UNIDIRECTIONAL PUTTING METHOD AND KIT

Abstract

A unidirectional putting method that eliminates the traditional backstroke and all the difficulties it introduces. The method includes placing a putter in a setback position behind the golf ball so that a portion of a putter face is substantially perpendicular to a target line, wherein the setback position establishes a setback distance from the portion of the golf ball nearest the putter face to a point on the putter face, and accelerating the putter from rest at the setback position to an impact velocity at the point that the putter face touches the golf ball within a period of time, and maintaining a portion of the putter face substantially perpendicular to the target line extension. The method places the putter in the setback position and the stroke only consists for motion toward the golf ball and the impact position.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of golf, more specifically to an improved putting technique that eliminates the difficulties associated with a backstroke.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Golf is difficult. Additionally, putting, which seems like it should be the easiest part of the game, consumes the greatest number of strokes and can cause great heartache. Generally when putting a golfer uses a pendulum like stroke. First, the golfer will line up his or her body next to the ball and place their putter behind the ball. Next, the golfer will take a short backstroke, and afterwards make a forward swing until the putter makes contact with the ball, attempting to achieve maximum velocity and zero acceleration at the point of impact. This is very difficult and golfers often make too large of a backstroke and attempt to compensate by decelerating into the golf ball.

Generally, there are two types of putting strokes made with a pendulum swing. The first type of pendulum putting stroke is a straight back and then straight forward putting stroke. The second type of pendulum putting stroke is a curved putting stroke, seen in FIGS. 2 and 3. While making a curved putting stroke, a golfer transitions the golf club in an arc like manner on the back stroke, and follows the same arc during the forward stroke until the ball is addressed.

For new golfers, however, pendulum style putting proves to be very challenging. Depending on the speed of the greens, the contour of the greens and the putting distance, a golfer must adjust his or her backswing so that the ball does not over or undershoot the hole. In addition, new golfers find it hard to get the feel for consistent pendulum swing distances. Furthermore, new golfers find it very challenging to keep the putter steady during the back and forward swing, especially while using the arc like putting swing. As a result, the golfer makes inconsistent putts sending the ball away in a haphazard fashion. The straight back and then straight forward putting stroke can solve some of these issues but it is extremely difficult to properly execute because a straight back backstroke, while maintaining a square putter face, is often said to feel unnatural.

The backstroke is simply an unnecessary distraction or complication to putting. Eliminating the backstroke greatly simplifies the putting stroke. Eliminating the backstroke minimizes the risk of returning the putter head on an incorrect forward path. Eliminating the backstroke reduces the effect that environmental conditions such was wind and rain have on a putting stroke.

To address the shortcomings of previous putting methods, a new unidirectional putting method has been developed to eliminate the backstroke. Under the new method, a golfer does not take a backstroke while putting. Instead, the golfer positions the putter a predetermined distance behind the ball and makes a unidirectional stroke toward the ball.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In its most general configuration, the presently disclosed new and novel method of unidirectional putting that advances the state of the art with a variety of new capabilities and overcomes many of the shortcomings of prior putting methods. In its most general sense, the presently disclosed method of unidirectional putting overcomes the shortcomings and limitations of the prior art by eliminating the backstroke and enabling a golfer to make a repeatable straight through unidirectional stroke.

In one embodiment the unidirectional putting method comprising the steps of (a) identifying a target line representing the desired path of a golf ball in the first 12 inches after impact; (b) identifying a target line extension on the opposite side of the golf ball wherein the target line extension is parallel to, and inline with, the target line; (c) placing a putter in a setback position behind the golf ball so that a portion of a putter face is substantially perpendicular to the target line extension, wherein the setback position establishes a setback distance from the portion of the golf ball nearest the putter face to a point on the putter face through which a vertical plane from the target line extension passes and is nearest a portion of the golf ball; and (d) accelerating the putter from rest at the setback position to an impact velocity at the point that the putter face touches the golf ball within a period of time, and maintaining a portion of the putter face substantially perpendicular to the target line extension. The method places the putter in the setback position and the stroke only consists for motion toward the golf ball and the impact position, seen in FIG. 10, thereby eliminating the traditional backstroke and all the difficulties that it introduces into a putting stroke.

