WO2005115078A2

WO2005115078A2 - Golf putter head and club

Info

Publication number: WO2005115078A2
Application number: PCT/IB2005/001437
Authority: WO
Inventors: Thomas Hamlin
Original assignee: Hamlin, Edward
Priority date: 2004-05-25
Filing date: 2005-05-25
Publication date: 2005-12-08
Also published as: GB2429927A; GB2429927A8; GB0625749D0; JP2008500088A; GB2429927B8; GB2429927B; US20080300067A1; WO2005115078A3

Abstract

The invention provides a golf putter (100) having a putter head (1) and a shaft (3) in which the putter head has ball striking and side surfaces, (4 and 7) respectively, that are perpendicular to each other and to the ground when the head is in a ball-striking position. The side face extends rearwardly from the heel end (6) of the ball striking face, so that it faces a player facing the side of the club. The shaft extends upwardly from the head and towards the player passing through a plane that contains the plane of the side face. The head when in the ball striking position and when seen in plan view from above is preferred to be of substantially right angled triangular form. The putter head may be formed of a first plate-like member (13) bearing the ball striking face and a secod plate-like member (14) bearing the side face. A gusset (16) may be provided between and secured to the members (13 and 14).

Description

GOLF PUTTER HEAD AND CLUB

TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates to an improved putter head, and to a putter-type club incorporating such a head, for use in the game of golf. BACKGROUND ART Golf has become one of the most popular games or sports and is played by both amateurs and professionals. The game requires a degree of physical fitness, but also a degree of skill, coordination and steadiness of hand. The last three of these are particularly required for that part of the game known as putting. Enormous effort has been devoted to the design and development of putters that assist players to set up a putt (i.e. to position themselves relative to the ball and to the desired position of the ball) and that have desirable characteristics during the putting process. Some of the characteristics that have been sought in the design of putters and particularly putter heads include: • Ease of aiming (for example through the provision of aiming aids); • Resistance to any tendency to rotate or -jar at the moment of striking the ball (for example by providing particular mass distributions); • Adjustabilty of mass, mass distribution, shaft orientation and customizability; • Improved view of the ball; • Reduced sensitivity to misalignment when striking the ball; • Ease of manufacture; and, generally, • Improved "feel" in use. Disclosed herein are inventive concepts that address most or all of these issues. It is believed that putter heads according to the present invention and putters incorporating such heads, can provide a desirable combination of playing characteristics, customizability and ease of manufacture and provide players with a useful alternative to existing putters and heads. DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION The invention provides in one aspect a golf putter having a putter head, a shaft and a grip on the shaft wherein: (a) the golf putter head has a planar ball striking face extending between a toe end and a heel end thereof and a planar side face extending rearwardly from the striking face; (b) the ball striking face and the side face lie respectively in first and second planes that are perpendicular to each other and that when the putter head is in a ball-striking position of the putter head are both substantially vertical; (c) the second plane extends rearwardly from substantially the heel end of the ball striking face, and (d) when the putter head is in said ball striking position the shaft extends upwardly and laterally through the second plane at a position above the side face. Without advancing any theory as to why the inventive putter is considered to work well, it appears that the side face at right angles to the ball striking face assists in correctly aiming the putt (i.e. setting the direction the ball when struck is intended to take) and in correct execution of the backswing and the subsequent forward swing. It is preferred that the putter head when in said ball-striking position thereof is substantially of right-angled triangular form as seen in plan view. That is, an observer when looking downward on the putter head with the putter head in its ball striking position, just above a ground surface, sees the head as substantially triangular in shape. This can provide a suitable mass distribution to allow the "sweet spot" to be positioned further toward the heel end of the ball striking face, and this is believed to be advantageous. Preferably, the putter head when in said ball-striking position thereof lies substantially wholly within the space bounded by the first and second planes and a third vertical plane that is vertical, that intersects the first plane at an angle of A and that has a minimum distance from the line of intersection of the first and second planes of XsinA, where: X = 1.15 x the distance between the heel and toe ends of the ball striking face;

