US20160136501A1

US20160136501A1 - Golf club fitting system and method

Info

Publication number: US20160136501A1
Application number: US14/540,839
Authority: US
Inventors: David Allen Sanford
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-11-13
Filing date: 2014-11-13
Publication date: 2016-05-19

Abstract

A golf club fitting method and apparatus is provided. The method of the present invention improves the distance potential of a second user's golf swing. A Full Swing Radius is measured of a first user. The first user is taller than the second user. The first second uses a golf club that provides the same Full Swing Radius as that of the first user. Since the first user is taller than the second user, the second user will be fitted with a longer club of specific length, giving each of the first and second user the same distance potential for their golf swing.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to golf clubs and, more particularly, to a golf club fitting system and method.
Golf is a precision club and ball sport in which competing players (or golfers) use various clubs to hit balls into a series of holes on a course using as few strokes as possible. A standard method for fitting a golfer at a local golf shop is to measure the overall height and standing wrist height. The wrist height is traditionally the dominant measurement that has been used by manufacturers to justify “fitting” most golfers with clubs of similar lengths. For example, a shorter individual will normally have shorter arms than a taller individual, and may therefore have a similar wrist height compared to the taller individual.
The result of this standard system is to prescribe the same or nearly the same club lengths for different sized golfers based primarily on the wrist height. With this method, the shorter golfer can never expect to hit the ball with his driver as far as the taller golfer. Unfortunately and perhaps more importantly, the same is true for every single full swing club. For example, a shorter golfer will routinely need to hit his “fitted” 5-iron to reach a 155 yard par three green. On the same hole, a taller golfer or a golfer with longer arms using similarly “fitted” clubs can hit an easy 8-iron or even a 9-iron. A shaft or club length determined using this traditional fitting method does not enable a shorter golfer the same distance potential with any of his clubs. This traditional fitting restricts the smaller golfer regardless of athleticism, strength and skill level.
As can be seen, there is a need for an improved method and apparatus for determining golf club length for shorter golfers and enable them to be competitive with a taller golfer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, a measurement apparatus includes: a horizontal surface including at least one stand position designation marker, and at least one golf ball designation marker; a vertical surface including a vertical measuring scale; and a line including a first end and a second end, and extending from the bottom of the vertical surface, wherein at least one of the horizontal surface and the vertical surface includes a horizontal measuring scale.
In another aspect of the present invention, a method determining a length of a golf club for a comparatively short user to increase that user's golf shot distance potential includes the steps of characterizing or measuring the size of a tall user's swing by positioning a tall user to hold a golf club in preparation for hitting a golf ball, measuring a distance from the forward shoulder of the tall user to the heel of the golf club head of the tall user's golf club; and positioning the short user to hold a different golf club in preparation for hitting a golf ball. The short user's different golf club includes a length determined, such that the distance from the forward shoulder of the short golfer to the heel of the golf club head of the short golfer's different golf club is equal to the distance from the forward shoulder of the tall user to the heel of the golf club head of the tall user's golf club.
This invention is not about using the longest legal clubs, or the longest possible clubs, or the longest hittable clubs or about hitting a ball as far as possible. This invention provides a fitted club recommendation to a specific smaller golfer, that may enable that smaller golfer the same or similar distance potential as a different specific or model bigger golfer.
These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a prior art view illustrating a pre-existing measurement method including using the standing wrist height and overall standing height used in traditional fitting systems.

FIG. 2 is a prior art view illustrating that short golfers with short arms have the same or similar wrist heights when standing as a tall golfer with long arms, in accordance with traditional fitting methods.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view relating to the present invention illustrating the Full Swing Radius (FSR) measurement concept from the shoulder to the club head.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view relating to the present invention illustrating another Full Swing Radius (FSR) measurement concept demonstrating that when a tall golfer and a short golfer use the same length club, their Full Swing Radius (FSR) is different.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view relating to the present invention demonstrating the Full Swing Radius (FSR) measurement concept demonstrating that when the short golfer's club is longer than the tall golfer's club, the Full Swing Radius for each golfer can be equal.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view relating to the present invention demonstrating a measurement concept illustrating the right triangle created by the tall golfer's shoulder height in a stance (BSS), the ground radius (BGR) and the Full Swing Radius (BFSR).