Numerous variations, modifications, alternatives, and alterations of the various preferred methods maybe used alone or in combination with one another as will become more readily apparent to those with skill in the art with reference to the following detailed description of the preferred methods and the accompanying figures and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Without limiting the scope of the unidirectional putting method as disclosed herein and referring now to the drawings and figures:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view illustrating an embodiment of the unidirectional putting method, not to scale;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a prior art putting method, not to scale;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view illustrating a prior art putting method, not to scale;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the unidirectional putting method, not to scale;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view illustrating an embodiment of the unidirectional putting method, not to scale;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view illustrating an embodiment of the unidirectional putting method, not to scale;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view illustrating an embodiment of the unidirectional putting method, not to scale;

FIG. 8 is a top plan view illustrating an embodiment of the unidirectional putting method, not to scale;

FIG. 9 is a side elevation view illustrating an embodiment of the unidirectional putting method, not to scale;

FIG. 10 is a side elevation view illustrating an embodiment of the unidirectional putting method, not to scale; and

FIG. 11 illustrates one partial embodiment of a unidirectional putting kit including a plurality of charts used to account for the slope of a playing surface.

These drawings are provided to assist in the understanding of the exemplary embodiments of the unidirectional method of putting as described in more detail below and should not be construed as unduly limiting. In particular, the relative spacing, positioning, sizing and dimensions of the various elements illustrated in the drawings are not drawn to scale and may have been exaggerated, reduced or otherwise modified for the purpose of improved clarity. Those of ordinary skill in the art will also appreciate that a range of alternative configurations have been omitted simply to improve the clarity and reduce the number of drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The presently disclosed unidirectional putting method, and associated kit, enables a significant advance in the state of the art. The preferred embodiments of the unidirectional putting method accomplish this by new and novel methods and arrangements of steps and elements that are performed and configured in unique and novel ways and which demonstrate previously unavailable but preferred and desirable capabilities. The description set forth below in connection with the drawings is intended merely as a description of the presently preferred embodiments of the unidirectional putting method, and is not intended to represent the only form in which method may be utilized or carried out. The description sets forth the steps, designs, functions, means, and methods of implementing the unidirectional putting method in connection with the illustrated embodiments. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions and features maybe accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the claimed unidirectional putting method.

With reference to FIGS. 1, 4, and 5, in one embodiment the unidirectional putting method comprising the steps of (a) identifying a target line (110) representing the desired path of a golf ball (100) in the first 12 inches after impact; (b) identifying a target line extension (112) on the opposite side of the golf ball (100) wherein the target line extension (112) is parallel to, and inline with, the target line (110); (c) placing a putter (200) in a setback position (300) behind the golf ball (100) so that a portion of a putter face (240) is substantially perpendicular to the target line extension (112), wherein the setback position (300) establishes a setback distance (310) from the portion of the golf ball (100) nearest the putter face (240) to a point on the putter face (240) through which a vertical plane from the target line extension (112) passes and is nearest a portion of the golf ball (100); and (d) accelerating the putter face (240) from rest at the setback position (300) to an impact velocity at the point that the putter face (240) touches the golf ball (100) within a period of time, and maintaining a portion of the putter face (240) substantially perpendicular to the target line extension (112). The method places the putter (200) in the setback position (300) and the stroke only consists for motion toward the golf ball (100) and the impact position (400), seen in FIG. 10, thereby eliminating the traditional backstroke and all the difficulties that it introduces into a putting stroke.

In the traditional putting stroke, the putter (200) rises to its highest elevation during the backstroke, and then the direction is changed and the putter (200) decreases in elevation until impact with the golf ball (100). In this fashion the traditional putting stroke tried to mimic the motion of a pendulum, however the joints of a golfer, including the shoulders, elbows, and wrists, make it extremely difficult to mimic pure pendulum motion. In contrast the putter (200) elevation profile of a traditional putting stroke, one embodiment of the present method increases the elevation of the putter (200) as it approaches impact with the golf ball (100). This embodiment includes the steps of (a) placing the putter (200) in the setback position (300) with the lowest point on the putter (200) at a setback elevation (340), and (b) accelerating the putter face (240) to impact with the golf ball (100) such that the lowest point on the putter (200) is at an impact elevation (410) when the putter (200) impacts the golf ball (100). In this embodiment the setback elevation (340) is less than the impact elevation (410), as seen in FIGS. 9 and 10. Thus, the golfer is slightly elevating the putter head (210), shaft (220), and grip (230) throughout the unidirectional putting stroke thereby ensuring an upward impact at the golf ball (100) and avoiding forcing the ball downward into the playing surface as many amateurs do with a poor pendulum stroke.