Y = 1.15 x the said length of the side face; and

A = tan^'1(Y/X). The quantity "tan^"1 (Y/X)" here means the angle whose tangent is (Y/X), i.e. the arctangent of (Y/X). Generally, it is preferred that the side face has a length in a direction perpendicular to the ball striking face that is substantially the maximum allowable length for a putter head according to the applicable rule of the Rules of Golf. Preferably, the side face has a length in a direction perpendicular to the ball striking face that is at least 60% of the width between the heel end and the toe end of the ball striking surface. More preferably, the side face has a length in a direction perpendicular to the ball striking face that is at least 80% of the width between the heel end and the toe end of the ball striking surface. Most preferably, the side face has a length in a direction perpendicular to the ball striking face that is approximately the distance between heel and toe ends of the ball striking face without exceeding the said distance. The side face may have a length in a direction perpendicular to the ball striking face that actually equals the distance between heel and toe ends of the ball striking face. The ball striking face may be at least six inches (152.4 mm) in width from heel end to toe end, preferably at least seven inches (177.8mm) and more preferably at least seven and a quarter inches (184.1mm). In one embodiment, the ball striking face is a forward face of a platelike first member and the side face is an outer face of a plate-like second member secured to the first member. The putter head may further include a gusset having first and second edges secured respectively to a rear face of the first member and to an inner face of the second member. The gusset may be generally in the form of a right-angled triangle. The gusset may extend substantially to a rear end of the second member and/or , substantially to the toe end of the first member of the putter head. Conveniently, the putter head may include a hosel secured to an upper face of the gusset of the putter head a lower end of the shaft being received in the hosel. A weight may be secured to the upper or lower face of the gusset of the putter head to alter the balance of the club. In manufacture, the first and second members of the putter head may be formed from plate or sheet material and secured to each other. In manufacture, where there is a gusset, the first and second members and the gusset may be formed from plate or sheet material and secured to each other. Alternatively, the putter head may be integrally formed for example by forging or casting optionally with subsequent machining or by machining from solid. The putter head may have an upward facing substantially planar surface that when the head is in the ball striking position is at right angles to the planes of the ball striking face and the side face, i.e. parallel to the ground. The putter may further include a hosel secured to the upward facing surface the shaft being received in the hosel. There may be provided on an upward facing surface of the putter head at least one mark positioned to indicate a sweet spot of the putter head. There may be provided on an upward facing surface of the putter head at least one mark positioned to indicate a direction perpendicular to the ball striking surface. According to the invention in another aspect there is provided a golf putter head having: a planar ball striking face extending between a toe end and a heel end thereof; and a planar side face extending rearwardly from the striking face, wherein (a) a first notional plane that includes the ball striking face and a second notional plane that includes the side face intersect in a right angle and in a ball-striking position of the putter head are both substantially vertical, and (b) the said second plane extends rearwardly from substantially the heel end of the ball striking face. Generally, it is desirable that the side face be as long as possible. Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the side face has a length in a direction perpendicular to the ball striking face that is substantially the maximum allowable length for a putter head according to the applicable rule of the Rules of Golf. However, the invention is believed also to provide an advantage if it has a lesser length. Preferably, the side face has a length in a direction perpendicular to the ball striking face that is at least 60%, more preferably 80%, and still more preferably 100%, of the width between the heel end and the toe end of the ball striking surface. It is preferred that the golf putter head have a shape that when seen in plan view is at least approximately that of a right angled triangle of which the ball striking and side faces form two sides. More specifically, in a preferred embodiment, in said