking face 102 is 1.00 in. 2 and 1.50in 2 The striking face surface area A between SF In many embodiments, the club head 100 has a moment of inertia (MOI yy ) to compare the striking face area to the MOI yy / A SF In many embodiments, the MOI ratio can be defined as yy / A SF The ratio can be greater than 230 grams. In some embodiments, the MOI yy / A SFThe ratio can be greater than 235 grams, greater than 240 grams, greater than 245 grams, greater than 250 grams, greater than 255 grams, greater than 260 grams, greater than 265 grams, greater than 270 grams, greater than 275 grams, greater than 280 grams, greater than 285 grams, greater than 290 grams, greater than 295 grams, or greater than 300 grams. MOI greater than 230 grams yy / A SF The ratio is based on the relatively small striking face area and relatively large MOI of the compact putter-type club head 100. yy This is achievable for the following reasons.

[0139] Any of the mass properties discussed above may be applied to any of the various club head embodiments described herein. In particular, any of the various club head embodiments described herein may have an MOI value, CG position, or any other relevant ratios and relationships within the ranges recited above.

[0140] E. Additional Features Many of the embodiments of the club head 100 described herein provide enhanced alignment features to aid a golfer in focusing while executing a putting stroke. In addition, many of the embodiments of the club head 100 described herein provide enhanced structural properties to improve other club head characteristics, such as CG and MOI.

[0141] In many embodiments, the club head 100 includes an alignment feature 134, as illustrated in FIG. 2. The alignment feature 134 can be any one or combination of the following: a line, a circle, a dashed line, a triangle, a rectangle, a channel, a protrusion, or any other desired alignment feature. In many embodiments, the alignment feature 134 can be centered about the front-to-rear midplane 1025. In some embodiments, the alignment feature 134 can extend from the leading edge 103 to the trailing edge 109. In some embodiments, the alignment feature 134 can extend rearward from the leading edge and terminate forward of the trailing edge 109. In some embodiments, the alignment feature 134 can extend rearward from the leading edge to just beyond the transition surface 1035. In some embodiments, the alignment feature 134 can be offset rearward from the striking face 102. In one such embodiment, the alignment feature 134 may be positioned within 0.25 inches of the striking face 102 .

[0142] In some embodiments, the alignment features 134 may define one or more recesses recessed into the top surface of the crown 110. In such an embodiment, each recess may be any one of the following: a line, a circle, a dashed line, a triangle, a rectangle, a channel, a protrusion, or any other desired alignment feature. In some embodiments, the alignment features 134 may be one or more protrusions protruding from the crown 110. In such an embodiment, each protrusion may be any one of the following: a line, a circle, a dashed line, a triangle, a rectangle, a channel, a protrusion, or any other desired alignment feature. The alignment features 134 provide visual feedback as to whether the club head 100 is properly aligned at address. In addition to the alignment features 134, the body 101 of the club head 100 itself acts as an alignment aid by centering the player on the center 150 of the striking face 102 and allowing the player to manually align the club head 100.

[0143] In many embodiments, such as the example illustrated by FIG. 4, the body 101 can include one or more mass reduction features 140 that are selectively positioned to provide discretionary mass and improve the mass properties of the club head 100. In general, the one or more mass reduction features can be considered as portions of the body 101 from which mass has been removed. In many embodiments, the one or more mass reduction features 140 take the form of one or more voids, openings, recesses, cavities, gaps, voids, holes, spaces, channels, slits, slots, or openings formed within a portion of the body 101. In many embodiments, the one or more mass reduction features 140 are centrally located with respect to the body 101. In doing so, the mass reduction features 140 remove mass from near the center of gravity (CG) 160, allowing the discretionary mass resulting from the inclusion of the mass reduction features 140 to be distributed toward the periphery of the club head 100, increasing the moment of inertia (MOI) of the club head.

[0144] The club head 100 may be formed of a single material or multiple materials. One or more portions of the club head may be formed of one or any combination of the following materials: 8620 alloy steel, S25C steel, carbon steel, maraging steel, 17-4 stainless steel, 303 stainless steel, 304 stainless steel, stainless steel alloy, tungsten, aluminum, aluminum alloy, ADC-12, or any metal suitable for producing a golf club head. In many embodiments, the body 101 comprises a first material and the hosel 130 comprises a second material, as discussed above.

[0145] In some embodiments (not shown), different portions of the body 101 can be made of different materials. For example, in some embodiments, the body 101 can include a first portion made of a first material having a first density and a second portion made of a second material having a second density different from the first density. Providing different portions of the body 101 with different materials in strategic arrangements can allow mass to be distributed in an advantageous manner to enhance the mass properties of the club head (i.e., to provide a desirable CG position and / or increase the MOI).

[0146] In some embodiments, the club head 100 may further include one or more weight inserts (not shown) to further control the mass distribution of the club head 100. The weight inserts may be formed separately and coupled to the body 101. The weight inserts may be formed separately and coupled to the body 101 via welding, soldering, brazing, swaging, adhesives, epoxies, mechanical fasteners, or any other suitable joining method. In some embodiments, the body 101 may form one or more weight recesses (not shown) configured to receive one or more weight inserts. In many embodiments, the weight inserts may be formed of a material having a density greater than the density of one or more portions of the body 101. The inclusion of weight inserts may allow for the concentration of a large amount of mass in a particular location, improving the mass properties of the club head 100.

[0147] In some embodiments, the club head 100 can include a striking face insert (not shown). In such embodiments, the striking face insert is formed separately before being coupled to the club head 100. In some embodiments, the striking face insert can be made of the same or similar material as one or more portions of the body 101. In other embodiments, the striking face insert can be made of a material different from the material of the body 101. In many embodiments, the first portion 114 can form an insert cavity (not shown) configured to receive the striking face insert. The striking face can be secured by an adhesive, such as glue, VHB™ (very high bond) tape, epoxy, or another adhesive. Alternatively or additionally, the striking face can be secured by welding, soldering, screws, rivets, pins, mechanical interlocking structures, or another fastening method.

[0148] The striking face insert can include any one or layered combination of the following: aluminum, stainless steel, copper, thermoplastic copolyester elastomer (TPC), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), thermoplastic urethane (TPU), steel, nickel, TPU / aluminum, TPE / aluminum, plastic / metal screen insert, polyethylene, polypropylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyisobutylene, polyvinyl chloride, PEBAX®, or any other desired material. PEBAX® is a polyether block amide, which is a thermoplastic elastomer made of soft polyether and hard polyamide. The hard polyamide can include nylon. PEBAX® can include different compounds corresponding to different Shore D hardness values, percentage of polyether, and / or percentage of polyamide. In many embodiments, PEBAX® can include PEBAX® 4033 (Arkema, Paris, France) or PEBAX® 6333 (Arkema, Paris, France). PEBAX® 4033 (Arkema, Paris, France) includes tetramethylene oxide (53% wt) and nylon 12. PEBAX® 6333 (Arkema, Paris, France) includes nylon 11. In some embodiments, the face insert can include a material such as steel, steel alloy, tungsten, tungsten alloy, aluminum, aluminum alloy, titanium, titanium alloy, vanadium, vanadium alloy, chromium, chromium alloy, cobalt, cobalt alloy, nickel, nickel alloy, other metal, other metal alloy, composite polymer material, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the striking face insert can include a single layer. In other embodiments, the striking face insert can include two layers, three layers, four layers, or five layers.

[0149] (II. Compact Putter-Type Club Head Having a Square-Shaped Body) For ease of discussion, the club head 100 is used to identify the locations of the features discussed above, which are applicable to all embodiments of this club head. In one exemplary embodiment, the club head 100 comprises a striking face 102 formed at a front end of the body 101, a heel end 104, a toe end 106 opposite the heel end 104, a rear end 108 opposite the striking face 102, a crown 110 defining a top of the body 101, and a sole 112 opposite the crown 110, the sole 112 defining a bottom of the body 101. The body 101 is divided into a first portion 114 and a second portion 116. The first portion 114 comprises the striking face 102 and a transition region 120. The second portion 116 is positioned rearward from the first portion 114. The second portion 116 comprises the remainder of the body 101 and a hosel 130. A transition region 120 joins the striking face 102 to the remainder of the body 101 .

[0150] The club head 100 of FIGS. 1-18 includes a substantially prismatic and / or rectangular body 101. With reference to FIG. 2, the second portion 116 includes a heel sidewall 107a and a toe sidewall 107b. The heel sidewall 107a defines a heel side perimeter of the body 101 along the second portion 116, and similarly, the toe sidewall 107b defines a toe side perimeter of the body 101 along the second portion 116. The sidewalls 107a, 107b may extend substantially in a front-to-rear direction, with the sidewalls 107a, 107b perpendicular to the striking face 102. In many embodiments, the sidewalls 107a, 107b may be substantially planar, except for any recesses or weight reduction features formed therein (described in more detail below).

[0151] 2, the club head 100 further includes an alignment feature 134. The alignment feature 134 includes a single protrusion that extends perpendicular to the striking face 102 from the leading edge 103 to the trailing edge 109. The alignment feature 134 is centered at the front-to-rear midplane 1025. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the alignment feature 134 is located directly above the face center 150. The alignment feature 134 primarily assists in centering the player on the location of the face center 150 at address and ensuring that the striking face 102 is aligned along the target line.

[0152] 2, the club head 100 further comprises a secondary alignment feature 135. In this embodiment, the secondary alignment feature 135 comprises a protrusion extending from the top surface of the crown 110. The secondary alignment feature 135 extends parallel to the striking face 102 from the heel end 104 to the toe end 106. In many embodiments, the secondary alignment feature 135 extends along the top edge 118 of the striking face 102. The secondary alignment feature 135 accentuates the top edge 118. The small striking face width W SF Because of this, the secondary alignment feature 135 is essential to assist the player in squaring the striking face 102 to the intended target line. The alignment feature 134 and the secondary alignment feature 135 combine to form a "T" shape that assists in aligning the face center 150 with the golf ball and squaring the striking face 102 to the intended target line at address. The secondary alignment feature 135 also helps accentuate the angle of the striking face 102 throughout the putting stroke. The secondary alignment feature 135 compensates for the fact that a small striking face 102 can be difficult to track during the putting stroke.

[0153] The transition region 120 provides additional alignment benefits. With reference to FIG. 3, the transition region 120 includes a first transition wall 119 and a second transition wall 121 that extend rearward from the striking face 102 toward the second portion 116 of the body 101. The transition walls 119, 121 are angled relative to the striking face 102 such that the width of the club head 100 gradually increases from the striking face 102 to the second portion 116. As discussed above, the transition region 120 can provide alignment benefits.

[0154] The first transition wall 119 and the second transition wall 121 can point to the center of the golf ball to draw the user's eye to the center of the golf ball. In many embodiments, the first transition wall 119 and the second transition wall 121 can angle inwardly toward the face center 150. With reference to FIG. 3 , the first transition wall 119 and the second transition wall 121 can each define a tangent plane, and the tangent planes can converge at a convergence point 129. The convergence point 129 is a convergence point distance D measured from the face center 150. CP In many embodiments, the first transition wall 119 and the second transition wall 121 can be positioned at a distance D CP The first transition wall 119 and the second transition wall 121 may converge to a geometric center point of the golf ball such that the distance D may be approximately half the diameter of the golf ball. CP can converge to the forward most point of the golf ball so that the axial length of the axial line can be approximately equal to the diameter of the golf ball.

[0155] In many embodiments, the distance D CP may be between 0.65 inches and 1.75 inches. In some embodiments, the distance D CP can be between 0.65 inches and 0.85 inches, between 0.80 inches and 1.10 inches, between 1.00 inches and 1.25 inches, between 1.15 inches and 1.40 inches, between 1.30 inches and 1.60 inches, or between 1.50 inches and 1.75 inches. In one exemplary embodiment, the distance D CPmay be approximately 0.83 inches, or approximately the radius of a golf ball. CP may be approximately 1.68 inches, or approximately the diameter of a golf ball.

[0156] The alignment characteristic of the transition region 120 is further defined as a convergence angle β that relates the angles of the transition region walls at the convergence point 129. 1 Referring to FIG. 3, the convergence angle β 1 may be measured at a convergence point 129 between the tangent planes defined by the first transition wall 119 and the second transition wall 121. In many embodiments, the convergence angle β 1 can be between 75 and 90 degrees. In many embodiments, the convergence angle β 1 can be less than 90 degrees, less than 89 degrees, less than 88 degrees, less than 87 degrees, less than 86 degrees, less than 85 degrees, less than 84 degrees, less than 83 degrees, less than 82 degrees, less than 81 degrees, less than 80 degrees, less than 79 degrees, less than 78 degrees, less than 77 degrees, or less than 76 degrees. 1 can be a relatively small angle.

[0157] The alignment characteristic of the transition region 120 further includes a transition wall angle β that relates the angle of the transition region wall to the transition surface 1035. 2 With reference to FIG. 3, the transition wall angle β 2 can be measured between any of the tangent planes defined by the transition walls 119, 121 and the transition surface 1035. In many embodiments, the transition wall angle β 2 can be between 25 and 60 degrees. In many embodiments, the transition wall angle β 2can be less than 60 degrees, less than 59 degrees, less than 58 degrees, less than 57 degrees, less than 56 degrees, less than 55 degrees, less than 54 degrees, less than 53 degrees, less than 52 degrees, less than 51 degrees, less than 50 degrees, less than 49 degrees, less than 48 degrees, less than 47 degrees, less than 46 degrees, less than 45 degrees, less than 44 degrees, less than 43 degrees, less than 42 degrees, less than 41 degrees, less than 40 degrees, less than 39 degrees, less than 38 degrees, less than 37 degrees, less than 36 degrees, less than 35 degrees, less than 34 degrees, less than 33 degrees, less than 32 degrees, less than 31 degrees, less than 30 degrees, less than 29 degrees, less than 28 degrees, less than 27 degrees, or less than 26 degrees. 2 can be a relatively small angle.

