Golf club head fitting device, fitting method, and fitting program

Abstract

[Problem] To easily identify a wedge type head suitable for each player's swing action.　[Solution] A golf club head fitting device 200 includes: an acquiring unit 201 for acquiring measurement data obtained by measuring a player's golf club swing action using a measuring instrument; a calculating unit 202 for calculating a swing index on the basis of the measurement data; and a selecting unit 203 for selecting a golf club head characteristic on the basis of the swing index. The golf club head is a wedge-type head, the swing index includes a rotation index relating to rotation of the swing action about a shaft axis, and the selecting unit 203 selects the bounce angle of the wedge-type head suitable for the player on the basis of the rotation index, as the characteristic.

Description

Golf club head fitting device, fitting method, and fitting program

[0001] The present invention relates to a golf club head fitting device, a fitting method, and a fitting program.

[0002] In recent years, various fitting devices have been proposed for measuring a player's swing motion and proposing a golf club shaft suited to the player's swing motion (see Patent Documents 1 and 2 listed below).

[0003] JP 2023-103070 A Patent No. 6087132 A

[0004] Golf clubs include wedges, which are often used around the green. Wedges are designed for hitting shots of relatively short distances, and their club heads (hereinafter simply referred to as "wedge-type heads") have a large loft angle compared to other clubs in a golf club set. Generally, a club head with a large loft angle tends to dig into the ground more easily, so the sole of a wedge-type head is usually provided with a bulge called bounce (or "bounce"). This bounce comes into contact with the ground during a swing, preventing the leading edge of the wedge-type head from digging into the ground.

[0005] In recent years, golf club manufacturers have been selling a variety of wedges with different bounce angles, which indicate the magnitude of the bounce, to suit players of various physiques and skill levels. However, players' swing movements vary, and it is not easy to identify a wedge-type head with a bounce angle that is suitable for each swing movement.

[0006] The present invention was devised in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and its main objective is to provide a golf club head fitting device, fitting method, and fitting program that can easily identify a wedge-type head that is suitable for each player's swing motion.

[0007] The present invention is a golf club head fitting device that includes an acquisition unit that acquires measurement data obtained by measuring a player's golf club swing motion using a measuring device, a calculation unit that calculates a swing index based on the measurement data, and a selection unit that selects characteristics of a golf club head based on the swing index, wherein the golf club head is a wedge-type head, the swing index includes a rotation index related to rotation of the swing motion around a shaft axis, and the selection unit selects a bounce angle of the wedge-type head that is suitable for the player based on the rotation index as the characteristic.

[0008] By adopting the above-described configuration, the golf club head fitting device of the present invention makes it possible to easily identify a wedge-type head that is suited to each player's swing motion.

[0009] 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing a golf club head fitting system of the present embodiment; FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the fitting system of the present embodiment; FIG. 3 is a side view of a wedge-type head placed in a reference state; FIG. 4 is a front view of a wedge-type head placed in a reference state; FIG. 5 is a diagram explaining a swing motion; FIG. 6 is a graph showing the relationship between time in a swing motion and angular velocity about the shaft axis; FIG. 7 is a graph showing the relationship between time in a swing motion and angular velocity in the cocking direction; (A) is a conceptual diagram near ball impact for explaining a swing motion with large rotation, and (B) is a conceptual diagram near ball impact for explaining a swing motion with small rotation; FIG. 8 is a graph explaining the relationship between a rotation index, a cock index, a bounce angle, and a lie angle; FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure for selecting a bounce angle; (A) is a front view of a wedge-type head for explaining an up-lie swing motion, and (B) is a front view of a wedge-type head for explaining a flat-lie swing motion; 10 is a graph showing the results of the actual hitting test by Tester D. FIG. 11 is a graph showing the results of the actual hitting test by Tester F.

[0010] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The specific configurations shown in the following embodiments and drawings are intended to aid in understanding the contents of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the specific configurations shown. Furthermore, in multiple embodiments, the same or common elements are designated by the same reference numerals throughout the specification, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0011] FIG. 1 shows an overall configuration diagram of a fitting system 1 including a golf club head fitting device 200 of this embodiment. FIG. 2 shows a block configuration diagram of the fitting system 1 of this embodiment. In this embodiment, golf club head fitting begins by measuring the swing motion of a player 3 who wishes to be fitted with a golf club head. Next, a swing index is calculated from the swing motion. Then, golf club head characteristics are selected based on this swing index. Also, in the present invention, the golf club head is a wedge-type head, and a bounce angle of the wedge-type head suitable for the player is selected as the characteristic. Therefore, the fitting system 1 of the present invention makes it possible to easily identify a wedge-type head suitable for the individual swing motion of a player.