ball-striking position of the putter head said putter head lies substantially wholly within the space bounded by said first and second notional planes and a third notional plane that is vertical, that intersects the first notional plane at an angle of A, and whose minimum distance from the line of intersection of the first and second notional planes is X * sinA, where: X = K * the distance between the heel and toe ends of the ball striking face; Y = K * the said length of the side face; A = tan^"1 (Y/X); and K=about 1.20 and preferably about 1.15. It is particularly preferred that the ball striking face is a forward face of a plate-like first member and the side face is an outer face of a plate-like second member secured to the first member. In this case, the golf putter head may further include a gusset having first and second edges secured respectively to a rear face of the first member and to an inner face of the second member. Preferably, the gusset is generally in the form of a right- angled triangle. The gusset may extend substantially to a rear end of the second member and/or substantially to the toe end of the first member. Choice of the dimensions of the gusset (including its thickness) can affect the weight and weight distribution of the head, and so can be used to affect its "feel" to a player. The golf putter head with said gusset may conveniently further include a hosel (i.e. a fitting for connection of a shaft) secured to an upper face of said gusset. Importantly, a range of choices of position of the hosel on the gusset is available, so that a club incorporating the head is readily customizable for an individual player in this respect. Further, a weight may be secured to the upper or lower face of said gusset. The possibility of selecting any of a range of weights and any of a range of positions of the chosen weight on the gusset provide still further scope for customizing the head, and a club incorporating it, for a particular player. > In a further aspect, the invention provides a method for providing a golf putter customized for a particular player including the steps of providing a golf putter head as disclosed herein and securing a hosel to an upper face of said gusset of a golf putter head in a position found to be suited to the player and securing a shaft with a grip to said hosel. In a still further aspect, the invention provides a method for providing a golf putter customized for a particular player including the steps of providing a golf putter head as disclosed herein and securing a weight to an upper or lower face of said gusset in a position found to be suited to the player. In manufacture, said first and/or said second member may conveniently be formed from plate or sheet material and secured to each other. This may be done in any suitable way, including for example by welding or brazing or by the use of fasteners such as bolts. Where a said gusset is included, in manufacture said gusset may also be formed from plate or sheet material and secured to said first and second members. Alternatively, the golf putter head in any of the above embodiments may be integrally formed for example by forging or casting optionally with subsequent machining or by machining from a solid blank of suitable material. Whether by virtue of having said gusset or not, the golf putter head may have an upward facing planar surface that is at right angles to the planes of said ball striking face and said side face. A hosel may be secured to said upward facing surface in a suitable chosen thereon. In any of its embodiments the golf putter head may have on an upward facing surface at least one marking (for example a groove, embossed line, ball outline or the like) positioned to indicate a "sweet spot" of said putter head. This surface may be an upper face of a said gusset, where a gusset is included. A golf putter head according to the invention may have on an upward facing surface at least one marking (for example a groove, embossed line, ball outline or the like) positioned and/or oriented to indicate a direction perpendicular to said ball striking surface. In the aspects of the invention set out above, the ball striking face is preferably unlofted so that in the said ball striking position the first plane is vertical. However, the ball striking face may be lofted so that the first plane when the putter head is in the ball striking position departs from the vertical by up to 10 degrees and more preferably by five degrees or less. In order that the invention may be better understood it will now be described non-limitingly by reference to preferred embodiments as shown in the attached drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a perspective view of a golf putter head according to the invention; Figure 2 is a front elevation of the golf putter head as shown in Figure