FIG. 7 is a perspective view relating to the present invention demonstrating the measurement concept and illustrating how the Full Swing Radius of the tall golfer and the Full Swing Radius of the short or target golfer can be equal when the clubs are of different lengths.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view relating to the present invention demonstrating a measurement concept illustrating how the small golfer's club length (TCL) is the third side of a right triangle formed by the wrist height in a stance and by the ground radius (TGR).

FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of one version of the present invention apparatus shown in use.

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention apparatus with angular measurements displayed.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view relating to the present invention demonstrating the use of a tape measure as an alternate embodiment to measure the Full Swing Radius of a golfer.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view relating to the present invention demonstrating the use of a tape measure as an alternate embodiment to measure the shoulder height in a stance and a ground radius of a golfer.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view relating to the present invention illustrating the Full Swing Radius (FSR) definition and the closely approximated measurement concept from the club head to the forward shoulder.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view relating to the present invention illustrating an alternative method of estimating club length change using the shoulder heights of two golfers.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view relating to the present invention illustrating an alternative method of estimating club length change using the arm lengths of two golfers.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view relating to the present invention illustrating staged club fittings for a shorter golfer to reach the potential of a significantly taller golfer through several steps.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view relating to the present invention illustrating the change in balance of the full swing mechanism with a shorter golfer and a longer club being compensated for with the addition of weight in the grip area.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is one of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.
The length of the radius of a golf swing at the moment of impact is used to characterize the size of the swing. When two golfers swing a club of the same length, the taller golfer will have a bigger swing radius. Measuring a swing radius is difficult because the head of a golf club does not follow a circular path but rather a spiraling path with many nuances.
This swing radius is defined in FIG. 13 at impact as the radius of a circle determined by three points on the swing arc, the club head at the moment of impact 60, at a point just before impact 61 and at a point just after impact 62. The center 63 of the circle defined by that arc is the beginning of the radius and the straight line measured or calculated distance 64 to the heel of club head at impact is the length of the radius. For the purpose of this patent, this is defined as the “Full Swing Radius”. A Full Swing Radius may be measured with laser sensing equipment and/or with position sensors placed on the club head. A Full Swing Radius can also be estimated with satisfactory accuracy as described in this patent.
This method and patent uses the Full Swing Radius to compare the size of one golfer's swing to the size of another's swing. This comparison with the difference in the Full Swing Radius can be accurately made with an estimate of the Full Swing Radius based on particular static measurements for each golfer.
The present invention includes a unique fitting method and apparatus. The method of the present invention is described in detail below. Using the method of the present invention, the radius of a golf swing is defined and measured for a selected model (typically taller) golfer for each club to be fitted. A target (typically a smaller) golfer's physical size is also measured. Calculations are applied and a club length is specified for each of a target golfer's clubs in order to provide the desired golf Full Swing Radius for the target golfer. These club lengths give the target golfer the potential to create increased club head speed and distances substantially equal to that of the model golfer, without having to turn or swing faster or harder than the model golfer.