[0012] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the fitting system 1 of this embodiment includes, for example, a swing sensor 100 that can be attached to a golf club 2 as measuring equipment for measuring the swing motion of the golf club 2, a fitting device 200, and a display unit 300.

[0013] [Golf Club] The golf club 2 is, for example, a wedge 2A, and includes a grip 21, a shaft 22, and a wedge-type head (hereinafter, sometimes simply referred to as the head) 23 serving as a golf club head. FIGS. 3 and 4 respectively show a side view and a front view of a typical wedge-type head 23 attached to the wedge 2A in a reference state. In this specification, the reference state refers to a state in which the head 23 is placed on a horizontal plane HP with a lie angle α and a loft angle β set for the head. The lie angle α and the loft angle β are listed, for example, in a product catalog for the head. In the reference state, the head 23 is held at the lie angle α and the loft angle β with the shaft center line CL of the head 23 positioned within a reference vertical plane VP perpendicular to the horizontal plane HP. The shaft center line CL is defined by the axial center line of a shaft insertion hole (not shown) formed in the hosel 5 of the head 23.

[0014] The wedge 2A is a golf club designed for hitting short-distance shots and may be called, for example, a pitching wedge, approach wedge, sand wedge, lob wedge, etc. The wedge-type head 23 generally has a large loft angle. Although not particularly limited, the wedge-type head 23 has a loft angle β of, for example, 42 degrees or more, preferably 46 degrees or more. The wedge-type head 23 also has a lie angle α of, for example, 60 degrees or more, preferably 62 degrees or more.

[0015] As is clear from FIG. 3 , the wedge-type head 23 has a bounce 6. The bounce is a downwardly bulging portion provided on the sole 7 of the wedge-type head 23. The size of the bounce 6 is determined by the bounce angle θ, and the larger the bounce angle θ, the larger the bounce 6. In this specification, the bounce angle θ is the angle between the horizontal plane HP and a straight line 8 connecting the leading edge Le and the trailing edge Te on the sole 7 of the wedge-type head 23 in a reference state. The bounce provides a rebound force when the sole 7 contacts the ground during a swing, and can prevent the sole 7 from digging into the ground.

[0016] The golf club 2 in FIG. 1 is a test golf club for measuring a swing motion. There are no particular limitations on the specifications of the test golf club, but it is desirable that the test golf club have a shaft 22 (weight, hardness, torque, kick point, etc.) that is suitable for the swing motion of the player 3. For example, prior to the actual measurement, a shaft that is suitable for the swing motion of the player 3 may be determined in advance using a fitting device such as that described in Patent Document 1 or 2 above. Then, the test golf club may be prepared to have the determined shaft. This allows the original swing motion of the player 3 to be measured more accurately.

[0017] [Swing Sensor] In this embodiment, the swing motion is measured by the above-described swing sensor 100. The swing sensor 100 is configured to be attachable to the golf club 2, for example, as shown in FIG. 1 . The swing sensor 100 of this embodiment is detachable from the grip 21 or shaft 22 of the golf club 2. It is desirable that the swing sensor 100 be configured to be small and lightweight so as not to interfere with the swing motion of the player 3.

[0018] The swing sensor 100 of this embodiment can measure a predetermined physical quantity from the golf club 2 during a swing motion. The swing sensor 100 of this embodiment includes an angular velocity measurement unit 101 ( FIG. 2 ) and can measure the angular velocity of the golf club 2 during a swing motion. As shown in FIG. 1 , the swing sensor 100 of this embodiment can measure angular velocities ωx, ωy, and ωz about each axis of a local coordinate system x, y, and z, which has its origin at the attachment position to the golf club 2, at a predetermined sampling period (e.g., 1 millisecond). Here, the x-axis is the toe-heel direction of the head 23, the y-axis is the direction of the target flight line of the hit ball, and the z-axis is the axial direction of the shaft 22.

[0019] Therefore, when a player 3 wishing to be fitted swings the test golf club 2 equipped with the swing sensor 100 to hit the ball 4 one or more times, the measurement data (the angular velocities ωx, ωy, and ωz) can be measured by the swing sensor 100.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 2 , the swing sensor 100 of this embodiment further includes a communication unit 102 for providing the measured measurement data to the fitting device 200. The communication unit 102 is preferably wireless so as not to interfere with the swing motion. In another aspect, the communication unit 102 may be wired. Furthermore, the swing sensor 100 may include a removable storage medium (not shown) instead of or in addition to the communication unit 102. In this case, the measurement data may be temporarily stored in the storage medium and then imported into the fitting device 200 via this storage medium.