1; Figure 3 is a side elevation of the golf putter head as shown in Figure

1; Figure 4 is a plan view from above of the golf putter head as shown in Figure 1 ; Figure 5 is a rear elevation of the golf putter head as shown in Figure 1. Figure 6 is a perspective view of a further golf putter head according to the invention; Figure 7 is a plan view of a still further golf putter head according to the invention; Figure 8 is a rear elevation of the golf putter head shown in Figure 7; Figure 9 is an additional plan view of the golf putter head shown in figure 1 ; Figure 10 is a plan view (from above) of a further putter according to the invention in ball striking position with a player's footprints when holding the putter. MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Figures 1 to 5 and 9 show a golf putter head 1 that embodies the inventions disclosed in this specification. A hosel 2 and golf club shaft 3 are shown also, the latter in phantom lines in Figures 1 to 5. Putter head 1, hosel 2, shaft 3, and a grip (not shown) on shaft 3 together constitute a golf putter 100. Putter head 1 has a planar ball-striking surface 4 and is shown with a set of grooves 55 on surface 4. However, the showing of grooves on face 4 is not intended in any way to limit the scope of the invention. Golf clubs generally, and putters in particular, are often manufactured with other patterns of grooves or other markings on their ball-striking surfaces, or with no such grooves or other markings at all, and the presence, absence or nature of such markings is not of the essence of the present invention. Surface 4 extends laterally from a toe end 5 to a heel end 6. Extending rearwardly from heel end 6 of surface 4 is a planar side surface 7. Figures 2, 3 and 5 show putter head 1 positioned slightly above a surface 8 in the orientation it is intended to have at the instant of striking a ball (not shown) during putting. In this orientation, ball-striking surface 4 lies in a vertical plane 9 (as best seen in Figures 3 and 5) and side surface 7 lies in another vertical plane 10 (as best seen in Figures 2 and 5). As is best seen in Figure 4, planes 9 and 10 are at right angles to each other. Moreover, because the intention in a properly executed putt is that a ball 11 be propelled in a direction perpendicular to the surface 4 as shown by arrow 12 in Figure 4, side surface 7 is parallel to the ideal direction of movement of ball 11. Putter head 1 as shown in Figures 1 - 5 is intended for a right-handed player (not shown) whose feet when putting point towards side face 7. However, it is to be understood that an oppositely handed putter head (not shown) may also be made according to the invention. In use of a putter having head 1 , a player faces side face 7 and putts in conventional manner. Side face 7 has been found to assist in aiming and executing the putt. Firstly, the player can use side face 7 (seen edgewise from above) to some degree as an aiming guide, aiming it slightly to the left (for a right handed player) of the target (typically the centre of a hole in a putting green). Secondly, and again seeing side face 7 edgewise from above, he or she can attempt to make side face 7 move accurately within plane 10 during the part of his or her swing immediately before, during and after the actual striking of the ball. Success in doing this should ensure ball 11 is propelled in the desired direction. An important advantage of putter head 1 is that the aiming and putting guide, i.e. side face 7, is as close as possible to the player and therefore more nearly below his or her eyes in the normal putting position. It is therefore believed to be easier to position the feet correctly and more easy to control the swing accurately. (See also Figure 10 which shows a plan view (i.e. from above) of a further putter 200 according to the invention, with the position of a player being illustrated his his or her foortprints 202 as facing side face 203. Note that the shaft 205 extends upwardly and transversely, actually passing through the vertical plane 204 that contains side face 203.) Returning to head 1 and putter 100, ball-striking surface 4 is a front surface of a first plate-like member 13, and side surface 7 is a surface of a second plate-like member 14. Members 13 and 14 are secured to each other along an edge 15. Secured to both members 13 and 14 is a plate-like gusset 16 which locates within the right angle between them. Hosel 2 is secured to upper surface 17 of gusset 16, and a transition shaft 18 at the lower end of shaft 3 is secured in known manner in hosel 2. Hosel 2 extends vertically upward and transition shaft 18 is so bent as to allow shaft 3 to have a suitable angle for use by the player. It will be apparent that a range of positions may be chosen for hosel 2 on surface 17, and for this reason putter head 1 lends itself very well to being individually tailored for its owner in this respect. This is a particular advantage of the head 1. Differently configured versions of shaft 18 may of course also be used. For example, Figures 1 - 5 show a positioning of the shaft 3 in which its axis 19 lies parallel and very close to the plane 9. However, it is possible by positioning hosel 2 further toward the rear of the head 1 for the axis 19 to be moved backward so that shaft 3 lies wholly behind plane 9 and ball-striking surface 4. Although not shown, it will be apparent that either the upper surface 17 of gusset 16 or its lower surface 20 could conveniently be used for attachment thereto of weights (not shown) in a range of positions, further increasing the potential of head 1 to be tailored to a particular player's requirements. For example the weight of head 1 and the location of the centre of percussion of a club incorporating head 1 may be altered. Gusset 16 is shown as being in the form of a right angled triangle whose edges 21 and 22 extend only partway along members 13 and 14 respectively. However, it is not so restricted in its shape or dimensions. For example, edges 21 and 22 could extend to the toe end 5 of member 13 and/or to the rearmost end of member 14. Edge 23 of gusset 16 could instead of being straight be extended further outward (i.e. further away from the junction of members 13 and 14) to provide more possible positions for hosel 