[0158] In addition to the alignment benefits described above, the transition walls 119, 121 can increase the ability of the club head 100 to slide through tall grass, such as when putting from the fringe or rough. The angled transition walls 119, 121 reduce grass resistance by providing angled contact between the grass and the transition area 120 against the club head 100. Additionally, the angled transition walls 119, 121 displace the grass away from the striking face 102 toward the heel end 104 and toe end 106, providing more consistent contact between the striking face 102 and the golf ball. Additionally, the transition walls 119, 121 are generally symmetrical about the center of the club head 100. This symmetry helps balance the forces of the grass against the transition walls 119, 121. Balancing the forces in this manner provides stability to the club head 100 in such conditions.

[0159] Similarly, the side walls 107a, 107b can provide additional alignment benefits. Referring to FIG. 3, the side walls 107a, 107b extend in a substantially straight front-to-rear direction. Additionally, the side walls 107a, 107b are parallel to each other and to the alignment feature 134, and perpendicular to both the striking face 102 and the secondary alignment feature 135. Thus, each of the side walls 107a, 107b provides the player with an additional frame of reference with which to relate the orientation of the club head both at set-up and throughout the duration of the putting stroke. For example, because the striking face 102 is so small, it can be difficult for the player to track the orientation of the club head 100 as it moves throughout the stroke. The orientation of the side walls 107a, 107b provides a frame of reference for the orientation of the body 101 (and therefore the striking face 102) that is larger and easier for the player to track as the club head 100 moves.

[0160] The side walls 107a, 107b may also provide an additional benefit of stabilizing the club head 100 for putts from the fringe or rough. The side walls 107a, 107b are symmetrical about the center of the club head 100 and parallel to one another. Due to the symmetrical nature of the side walls 107a, 107b, the forces acting on the side walls 107a, 107b by tall grass during a putting stroke can cancel each other out. The aforementioned canceling forces provide a stabilizing effect that resists the club head 100 twisting through the rough or fringe and resulting in an errant shot.

[0161] The body 101 includes mass reduction features 140 to provide discretionary mass and improve the mass properties of the club head 100. With reference to FIGS. 4 and 17, the body 101 defines a heel recess 141 near the heel end 104 and a toe recess 142 near the toe end 106. The heel recess 141 and the toe recess 142 are recessed into the body 101 away from the heel end 104 and the toe end 106, respectively. In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the heel recess 141 and the toe recess 142 are symmetrical to one another about the anterior-posterior midplane 1025. In other embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 17, the heel recess 141 and the toe recess 142 are symmetrical to one another about the anterior-posterior midplane 1025, but the hosel 130 extends through the heel recess 141.

[0162] In some embodiments, the club head 100 can include a heel recess 141 and a toe recess 142 to orient the CG 160 along the IP axis 1030. Each of the heel recess 141 and the toe recess 142 (side recesses) has a side recess height H 1 , measured vertically from the lower surface to the upper surface, as shown in FIG. SR In many embodiments, the side recess height H SR Each of the side recesses 141, 142 may further comprise a side recess width W measured in a heel-to-toe direction from the inner edge to the outer edge of each of the side recesses 141, 142, as shown in FIG. SR In many embodiments, a side recess width W SR may be between 0.25 inches and 1.00 inches. Each of the side recesses 141, 142 further has a side recess depth D measured from the forward end to the rearward end, as shown in FIG. SR In many embodiments, the side recess depth D SR can be between 1.00 and 2.00 inches. Side recess height H SR , Side recess width W SR , and side recess depth D SR can remain constant or vary across the side recesses 141, 142.

[0163] The club head 100 may define various ratios to characterize the heel recess 141 and the toe recess 142 relative to the solid components of the body 101. The club head 100 has a body height H B Side recess height H SR Comparison of H SR / H B In many embodiments, H SR / H B The ratio may be between 0.40 and 0.80. The club head 100 further comprises a body width W B Side recess width W SR Ratio to compare W SR / W B In many embodiments, W SR / W B The ratio may be between 0.20 and 0.50. The club head 100 further comprises a body depth D B Side recess depth D SR Ratio to compare D SR / D B In many embodiments, D SR / D B The ratio may be between 0.50 and 0.90. The heel recess 141 and the toe recess 142 may define cutout areas of the body 101 near the heel end 104 and the toe end 106. These ratios are maximized to increase the cutout volume, thereby increasing the amount of discretionary mass that can be redistributed to more desirable areas of the body 101. In many embodiments, the heel recess 141 and the toe recess 142 may be greater than 10 cm 3 and 16cm 3 A joint volume between the

[0164] The body 101 further defines one or more central bores 143 extending through the body 101 from the heel recess 141 to the toe recess 142. In other words, the central bore 143 is located near the center of the body 101 and connects the side recesses 141, 142 located near the heel end 104 and the toe end 106, respectively. With reference to FIG. 17, the body 101 defines a first bore 143a, a second bore 143b, and a third bore 143c. However, in other embodiments of the club head, the number of central bores is not limited. For example, other embodiments of the club head may include one bore, two bores, three bores, four bores, five bores, six bores, or any suitable number of bores. In many embodiments, the central bore 143 may define a cylindrical shape, as illustrated in FIG. 17. However, in other embodiments, the central bore 143 can define any other suitable shape.

[0165] Referring again to FIG. 17, each central bore 143 has a central bore diameter D measured across the opening. CB In many embodiments, a central bore diameter D CB can be between 0.20 inches and 0.50 inches. In some embodiments, the central bore diameter D CB Each central bore 143 may further include a central bore width W measured in a heel-to-toe direction from one end of each central bore 143 to the other end of the central bore 143. CB (not shown). In many embodiments, a central bore width W CB can be between 0.5 inches and 1.00 inches. In some embodiments, the central bore width W CB can be between 0.50 inches and 0.75 inches, between 0.60 inches and 0.80 inches, or between 0.75 inches and 1.00 inches. The central bore diameter D CB and central bore width W CB can remain constant or can vary throughout the central bore 143.

[0166] The club head 100 may define various ratios to characterize the central bore 143 relative to the solid components of the body 101. The club head 100 may have a body height H B for central bore diameter D CB Comparison of D CB / H B In many embodiments, D CB / H B The ratio may be between 0.20 and 0.50. The club head 100 further comprises a body width W B Center bore width W CB Ratio to compare W CB / W B In many embodiments, W CB / W B The ratio may be between 0.20 and 0.50. The central bore 143 may define a cutout area in the body 101 that extends from the heel recess 141 to the toe recess 142. In many embodiments, the central bore 143 may be 3 cm 3 From 5cm 3 A joint volume between the

[0167] 16, the body 101 further defines a rear recess 144 recessed into the body 101 away from the rear end 108 via a floor 145 and a peripheral wall 146. The rear recess 144 has a rear recess height H, measured vertically from the lower surface to the upper surface of the rear recess 144, as shown in FIG. RR In many embodiments, a rear recess height H RR The rear recess 144 may be between 0.25 inches and 0.75 inches. The rear recess 144 further defines a rear recess width W measured in a heel-to-toe direction from one end of the rear recess 144 to the other, as shown in FIG. RR In many embodiments, a rear recess width W RR may be between 0.80 inches and 1.20 inches. The rear recess 144 further has a rear recess depth D measured from the floor 145 to the rear end 108 as shown in FIG. R In many embodiments, the rear recess depth DRR can be between 0.20 inches and 1.00 inches. In some embodiments, the rear recess 144 can define a stepped recess, as illustrated in FIG. 4. In such embodiments, the perimeter wall 146 can define a ledge 147 that provides a stepped surface within the rear recess 144 and reduces the rear recess width W RR In other embodiments, the rear recess 144 defines a constant depth, as illustrated in FIG. RR , rear recess width W RR , and rear recess depth D RR can remain constant or vary throughout the rear recess 144.

[0168] The club head 100 can define various ratios to characterize the rear recess 144 relative to the solid components of the body 101. The club head 100 has a body height H B Rear recess height H RR Comparison of H RR / H B In many embodiments, H RR / H B The ratio may be between 0.40 and 0.80. The club head 100 further comprises a body width W B Rear recess width W RR Ratio to compare W RR / W B In many embodiments, W RR / W B The ratio may be between 0.20 and 0.50. The club head 100 further comprises a body depth D B Rear recess depth D RR Ratio to compare D RR / D B In many embodiments, D RR / D BThe ratio may be between 0.05 and 0.50. The rear recess 144 may define a cutout area near the rear end of the body 101. These ratios are maximized to increase the cutout volume, thereby increasing the amount of discretionary mass that can be redistributed to more desirable areas of the body 101. In many embodiments, the rear recess 144 is 2 cm 3 and 5cm 3 A volume between the

[0169] The mass reduction features 140 (heel recess 141 and toe recess 142, central bore 143, and rear recess 144) remove mass from near the center of gravity (CG) 160 and allow the discretionary mass resulting from the inclusion of the mass reduction features 140 to be distributed toward the periphery of the club head 100, increasing the moment of inertia (MOI) of the club head. In many embodiments, the mass reduction features 140 are located within a 15 cm 3 From 25cm 3 The mass reduction features 140 maximize the MOI of the club head while still allowing for a compact body 101 that includes a small striking face 102.

[0170] The striking face 102 of this embodiment is substantially smaller than the striking face of a typical prior art putter-type golf club head. The striking face 102 is 1.15 in. 2 and 1.25in 2 The striking face 102 surface area may be less than 80% of the striking face surface area of ​​a typical prior art putter-type club head. SF can be between 1.45 inches and 1.55 inches. The striking face height H SF can be between 0.80 inches and 0.85 inches. SF / H SF The diagonal distance D between the corners of the striking face 102 may be between 1.80 and 1.90. SF can be between 1.65 and 1.75. 1can be between 80 and 90 degrees. 2 can be between 120 and 130 degrees.

[0171] Like the striking face 102, the body 101 of this embodiment is substantially smaller than a typical prior art putter-type golf club head body. B can be between 2.10 inches and 2.30 inches. Body Depth D B can be between 2.00 and 2.50 inches. Body height H B may be between 0.65 inches and 0.85 inches. In this embodiment, the maximum rectangular body dimension 178 may be between 2.10 inches and 2.30 inches. B / D B The ratio W may be less than 1.05. SF / W B The distance D may be less than 0.75. BS can be between 2.75 inches and 3.25 inches.

[0172] The club head 100 includes a hosel 130 coupled to the body 101 at a hosel attachment point 131. In some embodiments, the hosel attachment point 131 is located at a relatively rearward position on the body 101, as shown in FIG. 1. With reference to FIG. 2, the club head 100 is positioned a distance D rearward from the heel-toe interface 1020. H-M The club head 100 has a forward vertical distance D from the striking face 102 of between 0.45 inches and 0.90 inches. H-F ranges between 1.5 inches and 1.9 inches. The club head 100 further has a rear vertical distance D H-R ranges between 0.55 inches and 0.60 inches. The club head 100 further has a vertical distance D H-Hranges between 0.25 inches and 0.55 inches. The location of the rear hosel 130 encourages the player to impact the golf ball at a positive attack angle, which influences the ball to impart topspin and produce a smooth, rolling putt.

[0173] In some embodiments, the hosel attachment point 131 is located at a forward position on the body 101, as shown in FIG 13. Referring to FIG 14, the club head 100 is positioned a distance D H-M The club head 100 has a forward vertical distance D from the striking face 102. H-F ranges between 1.00 inches and 1.25 inches. The club head 100 further has a rear vertical distance D H-R ranges between 1.00 inches and 1.25 inches. The club head 100 further has a vertical distance D H-H ranges between 0.25 inches and 0.50 inches. The location of the forward hosel 130 contributes to the improved forgiveness of the club head 100.

[0174] Alternatively, in other embodiments, the hosel attachment point 131 is located near the crown 110, as illustrated in FIG. 1. In other embodiments, the hosel attachment point 131 is located within the body 101. Referring to FIG. 15, the hosel 130 can include an upper hosel portion 137 located above the body 101 and a lower hosel portion 138 located within the body 101. In one such embodiment, the hosel 130 extends through the upper portion of the body and through a heel recess 141. In some embodiments, the body 101 defines a hosel opening 139 for receiving the hosel 130, as illustrated in FIG. 14. In other embodiments, the club head 100 further includes a bore (not shown) extending through the heel recess 141. In one such embodiment, the lower hosel portion 138 is received within the bore. The location of the hosel attachment point 131 can affect certain characteristics of the club head, such as the CG and MOI.

[0175] The club head 100 has a moment of inertia (MOI) measured about the X' axis 1070. xx ) and the moment of inertia (MOI) measured around the Y´ axis 1080 yy ) and the moment of inertia (MOI) measured around the Z´ axis 1090 zz ) and MOI xx , M.O.I. yy , M.O.I. zz The MOI value is maximized to maximize the forgiveness of the club head 100 during off-center impacts with a golf ball. xx is 1000g cm 2 From 2000g cm 2 The club head 100 has an MOI between yy is 2000g cm 2 From 3000g cm 2 The club head 100 has an MOI between zz is 1000g cm 2 From 2000g cm 2 The MOI of the club head 100 is between yy / W BThe ratio can be greater than 850. yy / A SF can be greater than 1500.

[0176] The CG position can be described relative to a master coordinate system based on the origin 128. With reference to FIGS. 8-10, the CG position is measured along the X-axis 1040 as a horizontal distance X 1040 relative to the origin 128. O (not shown) and a height Y along the Y axis 1050 O and a depth of Z along the Z axis 1060 O And you can take a position.

[0177] The club head 100 is aligned at a CG position X along an X-axis 1040. O is between 0.01 inches and 0.10 inches to the toe of the origin 128. The club head 100 has a CG height Y O The club head 100 has a CG depth Z between 0.40 inches and 0.50 inches. O The club head 100 has a CG height Y GP is between 0.50 inches and 0.60 inches.