[0021] [Fitting Device] The fitting device 200 of this embodiment acquires measurement data from the swing sensor 100 and executes predetermined processing. The fitting device 200 may be realized, for example, as various general-purpose computers, tablet computers, smartphones, or even dedicated terminals.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 2, the fitting device 200 includes an acquisition unit 201 that acquires measurement data from the swing sensor 100, a calculation unit 202 that calculates a swing index based on the measurement data, and a selection unit 203 that selects the characteristics of the golf club head based on the swing index.

[0023] The fitting device 200 of this embodiment further includes an input unit 204, a storage unit 205, and a control unit 207. The input unit 204 is composed of, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a virtual keyboard on a tablet, etc. The storage unit 205 includes a non-volatile storage unit such as a hard disk that stores the fitting program and various master data, etc., and a volatile storage unit that serves as working memory. The control unit 207 operates the above-mentioned units in accordance with the program and is composed of, for example, a central processor (CPU). The fitting program may be stored in, for example, a portable storage medium and used as a commercial transaction target. The fitting program may also be used as a commercial transaction target in electronic file format via the Internet.

[0024] [Acquisition Unit] The acquisition unit 201 of the fitting device 200 is configured to be able to communicate with the communication unit 102 of the swing sensor 100, for example, wirelessly. Therefore, the measurement data measured by the swing sensor 100 is acquired by the acquisition unit 201 via the communication unit 102. The measurement data acquired by the acquisition unit 201 is stored in the memory unit 205.

[0025] [Calculation Unit] The calculation unit 202 calculates a swing index based on the measurement data acquired by the acquisition unit 201. The swing index is a feature amount that quantitatively characterizes each swing motion. In this embodiment, the swing index includes a rotation index that is an index related to the rotation of the swing motion around the shaft axis. Furthermore, in addition to the rotation index, the swing index may also include, for example, a cock index that is an index related to the cocking motion of the swing motion.

[0026] [Rotation Index] Figure 5 shows a part of the player's hands and shaft 22 during a swing motion from the top to impact. Generally, a player's swing goes through the steps of address, backswing, top, downswing, and impact. Address refers to the stationary state immediately before the player 3 starts the swing (see Figure 1). Backswing is the action of lifting the golf club 2 from the address. The subsequent action of swinging the golf club 2 down is called the downswing. The timing of switching from the backswing to the downswing is the top. In this series of swing motions, the rotation of the golf club around the shaft axis is called rotation. The rotation index is an index that quantitatively specifies the magnitude of the rotation of the golf club around the shaft axis.

[0027] Rotation is detected by the swing sensor 100 primarily as rotational motion of the golf club 2 around the z-axis in the local coordinate system. FIG. 6 shows, as measurement data, the relationship between the angular velocity around the shaft axis (i.e., the angular velocity ωz around the z-axis) in a player's swing motion and time during the swing. Time 0 indicates the moment of impact with the ball. In this embodiment, the rotation index is obtained as a value obtained by integrating the angular velocity ωz around the shaft axis over time within a certain range. In this embodiment, the rotation index is, for example, the integral value from the top position (top) of the swing motion to impact (the hatched portion in FIG. 6 ). This integration range can be changed as desired. Such a rotation index can be used to identify changes in the angle of rotation during the player's swing motion.

[0028] [Cocking Index] The swing motion shown in FIG. 5 further includes a cocking motion. The cocking motion is a motion in which the player bends the wrist or elbow joint. In this embodiment, in order to identify the swing motion in more detail, attention is paid to the cocking motion in addition to the rotation motion. The cocking motion is detected by the swing sensor 100 mainly as a rotational motion of the golf club 2 around the y-axis in the local coordinate system.

[0029] FIG. 7 shows, as measurement data, the relationship between the angular velocity in the cocking direction (i.e., the angular velocity ωy around the y-axis) during a player's swing and time during the swing. Time 0 indicates the moment of impact with the ball. In this embodiment, the cocking index is obtained as a value obtained by integrating the angular velocity ωy in the cocking direction over time within a certain range. In this embodiment, the cocking index is obtained, for example, as an integral value from the top position (top) of the swing to the released cocked state, i.e., the maximum position P1 of the angular velocity ωy (the hatched portion in FIG. 7). This integral range can be changed as desired. Using such a cocking index, it is possible to identify the angular change in the cocking direction during the player's swing.

[0030] [Selection Unit] The selection unit 203 of the fitting device 200 selects the characteristics of the golf club head that are suitable for the player 3 based on the rotation index described above.

