How to fit golf clubs

Abstract

One aspect of this disclosure aims to provide a golf club fitting method that allows for fitting to a player's preferences. [Solution] A golf club fitting method according to one aspect of the present disclosure acquires multiple trajectory element information 51 for each of one or more types of golf clubs, including the test golf club 10, based on swing information 41 when a test player 100 swings a test golf club 10, and calculates ball-hit result information 61 for multiple types of golf clubs, including the golf clubs from which multiple trajectory element information 51 has been acquired, based on the multiple trajectory element information 51.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method for fitting a golf club.

Background Art

[0002] In golf, players have different preferences. Some players emphasize the flight distance of the hit ball, while others emphasize the stability of the hit ball.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] A player may use a golf club that matches their preference as a golf club suitable for themselves. Therefore, when purchasing a golf club, it is beneficial for the player to be able to select a golf club suitable for themselves, taking into account their preferences, from among multiple types of golf clubs.

[0005] Patent Document 1 describes a method for fitting a golf club, which includes steps of measuring a plurality of types of impact conditions using a reference club, obtaining hitting point data using the reference club, performing multiple regression analysis with two or more of the plurality of types of impact conditions as explanatory variables and the hitting point data as the target variable, selecting a specific explanatory variable from among the two or more explanatory variables based on the result of the multiple regression analysis, and determining a recommended club having a specification capable of suppressing the variation of the specific explanatory variable.

[0006] The fitting method described in Patent Document 1 is characterized by measuring multiple impact conditions using a reference club, obtaining ball trajectory data from information such as the initial velocity of a ball struck using this reference club, and then determining a recommended club by performing multiple regression analysis.

[0007] However, while the invention described in Patent Document 1 can determine recommended clubs using multiple regression analysis, there is a risk of discrepancies between these recommended clubs and the player's preferences. Furthermore, because the invention described in Patent Document 1 determines recommended clubs using multiple regression analysis, its accuracy may be insufficient in conditions where linear approximation is difficult.

[0008] This disclosure is made in light of these circumstances, and one aspect of this disclosure aims to provide a golf club fitting method that can be tailored to the player's preferences. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] (1) A golf club fitting method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a golf club fitting method that acquires multiple trajectory element information for each of one or more types of golf clubs, including the test golf club, based on swing information when a test player swings a test golf club, and calculates ball-hit result information for multiple types of golf clubs, including the golf club from which the multiple trajectory element information has been acquired, based on the multiple trajectory element information.

[0010] (2) In (1) above, the multiple ballistic element information is acquired for two or more types of golf clubs, and the ball-hitting result information is calculated for the two or more golf clubs from which the multiple ballistic element information has been acquired.

[0011] (3) In (1) or (2) above, it is preferable to display recommended golf clubs for each of the two or more recommended items based on the ball-hitting result information.

[0012] (4) In any of (1) to (3) above, it is preferable to display the ball-hitting result information for some or all of the golf clubs among the multiple types of golf clubs.

[0013] (5) In any of (1) to (4) above, the ball-hitting result information may include the fairway hit rate.

[0014] (6) In (5) above, the fairway hit rate should be determined based on the orientation of the clubface at impact.

[0015] (7) In any of (1) to (6) above, the swing information may be based on information about the golf club head at the time of impact.

[0016] (8) In any of (1) to (7) above, the plurality of ballistic element information may include at least one of ball speed, launch angle, launch direction, spin amount, and spin axis.

[0017] In this disclosure, "fairway hit rate" means the probability of hitting the golf ball onto the fairway. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] A golf club fitting method according to one aspect of this disclosure makes it possible to perform a fitting that matches the player's preferences. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0019] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a flowchart of a golf club fitting method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the procedure for acquiring swing information in the golf club fitting method shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3]FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the structure data of a plurality of types of golf clubs used in the fitting method of the golf club of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of swing information obtained in the fitting method of the golf club of FIG. 1. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of ballistic element information obtained in the fitting method of the golf club of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of hitting result information calculated in the fitting method of the golf club of FIG. 1. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of recommended golf club information displayed in the fitting method of the golf club of FIG. 1.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate.