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the prior art includes measuring the golfer's wrist height (BW and W) to determine the length of the golf club. The height (TGH) of the target golfer 2 is less than the big golfer 1 height (BGH), which is less than the very big golfer 3 height (VGH). In FIG. 2, the very big golfer 3 and the big golfer 1 both have longer arms than the target golfer 2. Therefore, the wrist height 4 (W) ends up being equal to or very similar between all three of the golfers. The wrist height (W) is has traditionally been used to determine a correctly fitted golf club size for every golfer, and accordingly each of the target golfer 2, the big golfer 1 and the very big golfer 3 are fitted to the same club sizes. While this is convenient for manufacturers and retailers for process and inventory purposes, this practice puts the target golfer 2 at a severe distance disadvantage.
FIG. 3 illustrates the Full Swing Radius (FSR) 5 as previously defined, is approximated in one method to be the straight line measurement from the golfer's forward shoulder in a static address position to the heel of the golf club head. This measurement is accurate for comparing the Full Swing Radius of two different sized golfers. The longer the Full Swing Radius (FSR), the greater distance potential a golfer will achieve with a given swing turn because club head speed will be increased from the longer radius.
As illustrated in FIG. 4, the big golfer's 1 Full Swing Radius (BFSR) will be greater than the Full Swing Radius (TFSR) of the target golfer 2 when the bigger golfer 1 and the target golfer 2 are each using the same sized golf clubs 7, 6. However, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the big golfer 1 Full Swing Radius (BFSR) and the target golfer 2 Full Swing Radius (TFSR) can be made equivalent when the target golfer 2 uses a longer club 8 than the bigger golfer's club 7. No adequate method of calculating the necessary length of club 8 for a specific target golfer has previously been defined such that equal potential can be created to that of a specific big golfer. This is what this invention provides.
The present invention includes a method of determining the necessary length of a target golfer's club (TCL) so that the target golfer 2 increases his or her golf shot distance potential to that of a desired bigger golfer 1. In FIG. 6, a bigger golfer 1 may be positioned to hold a golf club in preparation for hitting a golf ball. A distance is measured from the forward shoulder of the bigger golfer to a heel of the golf club head of the bigger golfer's golf club. This distance may be defined as the big golfer Full Swing Radius (BFSR).
In FIG. 7, a target smaller golfer 2 is positioned to hold a new golf club in preparation for hitting a golf ball. The target golfer 2 uses a new golf club that has a length determined such that when held in position, the distance from the forward shoulder of the smaller target golfer 2 to the heel of his new golf, his new Full Swing Radius (TFSR), is equal to the big golfer Full Swing Radius (BFSR). Therefore, each golfer has an equal potential hitting distance and neither golfer needs to swing faster or harder just to keep pace.
The big golfer Full Swing Radius (BFSR) may be determined directly using an apparatus as in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 or with a tape measure as in FIG. 11.
The Full Swing Radius can also be calculated, as in FIG. 12, by measuring the big golfer and using mathematical equations. The big golfer shoulder height in a stance (BSS) 10, and the big golfer ground radius (BGR) 11 may be measured while in a stance. The big golfer shoulder height (BSS) 10 may be defined as the vertical distance from the forward shoulder of the big golfer in the golf stance to a surface on which the golfer is standing. The big golfer ground radius (BGR) 11 may be determined by measuring a distance from a point on the ground that lies directly below the big golfer's shoulder (and/or directly below the heel of the rearward wrist) to the heel a golf club head. Since the big golfer shoulder height in a stance (BSS) 10 and the big golfer ground radius (BGR) 11 form a right triangle, the big golfer Full Swing Radius (BFSR) may be determined using the Pythagorean theorem or trigonometry. The Pythagorean theorem is understood to be defined as a²+b²=c². Applying the Pythagorean theorem to the present invention, the big golfer Full Swing Radius (BFSR) can be determined with the following equation: BFSR²=BGR²BSS². Since the BGR and the BSS have been measured already, this equation can be used to determine the big golfer Full Swing Radius (BFSR).