[0178] Distance D of club head 100 IP can be between 1.10 inches and 1.20 inches. IP The distance Y of the club head 100 may be between 0.01 inches and 0.10 inches. IP can be between 0.01 inches and 0.15 inches.

[0179] The shaft axis 1075 of the club head 100 may be located behind the CG 160. The club head 100 may have a D between the CG 160 and the shaft axis 1075. S-CG The offset distance is between 0.01 inches and 0.90 inches.

[0180] In some embodiments, first portion 114 is configured to provide a substantially solid portion of body 101 directly behind striking face 102. In some embodiments, first portion 114 has a large concentration of mass such that a significant portion of the mass of body 101 is located in the relatively small first portion 114. The greater concentration of mass provided by substantially solid first portion 114 directly behind striking face 102 contributes to a desirable solid feel at impact.

[0181] As discussed above, first portion 114 is defined as the area forward of transition surface 1035. First portion 114 defines generally the forward-most 5% to 25% of body 101. First portion 114 has a mass in the range of 70 grams to 90 grams. As discussed above, body 101 has a mass in the range of 300 grams to 375 grams. Thus, first portion 114 comprises between 20% and 40% of the mass of body 101.

[0182] The first portion 114 further comprises a 5 cm 3 From 15cm 3 As discussed above, the body 101 has a volume in the range of 20 cm 3 From 75cm 3 Thus, the first portion 114 has a volume between 20% and 30% of the volume of the body 101.

[0183] III. COMPACT PUTTER HEAD WITH MASS REDUCTION FEATURES AND WEIGHT INSERT FIG. 19 illustrates one embodiment of a compact putter-type club head 1100 comprising a main body 1101 having one or more recesses 1141a, 1141b and one or more weight inserts 1145a, 1145b attached to the main body 1101. The compact putter-type club head 1100 has similar dimensions and relationships to the putter-type club head 100 as discussed above. Specifically, the putter-type club head 1100 has similar dimensions and / or dimensional parameters related to a small striking face, a compact body, hosel positioning, shaft axis, transition area, center of gravity (CG), and moment of inertia (MOI). The compact putter-type club head 1100 has a high MOI due to the hollow center (caused by the recesses 1141a, 1141b) and the weight placement at the dense perimeter.

[0184] The main body 1101 can form a central portion of the club head 1100, and the one or more weight inserts 1145a, 1145b can be located near the periphery. The main body 1101 can define one or more mass reduction features in the form of one or more recesses, which allows discretionary mass to be redistributed to the one or more weight inserts to improve the MOI. The main body 1101 is formed of a first, low density material, and the one or more weight inserts 1145a, 1145b are formed of a second, high density material. The putter-type club head 1100 is similar to the putter-type club head 100, and similar reference numbers will be used to describe the putter-type club head 1100 (e.g., the club head 1100 includes a crown 1110, a sole 1112, a heel end 1104, a toe end 1106, etc.).

[0185] The putter-type club head 1100 is divided into a first portion 1114 at the front end of the club head 1100 and a second portion 1116 rearward of the first portion 1114. The first portion 1114 may comprise a hitting face 1102 and a transition area 1120. The transition area 1120 joins the hitting face 1102 to the second portion 1116. The transition area 1120 may comprise a first transition wall 1119, a second transition wall 1121, and a forward portion of the main body 1101. The second portion 1116 may comprise a rearward portion of the main body 1101 and one or more weights.

[0186] The transition area 1120 provides alignment benefits to the putter-type club head 1100. The transition walls 1119, 1121 are angled relative to the striking face 1102 such that the width of the club head 1100 gradually increases from the striking face 1102 to the second portion 1116. In some embodiments, the first transition wall 1119 and the second transition wall 1121 can be angled such that they point to the center of the golf ball at address, drawing the user's eye to the center of the golf ball. In other embodiments, the first transition wall 1119 and the second transition wall 1121 can converge to the forward most point of the golf ball at address, drawing the user's eye to the forward most point of the golf ball. The transition area 1120 of the putter-type club head 1100 can have dimensions similar to the transition area 120 of the putter-type club head 100.

[0187] The main body 1101 includes a low density material (i.e., a first material). The main body 1101 includes a striking face 1102, a rear end 1108, a crown 1110, and a sole 1112. The striking face 1102 is substantially smaller than the striking face of a typical putter-type golf club head. The smaller striking face 1102 focuses the player on the center of the striking face 1102 by providing a smaller and more precise target location for the player to strike the ball. The main body 1101 further defines a hosel attachment point 1131. As discussed above, the putter-type club head 1100 can have any of the hosel configurations described herein and further has dimensions similar to the hosel 130 of the putter-type club head 100. As discussed above, the club head 1100 can have a substantially forward or rearward hosel attachment point 1131. The main body 1101 further includes a crown bridge 1111 that extends between the striking face 1102 and the rear end 1108 and forms a substantial portion of the crown 1110. The main body 1101 further includes an upright member (not shown) below the crown bridge 1111 that extends in a front-to-rear direction through the main body 1101. The upright member extends generally perpendicularly from the crown bridge 1111 and provides structural support to the crown bridge 1111, providing additional structural support to the main body 1101.

[0188] To further remove mass from a central portion of the club head 1100, the main body 1101 defines one or more mass reduction features. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 19 defines a heel recess 1141a and a toe recess 1141b. However, the putter-type club head 1100 may define any suitable number of recesses. An upright member extends in a front-to-rear direction through the main body 1101 and separates or defines the heel recess 1141a from the toe recess 1141b. Each recess 1141a, 1141b is further defined by a rear recess wall proximate the rear end 1108, a front recess wall near the striking face 1102, a recess ceiling near the crown 1110, and a recess floor near the sole 1112. The upright members, front recess wall, rear recess wall, recess ceiling, and recess floor together define each recess 1141a, 1141b.

[0189] The main body 1101 further defines a rear recess (not shown) recessed into the main body 1101 away from the rear end 1108. This rear recess creates a discontinuous surface near the rear end 1108 to comply with USGA standards requiring a club head to have only one striking face. The recesses 1141a, 1141b of the putter-type club head 1100 can have dimensions similar to the side recesses 141, 142 of the putter-type club head 100. The recesses allow weight to be removed from a central portion of the putter-type club head 1100, thereby allowing weight to be redistributed to the periphery. In many embodiments, the mass removed by the inclusion of the recesses 1141a, 1141b can be redistributed by increasing the mass of the weights 1145a, 1145b (discussed in more detail below). Increasing the weight placement at the perimeter increases the MOI of the putter-type club head 1100, thereby providing greater forgiveness.

[0190] The main body 1101 includes one or more alignment features 1134 located on the crown 1110. The alignment feature 1134 illustrated in FIG. 19 includes a single line that extends from the striking face 1102 to the rear end 1108 on both ends of the crown 1110. However, the alignment feature 1134 may include any one or combination of alignment features disclosed herein. The alignment feature 1134 provides visual feedback as to whether the club head 1100 is properly aligned at address. In addition to the alignment features 1134, the small striking face 1102 and the compact nature of the main body 1101 itself act as an alignment aid by centering the player on the center of the striking face 1102 and allowing the player to manually align the club head 1100.

[0191] The main body 1101 defines a central portion of the putter-type club head 1100 and includes an alignment feature 1134 and one or more recesses 1141a, 1141b. The putter-type club head 1100 further includes one or more weight inserts 1145a, 1145b attached to the main body 1101 to increase perimeter weight placement and improve MOI. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 19 includes a heel weight 1145a and a toe weight 1145b. The heel weight 1145a is located near the heel end 1104 and the toe weight 1145b is located near the toe end 1106. Both the heel weight 1145a and the toe weight 1145b extend away from the ground or upward from the sole 1112.

[0192] The weights 1145a, 1145b are attached to the main body 1101 such that the main body 1101 is positioned between one or more of the weights 1145a, 1145b. Additionally, the recesses 1141a, 1141b may be positioned between the weights 1145a, 1145b. Specifically, the toe recess 1141b may be positioned between the toe weight 1145b and the upright member, and the heel recess 1141a may be positioned between the heel weight 1145a and the upright member.

[0193] The recesses 1141a, 1141b remove weight from the central portion of the main body 1101 and allow that weight to be redistributed to the weights 1145a, 1145b. The combination of the weight reduction feature and the perimeter weighting increases the MOI of the putter-type club head 1100. Additionally, the mass of the weights 1145a, 1145b can be adjusted to achieve a desired swing weight or overall putter head mass.

[0194] The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 19 includes a heel weight 1145a and a toe weight 1145b. However, the putter-type club head 1100 can include any suitable number of weights. In some embodiments, the putter-type club head 1100 can include one weight, two weights, three weights, four weights, five weights, six weights, seven weights, eight weights, nine weights, or any suitable number of weights. Each weight can have a mass between 2 grams and 7 grams. In some embodiments, the mass of each weight is between 2 grams and 5 grams, between 3 grams and 7 grams, or between 1 gram and 6 grams. In some embodiments, the mass of each weight is about 1 gram, about 2 grams, about 3 grams, about 4 grams, about 5 grams, about 6 grams, or about 7 grams. Each weight can have the same mass, or the mass of each weight can vary. The weights can be any one or combination of the following shapes: rectangular, triangular, pyramidal, spherical, semicircular, square, cylindrical, oval, elliptical, trapezoidal, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, or any other desired geometric or non-geometric shape. One or more weights 1145a, 1145b can be attached to the main body 1101 via any combination of welding, soldering, brazing, swaging, adhesives, epoxies, mechanical fasteners, or any other suitable joining method.

[0195] The combination of the main body 1101 comprising a low density first material and the weights 1145a, 1145b comprising a high density second material results in a high MOI putter-type club head 1100. The recesses 1141a, 1141b remove mass from the central portion of the main body 1101 and allow it to be redistributed to the weights 1145a, 1145b. The toe weight 1145b and heel weight 1145a provide an area of ​​high density and concentrated mass near the perimeter of the putter-type club head 1100 and the maximum distance away from the center of gravity of the putter-type club head 1300. The putter-type club head 1100 can further be formed of any of the materials previously described herein.

[0196] (IV. Compact Putter-Type Club Head with Spade-Shaped Body) 20 illustrates one embodiment of a compact putter-type club head 1200 with a spade-shaped body 1201. The putter-type club head 1200 is similar to the putter-type club head 100, and similar reference numbers will be used to describe the putter-type club head 1200 (e.g., the club head 1200 includes a crown 1210, a sole 1212, a heel end 1204, a toe end 1206, etc.). The spade-shaped compact putter-type club head 1200 has similar dimensions and relationships to the club head 100 as discussed above. Specifically, the spade-shaped compact putter-type club head 1200 has similar dimensions and / or dimensional relationships related to a small striking face, a compact body, hosel positioning, shaft axis, transition region, center of gravity (CG), and moment of inertia (MOI). Providing a club head having a spade shape produces a high MOI due to the arcuate periphery which results in increased body width near the heel-toe midplane.

[0197] The club head 1200 includes a body 1201 that is shaped to provide a small hitting face 1202 while ensuring a relatively high MOI. The club head 1200 is divided into a first portion 1214 at a front end of the club head 1200 and a second portion 1216 rearward of the first portion 1214. The first portion 1214 may include the hitting face 1202 and a transition region 1220. The transition region 1220 joins the hitting face 1202 to the second portion 1216. The transition region 1220 may include a first transition wall 1219, a second transition wall 1221, and a forward portion of the body 1201. The second portion 1216 may include a rearward portion of the body 1201. The second portion is the portion of the body 1201 rearward of the transition region 1220.

[0198] The transition area 1220 provides alignment benefits to the putter-type club head 1200. The transition walls 1219, 1221 are angled relative to the striking face 1202 such that the width of the club head 1200 gradually increases from the striking face 1202 to the second portion 1216. In some embodiments, the first transition wall 1219 and the second transition wall 1221 can be angled such that they point to the center of the golf ball at address, drawing the user's eye to the center of the golf ball. In other embodiments, the first transition wall 1219 and the second transition wall 1221 can converge to the forward most point of the golf ball at address, drawing the user's eye to the forward most point of the golf ball. The transition area 1220 of the putter-type club head 1200 can have dimensions similar to the transition area 120 of the putter-type club head 100.

[0199] The body 1201 includes a striking face 1202, a rear end 1208, a crown 1210, and a sole 1212. The striking face 1202 is substantially smaller than the striking face of a typical putter-type golf club head. The smaller striking face 1202 focuses the player on the center of the striking face 1202 by providing a smaller and more precise target location for the player to strike the ball. The body 1201 further defines a hosel attachment point 1231. As discussed above, the putter-type club head 1200 can have any of the hosel configurations described herein and further has dimensions similar to the hosel 130 of the putter-type club head 100. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 20, the club head 1200 can have a substantially forward or rearward hosel attachment point 1231.

[0200] 20, the club head 1200 includes a heel side perimeter 1248 located at the heel end 1204 and a toe side perimeter 1249 located at the toe end 1206. The heel side perimeter 1248 and the toe side perimeter 1249 each extend rearwardly from the transition region 1220 toward the rear end 1208. The heel side perimeter 1248 and the toe side perimeter 1249 define sidewalls of the club head 1200. In many embodiments, the heel side perimeter 1248 and the toe side perimeter 1249 follow a curvilinear path around the perimeter of the club head 1200. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 20 , the central portions of the heel-side perimeter 1248 and toe-side perimeter 1249 are bowed outwardly such that the body width is greater toward the heel-toe midplane than toward the striking face 1202 or toward the rear end 1208. Generally, the maximum body width of the club head 1200 is located between the heel-side perimeter 1248 and the toe-side perimeter 1249 in the second portion 1216. The bowed shape of the heel-side perimeter 1248 and toe-side perimeter 1249 provides the club head 1200 with a greater overall body width while still allowing for a small striking face 1202. Thus, the club head 1200 provides both the crowding effect associated with the small striking face 1202 (discussed in detail above) as well as an increased MOI due to the shaping of the club head 1200.