In some embodiments the setback elevation (340) is zero with the lowest point on the putter (200) resting on the playing surface, and the impact elevation (410) is greater than zero, while in other embodiments the setback elevation (340) is non-zero with the golfer holding the putter (200) slightly above the playing surface. In yet another embodiment the impact elevation (410) is within 0.84 inches of the setback elevation (340), thereby ensuring the putter (200) impacts the golf ball (100) at, or below, the equator.

Another embodiment of the unidirectional putting method includes the steps of establishing a reference setback distance (320), identifying a desired target roll-out distance (330), and determining an adjusted setback distance (332). First a golfer establishes a reference setback distance (320) that will achieve a reference roll-out distance (322) for a particular playing surface. This can be done by either using a predetermined reference setback distance (320) and identifying how far the golf ball (100) travels, i.e. the reference roll-out distance (322), as seen in FIG. 7; or by using a predetermined reference roll-out distance (322) and experimentally determining the reference setback distance (320) that achieves the predetermined reference roll-out distance (322). Regardless, the golfer moves the putter (200) from the reference setback distance (320) through impact with the golf ball (100) in a reference period of time. Establishing this reference for how far the ball travels for a particular setback distance allows the golfer to adjust the setback distance to achieve different lengths of roll, as is necessary when playing a round of golf. In one particular embodiment the golfer repeats the step of using a predetermined reference setback distance (320) and identifying how far the golf ball (100) travels, i.e. the reference roll-out distance (322), at least three times, as seen in FIG. 7, and averages the distances to establish the reference roll-out distance (322).

Second, the golfer identifies a target roll-out distance (330), within an identification variance, to a cup (50). The step of identifying the target roll-out distance may run the extreme from actually measuring the distance with a tape or laser, to approximating the distance by stepping it off or eyeballing it, since most golfers can accurately estimate the length of most putts simply by referencing the known length of a flagstick. Third, knowing the reference setback distance (320) and the reference roll-out distance (322) the golfer can adjust the setback distance as needed to achieve the desired target roll-out distance (330). Therefore the golfer establishes an adjusted setback distance (332) by comparing the target roll-out distance (330) to the reference roll-out distance (322) and increasing or decreasing the reference setback distance (320) to achieve the target roll-out distance (330), within a target variance, by moving the putter (200) from the adjusted setback distance (322) through impact with the golf ball (100) in a target period of time. Most golfers strive to never leave a putt short so they may add six to twenty-four inches to the distance between the golf ball (100) and the cup (50).

Good putters generally have a remarkably consistent tempo to their putting stroke. The present unidirectional putting method allows a golfer to improve the consistency of their stroke's tempo because the backstroke as been eliminated. Thus, with a little practice a golfer can produce a remarkably consistent period of time from when the putter (200) first starts moving forward until impact with the golf ball (100), regardless of the setback distance. Therefore, in one embodiment the target period of time varies by no more than a period variance from the reference period of time, regardless of the reference setback distance (320) and the adjusted setback distance (332). For example, a golfer may determine that the adjusted setback distance (332) needs to be 9 inches while the reference setback distance (320) was only 3 inches; nonetheless the golfer will utilize the same tempo for each stroke meaning that the target period of time is very close to the reference period of time, varying by no more than a period variance. Obviously the net effect of this is that the putter (200) is going to be moving faster at impact as the setback distance increases to maintain a consistent period of time across a wide range of distances.

A golfer that prefers a quick tempo is likely to have a period of time equal to approximately 0.2 seconds, while a moderate tempo is more likely characterized by a period of time equal to approximately 0.35 seconds, and a slow tempo is likely characterized by a period of time equal to approximately 0.5 seconds. The period variance is preferably less than 0.1 seconds, and in some embodiments the period variance is less than 0.05 seconds. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, in these embodiments the period of time that the putter (200) is actually moving is significantly less that that of a traditional putting stroke that includes a backstroke.

As previously noted, the golfer establishes an adjusted setback distance (332) by comparing the target roll-out distance (330) to the reference roll-out distance (322) and increasing or decreasing the reference setback distance (320) to achieve the target roll-out distance (330), within a target variance, by moving the putter (200) from the adjusted setback distance (322) through impact with the golf ball (100) in a target period of time. In one embodiment this comparison step is meant to be quick and intuitive for the golfer, while not bogging them down with complex calculations. Thus, the comparison may be a simplification of the complex dynamics of the run-out of a golf ball provided with a specific initial velocity; however such a simplification has been found to fairly accurately estimate the adjusted setback distance (322) for a particular target roll-out distance (330).