[0021] [First Embodiment] [[ID=e26]]<Golf Club Fitting Method> A golf club fitting method according to an aspect of the present disclosure (hereinafter, also simply referred to as "the fitting method") is based on swing information when a tester swings with a trial golf club, and for each of one or more types of golf clubs including the trial golf club, a plurality of ballistic element information is acquired (acquisition step S1). Based on the plurality of ballistic element information, hitting result information for a plurality of types of golf clubs including the golf club for which the plurality of ballistic element information was acquired is calculated (calculation step S2). The fitting method may display the hitting result information itself calculated in the calculation step S2 or information based on the hitting result information (display step S3).

[0022] The fitting method can calculate ball-hit result information for multiple types of golf clubs in the calculation step S2. Therefore, the fitting method can determine the tendency of ball hits in relation to the test player for multiple types of golf clubs. Furthermore, since the fitting method acquires the multiple trajectory element information based on the physical phenomenon of swing information in the acquisition step S1, the accuracy of the ball-hit result information calculated in the calculation step S2 is high. Thus, the fitting method enables fitting that matches the player's preferences. The fitting method also includes a display step S3 to make it easier for the test player to confirm the ball-hit result information. However, the fitting method may also provide the ball-hit result information calculated in the calculation step S2 to the test player as electronic data. In this case, the fitting method can also be configured without the display step S3.

[0023] This fitting method can be used, for example, to help a player select golf clubs when purchasing them. Therefore, this fitting method may be configured to be implemented, for example, at a golf club retailer.

[0024] The fitting method can be configured to include a golf club for testing, a ball flight measurement device capable of acquiring swing information when a test player swings the golf club, a computer having a CPU (Central Processing Unit) for data processing and a storage unit such as semiconductor memory for temporarily or permanently storing various information, and a display for displaying the information output from the computer. Furthermore, a known ball flight measurement device can be used as the ball flight measurement device. The following describes each step of the fitting method in detail. Note that the information processing, calculations, etc., in each of the following steps can be performed by the computer.

[0025] (Acquisition Step) In acquisition step S1, first, as shown in Figure 2, swing information is acquired when the test player 100 swings the test golf club 10. More specifically, in acquisition step S1, swing information is acquired when the test player 100 hits a golf ball with the test golf club 10. The swing information can be acquired by a ball flight measurement device (not shown).

[0026] [Golf clubs for testing] The golf club used for testing, 10, is not particularly limited and may be, for example, a golf club brought by the test player, 100. However, in this fitting method, a specific golf club may be predetermined as the golf club used for testing, 10. In this fitting method, for example, a database 30 shown in Figure 3 is stored in the memory of a computer. The database 30 stores structural data 31 for each of several types of golf clubs (No. 1, No. 2, etc.), such as head pattern, loft angle, lie angle, sleeve position, and weight position. In this fitting method, it may be preferable to use one of the several types of golf clubs stored in the database 30 as the golf club used for testing, 10. The structural data 31 is information regarding the design values ​​of the golf club, and includes information regarding the design values ​​of the golf club head. Furthermore, the structural data 31 shown in Figure 3 is just an example, and the database 30 does not need to contain all of the aforementioned structural data. In addition, the database 30 may also include structural data other than head pattern, loft angle, lie angle, sleeve position, and weight position (head size, weight, etc.). Furthermore, if the golf clubs brought by the testers (100) are used as the test golf clubs (10), it is preferable to input the structural data of these golf clubs into the database (30) before the test.

[0027] [Swing Information] The aforementioned swing information is based on information about the golf club head at the time of impact. More specifically, the swing information is based on design values ​​for the golf club head and includes information about the posture, behavior, and vectors of the golf club head at the time of impact. Examples of the swing information include, as shown in Figure 4, head speed, attack angle, club path, impact loft, face angle, vertical impact point, horizontal impact point, variation FtP (Face to Path), and variation FIH (Face Impact Horizontal). Because the swing information is based on information about the golf club at the time of impact, errors caused by the test environment can be reduced. As a result, fitting can be performed more accurately to match the preferences of 100 testers.