[0201] In most embodiments, the crown 1210 spans the entire width of the putter head 1200 from the toe perimeter 1249 to the heel perimeter 1248 in the heel-to-toe direction. Additionally, the crown 1210 may include an alignment feature 1234. The alignment feature 1234 illustrated in FIG. 20 includes a plurality of grooves 1251a, 1251b that extend from the striking face 1202 to the rear end 1208 at both ends of the crown 1210. In the illustrated embodiment, the alignment feature 1234 includes a central groove 1251a aligned with the center of the striking face 1202 and two boundary grooves 1251b on either side of the alignment feature 1234. In some embodiments, the distance between the boundary grooves 1251b may be the same as the width of a golf ball. In other embodiments, the distance between the boundary grooves 1251b may be approximately equal to the face width. In other embodiments, the alignment features 1234 can comprise any one or combination of the alignment features disclosed herein. The alignment features 1234 provide visual feedback as to whether the club head 1200 is properly aligned at address. In addition to the alignment features 1234, the small striking face 1202 and the compact nature of the club head 1200 itself act as an alignment aid by centering the player on the center of the striking face 1202 and by having the player manually align the club head 1200.

[0202] 21 illustrates another embodiment of a compact putter-type club head 1300 with a spade-shaped body 1301. The putter-type club head 1300 is similar to the putter-type club head 100, and similar reference numbers will be used to describe the putter-type club head 1300 (e.g., the club head 1300 includes a crown 1310, a sole 1312, a heel end 1304, a toe end 1306, etc.). The club head 1300 is substantially similar to the club head 1200, except that the alignment feature 1334 is different. The alignment feature 1334 has a central groove 1351a that extends from the striking face 1302 to the rear end 1308 of both ends of the crown 1310. The central groove 1351a may be aligned with the center of the striking face 1302. The alignment feature 1334 further has two boundary grooves 1351b on either side of the alignment feature 1334. The boundary grooves 1351b may be substantially similar to the boundary grooves 1251b, except that the boundary grooves 1351b do not extend uninterruptedly to the rear end 1308. Instead, the boundary grooves 1351b terminate at the anterior walls 1354a, 1354b of the crown recesses 1353a, 1353b (described in more detail below).

[0203] The crown recesses 1353a, 1353b surround a rear portion of the alignment feature 1334. The club head 1300 includes a heel crown recess 1353a extending in the fore-aft direction and located between the alignment feature 1334 and the heel periphery 1348. The club head 1300 further includes a toe crown recess 1353b extending in the fore-aft direction and located between the alignment feature 1334 and the toe periphery 1349. The crown recesses 1353a, 1353b are recessed into the surface of the crown 1310. Each crown recess 1353a, 1353b is bounded by a front wall 1354a, 1354b, an inner side wall 1355a, 1355b adjacent the alignment feature 1334, and a peripheral wall 1356a, 1356b opposite the inner side wall 1355a, 1355b. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 21, the crown recesses 1353a, 1353b lack a rear wall, thereby allowing the crown recesses 1353a, 1353b to be open toward the rear end 1308. The inner side walls 1355a, 1355b directly abut and extend along a rear portion of the alignment feature 1334. Additionally, the inner side walls 1355a, 1355b extend in alignment with the boundary groove 1351b. The crown recesses 1353a, 1353b create a sharp visual contrast between the crown 1310 and the alignment feature 1334 and increase the focusing effect of the alignment feature 1334. Additionally, the crown recesses 1353a, 1353b can act as a pair of mass reduction features by reducing the mass of the crown 1310 and allowing such mass to be redistributed throughout the club head 1300.

[0204] 22 illustrates another embodiment of a compact putter-type club head 1400 with a spade-shaped body 1401. The putter-type club head 1400 is similar to the putter-type club head 100, and similar reference numbers will be used to describe the putter-type club head 1400 (e.g., the club head 1400 includes a crown 1410, a sole 1412, a heel end 1404, a toe end 1406, etc.). The putter-type club head 1400 is substantially similar to the club heads 1200 and 1300, except for the different shaping of the crown 1410 and the alignment features 1434. The crown 1410 has a stepped height such that the crown 1410 assumes a maximum height at a first portion 1414 and steps down to a lower height at a second portion 1416.

[0205] The second portion 1416 of the putter-type club head 1400 includes a heel portion 1462, a toe portion 1464, and a central rear platform 1467 disposed between the heel portion 1462 and the toe portion 1464. In this embodiment, the central rear platform 1467 is in the form of a trough, such that the central rear platform 1467 is recessed relative to the heel portion 1462 and the toe portion 1464. As such, each of the heel portion 1462 and the toe portion 1464 can have a greater height than the central rear platform 1467. Providing the central rear platform 1467 in the form of a trough removes mass from the center of the body 1401 (where the central rear platform 1467 is located) and allows said mass to be redistributed to the heel portion 1462 and the toe portion 1464, thereby increasing the MOI. The central rear platform 1467 further includes an alignment feature 1434. By locating the alignment feature 1434 on the central rear platform 1467, the alignment feature 1434 is at a recessed height compared to the remainder of the body 1401, which provides a sharp visual contrast between the alignment feature 1434 and the remainder of the body 1401 and increases the focusing effect of the alignment feature 1434. In the embodiment of FIG. 22, the alignment feature 1434 has a plurality of grooves 1451 similar to the alignment features 1234 and 1334. It should be noted that in other embodiments, the alignment feature 1434 can comprise any one or combination of the alignment features disclosed herein.

[0206] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 22, heel portion 1462 and toe portion 1464 are integrally formed with body 1401. However, in other embodiments, heel portion 1462 and toe portion 1464 can be formed as (or can include) one or more weight inserts. In such embodiments, the weight inserts can be formed of a second material having a greater density than the body material. In such embodiments, heel portion 1462 can include a heel weight and toe portion 1464 can include a toe weight. Including heel and toe weights can provide increased perimeter weight placement and improved MOI.

[0207] In embodiments in which the heel portion 1462 and the toe portion 1464 include one or more weight inserts, the putter-type club head 1400 can include any suitable number of weights. In some embodiments, the putter-type club head 1400 can include one weight, two weights, three weights, four weights, five weights, six weights, seven weights, eight weights, nine weights, or any suitable number of weights. Each weight can have a mass between 2 grams and 7 grams. In some embodiments, the mass of each weight is between 2 grams and 5 grams, between 3 grams and 7 grams, or between 1 gram and 6 grams. In some embodiments, the mass of each weight is about 1 gram, about 2 grams, about 3 grams, about 4 grams, about 5 grams, about 6 grams, or about 7 grams. Each weight can have the same mass, or the mass of each weight can vary. The weights can be any one or combination of the following shapes: rectangular, triangular, pyramidal, spherical, semicircular, square, cylindrical, oval, elliptical, trapezoidal, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, or any other desired geometric or non-geometric shape. The one or more weight inserts can be attached to the body 1401 via any combination of welding, soldering, brazing, swaging, adhesive, epoxy, mechanical fastening, or any other suitable joining method. In some embodiments, the weight inserts can be similar to the weights 1145a, 1145b of the club head 1100.

[0208] 23 illustrates another embodiment of a compact putter-type club head 1500 with a spade-shaped body 1501. The putter-type club head 1500 is similar to the putter-type club head 100, and similar reference numbers will be used to describe the putter-type club head 1500 (e.g., the club head 1500 includes a crown 1510, a sole 1512, a heel end 1504, a toe end 1506, etc.). The club head 1500 is substantially similar to the club heads 1200, 1300, and 1400, except that the alignment feature 1534 is different and includes weight inserts 1545a, 1545b (described in more detail below). In particular, the putter-type club head 1500 includes an alignment feature 1534 having a ball contouring feature 1580.

[0209] The club head 1500 includes a main body 1501 and one or more weight inserts 1545a, 1545b attached thereto. The main body 1501 is substantially T-shaped with a first portion 1514 that is wider than a second portion 1516. The first portion 1514 extends continuously from the heel end 1504 to the toe end 1506. The second portion 1516 of the main body 1501 extends rearwardly from the first portion 1514 and perpendicular to the striking face 1502. The second portion 1516 is narrower than the first portion 1514 such that the second portion 1516 is inset from the periphery of the club head 1500 at the heel end 1504 and the toe end 1506. As shown in FIG. 23, heel perimeter 1548 and toe perimeter 1549 are formed by weight inserts 1545a, 1545b rather than by main body 1501.

[0210] As discussed above, the club head 1500 includes a heel weight 1545a and a toe weight 1545b to increase perimeter weight placement and improve MOI. The weight inserts 1545a, 1545b are attached to the main body 1501 such that the main body 1501 (specifically the second portion 1516 of the main body 1501) is positioned between the one or more weight inserts 1545a, 1545b. The weight inserts 1545a, 1545b can be substantially similar to the weights 1145a, 1145b of the club head 1100 and / or any other weight inserts described herein.

[0211] The main body 1501 includes one or more alignment features 1534 located on the crown 1510. The alignment features 1534 illustrated in FIG. 23 include a central recess 1570 and a ball contouring feature 1580. The central recess 1570 removes mass from the crown 1510, thereby allowing the mass to be moved toward the periphery of the club head 1500 and / or into the weights 1545a, 1545b. The central recess 1570 is located near the center of the main body 1501. The central recess 1570 is defined by a recess wall 1572 and a recess floor 1574. The recess floor 1574 is recessed into the crown 1510, and the recess walls 1572 circumscribe the recess floor 1574. The recess floor 1574 is parallel to the ground plane and provides a surface parallel to the ground plane for portions of the alignment features 1534. In many embodiments, such as that of FIG. 23, the central recess 1570 is oval or racetrack shaped.

[0212] The alignment features 1534 further include a ball delineating feature 1580. The ball delineating feature 1580 is integrally formed with the crown 1510 and generally follows the perimeter of the central recess 1570. The ball delineating feature 1580 is centered on the center of the striking face 1502 and positioned offset from the striking face 1502. The ball delineating feature 1580 is approximately the width of a golf ball and helps to enclose the golf ball. The ball delineating feature 1580 generally resembles an elongated golf ball and helps the viewer visualize the flight trajectory of the golf ball. In some embodiments, the ball delineating feature 1580 is recessed into the surface of the crown 1510, thereby defining a channel. However, in other embodiments, the ball delineating feature 1580 can be flush with the crown 1510 or can protrude upwardly from the crown 1510.

[0213] The alignment feature 1534 further has a plurality of grooves including a central groove 1551a bounded on each side by lateral grooves 1551b. The plurality of grooves 1551a, 1551b are located on the recess floor 1574 and extend through the entire length of the central recess 1570. The grooves 1551a, 1551b extend perpendicular to the striking face 1502 toward the rear end 1508. The central groove 1551a is aligned with the center of the striking face 1502.

[0214] The alignment features 1534 provide multiple benefits to the club head 1500. The shape and size of the central recess 1570 and ball-contouring feature 1580 help surround the golf ball, and the multiple grooves 1551a, 1551b help align the club head 1500 with the intended target line. Each of these features increases the focusing effect of the club head 1500. Additionally, the central recess 1570 of the alignment features 1534 removes mass from the crown 1510 and redistributes it to the perimeter, increasing the MOI.

[0215] (V. Compact putter-type club head with rear clearance) 24 and 25 illustrate various embodiments of a compact putter-type club head with a rear gap. The compact putter-type club head with a rear gap has similar dimensions and relationships to the putter-type club head 100 as discussed above. Specifically, the compact putter-type club head illustrated in FIG. 24 and FIG. 25 has similar dimensions and / or dimensional relationships related to a small striking face, a compact body, hosel positioning, shaft axis, transition area, center of gravity (CG), and moment of inertia (MOI). The rear gap creates a ball retrieval feature to allow the user to easily retrieve his / her ball. Additionally, the rear gap removes mass from the center portion of the body and redistributes the mass toward the periphery to increase the MOI.

[0216] Each of the compact putter-type club heads illustrated in Figures 24 and 25 has a gap defined in the rear portion of the body. Figure 24 illustrates an embodiment of a compact putter-type club head 1600 having an enclosed, circular shaped rear gap 1673, and Figure 25 illustrates an embodiment of a compact putter-type club head 1700 having a gap 1773 that opens toward the rear end of the body. The rear gap can allow weight to be redistributed to the perimeter or end of the club head. Increasing the weight placement at the perimeter increases the MOI of the putter-type club head, thereby providing greater forgiveness. The rear gap also provides a ball retrieval feature. The rear gap putter-type club heads 1600, 1700 are similar to the putter-type club head 100, and similar reference numbers are used to describe the putter-type club heads 1600, 1700 (e.g., club head 1600 includes a crown 1610, a sole 1612, a heel end 1604, a toe end 1606, etc.).

[0217] The putter-type club head 1600 is divided into a first portion 1614 at the front end of the club head 1600 and a second portion 1616 rearward of the first portion 1614. The first portion 1614 may comprise a striking face 1602 and a transition region 1620. The transition region 1620 joins the striking face 1602 to the second portion 1616. The transition region 1620 may comprise the striking face 1602, a first transition wall 1619, a second transition wall 1621, and a forward portion of the body 1601. The second portion 1616 may comprise a rearward portion of the body 1601. The crown 1610 has a stepped height such that the crown 1610 is at a maximum height at the first portion 1614 and steps down to a lower height at the second portion 1616.

[0218] The body 1601 includes a striking face 1602, a rear end 1608, a crown 1610, and a sole 1612. The striking face 1602 is substantially smaller than the striking face of a typical putter-type golf club head. The smaller striking face 1602 centers the player on the center of the striking face 1602 by providing a smaller and more precise target location for the player to strike the ball. The body 1601 further defines a hosel attachment point 1631. As discussed above, the putter-type club head 1600 can have any of the hosel configurations described herein and further has dimensions similar to the hosel 130 of the putter-type club head 100. As discussed above, the club head 1600 can have a substantially forward or rearward hosel attachment point 1631.