For example in one embodiment, assuming a relatively level playing surface, a golfer can easily associate the reference setback distance (320) with a particular reference roll-out distance (322). In this example we will assume a reference setback distance (320) of three inches and a reference roll-out distance (322) of nine feet, just to keep the math simple. We will also assume the putter (200) has a front-to-back dimension (250) of three inches. Therefore the golfer quickly associates a roll-out distance of three feet for each inch of setback distance, or they may view it as nine feet of roll-out per front-to-back dimension (250) of the putter. Then when faced with a target roll-out distance (330) of eighteen feet, twice the reference roll-out distance (322) for simplicity, the golfer logically determines that the adjusted setback distance (322) should be twice the reference roll-out distance (322), which is six inches or two front-to-back dimensions (250) of the putter. The golfer places the putter (200) at the adjusted setback distance (322) and caries out the unidirectional stroke in approximately the same period of time as the reference stroke. The more mathematically inclined golfer is more likely to use the reference setback distance (320) and reference roll-out distance (322) to determine a roll-out distance per inch of setback for a particular course and use this in determining the adjusted setback distance (322), which in this example would be three feet of roll-out per inch of setback.

Another embodiment of the unidirectional putting method includes a method and system for simply adjusting the target roll-out distance (330) to account for the slope of the playing surface, or green. For instance continuing the example above, the target roll-out distance (330) was eighteen feet but it may be uphill or downhill. In such situations the method includes the step of estimating the slope of the playing surface to estimate a distance that must be added, in the case of an uphill putt, or subtracted, in the case of a downhill putt, from the initially estimated target roll-out distance (330) to arrive at a slope adjusted estimated roll-out distance. Golfer commonly use their feet to estimate the slope of a green, which can be remarkably accurate after practicing with the use of a level to get a feel for what a 1 percent slope feels like via your feet, a 2 percent slope, a 3 percent slope, and a 4 percent slope, both inclined and declined.

The adjustment amount that must be added to, or subtracted from, the target roll-out distance (330) can be thought of as a fraction of the target roll-out distance (330) that takes into account the slope and the speed, or stimp, of the green. Thus, the adjustment amount is the product of a slope adjustment factor, a speed adjustment factor, and the target roll-out distance (330). For a downhill putt the slope adjustment factor is 0.75 for a 4% slope, 0.5 for a 3% slope, 0.25 for a 2% slope, and 0.1 for a 1% slope; while for uphill putts the slope adjustment factor is 0.5 for a 4% slope, 0.35 for a 3% slope, 0.2 for a 2% slope, and 0.1 for a 1% slope. The speed adjustment factors for the following stimp values are: stimp of 8=0.65, stimp of 9=0.75, stimp of 10=0.83, stimp of 11=0.92, stimp of 12=1.00, stimp of 13=1.08, and stimp of 14=1.17. For example, a sharply uphill putt with a target roll-out distance (330) of eighteen feet on a slow green having a stimp of 8 and a slope of 4% would have adjustment amount of 18×0.5×0.65, which is 5.85. Since this is an uphill putt the adjustment amount of 5.85 is added to the target roll-out distance (330) of eighteen feet to arrive at a slope adjusted estimated roll-out distance of 23.85, which is the value then used to determine the adjusted setback distance (322). Conversely, given the same set of criteria for a downhill putt the adjustment amount would be 18×0.75×0.65, which is 8.775. Since this is a downhill putt the adjustment amount of 8.775 is subtracted from the target roll-out distance (330) of eighteen feet to arrive at a slope adjusted estimated roll-out distance of 9.225, which is the value then used to determine the adjusted setback distance (332).

Clearly the determination of the slope adjusted estimated roll-out distance is beyond what most golfers would care to perform on a putting green during play. Therefore in one embodiment the method is accompanied by a unidirectional putting method kit which includes a set of quick reference tables, seen for stimps of 8 and 9 in FIG. 11, that allow a golfer to use the target roll-out distance (330) and consult one of two tables for each green steed or stimp. Thus, the kit would have an uphill table and a downhill table for at least two stimp values; while another embodiment has an uphill table and downhill table for at least three stimp values; while an even further embodiment has an uphill table and downhill table for at least four stimp values. Each table has a row for at least two slope values, and an even further embodiment includes rows for slope values of 1%, 2%, 3%, and 4%. The table column headings reflect standard increments of the measured distance from the golf ball (100) to the hole, or target roll-out distance (330), and the individual cells of the table contain the calculated slope adjusted target roll-out distance for a golfer to use in determining the adjusted setback distance (322).