[0028] Even if the aforementioned swing information is based on information about the golf club head, it is also possible to include information based on something other than the golf club head as part of the swing information. Examples of information based on something other than the golf club head include information about the golf ball (such as distance) and information based on parts of the golf club other than the head (such as the shaft). However, in this fitting method, it is preferable not to include information about the golf ball as part of the swing information, and it is more preferable to base it solely on information about the golf club. According to the inventor's knowledge, information about the golf ball is influenced by factors such as differences in rebound force based on the point of impact, which makes it easy to obtain variability in the swing information. In contrast, information based on information about the golf club is less affected by the test environment and the condition of the 100 testers, making it easier to obtain accurate swing information with less variability. Therefore, by basing the aforementioned swing information solely on information about the golf club, the accuracy of fitting to suit the preferences of the 100 testers can be improved.

[0029] In acquisition step S1, the tester 100 swings the test golf club 10, thereby acquiring swing information about the test golf club 10. In acquisition step S1, the swing information may be acquired in one test swing or in multiple test swings. If the swing information is acquired in multiple test swings, this swing information may be calculated by averaging the swing information from each swing.

[0030] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, in acquisition step S1, in addition to the swing information 41 for the test golf club 10, swing information 41 is acquired for each of the golf clubs other than the test golf club 10 whose structural data 31 is stored in the database 30. The swing information 41 for golf clubs other than the test golf club 10 can be acquired, for example, by comparing the swing information 41 of the test golf club 10 with the structural data 31 of the test golf club 10, and then comparing the structural data 31 of the test golf club 10 with the structural data 31 of the golf clubs other than the test golf club 10. The swing information 41 for golf clubs other than the test golf club 10 may also be calculated using a pre-formulated formula.

[0031] [Ballistic element information] The aforementioned trajectory element information refers to information that determines the direction and distance of a golf ball when it is struck. Examples of this trajectory element information include ball speed, launch angle, launch direction, spin rate, and spin axis.

[0032] In acquisition step S1, it is preferable to include at least one of the following as multiple trajectory element information: ball speed, launch angle, launch direction, spin rate, and spin axis. According to this embodiment, by comparing it with the aforementioned structural data 31, etc., it is easier to accurately calculate the ball flight result information described later for multiple types of golf clubs. As a result, it is easier to perform fitting that matches the preferences of 100 testers more accurately. In acquisition step S1, it is also possible to include only one of the following as multiple trajectory element information: ball speed, launch angle, launch direction, spin rate, and spin axis, but it is preferable to include two or more, more preferably three or more, and even more preferably all of them.

[0033] In acquisition step S1, multiple trajectory element information is acquired for the test golf club 10 based on the swing information 41 obtained when the test player 100 swings the test golf club 10. In addition, in acquisition step S1, multiple trajectory element information is acquired for each of one or more types of golf clubs other than the test golf club 10 based on the swing information 41 obtained. That is, in this embodiment, in acquisition step S1, the multiple trajectory element information is acquired for two or more types of golf clubs based on the swing information 41 obtained when the test player 100 swings the test golf club 10. Note that the swing information, as described above, is information such as the posture of the golf club head at the time of impact, and may be considered to have the same value for multiple types of golf clubs. For example, the swing information for the test golf club 10 may be considered to be the swing information for one or more types of golf clubs other than the test golf club 10. Even in such cases, this fitting method can perform a fitting that matches the player's preferences by calculating ball-hit result information based on the physical phenomenon of swing information of the test golf club 10.