[0219] 24, the second portion 1616 comprises a rear portion of the body 1601 and is positioned at a lower height than the first portion 1614. The second portion 1616 is generally semicircular in shape. The second portion 1616 comprises a rear portion of the crown 1610. In the illustrated embodiment, the crown 1610 has a convex surface compared to the ground surface. In other embodiments, the crown 1610 can have a flat surface or a concave surface compared to the ground surface.

[0220] The second portion 1616 defines a rear gap 1673 that extends through the body 1601 from the crown 1610 to the sole 1612. In other words, the rear gap 1673 forms a gap in a central portion of the body 1601. In many embodiments, the rear gap 1673 has a diameter that generally corresponds to the width of a golf ball (approximately 4.27 cm). In many embodiments, the rear gap 1673 has a diameter that is slightly smaller than the diameter of a golf ball, allowing the rear gap 1673 to capture the golf ball. In these embodiments, the rear gap 1673 provides a ball retrieval feature. In other embodiments, the rear gap 1673 can have a diameter that is larger or smaller than the width of a golf ball. The rear gap 1673 removes mass from near the center of the body 1601 and allows mass to be distributed toward the periphery of the club head 1600, increasing the moment of inertia (MOI) of the club head. The rear gap 1673 can further provide a ball retrieval feature.

[0221] The second portion 1616 of the club head 1600 further includes an alignment feature 1634 disposed on the crown 1610. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 24, the alignment feature 1634 includes a plurality of grooves. It should be noted that in other embodiments, the alignment feature 1634 can include any one or combination of the alignment features disclosed herein.

[0222] FIG. 25 illustrates another embodiment of a compact putter-type golf club head 1700 having a rear gap 1773. The club head 1700 is substantially similar to the club head 1600 in that the crown 1710 has a dropped height such that the crown 1710 has a maximum height at a first portion 1714 and drops to a lower height at a second portion 1716. However, the body 1701 has a rear gap 1773 formed between the heel wing 1766a and the toe wing 1766b. A central rear platform 1767 is defined between the heel wing 1766a and the toe wing 1766b. The rear gap 1773 is thus an open ended gap compared to the rear gap 1673 that is enclosed within the second portion 1616 of the club head 1600.

[0223] The heel wing 1766a extends rearward from the first portion 1714 near the heel end 1704, and the toe wing 1766b extends rearward from the first portion 1714 near the toe end 1706. In most embodiments, the wings 1766a, 1766b extend perpendicularly from the first portion 1714 such that a right angle (a 90° angle) is formed at the junction of the wings 1766a, 1766b and the first portion 1714. However, in other embodiments, the wings 1766a, 1766b can extend in any direction from the first portion 1714 such that any angle (0°-180°) can be formed at the junction of the wings 1766a, 1766b and the first portion 1714. In some embodiments, the heel wing 1766a and the toe wing 1766b can be parallel to one another, while in some embodiments, the heel wing 1766a and the toe wing 1766b are not parallel.

[0224] As discussed above, the rear gap 1773 can remove mass from the central portion of the golf club head 1700 and allow that mass to be distributed to the periphery to improve the MOI. Additionally, the rear gap 1773 can provide ball retrieval features. The rear gap 1773 is defined between the heel wing 1766a and the toe wing 1766b behind the central rear platform 1767. The rear gap 1773 forms a void in the body 1701 near the rear end 1708. In many embodiments, the rear gap 1773 has a diameter that generally corresponds to the width of a golf ball (approximately 4.27 cm). In many embodiments, the rear gap 1773 has a diameter that is slightly smaller than the diameter of a golf ball to allow the rear gap 1773 to secure the golf ball. In these embodiments, the rear gap 1773 provides ball retrieval features. In other embodiments, the rear gap 1773 can have a diameter larger or smaller than the width of a golf ball. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 25, the rear gap 1773 has a generally rectangular shape. In other embodiments, the rear gap 1773 can be circular, curvilinear, triangular, trapezoidal, parabolic, golf ball shaped, square, or any other desired geometric shape.

[0225] Additionally, the crown 1710 includes alignment features 1734 that are different from the alignment features of the club head 1600. The alignment features 1734 include a center line positioned on the first portion and a plurality of perimeter lines positioned on the second portion 1716. In other embodiments, the alignment features 1734 can include any one or combination of the alignment features disclosed herein.

[0226] (VI. Compact putter-type club head with protruding portion) 26-28 illustrate various embodiments of a compact putter-type club head with protrusions. FIGS. 26 and 27 illustrate various embodiments of a compact putter-type club head with forward and rearward protrusions, and FIG. 28 illustrates one embodiment of a compact putter-type club head with only a forward protrusion. A compact putter-type club head with protrusions has similar dimensions and relationships to the putter-type club head 100 as discussed above. Specifically, the compact putter-type club head illustrated in FIGS. 26-28 has similar dimensions and / or dimensional relationships related to a small striking face, a compact body, hosel positioning, shaft axis, transition area, center of gravity (CG), and moment of inertia (MOI). The protrusions concentrate mass near the front and / or rear on the heel and toe ends. The protrusions thereby provide a large amount of weight placement at the perimeter to increase the MOI.

[0227] Each of the compact putter-type club heads illustrated in FIGS. 26 and 27 includes an hourglass-shaped body. The hourglass shape is defined by protruding front and rear sections that result in a narrower mid-section of the body. The compact putter-type club head illustrated in FIG. 28 includes a T-shaped body defined by a protruding front section. The protruding sections allow weight to be redistributed to the periphery or end of the club head. Increasing the weight placement at the periphery increases the MOI of the putter-type club head, thereby providing greater forgiveness. The putter-type club heads 1800, 1900, 2000 with protruding sections are similar to the putter-type club head 100, and similar reference numbers are used to describe the putter-type club heads 1800, 1900, 2000 (e.g., the club head 1800 includes a crown 1810, a sole 1812, a heel end 1804, a toe end 1806, etc.).

[0228] The putter-type club head 1800 is divided into a first portion 1814 at the front end of the club head 1800 and a second portion 1816 rearward of the first portion 1814. The first portion 1814 can include a hitting face 1802, a transition area 1820, and forward projections 1852a, 1852b. The transition area 1820 joins the hitting face 1802 to the second portion 1816. The transition area can include the hitting face 1802, a first transition wall 1819, a second transition wall 1821, and a forward portion of the body 1801. The second portion 1816 can include a rearward portion of the body 1801 and rear projections 1854a, 1854b.

[0229] The transition area 1820 provides alignment features to the putter-type club head 1800. The transition walls 1819, 1821 are angled relative to the striking face 1802 such that the width of the club head 1800 gradually increases from the striking face 1802 to the second portion 1816. In some embodiments, the first transition wall 1819 and the second transition wall 1821 can be angled such that they point to the center of the golf ball at address, drawing the user's eye to the center of the golf ball. In other embodiments, the first transition wall 1819 and the second transition wall 1821 can converge to the forward most point of the golf ball at address, drawing the user's eye to the forward most point of the golf ball. The transition area 1820 of the putter-type club head 1800 can have dimensions similar to the transition area 120 of the putter-type club head 100.

[0230] The body 1801 includes a striking face 1802, a rear end 1808, a crown 1810, and a sole 1812. The striking face 1802 is substantially smaller than the striking face of a typical putter-type golf club head. The smaller striking face 1802 centers the player on the center of the striking face 1802 by providing a smaller and more precise target location for the player to strike the ball. The body 1801 further defines a hosel attachment point 1831. As discussed above, the putter-type club head 1800 can have any of the hosel configurations described herein and further has dimensions similar to the hosel 130 of the putter-type club head 100. As discussed above, the club head 1800 can have a substantially forward or rearward hosel attachment point 1831.

[0231] 26, the body 1801 includes a front heel-side projection 1852a, a front toe-side projection 1852b, a rear heel-side projection 1854a, and a rear toe-side projection 1854b. The projections 1852a, 1852b, 1854a, 1854b are positioned near the perimeter of the body 1801. The projections 1852a, 1852b, 1854a, 1854b increase weight distribution at the perimeter, increasing the MOI of the putter-type club head, thereby providing greater forgiveness.

[0232] The body 1801 further includes side rails 1858a, 1858b that extend from a front portion to a rear portion of the body 1801 and form a portion of the crown 1810. More specifically, the heel rail 1858a extends from the front heel end 1852a to the rear heel end 1854a, and the toe rail 1858b extends from the front toe end 1852b to the rear toe end 1854b. Each of the side rails 1858a, 1858b forms a portion of the crown 1810 and the sole 1812. Additionally, the side rails 1858a, 1858b form a portion of the heel end 1804 and the toe end 1806, respectively.

[0233] The body 1801 further includes crown bridges 1856a, 1856b that extend from the striking face 1802 to the rear end 1808 and form a portion of the crown 1810. The crown bridges 1856a, 1856b are positioned in a generally central portion of the body 1801 (i.e., away from the heel end 1804 and the toe end 1806). However, the heel side crown bridge 1856a is positioned slightly closer to the heel end 1804 and the toe side crown bridge 1856b is positioned slightly closer to the toe end 1806.

[0234] In some embodiments, the crown bridges 1856a, 1856b are descending (i.e., decreasing in height toward the rear end 1808) from the striking face 1802 to the rear end 1808. In some embodiments, the crown bridges 1856a, 1856b can be substantially flat from the striking face 1802 to the rear end 1808 or can be ascending from the striking face 1802 to the rear end 1808. In most embodiments, the ascending or descending of the crown bridges 1856a, 1856b can be linear, curvilinear, parabolic, sinusoidal, or polynomial. In many embodiments, the heel crown bridge 1856a and the toe crown bridge 1856b are generally parallel to each other and perpendicular to the striking face 1802. However, in some embodiments, the heel crown bridge 1856 a and the toe crown bridge 1856 b are not parallel to each other and / or perpendicular to the striking face 1802 .

[0235] To remove mass from a central portion of the club head 1800, the body 1801 defines one or more mass reduction features. Each of the mass reduction features is defined by one or more of the forward projections 1852a, 1852b, the rear projections 1854a, 1854b, the crown bridges 1856a, 1856b, and the side rails 1858a, 1858b. A central opening 1862 is defined rearwardly of the first portion 1814 between the heel crown bridge 1856a and the toe crown bridge 1856b. The body further defines side openings 1864a, 1864b. The heel opening 1864a is defined rearwardly of the forward heel projection 1852a between the heel crown bridge 1856a and the heel rail 1858a. A toe side opening 1864b is defined rearward of the forward toe side overhang 1852b between the toe side crown bridge 1856b and the toe side rail 1858b.

[0236] Each of the openings 1862, 1864a, 1864b extends through the body 1801 from the crown 1810 to the sole 1812. In other words, the central opening 1862 forms a void in a central portion of the body 1801, and the side openings 1864a, 1864b form voids in the body 1801 near the heel end 1804 and the toe end 1806, respectively. The openings 1862, 1864a, 1864b can be any one of the following shapes: rectangular, triangular, semicircular, circular, circular, square, oval, elliptical, trapezoidal, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, or any other desired geometric or non-geometric shape. The openings 1862, 1864a, 1864b shift the majority of the volume and mass of the body 1801 to the ends.

[0237] The body 1801 further defines a rear recess (not shown) recessed into the body 1801 away from the rear end 1808. This rear recess creates a discontinuous surface near the rear end 1808 to comply with USGA standards that require a club head to have only one striking face. The rear recess of the putter-type club head 1800 can have dimensions similar to the rear recess 144 of the putter-type club head 100. In addition to the openings 1862, 1864a, 1864b, the rear recess allows weight to be redistributed to the perimeter. Increasing the weight placement at the perimeter increases the MOI of the putter-type club head 1800, thereby providing greater forgiveness.

[0238] The body 1801 further comprises one or more alignment features 1834 located on the crown 1810. The alignment feature illustrated in FIG. 26 comprises one or more markings positioned on the crown bridges 1856a, 1856b that extend from the striking face 1802 to the rear end 1808 of the crown 1810. However, the alignment feature may comprise any one or combination of the alignment features disclosed herein. This alignment feature provides visual feedback as to whether the club head 1800 is properly aligned at address. In addition to the alignment feature, the small striking face 1802 and compact nature of the putter-type club head 1800 itself acts as an alignment aid by centering the player on the center of the striking face 1802 and allowing the player to manually align the club head 1800.

[0239] 27 illustrates another embodiment of a compact putter-type club head 1900 that includes an hourglass-shaped body 1901. The club head 1900 is substantially similar to the club head 1800 in that the club head 1900 includes forward projections 1952a, 1952b and rear projections 1954a, 1954b. However, the club head 1900 includes a solid body 1901 that lacks a crown bridge, side rails, and any openings. Instead, the body 1901 includes a solid crown 1910 that extends from the striking face 1902 toward a rear end 1908. Additionally, the body includes side bridges 1959a, 1959b that extend between the forward projections 1952a, 1952b and the rear projections 1954a, 1954b. The crown 1910 and the lateral bridges 1959a, 1959b are devoid of any openings.

[0240] The body 1901 further defines a rear recess (not shown) recessed into the body 1901 away from the rear end 1908. This rear recess creates a discontinuous surface near the rear end 1908 to comply with USGA standards requiring a club head to have only one striking face. The rear recess and protrusions 1952a, 1952b, 1954a, 1954b increase weight placement at the perimeter and increase the MOI of the putter-type club head, thereby providing greater forgiveness. Additionally, the crown 1910 includes alignment features 1934 that are different from the alignment features of the club head 1800. The alignment features 1934 include a center line and two perimeter lines. In other embodiments, the alignment features 1934 can include any one or combination of the alignment features disclosed herein.