The necessary length of the golf club for the target golfer can also be determined mathematically. In FIG. 7, the target golfer 2 shoulder height (TSS) may be measured as the vertical height or distance from the forward shoulder of the target golfer 2 to a horizontal surface on which the target golfer 2 is standing. The big golfer 1 Full Swing Radius (BFSR) has already been determined and the target golfer 2 Full Swing Radius (TFSR) is set to be equal to the big golfer 1 Full Swing Radius (BFSR). A ground distance from a point on the ground that lies directly below the target golfer's shoulder (and/or also below the heel of the rearward wrist) and the heel of a golf club head can be determined. In FIG. 7 this is the target golfer ground radius (TGR). Since the target golfer shoulder height (TSS), the target golfers Full Swing Radius (TFSR), and the target golfer ground radius (TGR) form a triangle, the Pythagorean theorem or alternatively, trigonometry, may be used to determine the target golfer ground radius (TGR). Similar to the use of Pythagorean's theorem above, the following equation may be used to determine the target golfer ground radius (TGR): TGR²+TSS²=TFSR².
In FIG. 8, once the target golfer 2 ground radius (TGR) is determined a target golfer wrist height (TWS) is measured in a stance, which is the vertical distance from the wrist of the rear hand of the second user 2 to the ground surface in a golf stance. The target golfer club length (TCL) will complete a separate right triangle for the target golfer 2, made up of the target golfer's wrist height in a stance (TWS), the target golfer ground radius (TGR) and the target golfer club length (TCL). The TCL being the third side is determined by once again using the Pythagorean theorem or trigonometry. The following equation may be used to determine the target golfer club length (TCL): TCL²=TGR²+TWS². The target golfer's club length is thus calculated.
The above methods may be performed using a measurement apparatus 14 and 40 as illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10. The measurement apparatus 14 may include a horizontal surface 18 having at least one stand position designation marker 20, 22, and at least one golf ball designation marker 24 a, 24 b. In one embodiment, the measurement apparatus 14 may include a stand position designation marker 20 and a additional stand position designation marker 22. In another embodiment, the measurement apparatus 14 may have a golf ball designation marker 24 a and an additional golf ball designation marker 24 b. The measurement apparatus 14 may further include a vertical surface 16 having a vertical measuring scale 36. The vertical surface 16 may be positioned substantially perpendicular to the horizontal surface 18. A measurement line or cord 38 may be affixed at the horizontal surface 18. One end of the line 38 may be loose and may include a line weight 54 and the other end of the line may be fixed and attached at point 56. At least one of the horizontal surface 18 and the vertical surface 16 may include a horizontal measuring scale 32, 34.
As illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, the measuring apparatus 14 can include a left handed stand position designation marker 20 and a right handed stand position designation marker 22. Further, the measuring apparatus 14 may include a left handed golf ball designation marker 24 b and a right handed golf ball designation marker 24 a. A left handed club face centerline 26 and a right handed club face centerline 28 may run through the right and left handed golf ball designation markers 24 b and 24 a respectively. A centerline 30 may run in between the left and right handed club face centerline 26, 28 and marks the position of the heel of the golf club for either the right or left handed golfer
In certain embodiments, both the horizontal surface 18 and the vertical surface 16 may include a horizontal measuring scale 32, 34. The horizontal surface measuring scale 34 measure may measure outward from the centerline 30 and running in between the right handed stand position designation marker 22 and the left handed stand position designation marker 20. Further, a horizontal measuring scale 32 may run along the bottom of the vertical surface 16 and may also measure outward from the center point 30.
In FIGS. 9 and 10, the vertical surface 16 of the present invention may include one or more vertical measuring scales 36. In certain embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the vertical surface 16 may include a right hand angled measuring scale or arc 42 a and a left handed angular measuring scale 42 b.