So, continuing with the examples above, the column headings may reflect nine foot increments of the target roll-out distance. Thus, for an uphill putt with a target roll-out distance (330) of eighteen feet on a green with a stimp of 8 and a slope of 4%, the golfer would turn to the tables for a stimp of 8, consult the uphill table, proceed to the second column for eighteen feet, go down the table to the row reflecting a 4% slope, and would find a cell containing the slope adjusted estimated roll-out distance of 23.85. Then knowing their reference of three feet of roll-out per inch of setback they could quickly determine that the adjusted setback distance (332) should be approximately 8 inches. The golfer would then set the putter (200) eight inches behind the golf ball (100) and executed the unidirectional stroke in the period of time, or tempo, that they have established through practice as their preferred period of time, thereby resulting in a putt that travels up the 4% slope for a distance of approximately eighteen feet. Then for the downhill putt example the golfer would go through the same process but consult the downhill table instead.

In another embodiment the kit includes a tempo measuring device to allow a golfer to practice establishing a consistent period of time regardless of the setback distance. The tempo measuring device may attach to the putter (200) and automatically determine the period of time from the first forward movement of the putter (200) until the impact with the golf ball (100). The tempo measuring device may incorporate an accelerometer and a display so that the golfer can read the period of time for a particular stroke. A further embodiment also measures and displays the velocity at impact, velocity profile throughout the stroke, maximum acceleration throughout the stroke, and/or the acceleration profile throughout the stroke.

In a further embodiment the kit may include at least one reference setback tool. The reference setback tool may be a measuring stick that releasably attaches to the putter (200) and extends perpendicular to the putter face (240) to aid the golfer in becoming accustomed to identifying setback distances. The reference setback tool may be telescoping to accommodate a wide range of setback distances varying from one inch up to twelve inches, or the kit may include multiple setback tools such as a three inch setback tool, a six inch setback tool, and a nine inch setback tool. Alternatively the reference setback tool may clip onto the shaft (220) and serve as a site, similar to a rifle site, to aid the golfer in accurately identifying setback distances during practice.

Further, in another embodiment the kit may include a distance measuring scope. The scope may be used to accurately measure the distance from the ball to the flagstick. The scope measures and displays the distance in feet and inches rather than yards or meters common with golf laser rangefinders. The scope is particularly helpful during practice so that a golfer fine tunes their ability to accurately recognize distances from the ball to the hole. In another embodiment the scope includes a slope measurement feature. In this embodiment the scope is placed on the playing surface and measures and displays the slope of the playing surface. Again this embodiment assists a practicing golfer in accurately estimating the slope of the practice green. In a further embodiment the scope contains the previously discussed tables to adjust for uphill and downhill putts. Thus, a golfer only needs to enter the stimp of a green and utilize the scope to measure the slope, then the scope automatically displays the correct table.

Another embodiment includes the step of utilizing a dimension of the putter (200) to establish the reference setback distance (320), thereby allowing the golfer to reliably identify the exact proper reference setback distance (320). For instance, in one embodiment the dimension of the putter (200) is used to establish the reference setback distance (320) is a front-to-back dimension (250). This is convenient when the golfer uses a mallet style putter of a known front-to-back dimension (250). For example, FIG. 6 illustrates a mallet style putter of a known front-to-back dimension (250), in this case 3 inches. The golfer may use this as a reference in establishing a 3 inch reference setback distance (320). Thus, in one method the golfer places the face of the putter (200) directly behind the golf ball (100) and makes a mental note regarding the location of the back edge of the putter (200) on the green, then the golfer moves the putter (200) back so that the face is now even with the prior location of the back edge of the putter (200) thereby establishing an accurate 3 inch reference setback distance (320). One embodiment incorporates a set of putters (200), or interchangeable putter heads (210) with predetermined front-to-back dimensions (250) so that a golfer utilizing this unidirectional putting method may select a putter (200) having their preferred reference setback distance (320) equal to the front-to-back dimension (250). For instance, in one embodiment a set of mallet style putters (200), or interchangeable putter heads (210), is provided that includes at least two putters (200) having a front-to-back dimension (250) that differs by one inch. For example a first putter (200) may have a front-to-back dimension (250) of 3 inches, and a second putter (200) may have a front-to-back dimension (250) of 4 inches. A further embodiment includes at least three putters (200) having front-to-back dimensions (250) that differ by one inch between each putter. For example a first putter (200), or interchangeable head, may have a front-to-back dimension (250) of 3 inches, a second putter (200), or interchangeable head, may have a front-to-back dimension (250) of 4 inches, and a third putter (200), or interchangeable head, may have a front-to-back dimension (250) of 5 inches. In an even further embodiment the front-to-back dimension (250) may be adjustable so that select their preferred reference setback distance (320) and adjust the location of the back edge of the putter (200) to achieve the desired front-to-back dimension (250). In this embodiment the back edge of the putter (200) may be moved at least one inch to provide the golfer with flexibility in establishing the desired front-to-back dimension (250). In an even further embodiment the back edge of the putter (200) may be moved at least two inches to provide the golfer with even greater flexibility in establishing the desired front-to-back dimension (250). This known front-to-back dimension (250) is also helpful to the golfer in accurately positioning the putter (200) in the adjusted setback distance (332).