[0241] 28 illustrates another embodiment of a compact putter-type club head 2000 with overhangs. The club head 2000 is substantially similar to the club head 1800 in that the club head 2000 includes forward overhangs 2052a, 2052b and side rails 2058a, 2058b. The body 2001 also defines side openings 2064a, 2064b rearward of the forward overhangs 2052a, 2052b. However, the body 2001 includes only a single crown bridge 2056 extending between the striking face 2002 and the rear end 2008. Thus, the club head 2000 differs from the club head 1800 in that the club head 2000 does not have a central opening. The front portion 2014 and the crown bridge 2056 form a T-shaped portion of the body 2001. Club head 2000 further differs from club head 1800 in that club head 2000 does not include rearward overhangs. Instead, side rails 2058a, 2058b extend rearward from forward overhangs 2052a, 2052b and join the crown bridge 2056 near the rear end 2008.

[0242] The body 2001 further defines a rear recess (not shown) recessed into the body 2001 away from the rear end 2008. This rear recess creates a discontinuous surface near the rear end 2008 to comply with USGA standards requiring a club head to have only one striking face. The rear recess, forward projections 2052a, 2052b, and side rails 2058a, 2058b increase weight placement at the perimeter and increase the MOI of the putter-type club head, thereby providing greater forgiveness. Additionally, the crown 2010 includes alignment features 2034 that are different from the alignment features of the club head 1800. The alignment features 2034 include a center line and multiple perimeter lines. In other embodiments, the alignment features 2034 can include any one or combination of the alignment features disclosed herein.

[0243] VII. COMPACT PUTTER-TYPE CLUB HEAD HAVING HEEL AND TOE WINGS 29-34 illustrate one embodiment of a compact putter-type club head 2100 with multiple wings 2150a, 2150b and a sole 2112 configured to slide through the rough with minimal resistance. The putter-type club head 2100 is similar to the putter-type club head 100, and similar reference numbers are used to describe the putter-type club head 2100 (e.g., the club head 2100 includes a crown 2110, a sole 2112, a heel end 2104, a toe end 2106, etc.). The compact putter-type club head 2100 has similar dimensions and relationships to the putter-type club head 100 as discussed above. In particular, the putter-type club head 2100 can have a small striking face, a compact body, similar dimensions and / or dimensional relationships related to hosel positioning, shaft axis, transition area, center of gravity (CG), and moment of inertia (MOI).

[0244] The club head 2100 provides a focusing effect similar to that of the previous embodiments described herein. The club head 2100 has a small striking face 2102 and a body profile that focuses the player on making a good putting stroke. In contrast to the previously discussed embodiments, the club head 2100 does not include an alignment transition wall to help center the player on the center of the striking face. Instead, the crown 2110 includes a raised elongated alignment feature 2134 that centers the player on the intended starting line.

[0245] 30, the club head 2100 includes a striking face 2102 that is wider near the crown 2110 than near the sole 2112. The striking face 2102 includes a top edge 2118, a bottom edge 2122, a heel edge 2123, a toe edge 2124, and a number of transition edges 2125a, 2125b. The transition edges include a heel transition edge 2125a and a toe transition edge 2125b. The heel transition edge 2125a joins the bottom edge 2122 to the heel edge 2123, and the toe transition edge 2125b joins the bottom edge 2122 to the toe edge 2124. As illustrated in FIG. 30, the transition edges 2125a, 2125b may be angled outwardly from the bottom edge 2122.

[0246] The striking face 2102 can include an upper portion 2128 and a lower portion 2129. The upper portion 2128 and the lower portion 2129 are separated by a striking face midline 2135. The striking face midline 2135 is an imaginary line that extends horizontally from the junction between the heel transition edge 2125a and the heel edge 2123 to the junction between the toe transition edge 2125b and the toe edge 2124, at either end of the striking face midline 2135. The striking face 2102 has a midline height H, measured vertically from the bottom edge 2122 to the striking face midline 2135. FM In many embodiments, the midline height can be between 0.30 inches and 0.50 inches. In some embodiments, the midline height can be between 0.30 inches and 0.325 inches, between 0.325 inches and 0.35 inches, between 0.35 inches and 0.375 inches, between 0.375 inches and 0.40 inches, between 0.40 inches and 0.425 inches, between 0.425 inches and 0.45 inches, between 0.45 inches and 0.475 inches, or between 0.475 inches and 5.0 inches. In many embodiments, the midline height is the striking face height H SF In some embodiments, the midline height can be between 35% and 65% of the midline height. In some embodiments, the midline height can be between 35% and 40%, between 40% and 45%, between 45% and 50%, between 50% and 55%, between 55% and 60%, or between 60% and 65%.

[0247] The striking face 2102 includes an upper portion 2128 that is larger than a lower portion 2129. The larger upper portion 2128 provides a large enough surface area to contact the golf ball and inspire confidence in the golfer, while the smaller lower portion 2129 allows the club head 2100 to glide through tall grass (such as when putting from the rough) with minimal resistance.

[0248] In many embodiments, the striking face width increases from the bottom edge 2122 to the striking face midline 2135. FIG. 30 illustrates the slope of the transition edges 2125a, 2125b from the lower portion 2129 to the striking face midline 2135. Generally, the upper portion 2128 of the striking face 2102 has a greater width than the lower portion 2129. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 30, the upper portion 2128 of the striking face 2102 has a constant width, although in other embodiments, the upper portion 2128 can have a variable width.

[0249] In many embodiments, the upper portion 2128 has a larger surface area than the lower portion 2129. In some embodiments, the striking face 2102 has a first face surface area ratio defined as the surface area of ​​the upper portion 2128 divided by the surface area of ​​the lower portion 2129. In many embodiments, the first face surface area ratio is greater than 1.25. In some embodiments, the first face surface area ratio can be greater than 1.50, greater than 1.75, greater than 2.0, greater than 2.25, greater than 2.50, greater than 2.75, or greater than 3.0. A first face surface area ratio of greater than 1.25 is achievable with the striking face 2102 having a larger surface area in the upper portion 2128. Most prior art putters have a substantially rectangular face and a first face surface area ratio closer to about 1.00.

[0250] The shape of the striking face 2102 is such that the surface area of ​​the striking face 2102 is divided by the striking face width W SFThe putter may be characterized by a second face surface area defined as the face diameter divided by the face diameter. In many embodiments, the second face surface area ratio may be less than 0.75 inches. In some embodiments, the second surface area ratio may be less than 0.70 inches, less than 0.65 inches, less than 0.60 inches, less than 0.55 inches, or less than 0.50 inches. Most prior art putters have a substantially rectangular face and a second face surface area ratio that is significantly greater than that of the compact putter-type club head 2100.

[0251] The varying width of the striking face 2102 results in a top edge 2118 having a length greater than the bottom edge 2122. In many embodiments, the top edge 2118 can have a length (measured in the heel-toe direction) between 1.75 inches and 2.5 inches. In some embodiments, the length of the top edge 2118 can be greater than 1.75 inches, greater than 1.80 inches, greater than 1.85 inches, greater than 1.90 inches, greater than 1.95 inches, greater than 2.0 inches, greater than 2.05 inches, greater than 2.10 inches, greater than 2.15 inches, greater than 2.20 inches, greater than 2.25 inches, greater than 2.30 inches, greater than 2.35 inches, greater than 2.40 inches, greater than 2.45 inches, or greater than 2.5 inches.

[0252] In many embodiments, the bottom edge 2122 can have a length (measured in the heel-toe direction) between 0.75 inches and 1.5 inches. In some embodiments, the length of the bottom edge 2122 can be less than 1.5 inches, less than 1.45 inches, less than 1.40 inches, less than 1.35 inches, less than 1.30 inches, less than 1.25 inches, less than 1.20 inches, less than 1.15 inches, less than 1.10 inches, less than 1.05 inches, less than 1.0 inches, less than 0.95 inches, less than 0.90 inches, less than 0.85 inches, less than 0.80 inches, or less than 0.75 inches.

[0253] The shape of the striking face 2102 can be further characterized by an edge length ratio defined as the length of the top edge 2118 divided by the length of the bottom edge 2122. In many embodiments, the edge length ratio can be greater than 1.5. In some embodiments, the edge length ratio can be greater than 1.75, greater than 2.0, greater than 2.25, greater than 2.50, greater than 2.75, or greater than 3.0.

[0254] As discussed above, the striking face 2102 provides a large upper portion 2128 that inspires confidence in the golfer, and a smaller lower portion 2129 that allows the club head 2100 to slide through tall grass when putting through the rough or fringe. The large upper portion 2128 allows the striking face 2102 to appear large enough to the golfer to make solid contact with the ball. The smaller lower portion 2129 provides less surface area in contact with the grass and works in conjunction with the body geometry (discussed in more detail below) to easily pass through taller grass.

[0255] 31 and 33, the body 2101 comprises a central body 2130, a heel wing 2150a, and a toe wing 2150b. The central body 2130 forms a central portion of the body 2101. The central body 2130 is bounded by a first central body surface 2198a and a second central body surface 2198b. The central body surfaces 2198a, 2198b are vertical surfaces that extend in the fore-aft direction and intersect the heel edge 2123 and toe edge 2124, respectively, of the striking face 2102.

[0256] The wings 2150a, 2150b extend outwardly from the central body 2130 (i.e., extend outwardly from the central body faces 2198a, 2198b, respectively). The heel wing 2150a extends outwardly from the central body 2130 and forms the heel end 2104 of the club head 2100. Similarly, the toe wing 2150b extends outwardly from the central body 2130 and forms the toe end 2106 of the club head 2100. In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 29-34, the central portions of the wings 2150a, 2150b are bowed outwardly such that the body width is greater toward the heel-toe interface than toward the striking face 2102 or toward the trailing end 2108. Generally, the maximum body width of the club head 2100 is located between the heel wing 2150a and the toe wing 2150b. The arcuate shape of the wings 2150a, 2150b provides the club head 2100 with a larger overall body width while still allowing for a small hitting face 2102. Thus, the club head 2100 provides both the focusing effect associated with the small hitting face 2102 (discussed in detail above), as well as an increased MOI due to the shaping of the club head 2100.

[0257] The central body 2130 narrows near the rear end 2108 and forms a tail 2140. In many embodiments, the tail 2140 can be shaped to correspond to an alignment feature 2134 on the crown 2110 (described in more detail below). The tail 2140 can match the shape of the alignment feature 2134 to visually accentuate the alignment feature 2134. The tail 2140 forms a rear wall 2142 at the club head rear end 2108. The rear wall 2142 can be substantially narrower than the striking face 2102 and the remainder of the body 2101. As illustrated in FIG. 32 , the rear wall 2142 has a width W measured in a heel-to-toe direction. RW In many embodiments, the rear wall width W RW can be between 0.75 inches and 1.0 inches. In some embodiments, the rear wall width W RWcan be between 0.75 inches and 0.85 inches, between 0.80 inches and 0.90 inches, between 0.85 inches and 0.95 inches, or between 0.90 inches and 1 inch. In some embodiments, the rear wall width W RW may be less than 1.0 inch, less than 0.95 inch, less than 0.90 inch, less than 0.85 inch, less than 0.80 inch, or less than 0.75 inch.

[0258] As noted above, the rear wall 2142 may be substantially narrow relative to both the striking face 2102 and the remainder of the body 2101. The club head 2100 has a rear wall width W RW The body width W B The ratio W is defined as W divided by RW / W B In many embodiments, the ratio W RW / W B may be less than 0.4. In some embodiments, the ratio W RW / W B may be less than 0.35, less than 0.30, less than 0.25, or less than 0.20.

[0259] Additionally, the club head 2100 has a rear wall width W RW The striking face width W SF The ratio W is defined as W divided by RW / W SF In many embodiments, the ratio W RW / W SF may be less than 0.45. In some embodiments, the ratio W RW / W B can be less than 0.40, less than 0.35, less than 0.35, less than 0.30, less than 0.25, or less than 0.20. The narrow rear wall 2142 visually emphasizes the alignment feature 2134. In many embodiments, the narrow rear wall 2142 is the same width as the alignment feature 2134. The narrow rear wall makes the rear end of the alignment feature 2134 appear more raised and elongated, thereby enhancing the focusing effect of the alignment feature 2134.

[0260] 32, the rear wall 2142 can further include a rear recess 2144. The rear recess 2144 is recessed into the surface of the rear wall 2142 away from the rear end 2108 via a floor 2145 and a perimeter wall 2146. The rear recess 2144 can be substantially similar to the rear recess 144 or can be any of the various rear recess embodiments described herein. Specifically, the rear recess 2144 has a rear recess width W RR and rear recess depth D R 2142. The rear recess 2144 can have dimensions similar to the rear recess 144 in relation to the rear wall 2142. The rear recess 2144 can act as a mass reduction feature by removing mass from the rear wall 2142. The mass removed by the rear recess 2144 can be redistributed to provide a perimeter weight placement and increase the MOI of the putter-type club head 2100, thereby providing greater forgiveness.

[0261] 30 and 31, the club head 2100 includes a crown 2110 formed by the top surfaces of the central body 2130 and the wings 2150a, 2150b. The crown 2110 includes an alignment feature 2134. The alignment feature 2134 is elongated and continuous and extends the entire length of the club head from the striking face 2102 to the rear wall 2142. In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 29-34, the alignment feature 2134 is formed as a raised portion of the crown 2110. The elongated and raised nature of the alignment feature 2134 provides a striking visual contrast to the remainder of the crown 2110. Specifically, the length of the alignment feature 2134 allows the golfer to better visualize his or her intended starting line. The alignment feature 2134 can include a heel sidewall 2138a and a toe sidewall 2138b. In many embodiments, the alignment feature walls 2138a, 2138b are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the striking face 2102. The alignment feature 2134 further includes a central groove 2151 that is aligned with the center of the striking face 2102 and runs parallel to the alignment feature walls 2138a, 2138b. As alluded to above, the alignment feature 2134 can be complemented by shaping of the tail 2140. In the tail 2140, the heel sidewall 2138a and the toe sidewall 2138b of the alignment feature 2134 converge with the heel end 2104 and the toe end 2106 of the body 2101. At address, the only portion of the tail 2140 that is visible to the golfer is the alignment feature 2134, as illustrated in FIG. Shaping the body 2101 to converge together with the alignment feature walls 2138a, 2138b accentuates the length of the alignment feature 2134 and enhances the focusing effect.