During use of the measuring apparatus 14 and 40, a taller golfer may stand on one of either the left handed stand position designation marker 20 or the right handed stand position designation marker 22. A taller golfer 1 may hold a club 50 in position for a golf swing. The cord 38 is pulled taught from the fixed centerline 30 on the ground and held and marked at the tall golfer's forward shoulder. The big golfer swing radius (BFSR) is measured using the cord 38 on either the vertical 36 or angled 42 measuring scale. A target (or shorter) golfer may then stand on one of either the left handed stand position designation marker 20 or the right handed stand position designation marker 22. The target golfer may position for a golf swing. The target golfer shoulder height in a stance (TSS) and the target golfer wrist height in a stance (TWS) are measured using the techniques mentioned above. Knowing the big golfer swing radius (BFSR), the target golfer shoulder height in a stance (TSS), and the target golfer wrist height in a stance (TWS), the length of the new golf club for the target golfer may be determined.
As illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12, the method may also be carried out using a tape measure. With this alternative, in FIG. 11, a tape measure 9 can directly measure the big or tall golfer 1 Full Swing Radius (BFSR). This big golfer Full Swing Radius (BFSR) measurement value will be used for the smaller target golfer as the TGSR in FIG. 12 (TFSR=BFSR). Also in FIG. 12, the tape measure is used to measure the small golfer 2 shoulder height in a stance 10 (TSS). Knowing the shoulder height TSS and the TFSR, the ground radius 11 (TGR) can be determined as was shown previously in FIG. 7. As in FIG. 8, the tape measure can then be used to measure the wrist height in a stance and, as in the previous example, knowing the wrist height in a stance (TWS) and the ground radius (TGR), the desired club length (TCL) can be calculated.
There are two other estimating techniques that may be used as an aid to preparing for the Full Swing Radius measurements. Two mechanical characteristics of golfers vary directly with the size of the Full Swing Radius. One is the body height over all, and the other is the length of the arms. The amount that a target golfer's club is lengthened compared to a bigger may be approximated based on the size difference in either of physical dimensions. Generally, the amount the club must be lengthened will exceed either of these two differences and so these two methods are not as accurate as the complete Full Swing Radius measurement, but these methods can be useful.
FIG. 14 shows an example, where both a big golfer 1 and a shorter target golfer 1 are in simple standing positions. The tall golfer 1 shoulder height 66 is greater than the short golfer 2 shoulder height 67. The difference in shoulder height 68 can be used as a rough estimate in the minimum difference in the Full Swing Radius of the two golfers. This difference 68 will be less than the actual Full Swing Radius change, but this shoulder height difference will vary in proportion to the needed club length change, in that the larger the difference in shoulder heights, the longer a club will be needed.
FIG. 15 uses similar technique to estimate the minimum necessary club length increase for the shorter golfer. A taller golfer 1 and a shorter target golfer 2 are in standing positions. The taller golfer 1 arm length 70 is normally greater that the short target golfer 2 arm length 71. As in the previous shoulder height method, the arm length difference 72 will be less than the true Full Swing Radius difference but it will normally vary in proportion to the necessary club length increase needed by the target golfer 2.
The present invention may further include a new alternative method of sequencing club and shaft lengths. When fitting is made using the Full Swing Radius, the new clubs for the target golfer will result in a shaft sequence that exceeds the traditional half inch increments of standard clubs that the big golfer would have been using. The new method may include determining the shaft length of the lowest numbered iron club to be fitted, which may be a driver, wood or hybrid or a 2-Iron, 3-Iron, 4-iron or even a 5-Iron, and also the length of the highest numbered Iron club to be fitted, which would normally be a wedge. Based on the two chosen clubs (the lowest numbered and highest numbered), and also on a determined and desired number of interim clubs, a sequencing algorithm may be applied that is not based on the industry standard half inch increments. Instead sequencing is based on either equal length adjustments between clubs or graduated length adjustments between clubs that are weighted toward larger increments at either the lower or the higher numbered clubs, based on the desires of the golfer being fitted. An example may include fitting a driver, 3-wood and several hybrid clubs individually using the method disclosed above, then fitting the Irons by a 4-Iron and a pitching wedge for Full Swing Weight equivalence. Additional clubs to be specified would be 5-Iron, 6-Iron, 7-Iron, 8-Iron and 9-Iron, which would be adjusted for the larger increments needed. The present invention may include additional wedges or other incremental clubs or even loft adjustments but a professional fitter to meet