Similarly, in another embodiment the dimension of the putter (200) used to establish the reference setback distance (320) is a heel-to-toe dimension (260). This is convenient when the golfer uses a blade style putter of a known heel-to-toe dimension (260). For example, FIG. 5 illustrates a blade style putter of a known heel-to-toe dimension (260), in this case 4 inches. The golfer may use this as a reference in establishing a 4 inch reference setback distance (320). Thus, in one method the golfer places the toe of the putter (200) directly behind the golf ball (100) and makes a mental note regarding the location of the heel edge of the putter (200) on the green, then the golfer moves and rotates the putter (200) back so that the face is now even with the prior location of the heel edge of the putter (200) thereby establishing an accurate 4 inch reference setback distance (320). One embodiment incorporates a set of putters (200) with predetermined heel-to-toe dimension (260) so that a golfer utilizing this unidirectional putting method may select a putter (200) having their preferred reference setback distance (320) equal to the heel-to-toe dimension (260). Additionally, one embodiment incorporates a set of putters (200) with predetermined heel-to-toe dimension (260) so that a golfer utilizing this unidirectional putting method may select a putter (200) having their preferred reference setback distance (320) equal to the heel-to-toe dimension (260). For instance, in one embodiment a set of blade style putters (200) is provided that includes at least two putters (200) having a heel-to-toe dimension (260) that differs by one inch. For example a first putter (200) may have a heel-to-toe dimension (260) of 3 inches, and a second putter (200) may have a heel-to-toe dimension (260) of 4 inches. A further embodiment includes at least three putters (200) having heel-to-toe dimension (260) that differ by one inch between each putter. For example a first putter (200) may have a heel-to-toe dimension (260) of 3 inches, a second putter (200) may have a heel-to-toe dimension (260) of 4 inches, and a third putter (200) may have a heel-to-toe dimension (260) of 5 inches. In an even further embodiment the heel-to-toe dimension (260) may be adjustable so that select their preferred reference setback distance (320) and adjust the location of the toe edge of the putter (200) to achieve the heel-to-toe dimension (260). In this embodiment the toe edge of the putter (200) may be moved at least one inch to provide the golfer with flexibility in establishing the desired heel-to-toe dimension (260). In an even further embodiment the toe edge of the putter (200) may be moved at least two inches to provide the golfer with even greater flexibility in establishing the desired heel-to-toe dimension (260). One skilled in the art will recognize the number of ways that the heel-to-toe dimension (260) of a putter (200) may be adjusted. In one two-piece example multiple combination face-toe sections of varying length are provided with the putter (200). The face-toe sections may be releasably attached to a standard heel-hosel section. Alternatively the putter (200) may be a three-piece design having a distinct face section, toe section, and heel section. Multiple length face sections would be provided so that the golfer could switch out face sections and releasably attach them to the heel section and toe section. This known heel-to-toe dimension (260) is also helpful to the golfer in accurately positioning the putter (200) in the adjusted setback distance (332).

In another embodiment the putter (200) includes a plurality of measurement indicia (270), as seen in FIG. 6, and the method includes the step of utilizing the plurality of measurement indicia (270) to establish the reference setback distance (320). The measurement indicia (270) may be a series of uniformly spaced hash marks, ticks, dots, or any visually recognizable feature of a known separation distance across the top edge of the face or the top surface of the putter (200). The measurement indicia (270) may be oriented in the direction of the face, as seen in FIG. 6, or in the front-to-back direction. The plurality of measurement indicia preferably includes at least two indicia located one inch apart, however one embodiment includes at least three indicia spaced at equal intervals. These known measurement indicia (270) are also helpful to the golfer in accurately positioning the putter (200) in the adjusted setback distance (332).