[0262] The club head 2100 further comprises a sole 2112 having a geometry configured to slide through the rough with minimal resistance. As illustrated in FIG. 33, the sole 2112 is formed by the bottom of the central body 2130 and the wings 2150a, 2150b. The sole 2112 comprises a central sole surface 2160, a heel side wing back surface 2154a, a toe side wing back surface 2154b, and a plurality of transition surfaces 2162a, 2162b that couple the central sole surface 2160 to the wing back surfaces 2154a, 2154b.

[0263] The central sole surface 2160 forms the bottom-most surface of the sole 2112 (and thus the bottom-most surface of the club head 2100). Often, especially when putting on a green or from short grass, the central sole surface 2160 is the only portion of the sole 2112 that touches the ground at address. In many embodiments, the central sole surface 2160 has a substantially flat bottom surface. The central sole surface 2160 extends the entire length of the club head from the striking face 2102 to the rear wall 2142. In many embodiments, the shape of the central sole surface 2160 can correspond to the shape of the alignment feature 2134. For example, from a bottom view, the profile of the central sole surface 2160 can match the profile of the alignment feature 2134 when viewed from above. In some embodiments, the central sole surface 2160 can be slightly wider than the alignment feature 2134 to provide a more stable base for the club head 2100 at address. Matching the shape of the central sole surface 2160 to the shape of the alignment features 2134 enhances the golfer's ability to align the club head 2100. Although the sole 2112 is not visible at address, the alignment features 2134 allow the golfer to visualize how the central sole surface 2160 rests on the ground.

[0264] The central sole surface 2160 may be substantially narrower than the remainder of the body 2101. As shown in FIG. 33, the club head 2100 has a central sole width WCS In many embodiments, the median sole width W CS may be between 0.60 inches and 1.5 inches. In some embodiments, the median sole width W CS can be between 0.60 inches and 0.75 inches, between 0.75 inches and 1.0 inches, between 1.0 inches and 1.25 inches, or between 1.25 inches and 1.50 inches. In many embodiments, the median sole width W CS may be less than 1.5 inches, less than 1.25 inches, less than 1.0 inches, less than 0.75 inches, or less than 0.60 inches. When putting from the rough, the narrow central sole surface allows the club head to slide through taller grass by providing a smaller surface area of ​​the sole in contact with the grass.

[0265] The central sole surface 2160 is the body width W B The relationship between the central sole surface 2160 and the body 2101 is substantially narrower than the central sole width W CS The body width W B The ratio W is defined as W divided by CS / W B In many embodiments, W CS / W B The ratio may be less than 0.5, less than 0.45, less than 0.40, less than 0.35, less than 0.30, or less than 0.25.

[0266] In many embodiments, the wing underside surfaces 2154a, 2154b are substantially parallel to the crown 2110 and / or the central sole surface 2160. As illustrated in FIGS. 32 and 34, the wing underside surfaces 2154a, 2154b are elevated relative to the central sole surface 2160. As illustrated in FIG. 32, the wings 2150a, 2150b have a wing height H measured vertically between the ground contact surface 1010 and the wing underside surfaces 2154a, 2154b. W In many embodiments, the wing height H Wmay be between 0.25 inches and 0.60 inches. In some embodiments, the wing height H W can be between 0.25 inches and 0.35 inches, between 0.30 inches and 0.40 inches, between 0.35 inches and 0.45 inches, between 0.40 inches and 0.50 inches, between 0.45 inches and 0.55 inches, or between 0.50 inches and 0.60 inches. In many embodiments, the wing height H W can be greater than 0.25 inches, greater than 0.30 inches, greater than 0.35 inches, greater than 0.40 inches, greater than 0.45 inches, greater than 0.50 inches, greater than 0.55 inches, or greater than 0.60 inches. Elevating the wing back surfaces 2154a, 2154b contributes to the gliding effect of the club head 2100 through the rough because the wing back surfaces 2154a, 2154b are often elevated above the grass.

[0267] As discussed above, the sole 2112 includes a plurality of transition surfaces 2162a, 2162b that couple the central sole surface 2160 to the wing underside surfaces 2154a, 2154b. The sole 2112 includes a heel transition surface 2162a that extends between and couples the central sole surface 2160 and the heel wing underside surface 2154a. Similarly, the sole 2112 further includes a toe transition surface 2162b that extends between and couples the central sole surface 2160 and the toe wing underside surface 2154b. As illustrated in FIGS. 32 and 34, the transition surfaces 2162a, 2162b are angled upwardly away from the central sole surface 2160 to provide a transition between the central sole surface 2160 and the elevated wing underside surfaces 2154a, 2154b. In the illustrated embodiment, the slope of the transition surfaces 2162a, 2162b can substantially match the slope of the striking face transition edges 2125a, 2125b. Similar to the striking face 2102, the sole 2112 is narrowest at the bottom and then increases in width as the transition walls extend toward the wing back surfaces 2154a, 2154b.

[0268] The overall shape of the sole 2112 acts like the hull of a ship, allowing the club head to glide through the rough. The bottom of the sole 2112 is where the majority of the club head 2100 contacts the grass when putting from the rough or fringe. The sole 2112 is narrow at the bottom, reducing the total contact area between the club head 2100 and the grass. This shaping of the sole 2112 works in conjunction with the shape of the striking face 2102 to provide minimal contact and resistance between the club head 2100 and the grass. Additionally, the angled transition surfaces 2162a, 2162b contact the grass at an oblique angle, pushing the grass away from the center of the club head 2100 and providing stability throughout the putting stroke. EXAMPLES

[0269] I. Example 1: Compact Putter vs. Blade-Style Putter Further described herein is a comparison of performance results between a compact putter and a typical blade-type putter. The results compared the effect of club head size and shape design on putting performance. The striking face width and striking face surface area of ​​the compact putter were significantly smaller than those of the blade-type putter. As discussed above, a small striking face focuses the player on the center of the striking face by providing a smaller and more precise target location for the player to strike the ball. The performance tests demonstrated the effect that a small striking face has on putting performance.

[0270] The compact putter was substantially similar to the compact putter-type club head 100 illustrated in FIG. 1. The compact putter had a striking face that was substantially smaller than the striking faces of many prior art putter-type golf club heads. The striking face width W SF is about 1.50 inches, body width W B is about 2.25 inches, the striking face surface area is about 1.19in 2This compact putter has a body width of about 0.68 mm. B For the striking face width W SF Ratio to compare W SF / W B The compact putter further included a transition region joining the wider body to the narrower striking face.

[0271] Blade-type putters were substantially similar to many prior art putters in both sizing and shaping. SF is about 4.40 inches, body width W B is about 4.40 inches, the hitting face surface area is about 3.29in 2 The blade-type putter has a body width of about 1.0 mm. B For the striking face width W SF Ratio to compare W SF / W B Similar to most typical prior art putters, the body and striking face of this blade-style putter were similar in width, and this blade-style putter did not include a transition region (63.8% smaller).

[0272] The overall performance of the compact putter and the blade style putter were compared in a player performance test. A representative number of players took multiple putts with each putter. For each player, a "putting handicap" metric associated with each club was determined. The putting handicap is a global putting performance metric that represents the expected difference in strokes per round (based only on putting performance) compared to par for a given player. The putting handicap is similar to a traditional golf handicap in terms of representing player performance, and the putting handicap is specific to putting performance. Similar to a traditional golf handicap, lower values ​​represent improved performance, with a value of 0 associated with a level of performance associated with finishing at even par. The putting handicap is a composite metric calculated from a combination of club head delivery characteristics at impact, including face closure, face angle, loft angle, lie angle, and tempo.

[0273] On average, the putting handicap difference between compact and blade-style putters was negligible. The average putting handicap value of all players using compact putters was 1.71, while the average putting handicap value of all players using blade-style putters was 1.34. Although the average handicap was slightly higher for compact putters, the difference (0.37) corresponds to only a fraction of a stroke per round of 18 holes. This negligible difference generally indicates that compact putters are a viable alternative to traditional blade-style putters.

[0274] Additionally, 42% of the sampled players demonstrated improved performance using the compact putter versus a blade style putter. This 42% demonstrated an average improvement in putting handicap of 3.04. The maximum improvement demonstrated by players using a compact putter versus a blade style putter was 5.07. As noted above, putting performance tends to be highly player specific. Player testing results indicate that a majority of players (42% of the sampled players) experienced significant improvements in putting performance (on average, 3 fewer strokes per 18-hole round, and in some cases up to 5 fewer strokes per 18-hole round) by playing a compact putter compared to a conventional prior art putter.

[0275] Four participants were surveyed about their qualitative observations related to the compact putter during player testing. These selected players were asked to observe and record their experience with the compact putter before and after hitting their putt. All four selected players noted that the feel of the compact putter at impact was desirable. Three of the four selected players stated that their performance with the compact putter exceeded their initial expectations. Three of the four selected players recorded positive experiences related to the centering and alignment aspects of the compact putter. Such strong positive feedback indicates the benefit of the centering effect of the compact putter. Despite being unfamiliar with the compact putter's unconventional size and shape, the sampled players were satisfied with their alignment and performance capabilities with the compact putter.

[0276] As noted above, the similarity in putting handicaps between compact putters and blade-style putters indicates that compact putters are a viable alternative to more conventionally shaped putter heads. As shown by player-specific results and qualitative feedback, the unique features of compact putters, such as a smaller face, smaller overall profile, and transition walls that act as alignment features, provide significant increases in performance for certain players. These features provide a desirable and effective convergence effect for a significant subset of players.

[0277] II. Example 2: Compact Putter vs. Competitor's Compact Putter Further described herein is a comparison of performance results between a compact putter with a transition area and a compact putter without a transition area. Similar to Example 1, the results compared the effect that club head size and shape settings had on putting performance. However, the results demonstrated in this example focus more specifically on the effect that the transition area has on putting performance. As discussed above, the transition area walls have a wider body and a higher MOIyy (W and W, respectively) compared to the size of the face. SF / W -B Ratio and MOI yy / A SF The transition area walls provide a focusing effect by drawing the user's eye to the center of the golf ball. Performance testing has demonstrated the effect the transition area has on putting performance.

[0278] The compact putter including the transition region (hereinafter referred to as the "exemplary compact putter") was substantially similar to the compact putter described in Example 1 (and the compact putter-type club head 100 illustrated in FIG. 1). As discussed above, the exemplary compact putter had a body width W of about 0.68. B For striking face width W SF Ratio to compare W SF / W B The exemplary compact putter further defines a moment of inertia (MOI) of approximately 260 g. yy ) to compare the striking face area yy / A SF The exemplary compact putter further included a transition region joining the wider body to the narrower striking face.

[0279] The control putter was a compact putter without a transition region. The control compact putter had a substantially square shape in top view. Striking face width W SF is about 2.01 inches, body width W B is about 2.01 inches, the striking face surface area is about 2.08in 2 The comparative compact putter had a body width W of about 1.0. B For striking face width W SF Ratio to compare W SF / W B The control compact putter also had a moment of inertia (MOI) of about 92g. yy ) to compare the striking face area yy / A SF The body and striking face of the control compact putter were similar in width and the control compact putter did not include a transition region.

[0280] The overall performance of the exemplary compact putter and the control compact putter were compared in a player performance test similar to that of Example 1. Again, a representative number of players took multiple putts with each putter. Similar to Example 1, the putting handicap metrics described above were determined for each player and each club.

[0281] The exemplary compact putter demonstrated a significant improvement in average putting handicap compared to the control compact putter: the average putting handicap score using the control compact putter was 4.27, and the average putting handicap score for all players using the exemplary compact putter was 1.71 (a 60% reduction).

[0282] Additionally, 58% of the sampled players demonstrated improved performance using the exemplary compact putter versus the control compact putter. This 58% demonstrated a significant average improvement in putting handicap of 7.22. The maximum improvement demonstrated by players using the exemplary compact putter versus the control compact putter was 12.82. Player testing results indicate that the majority of players (58% of the sampled players) experienced a significant improvement in putting performance (on average, 7.22 fewer strokes per 18-hole round, and in some cases up to 12.8 fewer strokes per 18-hole round) by playing with the exemplary compact putter compared to the control compact putter.

[0283] These players were surveyed after performance testing to compare their overall experience with the exemplary compact putter and the control compact putter. The majority of participants (84%) rated the exemplary compact putter as preferred. In comparison, only 44% of participants rated the control compact putter as preferred. In a head-to-head comparison, 58% of players preferred the exemplary compact putter over the control compact putter. Only 5% of players preferred the control compact putter over the exemplary compact putter, with the remaining 37% of players being undecided.

[0284] Player performance and qualitative feedback indicate the benefits of the exemplary compact putter over the control compact putter. The transition area of ​​the exemplary compact putter provides a converging effect by pointing toward the golf ball and also allows for a wider and higher MOI body while ensuring a small and focused striking face. In comparison, the control compact putter has a square body without the transition area, which results in a lower MOI club head and no converging effect. The overall shaping of the exemplary club head (including the transition area) provides more forgiveness and enhances the ability to align the putter head, resulting in a club head with improved overall performance.

[0285] (Provisions) 1. A putter-type golf club head comprising a body, the body being bounded by a striking face periphery and having a geometric center, a loft plane, a striking face surface area A SF, and a leading edge; a heel end, a toe end, a crown, a sole, an opposite rear end of the striking face, a center of gravity, and an origin located at a center of the leading edge; and first and second portions, the first portion including the striking face and a transition region, the second portion being positioned rearwardly from the first portion and including a remainder of the body, the striking face having a striking face width W of less than 1.55 inches. SF and the striking face width W SF is measured in a heel-to-toe direction across the striking face, the transition region comprises a first transition wall and a second transition wall, the first transition wall and the second transition wall extending from the striking face to join the striking face to the second portion, and the putter-type golf club head further comprises a putter-type golf club head having a flex of 1000 g cm 2 From 2000g cm 2 Moment of inertia (MOI) yy and the striking face surface area A SF The moment of inertia MOI yy MOI ratio yy / A SF However, it is a putter-type golf club head that weighs more than 230g.