specific objectives of the target golfer. One or two incremental clubs may become common because of the longer shafts and increased difference or gap sequence between club lengths. In this example, the 4-iron and pitching wedge may be fitted in accordance with the above methods to match the Full Swing Radius (BFSR) of the taller golfer. The lengths of the shortest club, traditionally a wedge and longest (in this example a 4-Iron) are compared and the proper number of increments are established. The interim club lengths are determined and graduated weighting is applied (if desired). For a shorter golfer, a graduated sequenced shaft lengths for Irons may result in 0.7 to 1.1 inch increments between club lengths or even more.
The present invention may include a system of fitting in stages or steps to attain full performance potential. As mentioned previously, this system is not about using the longest legal clubs, or the longest possible clubs, the longest hittable clubs or hitting the ball as far as possible. A specific Full Swing Radius is the objective. The target golfer is thus fitted with longer clubs and a somewhat flatter swing may be necessary. it may take time for the target golfer to adjust to the swing. As illustrated in FIG. 16, progress may be made in stages and a custom club fitter may relatively easily adapt a staged method. For example, a target golfer 74 that is five feet eight inches tall who wants the capability to swing comfortably and match the distance potential of a model golfer 75 that is five feet eleven inches tall can choose an initial stage adjustment 76 to match potential of a five foot nine inch model golfer 77. After swing adjustments have been made and the target golfer is comfortable with the five foot nine inch model fitting, a next stage adjustment 78 can be made to match potential of a taller five foot ten inch model golfer 79. Eventually, a final state adjustment 80 to the reach objective tall, five foot eleven inch, model golfer's 75 potential. Each staged refitting may be possible at any time by a custom fitter. Longer club shafts can be reused on a shorter club, for example the shaft in a 4-iron in stage two may be resized, characterized, trimmed and weighted if necessary and re-used in stage three in a shorter club such as a 5 or 6-iron. This shaft migration may continue as desired all the way to the wedges.
Another aspect of increasing club length for small golfers is that club swing weight and overall swing balance will change significantly. Normal methods of club head or butt weighting used to adjust for traditional “swing weight” may be inadequate when addressing intentionally longer clubs. More aggressive weight additions at the butt or grip end area may be needed. A summary of these changes is shown in FIG. 17. The taller model golfer 1 has long arms 81 and a club shaft 82 that is comparatively short. A balance point 83 is shown for this tall target golfer 1. This balance point represents an exaggerated balance point of the combined arm and club mechanism. The shorter target golfer 2 is fitted with a longer club 84. Even if lighter shaft and club head materials are used, the balance point 85 will move down the shaft away from the hands. Further aggravating the overall swing balance is that the arm mass and the arm length 86 of the shorter golfer will both normally be significantly less than the taller golfer. The target golfer 2 may turn and swing with the new longer club, at the same rate as the big golfer 1, but the smaller golfer may feel uncomfortable and out of control as though swinging a weight on end of a string with the longer club.
The target golfer 2 may add significant weight in the grip area 87, at the butt end of the shaft to include the area even forward of the hands and grip position. Adding weight moves the swing weight up back up the shaft 88. Adding incrementally more weight, than would normally be needed for simple and traditional club swing weight balancing, may also compensate for the shorter arms and lower arm mass that the small golfer is using to deliver power and to control the club. The amount of weight to be added and the location of the weight may be managed by the player and the club fitter, based on the player's overall strength and in particular arm and hand strength, skill, comfort level and preference, The shifts in the mass of club head position, the shaft length and the arm length may be significant such that a corresponding half inch increase in club length may typically require grip area weighting of an additional twenty grams for a woman's club and thirty grams for a man's club, or more, to enable satisfactory control and feel.
It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claim.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A measurement apparatus comprising:

a horizontal surface that may identify one or more stand position designation markers on the horizontal surface, including a left handed stand position designation marker and/or a right handed stand position designation marker;

which may include one or more golf ball position designation markers a left handed golf ball designation marker and/or a right handed golf ball designation marker;

which may include one or more club head position designation markers;

a vertical surface that may include one or more vertical measuring scales;

a horizontal measuring scale on the horizontal surface which may run the length of the horizontal surface and which may enable measurements between points on the surface.

2. The measurement apparatus of claim 1, wherein the vertical surface may include at least one angular measuring scale, wherein one angular measuring scale may include a right handed angular measuring scale and one angular measuring scale may include a left handed angular measuring scale.

3. The measurement apparatus of claims 1 and 2, that may include a cord or string comprising two ends, wherein:

the cord may include one end affixed to the horizontal surface identifying the position of the heel of a golf club and which may at the other end hang loosely from the vertical;

the cord may be used to measure the distances on the vertical surface including the distance from the heel of the golf club to the center of the Full Swing Radius or estimated center of the Full Swing Radius which may be the forward shoulder of the golfer

a line weight may be affixed at the upper end to return the slack cord to a neutral position.

4. A method for determining a length of a second golf club for a second user to increase the second user's golf shot distance potential to that of a taller first user comprising the steps of characterizing the size of the first user's swing with a club and calculating and equipping the second user with a club that enables an equivalent size swing utilizing the steps of;

positioning the first user to hold a first golf club in preparation for hitting a golf ball;

determining the Full Swing Radius of the first user with the first club or estimating the Full Swing Radius wherein such estimate may be for example the distance from the forward shoulder of the first user to a golf club head of the first golf club; and

positioning the second user to hold a second golf club in preparation for hitting a golf ball, such that the second golf club creates a Full Swing Radius or similarly estimated Full Swing Radius distance which may be from the shoulder of the second user to a golf club head of the second golf club that is equal to the Full Swing Radius or estimated Full Swing Radius distance from the shoulder of the first user to the golf club head of the first golf club.

calculating from the measurements of the first user and the second user, the desired club length for the second user.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein determining the length of the second golf club further comprises the steps of:

calculating a horizontal distance on the ground from a point directly below the butt end wrist of the second user to the heel of a second golf club head as the third side in a right triangle by utilizing the other two sides as:

the vertical height above the horizontal surface of the center of the full swing radius or the estimated center of the full swing radius which may be the forward shoulder of the second user in a stance and the surface and

the Full Swing Radius of the second user, being set to equal the Full Swing Radius of the first user;

measuring a vertical distance from the ground to the butt end wrist of the second user in a stance and the surface; and

calculating the length of the second golf club as the third side of another triangle by utilizing as the other two sides as

the vertical distance from the butt end wrist of the second user to the surface and

the horizontal distance on the ground measured from a point directly below the butt end wrist of the second user to the heel a second golf club head as calculated above.

6. Use of tape measure method in lieu of the apparatus in claims 1, 2, 3 and 4 to identify the specific measurements for the Full Swing Radius or estimated Full Swing Radius and previously stated positions of first and second user.

7. Use of alternative apparatus which may include electronic position sensors and equipment, in lieu of the apparatus in claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 to identify measurements for the Full Swing Radius or estimated Full Swing Radius and stated positions of first user and second user.

8. An alternate method of estimating the difference in the length of a Full Swing Radius of a taller or bigger first golfer and that of a shorter or smaller second golfer that may include the difference in shoulder height or the difference in arm length and using such a difference as an minimum estimate to increase the length of the shorter golfer's second club length beyond that of the first user's club length.

9. Club length sequencing that is not based on standards such as one half inch increments but is based on calculated objectives of a first user to meet competitive potential for a second user and which:

may result in increments significantly above one half inch such as 0.75 inches, 1.25 inches or other increments.

may sequence clubs individually based on the second user and first user individual club calculations.

may be equal increments, unequal increments or graduated increments depending on the needs and preferences of the second user.

10. Staged club fitting by equipping the second user with clubs that meet objectives over several stages, in which:

each stage or step may be independently fitted for the second user to make, one step at a time with interim and taller first users who may be less tall than the final objective first user,

11. A club weighting plan for each increase in club length due to a fitting that is designed to enable a shorter second golfer to meet specific performance capabilities of a taller first golfer, such that for each approximate half inch of club length increase, additional grip area weighting of approximately twenty grams or more for a woman's club and approximately thirty grams or more for a man's club, is applied in order to offset the longer club weight and balance characteristics and also to offset overall swing mechanism weight and balance changes due to the shorter arms and less arm mass of the second golfer.