Another embodiment of the unidirectional putting method includes the step of accelerating the putter face (240) from rest at the setback position (300) to the impact velocity at the point that the putter face (240) touches the golf ball (100) is performed at a substantially constant acceleration. As previously touched upon, a problem with the traditional putting stroke is that a golfer often makes to large of a backstroke and then makes an exaggerated deceleration stroke through to impact with the golf ball (100). Additionally, even if pure pendulum motion were achievable, at the point of impact the putter (200) would be at maximum velocity and zero acceleration. Thus in the pendulum stroke the putter head (210) accelerates and decelerates on the downstroke to impact with the golf ball (100). In this embodiment of the unidirectional putting method the putter (200) is always accelerating, at a substantially constant acceleration, from the setback position (300) through the impact with the golf ball (100). Such substantial constant acceleration can be achieved by golfers using the unidirectional putting method with just a little practice and eliminates the jittery stroke commonly seen in amateur golfers as they try to correct during the forward stroke for too large, or too short, of a backstroke.

In another embodiment of the unidirectional putting method the step of establishing a reference roll-out distance (322) is refined to account for variations in the playing surface, or green, including, but not limited to, the grain of the green. This embodiment includes the steps of (a) locating a substantially flat region of the playing surface; (b) establishing a first reference roll-out distance by placing the putter (200) behind the golf ball (100) separated by the reference setback distance (320) and moving the putter (200) from the reference setback distance (320) through impact with the golf ball (100) in the reference period of time and measuring the distance that the golf balled (100) rolled to establish the first reference roll-out distance; (c) establishing a second reference roll-out distance in a direction opposite the first reference roll-out distance by placing the putter (200) behind the golf ball (100) separated by the reference setback distance (320) and moving the putter (200) from the reference setback distance (320) through impact with the golf ball (100) in the reference period, plus or minus a period variance, and measuring the distance that the golf balled (100) rolled to establish the second reference roll-out distance, as seen in FIG. 8; and (d) determining the reference roll-out distance by averaging the first reference roll-out distance and the second reference roll-out distance. Averaging the two reference roll-out distances provides a more accurate reference roll-out distance for the golfer to use in determining the proper adjusted setback distance (332). As previously mentioned, this process may be repeated multiple times for each direction and an average determined to establish the direction specific reference roll-out distance. In a further variation of this embodiment the period variance is less than 0.1 seconds, and in an even more preferred variation the period variance is less than 0.05 seconds.

Numerous alterations, modifications, and variations of the preferred embodiments disclosed herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art and they are all anticipated and contemplated to be within the spirit and scope of the claimed method. For example, although specific embodiments of the various apparatus associated with the method have been described in detail, those with skill in the art will understand that the preceding embodiments and variations can be modified to incorporate various types of substitute and or additional or alternative materials, relative arrangement of elements, dimensional configurations, and alternative order of the claimed steps. Accordingly, even though only few variations of the various apparatus associated with the method are described herein, it is to be understood that the practice of such additional modifications and variations and the equivalents thereof, are within the spirit and scope of the method as defined in the following claims. The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or acts for performing the functions in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed.

Claims

1. A unidirectional putting method comprising the steps of:

a) identifying a target line (110) representing the desired path of a golf ball (100) in the first 12 inches after impact;

b) identifying a target line extension (112) on the opposite side of the golf ball (100) wherein the target line extension (112) is parallel to, and inline with, the target line (110);

c) placing a putter (200) in a setback position (300) behind the golf ball (100) so that a portion of a putter face (240) is substantially perpendicular to the target line extension (112), wherein the setback position (300) establishes a setback distance (310) from the portion of the golf ball (100) nearest the putter face (240) to a point on the putter face (240) through which a vertical plane from the target line extension (112) passes and is nearest a portion of the golf ball (100); and

d) accelerating the putter face (240) from rest at the setback position (300) to an impact velocity at the point that the putter face (240) touches the golf ball (100) within a period of time, and maintaining a portion of the putter face (240) substantially perpendicular to the target line extension (112).

2. The method of claim 1, wherein (a) the step of placing the putter (200) in the setback position (300) includes holding a lowest point on the putter (200) at a setback elevation (340), and (b) the step of accelerating the putter face (240) to impact with the golf ball (100) results in the lowest point on the putter (200) at an impact elevation (410) when the putter (200) impacts the golf ball (100), wherein the setback elevation (340) is less than the impact elevation (410).

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the setback elevation (340) is zero with the lowest point on the putter (200) resting on the playing surface, and the impact elevation (410) is greater than zero.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein the impact elevation (410) is within 0.84 inches of the setback elevation (340).

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of accelerating the putter face (240) from rest at the setback position (300) to the impact velocity at the point that the putter face (240) touches the golf ball (100) is performed at a substantially constant acceleration.