[0031] In order to fit a wedge-type head 23 with a bounce angle suitable for each individual swing motion, the inventors focused on the relationship between the behavior of the wedge-type head 23 near ball impact and the bounce angle. First, a swing motion with a relatively large rotation index results in a relatively large rotation of the wedge-type head 23 around the shaft axis during the swing. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8A , even near ball impact, the amount of rotation of the face of the wedge-type head 23 about the shaft axis is relatively large, and the face tends to stand up sharply (or the face tends to "return" or "close"). In such a swing motion, the leading edge Le of the wedge-type head 23 is likely to dig into the ground, so a wedge-type head 23 with a large bounce angle is suitable to prevent this.

[0032] Next, in contrast to the above swing motion, a swing motion with a relatively small rotation index has a relatively small rotation of the wedge-type head 23 about the shaft axis. Therefore, as shown in Figure 8(B), it was found that even near the point of impact with the ball, the amount of rotation of the face of the wedge-type head 23 about the shaft axis is relatively small, and the face tends not to stand up sharply (this can also be said to mean that the face does not "return" or "close"). Therefore, for such a swing motion, a wedge-type head 23 with a small bounce angle is suitable, in order to prevent the sole from interfering with the ground as much as possible near the point of impact with the ball and to prevent the face from shifting direction.

[0033] Summarizing the above considerations, as shown on the vertical axis of Figure 9, a wedge-type head 23 with a relatively large bounce angle is suitable for a player with a swing motion that involves large rotation. Conversely, a wedge-type head 23 with a relatively small bounce angle is suitable for a player with a swing motion that involves small rotation. In other words, in this embodiment, by focusing on the magnitude of the rotation indicator during the swing motion, it is possible to determine a wedge-type head that is suitable for a player.

[0034] Based on the above analysis and findings, the selection unit 203 of this embodiment selects a bounce angle of the wedge-type head suitable for the player based on the rotation index as a characteristic of the wedge-type head 23. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of specific processing executed by the selection unit 203. As shown in Fig. 10, the selection unit 203 first reads the rotation index of the player to be fitted from the calculation unit 202 (S1).

[0035] Next, the selection unit 203 reads data necessary for executing the process from the storage unit 205 (S2). The necessary data includes, for example, a predetermined reference value for evaluating the magnitude of the rotation index. In this embodiment, the reference value includes a first reference value a1 and a second reference value a2 that is smaller than the first reference value (a1>a2). For example, if the rotation index is larger than the first reference value a1, the swing motion is estimated to have a large rotation. Furthermore, if the rotation index is smaller than the second reference value a2, the swing motion is estimated to have a small rotation. Furthermore, if the rotation index is equal to or smaller than the first reference value a1 and equal to or larger than the second reference value a2, the rotation index of the swing motion is estimated to have a standard magnitude.

[0036] The data may also include several selectable bounce angle values ​​(recommended bounce angles). In this embodiment, the bounce angle data includes a reference bounce angle θM, a high bounce angle θH that is a bounce angle greater than the reference bounce angle θM, and a low bounce angle θL that is smaller than the reference bounce angle θN. The reference bounce angle θM is not particularly limited, but may be set to a general value in the range of 10°±1°. The high bounce angle θH is not particularly limited as long as it is greater than the reference bounce angle θM, but is preferably, for example, approximately 11 to 14°. The low bounce angle θL is not particularly limited as long as it is smaller than the reference bounce angle θM, but is preferably, for example, approximately 6 to 8°.

[0037] Next, the selection unit 203 determines whether the rotation index is greater than a first reference value a1 (S3). If the result of step S3 is affirmative (Y in S3), the selection unit 203 selects the high bounce angle θH (S4). If the result of step S3 is negative (N in S3), the selection unit 203 determines whether the rotation index is less than a second reference value a2 (S5).

[0038] If the result of step S5 is affirmative (Y in S5), the selection unit 203 selects the low bounce angle θL (S6). On the other hand, if the result of step S5 is negative (N in S5), that is, if the rotation index is equal to or less than the first reference value a1 and equal to or greater than the second reference value a2, the selection unit 203 selects the reference bounce angle θM (S7).

[0039] Finally, the selection unit 203 outputs the selected bounce angle to the display unit 300 (S8).

[0040] The bounce angle selected by the selection unit 203 is displayed on the display unit 300. The display unit 300 is configured as, for example, a display or a printer. Through the display unit 300, the user can understand the bounce angle of the wedge-type head 23 that is suitable for the player to be fitted. This allows the user to easily select a wedge having the recommended bounce angle from among various wedges. Note that users include not only players, but also anyone who requires the analysis results of a golf swing, such as instructors and developers of golf equipment.