[0286] 1. A putter-type golf club head comprising a body, the body being bounded by a crown, a sole, a heel end, a toe end, a striking face, and a rear end opposite the striking face, and a striking face periphery, the body being bounded by a geometric center, a striking face surface area A SF , and a leading edge; a heel end, a toe end, a crown, a sole, an opposite rear end of the striking face, a center of gravity, and an origin located at a center of the leading edge; and first and second portions, the first portion including the striking face and a transition region, the second portion being positioned rearwardly from the first portion and including a remainder of the body, the striking face having a striking face width W of less than 1.55 inches. SFand the striking face width W SF is measured in a heel-to-toe direction from one end of the striking face to the other end of the striking face, the striking face periphery having a polygonal shape having a higher heel corner, a lower heel corner, a higher toe corner, and a lower toe corner, the striking face further having a distance D measured diagonally from the lower heel corner of the striking face to the higher toe corner of the striking face. SF and the distance D SF is less than 1.75 inches, and the body further comprises a distance D measured from the lower heel corner of the striking face to the higher toe corner of the rear end. BS and the distance D BS is between 2.75 inches and 3.15 inches, the transition area comprising a first transition wall and a second transition wall extending from the striking face and coupling the striking face to the second portion.

[0287] 1. A putter-type golf club head comprising a body, the body being bounded by a striking face periphery and having a geometric center, a loft plane, a striking face surface area A SF , and a leading edge; a heel end, a toe end, a crown, a sole, an opposite rear end of the striking face, a center of gravity, and an origin located at a center of the leading edge; and first and second portions, the first portion including the striking face and a transition region, the second portion being positioned rearwardly from the first portion and including a remainder of the body, the striking face having a striking face width W of less than 1.55 inches. SF and the striking face width W SFis measured in a heel-to-toe direction from one end of the striking face to the other end of the striking face, the striking face periphery having a polygonal shape having a high heel corner, a low heel corner, a high toe corner, and a low toe corner, the putter-type golf club head further comprising an apex angle α measured between a first reference line connecting the apex and the low heel corner of the striking face and a second reference line connecting the apex and the low toe corner of the striking face. 1 and the apex angle α 1 is between 80 degrees and 90 degrees, the striking face further defines a CG projection point, the CG projection point being defined as a projection of the center of gravity onto the striking face perpendicular to the loft plane, and the putter-type golf club head further defines a center of gravity (CG) angle α measured between a first reference line connecting the CG projection point and the low heel corner and a second reference line connecting the CG projection point and the low toe corner. 2 and the center of gravity (CG) angle α 2 is between 115 degrees and 130 degrees, the transition area comprising a first transition wall and a second transition wall extending from the striking face and coupling the striking face to the second portion.

[0288] A putter-type golf club head comprising a body, the body being 50 cm 3 and is bounded by the striking face perimeter and includes a geometric center, loft plane, striking face surface area A SF , and a leading edge; a heel end, a toe end, a crown, a sole, an opposite rear end of the striking face, a center of gravity, and an origin located at the center of the leading edge; and first and second portions, the first portion including the striking face and a transition region, the second portion being positioned rearwardly from the first portion and including a remainder of the body, the striking face being sized at a distance of 1.50 in. 2and the striking face has a striking face surface area of ​​less than a striking face width W measured from the heel end to the toe end of the striking face. SF and the striking face further comprises a striking face height H SF and defining said striking face width W SF The striking face height H SF The ratio of H SF / W SF is less than 1.90, the transition area comprising a first transition wall and a second transition wall extending from the striking face and coupling the striking face to the second portion.

Claims

1. A putter-type golf club head, a body, the body comprising: The striking face is bounded by a perimeter and has a geometric center, a loft plane, a striking face surface area A ＳＦ a striking face having a leading edge; a heel end, a toe end, a crown, a sole, a rear end opposite the striking face, and a center of gravity; an origin located at the center of the leading edge; a first portion and a second portion, the first portion including the striking face and a transition area, the second portion being positioned rearwardly from the first portion and including a remainder of the body; Equipped with The striking face has a striking face width W of less than 1.55 inches. ＳＦ and the striking face width W ＳＦ is measured from the heel end to the toe end of both ends of the striking face, the striking face periphery has a polygonal shape having a higher heel corner, a lower heel corner, a higher toe corner, and a lower toe corner; The striking face further defines a distance D measured diagonally from the lower heel corner of the striking face to the higher toe corner of the striking face. ＳＦ and the distance D ＳＦ is less than 1.75 inches; the transition region comprising a first transition wall and a second transition wall extending from the striking face and coupling the striking face to the second portion; the body defines a vertical midplane extending in the heel-to-toe and crown-sole directions and intermediate the striking face and the rear end; The body further has a body width W of less than 2.30 inches. Ｂ and the body width W Ｂ is measured in the heel-to-toe direction between the heel end and the toe end, The body further comprises a body depth D of less than 2.50 inches. Ｂ and the body depth D Ｂ is measured in a striking face-to-tail direction between the striking face and the tail; The body width W Ｂ The striking face width W ＳＦ Ratio of W ＳＦ / W Ｂ is less than 0.75, The putter-type golf club head further comprises: a hosel attached to the body at a hosel attachment point centered with respect to a hosel opening defined in the body, the hosel opening configured to receive the hosel; the hosel has a hosel bore; the hosel connection point is located rearward of the vertical midplane; The putter-type golf club head further has a resistance of 1000 g cm ２ From 2000 g cm ２ Moment of inertia (MOI) ｙｙ having The striking face surface area A ＳＦ The moment of inertia MOI ｙｙ Ratio of MOI ｙｙ / A ＳＦ But it is larger than 230g. Putter type golf club head.

2. 2. The putter-type golf club head of claim 1, wherein the hosel bore defines a shaft axis concentric with the hosel bore, the shaft axis being rearward of the center of gravity.

3. 10. The putter-type golf club head of claim 1 further comprising a loft angle greater than 5 degrees.

4. The striking face further defines a striking face height H measured in the crown-sole direction from one end of the striking face to the other. ＳＦ and the striking face width W ＳＦ The striking face height H ＳＦ The ratio H ＳＦ / W ＳＦ 2. The putter-type golf club head according to claim 1, wherein is less than 1.

90.

5. the striking face further comprising: a top edge and a vertex located at the center of the top edge; The putter-type golf club head further comprises an apex angle α measured between a first reference line connecting the apex and the lower heel corner of the striking face and a second reference line connecting the apex and the lower toe corner of the striking face. １ Define The apex angle α １ is between 80 and 90 degrees, 2. The putter-type golf club head according to claim 1.

6. the striking face further defines a CG projection point; the CG projection point is defined as a projection of the center of gravity onto the striking face perpendicular to the loft plane; The putter-type golf club head further comprises a center of gravity (CG) angle α measured between a first reference line connecting the CG projection point and the low heel corner and a second reference line connecting the CG projection point and the low toe corner. ２ Define The center of gravity (CG) angle α ２ is between 115 and 130 degrees, 16. The putter-type golf club head according to claim 15.

7. The body further defines a distance D measured from the lower heel corner of the striking face to the higher toe corner of the rear end. ＢＳ and the distance D ＢＳ 2. The putter-type golf club head of claim 1, wherein is between 2.75 inches and 3.15 inches.

8. The hosel connection point is a rear vertical distance D from the rear end. Ｈ－Ｒ and the rear vertical distance D Ｈ－Ｒ 2. The putter-type golf club head of claim 1, wherein is between 0.55 inches and 0.60 inches.

9. The hosel connection point is a forward vertical distance D from the striking face. Ｈ－Ｆ and the front vertical distance D Ｈ－Ｆ 2. The putter-type golf club head of claim 1, wherein the distance between the center of the putter and the center of the club head is between 1.5 inches and 1.9 inches.

10. The present invention further includes a coordinate system centered on the origin, the coordinate system having an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis; The X-axis extends in a heel-toe direction; the Y-axis extends in a crown-sole direction; The Z axis extends in the front-rear direction, The center of gravity is a distance X along the X axis between 0.01 inches and 0.10 inches. Ｏ It is located in The center of gravity is at a height Y along the Y axis between 0.30 inches and 0.60 inches. Ｏ It is located in The center of gravity is at a depth Z between 1.00 inches and 1.25 inches. Ｏ Located in the 2. The putter-type golf club head according to claim 1.

11. A putter-type golf club head, a body, the body comprising: a crown, a sole, a heel end, a toe end, a striking face, and a rear end opposite the striking face; The striking face is bounded by a perimeter and has a geometric center and a striking face surface area A ＳＦ a striking face having a leading edge; a heel end, a toe end, a crown, a sole, a rear end opposite the striking face, and a center of gravity; an origin located at the center of the leading edge; a first portion and a second portion, the first portion including the striking face and a transition area, the second portion being positioned rearwardly from the first portion and including a remainder of the body; Equipped with The striking face has a striking face width W of less than 1.55 inches. ＳＦ and the striking face width W ＳＦ is measured from the heel end to the toe end of both ends of the striking face, the striking face periphery has a polygonal shape having a higher heel corner, a lower heel corner, a higher toe corner, and a lower toe corner; The striking face further defines a distance D measured diagonally from the lower heel corner of the striking face to the higher toe corner of the striking face. ＳＦ and the distance D ＳＦ is less than 1.75 inches; the transition region comprising a first transition wall and a second transition wall extending from the striking face and coupling the striking face to the second portion; the body defines a vertical midplane extending in the heel-to-toe and crown-sole directions and intermediate the striking face and the rear end; The body further has a body width W of less than 2.30 inches. Ｂ and the body width W Ｂ is measured in the heel-to-toe direction between the heel end and the toe end, The body further comprises a body depth D of less than 2.50 inches. Ｂ and the body depth D Ｂ is measured in a striking face-to-tail direction between the striking face and the tail; The body width W Ｂ The striking face width W ＳＦ Ratio of W ＳＦ / W Ｂ is less than 0.75, The putter-type golf club head further comprises: a hosel attached to the body at a hosel attachment point centered with respect to a hosel opening defined in the body, the hosel opening configured to receive the hosel; the hosel has a hosel bore; the hosel connection point is located forward of the vertical midplane; The putter-type golf club head further has a resistance of 1000 g cm ２ From 2000 g cm ２ Moment of inertia (MOI) ｙｙ having The striking face surface area A ＳＦ The moment of inertia MOI ｙｙ Ratio of MOI ｙｙ / A ＳＦ But it is larger than 230g. Putter type golf club head.

12. The hosel connection point is a rear vertical distance D from the rear end. Ｈ－Ｒ and the rear vertical distance D Ｈ－Ｒ 12. The putter-type golf club head of claim 11, wherein is between 1.20 inches and 1.30 inches.

13. The hosel connection point is a forward vertical distance D from the striking face. Ｈ－Ｆ and the front vertical distance D Ｈ－Ｆ 12. The putter-type golf club head of claim 11, wherein is between 1.00 inches and 1.15 inches.

14. A putter-type golf club head, a body, the body comprising: 50cm ３ and a volume of less than The striking face is bounded by a perimeter and has a geometric center, a loft plane, a striking face surface area A ＳＦ a striking face having a leading edge; a heel end, a toe end, a crown, a sole, a rear end opposite the striking face, and a center of gravity; an origin located at the center of the leading edge; a first portion and a second portion, the first portion including the striking face and a transition area, the second portion being positioned rearwardly from the first portion and including a remainder of the body; Equipped with The striking face has a striking face width W measured from the heel end to the toe end of both ends of the striking face. ＳＦ having the striking face periphery has a polygonal shape having a higher heel corner, a lower heel corner, a higher toe corner, and a lower toe corner; the transition region comprising a first transition wall and a second transition wall extending from the striking face and coupling the striking face to the second portion; The body further has a body width W of less than 2.30 inches. Ｂ and the body width W Ｂ is measured in the heel-to-toe direction between the heel end and the toe end, The body further comprises a body depth D of less than 2.50 inches. Ｂ and the body depth D Ｂ is measured in a striking face-to-tail direction between the striking face and the tail; The body width W Ｂ The striking face width W ＳＦ Ratio of W ＳＦ / W Ｂ is less than 0.75; Putter type golf club head.

15. 15. The putter-type golf club head of claim 14, further comprising a loft angle greater than 5 degrees.

16. The striking face is 1.50 in. ２ 15. The putter-type golf club head of claim 14 having a striking face surface area of ​​less than

17. 15. The putter-type golf club head of claim 14, wherein the striking face comprises a striking face perimeter of less than 5 inches.

18. The striking face further has a striking face height H ＳＦ and the striking face width W ＳＦ The striking face height H ＳＦ 15. The putter-type golf club head of claim 14, wherein the ratio is less than 1.

90.

19. the striking face further comprising: a top edge and a vertex located at the center of the top edge; The putter-type golf club head further comprises an apex angle α measured between a first reference line connecting the apex and the lower heel angle and a second reference line connecting the apex and the lower toe angle of the striking face. １ Define The apex angle α １ is between 80 and 90 degrees, 16. The putter-type golf club head according to claim 15.

20. the striking face further defines a CG projection point; the CG projection point is defined as a projection of the center of gravity onto the striking face perpendicular to the loft plane; The putter-type golf club head further comprises a center of gravity (CG) angle α measured between a first reference line connecting the CG projection point and the low heel corner and a second reference line connecting the CG projection point and the low toe corner. ２ Define The center of gravity (CG) angle α ２ is between 115 and 130 degrees, 16. The putter-type golf club head according to claim 15.

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