[0034] As shown in Figure 3, in this fitting method, multiple structural data 31 are stored in the database 30 for each of the multiple types of golf clubs, including the test golf club 10. Also, as mentioned above, in acquisition step S1, swing information 41 is acquired for the multiple types of golf clubs, including the test golf club 10, and as shown in Figure 4, this swing information 41 is stored in the database 40. The database 40 may be stored, for example, in the memory of a computer. As mentioned above, in acquisition step S1, multiple trajectory element information is acquired for each of the multiple types of golf clubs based on the swing information 41 of the test golf club 10. At this time, in acquisition step S1, in addition to the swing information 41, multiple trajectory element information may be acquired using the structural data 31 for each golf club. Also, in acquisition step S1, for example, multiple trajectory element information may be acquired directly from the structural data 31 using a predetermined calculation formula for golf clubs other than the test golf club 10. As shown in Figure 5, the multiple trajectory element information 51 acquired in acquisition step S1 is associated with the multiple types of golf clubs and stored in the database 50. The database 50 is stored, for example, in the memory of a computer.

[0035] An example of a specific procedure for acquiring multiple trajectory element information 51 based on swing information 41 is described below. First, for the test golf club 10, a relationship formula between the swing information 41 and the multiple trajectory element information 51 is predetermined, and the multiple trajectory element information 51 is calculated using this relationship formula. Furthermore, for golf clubs other than the test golf club 10, a relationship formula between the structural data 31 and the multiple trajectory element information 51, or a relationship formula between the structural data 31, the swing information 41 and the multiple trajectory element information 51, is predetermined using the comparison results of the structural data 31 with the test golf club 10 and the calculation results of the multiple trajectory element information 51 for the test golf club 10, and the multiple trajectory element information 51 is calculated using this relationship formula. In addition, for golf clubs other than the test golf club 10, it is also possible to calculate the multiple trajectory element information 51 using a relationship formula between the swing information 41 and the multiple trajectory element information 51 instead of comparing the structural data 31, etc. Note that the aforementioned relationship formula may be formulated based on experimental results, etc.

[0036] (Calculation step) In calculation step S2, based on the multiple trajectory element information 51, the ball-hit result information is calculated for each golf club from which the multiple trajectory element information 51 has been acquired. In other words, in calculation step S2, the ball-hit result information is calculated for two or more golf clubs from which the multiple trajectory element information 51 has been acquired.

[0037] In this fitting method, in acquisition step S1, multiple trajectory element information 51 is acquired for two or more types of golf clubs, and in calculation step S2, the ball-hit result information is calculated for the two or more types of golf clubs from which multiple trajectory element information 51 has been acquired, thereby enabling the easy and accurate calculation of the ball-hit result information for multiple types of golf clubs. More specifically, in this embodiment, in acquisition step S1, multiple trajectory element information 51 is acquired for each of two or more types of golf clubs, including the test golf club 10, based on swing information 41 when swinging the test golf club 10, and in calculation step S2, the ball-hit result information is calculated for each of the golf clubs from which multiple trajectory element information 51 has been acquired, thereby enabling the accurate and easier calculation of the ball-hit result information for multiple types of golf clubs.

[0038] [Ball batting result information] The aforementioned ball-hit result information refers to information about the trajectory of a golf ball when it is struck with a golf club. Examples of such ball-hit result information include Carry (the distance the golf ball travels), Total (the distance to the final destination of the golf ball), Offline, and Fairway hit percentage. The ball-hit result information may also include a total score for each item. This total score can be determined by assigning points to each item and then summing them up.

[0039] In calculation step S2, it is preferable to calculate at least one of the following as ball-hit result information for each golf club: Carry, Total, Offline, and Fairway hit rate. More preferably, two or more, even more preferably three or more, and especially preferably all of them. In the ball-hit result information, Carry and Total are important indicators of the distance of the ball, while Offline and Fairway hit rate are important indicators of the stability of the ball. Therefore, from the viewpoint of displaying multiple recommended items in the display step S3 described later, it is preferable to calculate at least one of Carry and Total, and at least one of Offline and Fairway hit rate.