[0041] The golf club head fitting device 200 of this embodiment, configured as described above, can easily identify a wedge-type head 23 having a bounce angle that is appropriate for each player's swing. By using the fitted wedge-type head 23, the player can perform a smooth swing motion by preventing interference between the bounce and the ground near the point of impact with the ball during the swing. Such a smooth swing reduces variations in the distance and directionality of the ball.

[0042] [Preferred Embodiment] In a preferred embodiment, the selection unit 203 can further select the lie angle of the wedge-type head based on the cock index in addition to the bounce angle as a characteristic of the wedge 2A.

[0043] The inventors also focused on the cocking index in order to fit a wedge-type head 23 that is more suitable for each individual swing motion. For example, in a swing motion with a small rotation, the face is less likely to turn around near impact with the ball, but if the cocking is also large, there is a tendency for the heel H side of the head 23 to approach the ground before the toe T side, a so-called up-lie position, as shown in Figure 11(A). For such a swing motion, a wedge-type head 23 with a small lie angle is suitable to correct the up-lie position.

[0044] In contrast to the above, in a swing with a large rotation, the face tends to turn around near the impact with the ball, and in addition, if the cock is small, as shown in Figure 11(B), the toe T side of the head 23 tends to approach the ground before the heel H side, resulting in a so-called flat lie. For such a swing, a wedge-type head 23 with a large lie angle is suitable to correct the flat lie.

[0045] In addition, for swing movements other than those described above (i.e., swing movements with large rotation and large cocking, or swing movements with small rotation and small cocking), a wedge-type head 23 with a standard lie angle is suitable because it is less likely to result in a significantly up-lie or flat-lie near the ball impact.

[0046] Summarizing the above, swing movements may be broadly divided into the following four types, as shown in Figure 9. [Type 1: Swing movement with large rotation index and large cock index] A wedge-type head 23 with a large bounce angle and a standard lie angle is desirable. [Type 2: Swing movement with small rotation index and small cock index] A wedge-type head 23 with a small bounce angle and a standard lie angle is desirable. [Type 3: Swing movement with large rotation index and small cock index] A wedge-type head 23 with a large bounce angle and lie angle is desirable. [Type 4: Swing movement with small rotation index and large cock index] A wedge-type head 23 with a small bounce angle and lie angle is desirable.

[0047] Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of specific processing executed by the selection unit 203 in such a preferred embodiment. This processing may be executed, for example, after the processing procedure shown in Fig. 10. As shown in Fig. 12, the selection unit 203 first reads the cock index of the player to be fitted from the calculation unit 202 (S11).

[0048] Next, the selection unit 203 reads data necessary for executing the process from the storage unit 205 (S12). The necessary data includes, for example, predetermined reference values ​​for evaluating the size of the cock index. In this embodiment, the reference values ​​for evaluating the size of the cock index include a third reference value a3 and a fourth reference value a4 that is smaller than the third reference value a3 (a3 > a4). For example, if the cock index is larger than the third reference value a3, the cock of such a swing motion is estimated to be large. Furthermore, if the cock index is smaller than the fourth reference value a4, the cock of such a swing motion is estimated to be small. Furthermore, if the cock index is equal to or smaller than the third reference value a3 and equal to or larger than the fourth reference value a4, the cock index of such a swing motion is estimated to be of standard size.

[0049] The data also includes several lie angles (recommended lie angles). In this embodiment, the lie angle data includes a reference lie angle αM, a high lie angle αH that is a lie angle larger than the reference lie angle αM, and a low lie angle αL that is smaller than the reference lie angle αN. The reference lie angle αM is not particularly limited, but may be set, for example, within a range of 64°±1°. The high lie angle αH is not particularly limited as long as it is larger than the reference lie angle αM, but it is desirable, for example, that it is larger by 1° or more than the reference lie angle αM. The low lie angle αL is not particularly limited as long as it is smaller than the reference lie angle αM, but it is desirable, for example, that it is smaller by 1° or more than the reference lie angle αM. The data also includes the bounce angle pre-selected in FIG. 10.

[0050] Next, the selection unit 203 determines whether the cock index is greater than a third reference value a3 (S13). If the result of step S13 is affirmative (Y in S13), the selection unit 203 determines whether the bounce angle selected in the swing motion was a low bounce angle (S14). If the result of step S14 is affirmative (Y in S14), the selection unit 203 selects a low lie angle (S15). If the result of step S14 is negative (N in S14), the selection unit 203 selects a standard lie angle (S16).

[0051] Next, if the result of step S13 is negative (N in S13), the selection unit 203 determines whether the cock index is smaller than a fourth reference value a4 (S17).