6. The method of claim 1, further including the steps of:

a) establishing a reference setback distance (320) to achieve a reference roll-out distance (322) for a playing surface by moving the putter (200) from the reference setback distance (320) through impact with the golf ball (100) in a reference period of time, and identifying the distance that the golf balled (100) rolled to establish the reference roll-out distance (322);

b) identifying a target roll-out distance (330), within an identification variance, to a cup;

c) establishing an adjusted setback distance (332) by comparing the target roll-out distance (330) to the reference roll-out distance (322) and increasing or decreasing the reference setback distance (320) to achieve the target roll-out distance (330), within a target variance, by moving the putter (200) from the adjusted setback distance (322) through impact with the golf ball (100) in a target period of time.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the target period of time varies by no more than a period variance from the reference period of time.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the period variance is less than 0.1 seconds.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the period variance is less than 0.05 seconds.

10. The method of claim 6, further including the step of utilizing a dimension of the putter (200) to establish the reference setback distance (320).

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the dimension of the putter (200) is used to establish the reference setback distance (320) is a front-to-back dimension (250).

12. The method of claim 10, wherein the dimension of the putter (200) is used to establish the reference setback distance (320) is a heel-to-toe dimension (260).

13. The method of claim 6, wherein the putter (200) includes a plurality of measurement indicia (270) and further including the step of utilizing the plurality of measurement indicia (270) to establish the reference setback distance (320).

14. The method of claim 6, wherein the step of establishing a reference roll-out distance (322) includes:

a) locating a substantially flat region of the playing surface;

b) establishing a first reference roll-out distance by placing the putter (200) behind the golf ball (100) separated by the reference setback distance (320) and moving the putter (200) from the reference setback distance (320) through impact with the golf ball (100) in the reference period of time and measuring the distance that the golf balled (100) rolled to establish the first reference roll-out distance;

c) establishing a second reference roll-out distance in a direction opposite the first reference roll-out distance by placing the putter (200) behind the golf ball (100) separated by the reference setback distance (320) and moving the putter (200) from the reference setback distance (320) through impact with the golf ball (100) in the reference period, plus or minus a period variance, and measuring the distance that the golf balled (100) rolled to establish the second reference roll-out distance; and

d) determining the reference roll-out distance by averaging the first reference roll-out distance and the second reference roll-out distance.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the period variance is less than 0.1 seconds.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the period variance is less than 0.05 seconds.

17. The method of claim 1, wherein the period of time is 0.2 seconds to 0.5 seconds.

18. A unidirectional putting method comprising the steps of:

a) identifying a target line (110) representing the desired path of a golf ball (100) in the first 12 inches after impact;

b) placing a putter (200) in a setback position (300) behind the golf ball (100) so that a portion of a putter face (240) is substantially perpendicular to the target line (110), wherein the setback position (300) establishes a setback distance (310) from the portion of the golf ball (100) nearest the putter face (240) to a point on the putter face (240), and a lowest point on the putter (200) at a setback elevation (340); and

d) accelerating the putter face (240) from rest at the setback position (300) to an impact velocity at the point that the putter face (240) touches the golf ball (100), with the lowest point on the putter (200) at an impact elevation (410), within a period of time of 0.2 seconds to 0.5 seconds, and maintaining a portion of the putter face (240) substantially perpendicular to the target line (110);

e) wherein the setback elevation (340) is less than the impact elevation (410), and the impact elevation (410) is within 0.84 inches of the setback elevation (340).

19. The method of claim 18, further including the steps of:

a) establishing a reference setback distance (320) to achieve a reference roll-out distance (322) for a playing surface by moving the putter (200) from the reference setback distance (320) through impact with the golf ball (100) in a reference period of time, and identifying the distance that the golf balled (100) rolled to establish the reference roll-out distance (322);

b) identifying a target roll-out distance (330), within an identification variance, to a cup;

c) establishing an adjusted setback distance (332) by comparing the target roll-out distance (330) to the reference roll-out distance (322) and increasing or decreasing the reference setback distance (320) to achieve the target roll-out distance (330), within a target variance, by moving the putter (200) from the adjusted setback distance (322) through impact with the golf ball (100) in a target period of time, wherein the target period of time varies by no more than a period variance from the reference period of time, and the period variance is less than 0.05 seconds.

20. The method of claim 6, further including the step of utilizing a dimension of the putter (200) to establish the reference setback distance (320), wherein the dimension of the putter (200) is used to establish the reference setback distance (320) is a front-to-back dimension (250).