[0040] The aforementioned batted ball result information can be calculated, for example, by pre-defining a relationship between swing information 41 and multiple trajectory element information 51, and then calculating this relationship. Furthermore, the relationship may be formulated based on experimental results or the like.

[0041] Preferably, the aforementioned ball-hit result information includes the fairway hit rate. The fairway hit rate is an effective indicator of ball-hit stability. Including the fairway hit rate in the aforementioned ball-hit result information makes it easier to perform fitting that matches the preferences of 100 test players.

[0042] The fairway hit rate may be determined based on the face angle and point of impact. According to this embodiment, the fairway hit rate can be easily and reliably determined.

[0043] An example of the procedure for calculating the fairway hit rate is described below. First, 100 testers take multiple shots with the test golf club 10. Next, in calculation step S2, the standard deviation of the offline shots is determined based on the launch direction, sidespin amount, etc. The launch direction and sidespin amount may be values ​​calculated based on the variation of the clubface at impact during multiple test shots ("Variation FtP" and "Variation FIH" in Figure 4) obtained in acquisition step S1. Furthermore, in calculation step S2, the fairway hit rate is calculated using a formula that takes into account the standard deviation of the offline shots as an explanatory variable, and also takes into account the separately calculated average value of the offline shots and the average width of the fairway.

[0044] As shown in Figure 6, the ball-hit result information 61 calculated in calculation step S2 is associated with multiple types of golf clubs and stored in the database 60. The database 60 is stored, for example, in the memory of a computer.

[0045] (Display step) In display step S3, for example, based on the ball-hit result information 61, recommended golf clubs are displayed for each of two or more recommended items. In addition, in display step S3, ball-hit result information 61 for some or all of the golf clubs among multiple types of golf clubs may be displayed together with the recommended golf clubs, or in place of the recommended golf clubs. In display step S3, one or both of the recommended golf clubs and the ball-hit result information 61 are displayed on the aforementioned display.

[0046] Referring to Figure 7, an example of a recommended golf club displayed in display step S3 is explained. In Figure 7, recommended golf clubs 71 are displayed for each of the three recommendation items 70 ("Recommended setting", "Distance-focused setting", and "Stability-focused setting"). In Figure 7, the "Distance-focused setting" is a setting that prioritizes distance over stability, for example, a setting that gives more weight to the "Carry" and "Total" items among the "Carry", "Total", "Offline", and "FW hit rate" items in Figure 6. In Figure 7, the "Stability-focused setting" is a setting that prioritizes stability over distance, for example, a setting that gives more weight to the "Offline" and "FW hit rate" items in Figure 6. Also in Figure 7, the "Recommended setting" is a setting that prioritizes both distance and stability, for example, a setting that recommends a golf club with a high "Overall score" in Figure 6.

[0047] As shown in Figure 7, in display step S3, it is preferable to display the recommended golf club 71 along with the recommendation rationale information 72 for each recommended golf club 71. As the recommendation rationale information 72, for example, the ball-hit result information 61 shown in Figure 6 may be displayed as is. Alternatively, as the recommendation rationale information 72, evaluation values ​​calculated based on the ball-hit result information 61 may be displayed.

[0048] This fitting method, in display step S3, displays recommended golf clubs 71 for each of two or more recommended items 70, thereby presenting a recommended golf club 71 that suits the preferences of the test player 100. It is also possible to display multiple types of recommended golf clubs 71 for each of the recommended items 70 in display step S3. This configuration broadens the range of golf club choices available to the test player 100.

[0049] In display step S3, when displaying ball-hit result information 61 for some or all of the golf clubs among multiple types of golf clubs, the information from the database 60 shown in Figure 6 may be displayed directly on the display. Alternatively, in display step S3, only the ball-hit result information 61 for some of the golf clubs recorded in the database 60 may be displayed on the display. Furthermore, in display step S3, evaluation values ​​calculated based on the ball-hit result information 61 may be displayed along with the ball-hit result information 61.