[0052] If the result of step S17 is affirmative (Y in S17), it is determined whether the bounce angle selected in the swing motion was a high bounce angle (S18). If the result of step S18 is affirmative (Y in S18), the selection unit 203 selects a high lie angle (S19). If the result of step S18 is negative (N in S18), the selection unit 203 selects a standard lie angle (S20). If the result of step S17 is negative (N in S17), the selection unit 203 selects a standard lie angle (S21).

[0053] Finally, the selection unit 203 outputs the selected lie angle to the display unit 300 (S18).

[0054] The golf club head fitting device 200 of this embodiment, configured as described above, can easily identify the wedge-type head 23 having the bounce angle and lie angle that are appropriate for each player's swing. By using the fitted wedge-type head 23, the player can more reliably prevent interference between the head 23 and the ground near the point of impact with the ball during the swing, allowing for a smoother swing. Such a smoother swing has the effect of further reducing variations in the distance and directionality of the ball.

[0055] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the above specific disclosure and can be implemented in various modifications within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims. The present invention also includes equivalents thereof.

[0056] The effects of the present invention will be verified below with more specific examples. Figure 13 shows the measurement results of the swing motions of seven players (testers A to G). The vertical axis represents the rotation index, and the horizontal axis represents the cock index. Testers A, B, D, and F were selected as representative examples, and their swing motions were classified as follows by appropriately setting first through fourth reference values:

[0057] Tester A: (Type 1 Swing Motion) Tester A's swing motion had a large rotation index and a large cock index. Therefore, this swing motion can be determined to be Type 1 in Figure 9. For this swing motion, a wedge-type head with a large bounce angle is recommended, and more preferably, a wedge-type head with a large bounce angle and a reference lie angle is recommended.

[0058] Tester B: (Type 3 Swing Motion) Tester B's swing motion had a large rotation index and a small cock index. Therefore, this swing motion can be determined to be Type 3 in Figure 9. For this swing motion, a wedge-type head with a large bounce angle is recommended, and more preferably, a wedge-type head with a large bounce angle and a high lie angle is recommended.

[0059] Tester D: (Type 2 Swing Motion) Tester D's swing motion had a small rotation index and a small cock index. Therefore, this swing motion can be determined to be Type 2 as shown in Figure 9. For this swing motion, a wedge-type head with a small bounce angle is recommended, and more preferably, a wedge-type head with a small bounce angle and a standard lie angle is recommended.

[0060] Tester F: (Type 4 Swing Motion) Tester F's swing motion had a small rotation index and a large cock index. Therefore, this swing motion can be determined to be Type 4 in Figure 9. For this swing motion, a wedge-type head with a small bounce angle is recommended, and more preferably, a wedge-type head with a small bounce angle and a low lie angle is recommended.

[0061] Next, each of Testers A, B, D, and F conducted a driving test using multiple wedges equipped with the recommended wedge-type head and other wedge-type heads. The low bounce angle of the wedge-type heads was 6° and the high bounce angle was 14°. The standard lie angle of the wedge-type heads was 64°, the low lie angle was 62°, and the high lie angle was 66°. Furthermore, during the driving test, multiple shots were taken with each wedge, and ball speed (B / S in m / s), launch angle (°), swing angle (°), backspin (rpm), sidespin (rpm), carry, total distance, and deviation from the target in the left-right direction (all in yards) were measured. The average and standard deviation of each measurement were then calculated. As evaluation criteria, first, we focused on the average value and standard deviation of "carry," which is a particularly important function of wedge-type heads, and second, we focused on "launch angle," "backspin," and "sidespin," which are factors that affect "carry."

[0062] [Test Results for Tester A (Type 1 Swing Motion)] After interviewing, it was found that Tester A was best at approach shots using a wedge with a carry (the distance the ball flies in the air before landing) of about 35 yards. Therefore, in Tester A's test, the target carry distance was set to 35 yards. The test results are shown in Table 1 and FIG. 14.

[0063]

[0064] The test results confirmed that for Tester A, the recommended wedge-type heads with high bounce angles (1A, 3A, and 4A) had an average ball carry closer to the target distance and a smaller standard deviation of carry compared to the low bounce angle wedge (2A). Furthermore, it was found that the use of the recommended wedge-type head with standard lie angle (1A) further reduced the variability in carry.

[0065] [Test Results for Tester B (Type 3 Swing Motion)] After interviewing, it was found that Tester B was best at approach shots using a wedge with a carry of about 30 yards. Therefore, in the test for Tester B, the target carry distance was set to 30 yards. The test results are shown in Table 2 and Figure 15.