2, to modify the weight of head 1 and its distribution or to provide more possible positions for an attached adjustment weight (not shown). Nevertheless, a generally right-angled triangular shape of head 1 , as shown in the Figures, is preferred and is believed to have significant advantages additional to those of improved aiming and executing of the putt as disclosed above. Specifically, the "sweet spot" or centre of percussion of a club incorporating head 1 is closer to the head's heel side (as opposed to toe side) than in many conventional putter designs due to the concentration of weight on the side closer to the player, so that the ball 11 is closer to the player when being addressed to set up the putt and therefore more nearly under the player's eyes and so more advantageously located for aiming. Further, for a given head weight, the moment arm of that weight experienced by the player is less than for a club with a more conventional distribution of head weight resulting in a somewhat lighter feel. The ball-striking surface 4 can nevertheless be of normal width. It is believed that too narrow a width can lead to a psychological effect wherein hesitancy can develop as the player concentrates too hard on striking the ball centrally. (This effect can be understood by imagining a putter with a head shaped like a croquet mallet. Such a club is believed to be quite difficult to putt accurately with in practice.) Figure 9 is similar to Figure 4 in showing putter head 1 in plan view and illustrates a preferred criterion for the generally triangular shape of the putter head 1 in plan view. In phantom lines, a right-angled triangle 75 is shown. Coinciding with ball striking and side faces 4 and 7 respectively of head 1 are sides 71 and 72 of triangle 75, which intersect at 70 where surfaces 4 and 7 intersect. Side 73, the hypotenuse of triangle 75, represents a notional vertical plane (seen edge-on) that intersects planes 9 and 10. Sides 71 and 72 respectively have lengths X and Y of 1.15 times the lengths (as seen in plan view) of faces 4 and 7. The multiplier 1.15 is a preferred value, and may be varied somewhat (eg to 1.20) if required. It is preferred that a putter head according to the invention, when its ball striking and side faces 4 and 7 lie in planes 9 and 10, substantially does not protrude, in plan view, beyond line 73, i.e. does not extend more than Xsin A, the minimum distance of line 75 from point 70, where A is tan^"1 (Y/X). This is the case for heads 1 and heads 30 and 40 described below. Head 1 lends itself to being fabricated in any of a number of ways, an advantage over many other putter head designs. For example members 13, 14 and gusset 16 are platelike and so could be cut from plate stock and joined by welding or brazing. Alternatively, the entire head could be made by casting or forging, optionally with subsequent machining for example to ensure a truly flat ball stroking surface. Gusset 16 could be of any suitable thickness and its vertical position relative to members 13 and 14 can be chosen for convenience. For example upper surface 17 of gusset 16 may for example be flush with upper edge 24 of member 13. Upper surface 17 of gusset 16 and/or upper edge face 24 of member 13 may if desired be provided with one or more grooves (or other markings) perpendicular to the surface 4 as a further aiming guide and as an indication of the lateral position of the so-called "sweet spot". Referring now to Figure 6, there is shown another golf putter head 30 according to the invention, fitted with a hosel 31 and shaft 32. Head 30 is shown as if positioned above a flat surface 33 (and, but for its height, in a putting position) with its shape when seen in plan shown as a shadow 34 on surface 33. A ball striking surface 35 is at right angles to a side surface 36. However, unlike head 1 , head 30 is made essentially as a single block. While it is desirable that surfaces 35 and 36 be planar, third face 37 (corresponding to side 38 of shadow 34) need not be precisely planar. It may be for example concave or convex. Head 30 has an upward facing surface 39 of which at least a part is at right angles to surfaces 35 and 36 and hosel 31 is able to be placed anywhere on face 39 to provide customizability. Also shown on face 39 is a groove 29 that indicates the lateral position on face 35 of a "sweet spot" and that provides further aiming assistance. Other markings, as known in the art may of course be used. A similar type of marking could also be provided on gusset 16 of head 1. Figures 7 and 8 show still another putter head 40 according to the invention. This has platelike members 41 and 42 at right angles to each other to provide a ball striking surface 43 and side surface 44, but has no gusset such as gusset 16 of head 1. Instead, a formation 45 is provided on rear face 46 of member 41 to support hosel 47. Customizability is achievable in a club with head 40 by for example fitting any of a suitable range of transition shafts 48 between hosel 47 and club shaft 49, or by altering the proportions of formation 45. Putter heads described herein which have a side face whose length substantially equals the width from heel end to toe end of the ball striking face, and putters having such a characteristic, are considered to represent the best mode for carrying out the invention known to the applicants. It is further preferred that the head be of generally right-angled triangular form when seen in plan view. Many other variations may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A golf putter having a putter head, a shaft and a grip on the shaft wherein: (a) the golf putter head has a planar ball striking face extending between a toe end and a heel end thereof and a planar side face extending rearwardly from the striking face; (b) the ball striking face and the side face lie respectively in first and second planes that are perpendicular to each other and that when the putter head is in a ball-striking position of the putter head are both substantially vertical; (c) the second plane extends rearwardly from substantially the heel end of the ball striking face, and (d) when the putter head is in said ball striking position the shaft extends upwardly and laterally through the second plane at a position above the side face.