[0050] This fitting method allows testers 100 to easily determine the suitability of multiple types of golf clubs by displaying ball-hitting result information 61 for some or all of the multiple types of golf clubs in display step S3.

[0051] Furthermore, in this fitting method, after the test player 100 selects a recommended golf club 71 that suits their preferences, they may be allowed to test this recommended golf club 71 (test swing step). In addition, in the test swing step, the test player 100 may be allowed to test each of the recommended golf clubs 71 listed for each of the recommended items 70. This fitting method allows the test player 100 to experience the differences between each recommended golf club 71 by having them test multiple recommended golf clubs 71, and to select the recommended golf club 71 that is best suited to them.

[0052] [Other embodiments] The embodiments described above do not limit the configuration of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments may omit, substitute, or add components of each part of the embodiments based on the description herein and common technical knowledge, and all such additions should be interpreted as falling within the scope of the present invention.

[0053] In the above embodiment, a procedure was described in which, based on swing information obtained when a test player swings a test golf club, multiple trajectory element information is obtained for each of multiple types of golf clubs, and ball-hit result information is calculated for each golf club. However, in this fitting method, ball-hit result information may be calculated only for some of the golf clubs among the multiple types of golf clubs from which multiple trajectory element information has been obtained.

[0054] Furthermore, in this fitting method, it is also possible to configure the system to acquire multiple trajectory element information only for the test golf club, based on the swing information obtained when the test player swings the test golf club. In this case, for golf clubs other than the test golf club, a relational expression may be defined based on a comparison of the structural data with that of the test golf club, and multiple trajectory element information may be calculated using this relational expression.

[0055] In the above embodiment, a configuration was described in which the database is stored in the memory of a computer. On the other hand, the location where the database is stored in the fitting method is not particularly limited. Furthermore, in the fitting method, it is sufficient to configure the system so that predetermined information can be used, and it is also possible to use something other than a database.

[0056] This fitting method may improve the accuracy of the fitting by not using information about the golf ball. However, this disclosure does not exclude the use of a calculation formula that takes into account information about the golf ball in addition to information about the golf club head, etc.

[0057] This fitting method does not require the use of golf ball information. Therefore, for example, the swing with the test golf club in acquisition step S1 may be a practice swing. In this case, for example, "information on the golf club head at impact" means information on the golf club head at the virtual position of the golf ball. [Explanation of symbols]

[0058] 10 golf clubs for testing 30, 40, 50, 60 databases 31 Structural Data 41 Swing Information 51 Ballistic Element Information 61 Batted ball result information 70 Recommended Items 71 Recommended Golf Clubs 72. Supporting Information for Recommendations 100 testers

Claims

1. This is a method for fitting golf clubs. Based on the swing information obtained when a test player swings a test golf club, multiple trajectory element information is acquired for each of one or more types of golf clubs, including the test golf club. Based on the aforementioned multiple ballistic element information, the system calculates ball-hit result information for multiple types of golf clubs, including the golf club from which the aforementioned multiple ballistic element information has been acquired. How to fit golf clubs.

2. The aforementioned multiple ballistic element information is acquired for two or more types of golf clubs. The golf club fitting method according to claim 1, which calculates the ball-hit result information for two or more golf clubs from which the aforementioned multiple ballistic element information has been acquired.

3. A golf club fitting method according to claim 1 or claim 2, which displays a recommended golf club for each of two or more recommended items based on the aforementioned ball-hitting result information.

4. A golf club fitting method according to claim 1 or claim 2, which displays the ball-hitting result information for some or all of the golf clubs among the plurality of golf clubs.

5. The golf club fitting method according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the aforementioned ball-hit result information includes the fairway hit rate.

6. The method for fitting a golf club according to claim 5, wherein the fairway hit rate is determined based on the orientation of the clubface at impact.

7. The method for fitting a golf club according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the swing information is based on information of the golf club head at the time of impact.

8. A method for fitting a golf club according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the plurality of ballistic element information includes at least one of ball speed, launch angle, launch direction, spin rate, and spin axis.

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