[0066]

[0067] The test results confirmed that for Tester B, the recommended wedge-type heads with high bounce angles (1B, 3B, and 4B) provided a balanced improvement in the average carry value and its standard deviation (Head 1B was slightly inferior to Head 2B in average carry value, but superior in standard deviation). Furthermore, it was confirmed that the recommended wedge-type head with high lie angle (1B) provided an extremely small standard deviation in the ball launch angle, resulting in little variation.

[0068] [Results of the actual hitting test for Tester D (Type 2 swing motion)] As a result of the interview, it was found that Tester D is best at approach shots using a wedge with a carry of about 20 yards. Therefore, in the actual hitting test for Tester D, the target carry distance was set to 20 yards. The test results are shown in Table 3 and Figure 16.

[0069]

[0070] The test results confirmed that for Tester D, the average carry value was close to the target distance when using the recommended wedge-type head with a low bounce angle. Furthermore, it was found that by using the recommended wedge-type head with a high lie angle, the standard deviation of the launch angle was kept very small.

[0071] [Results of the actual hitting test for Tester F (Type 4 swing motion)] As a result of the interview, it was found that Tester F is best at approach shots using a wedge with a carry of about 10 yards. Therefore, in the actual hitting test for Tester F, the carry target was set to 10 yards. The test results are shown in Table 4 and Figure 17.

[0072]

[0073] The test results confirmed that Tester F's ball carry was stable when using the recommended wedge-type head with a low bounce angle. Furthermore, by using the recommended wedge-type head with a low lie angle, the standard deviation of backspin and side spin was significantly reduced, and the spin rate was stabilized.

[0074] [Note] The present invention includes the following aspects. [Invention 1] A golf club head fitting device including: an acquisition unit that acquires measurement data obtained by measuring a player's swing motion of a golf club with a measuring device; a calculation unit that calculates a swing index based on the measurement data; and a selection unit that selects a characteristic of the golf club head based on the swing index, wherein the golf club head is a wedge-type head, and the swing index includes a rotation index related to the rotation of the swing motion about the shaft axis, and the selection unit selects a bounce angle of the wedge-type head suitable for the player based on the rotation index as the characteristic. [Invention 2] The golf club head fitting device according to Invention 1, wherein the selection unit selects a bounce angle greater than a predetermined reference bounce angle when the rotation index is greater than a predetermined first reference value. [Invention 3] The golf club head fitting device according to Invention 2, wherein the selection unit selects a bounce angle smaller than the reference bounce angle when the rotation index is smaller than a predetermined second reference value that is smaller than the first reference value. [Invention 4] A golf club head fitting device according to Invention 3, wherein the selection unit selects the reference bounce angle when the rotation index is equal to or less than the first reference value and equal to or greater than the second reference value. [Invention 5] A golf club head fitting device according to any of Inventions 1 to 4, wherein the swing index further includes a cocking index related to a cocking motion of the swing motion, and the selection unit further selects a lie angle of the wedge-type head based on the cocking index as the characteristic. [Invention 6] A golf club head fitting device according to Invention 5, wherein the selection unit selects a lie angle smaller than a predetermined reference lie angle when the rotation index is smaller than the second reference value and the cocking index is greater than a predetermined third reference value.[Invention 7] A golf club head fitting device according to Invention 6, wherein the selection unit selects a lie angle greater than the reference lie angle when the rotation index is greater than the first reference value and the cocking index is smaller than a predetermined fourth reference value that is smaller than the third reference value. [Invention 8] A golf club head fitting device according to Invention 7, wherein the selection unit selects the reference lie angle when the rotation index is greater than the first reference value and the cocking index is greater than the third reference value. [Invention 9] A golf club head fitting device according to Invention 8, wherein the selection unit selects the reference lie angle when the rotation index is smaller than the second reference value and the cocking index is smaller than the fourth reference value. [Invention 10] A golf club head fitting method comprising the steps of: acquiring measurement data obtained by measuring a player's swing motion of a golf club with a measuring device; calculating a swing index based on the measurement data; and selecting a characteristic of the golf club head based on the swing index, wherein the golf club head is a wedge-type head, and the swing index includes a rotation index related to rotation about a shaft axis of the swing motion, and the selecting step selects, as the characteristic, a bounce angle of the wedge-type head suitable for the player based on the rotation index. [Invention 11] A golf club head fitting method according to Invention 10, wherein the swing index further includes a cocking index related to a cocking motion of the swing motion, and the selector further selects, as the characteristic, a lie angle of the wedge-type head based on the cocking index.[Invention 12] A golf club head fitting program which causes a computer to execute the following steps: acquiring measurement data obtained by measuring a player's swing motion of a golf club with a measuring device; calculating a swing index based on the measurement data; and selecting a characteristic of the golf club head based on the swing index, wherein the golf club head is a wedge-type head, and the swing index includes a rotation index related to rotation of the swing motion about a shaft axis, and the selecting step selects, as the characteristic, a bounce angle of the wedge-type head suitable for the player based on the rotation index. [Invention 13] A golf club head fitting program according to Invention 12, wherein the swing index further includes a cocking index related to a cocking motion of the swing motion, and the selecting section further selects, as the characteristic, a lie angle of the wedge-type head based on the cocking index. [Invention 14] A golf club head fitting system which includes a measuring device for measuring a player's swing motion of a golf club, and the fitting device according to any one of Inventions 1 to 9.

[0075] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 fitting system 2 golf club 2A wedge 3 player 6 bounce 22 shaft 23 wedge-type head 200 fitting device 201 acquisition unit 202 calculation unit 203 selection unit

Claims

1. A golf club head fitting device comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires measurement data obtained by measuring a player's golf club swing motion using a measuring device; a calculation unit that calculates a swing index based on the measurement data; and a selection unit that selects characteristics of a golf club head based on the swing index, wherein the golf club head is a wedge-type head, and the swing index includes a rotation index related to the rotation of the swing motion around a shaft axis, and the selection unit selects, as the characteristic, a bounce angle of the wedge-type head that is suitable for the player based on the rotation index.

2. The golf club head fitting device according to claim 1, wherein the selection unit selects a bounce angle greater than a predetermined reference bounce angle when the rotation index is greater than a predetermined first reference value.

3. A golf club head fitting device as described in claim 2, wherein the selection unit selects a bounce angle smaller than the reference bounce angle when the rotation index is smaller than a predetermined second reference value that is smaller than the first reference value.

4. A golf club head fitting device according to claim 3, wherein the selection unit selects the reference bounce angle when the rotation index is equal to or less than the first reference value and equal to or greater than the second reference value.

5. A golf club head fitting device as described in claim 4, wherein the swing indicator further includes a cock indicator related to the cocking motion of the swing motion, and the selection unit further selects, as the characteristic, the lie angle of the wedge-type head based on the cock indicator.

6. A golf club head fitting device as described in claim 5, wherein the selection unit selects a lie angle smaller than a predetermined reference lie angle when the rotation index is smaller than the second reference value and the cock index is larger than a predetermined third reference value.

7. A golf club head fitting device as described in claim 6, wherein the selection unit selects a lie angle greater than the reference lie angle when the rotation index is greater than the first reference value and the cock index is smaller than a predetermined fourth reference value that is smaller than the third reference value.

8. A golf club head fitting device according to claim 7, wherein the selection unit selects the reference lie angle when the rotation index is greater than the first reference value and the cock index is greater than the third reference value.

9. A golf club head fitting device according to claim 8, wherein the selection unit selects the reference lie angle when the rotation index is smaller than the second reference value and the cock index is smaller than the fourth reference value.

10. A golf club head fitting method, comprising the steps of: acquiring measurement data obtained by measuring a player's golf club swing motion using a measuring device; calculating a swing index based on the measurement data; and selecting a characteristic of the golf club head based on the swing index, wherein the golf club head is a wedge-type head, and the swing index includes a rotation index related to the rotation of the swing motion around a shaft axis, and the selecting step selects, as the characteristic, a bounce angle of the wedge-type head suitable for the player based on the rotation index.

11. The golf club head fitting method according to claim 10, wherein the swing indicators further include a cocking indicator related to a cocking motion of the swing motion, and the selecting step further comprises selecting, as the characteristic, a lie angle of the wedge-type head based on the cocking indicator.

12. A golf club head fitting program that causes a computer to execute the following steps: acquiring measurement data obtained by measuring a player's golf club swing motion using a measuring device; calculating a swing index based on the measurement data; and selecting a characteristic of a golf club head based on the swing index, wherein the golf club head is a wedge-type head, and the swing index includes a rotation index related to rotation around a shaft axis of the swing motion, and the selecting step selects, as the characteristic, a bounce angle of the wedge-type head that is suitable for the player based on the rotation index.

13. The golf club head fitting program according to claim 12, wherein the swing indicators further include a cocking indicator related to a cocking motion of the swing motion, and the selecting step further selects, as the characteristic, a lie angle of the wedge-type head based on the cocking indicator.

14. A golf club head fitting system comprising a measuring device for measuring a player's swing motion of a golf club, and the fitting device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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