2. A golf putter according to claim 1 wherein the putter head when in said ball-striking position thereof is substantially of right-angled triangular form as seen in plan view.

3. A golf putter according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the putter head when in said ball-striking position thereof lies substantially wholly within the space bounded by the first and second planes and a third vertical plane that is vertical, that intersects the first plane at an angle of A and that has a minimum distance from the line of intersection of the first and second planes of XsinA, where:

X = 1.15 x the distance between the heel and toe ends of the ball striking face;

Y = 1.15 x the said length of the side face; and

A = tan^"1 (Y/X).

4. A golf putter according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the side face has a length in a direction perpendicular to the ball striking face that is substantially the maximum allowable length for a putter head according to the applicable rule of the Rules of Golf.

5. A golf putter according to any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the side face has a length in a direction perpendicular to the ball striking face that is at least 60% of the width between the heel end and the toe end of the ball striking surface.

6. A golf putter according to any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the side face has a length in a direction perpendicular to the ball striking face that is at least 80% of the width between the heel end and the toe end of the ball striking surface.

7. A golf putter according to any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the side face has a length in a direction perpendicular to the ball striking face that is approximately the distance between heel and toe ends of the ball striking face.

8. A golf putter according to any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the side face has a length in a direction perpendicular to the ball striking face that equals the distance between heel and toe ends of the ball striking face.

9. A golf putter according to any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein the ball striking face is a forward face of a plate-like first member and the side face is an outer face of a plate-like second member secured to the first member.

10. A golf putter according to claim 9 further wherein the putter head includes a gusset having first and second edges secured respectively to a rear face of the first member and to an inner face of the second member.

11. A golf putter according to claim 10 wherein the gusset is generally in the form of a right-angled triangle.

12. A golf putter according to claim 10 or 11 wherein the gusset extends substantially to a rear end of the second member and/or substantially to the toe end of the first member of the putter head.

13. A golf putter according to any one of claims 10 to 12 further including a hosel secured to an upper face of the gusset of the putter head a lower end of the shaft being received in the hosel.

14. A golf putter according to any one of claims 10 to 13 wherein a weight is secured to the upper or lower face of the gusset pf the putter head.

15. A golf putter according to claim 9 wherein in manufacture the first and second members of the putter head are formed from plate or sheet material and secured to each other.

16. A golf putter according to claim 15 wherein in manufacture the first and second members and the gusset are formed from plate or sheet material and secured to each other.

17. A golf putter according to any one of claims 1 to 14 that is integrally formed for example by forging or casting optionally with subsequent machining or by machining from solid.

18. A golf putter according to any one of claims 1 to 17 wherein the putter head has an upward facing substantially planar surface that is at right angles to the planes of the ball striking face and the side face.

19. A golf putter according to claim 18 further including a hosel secured to the upward facing surface the shaft being received in the hosel.

20. A golf putter according to any one of claims 1 to 19 having on an upward facing surface of the putter head at least one mark positioned to indicate a sweet spot of the putter head.

21. A golf putter according to any one of claims 1 to 20 having on an upward facing surface of the putter head at least one mark positioned to indicate a direction perpendicular to the ball striking surface.

22. A golf putter head having: a planar ball striking face extending between a toe end and a heel end thereof; and a planar side face extending rearwardly from the striking face, wherein (a) a first notional plane that includes the ball striking face and a second notional plane that includes the side face intersect in a right angle and in a ball-striking position of the putter head are both substantially vertical, and (b) the said second plane extends rearwardly from substantially the heel end of the ball striking face.

23. A golf putter head according to claim 22 wherein the side face has a length in a direction perpendicular to the ball striking face that is substantially the maximum allowable length for a putter head according to the applicable rule of the Rules of Golf.

24. A golf putter head according to claim 22 wherein the side face has a length in a direction perpendicular to the ball striking face that is at least 60%, more preferably 80%, and still more preferably 100%, of the width between the heel end and the toe end of the ball striking surface.

25. A golf putter head according to any one of claims 22 to 24 having when in the said ball striking position a shape that when seen in plan view is at least approximately that of a right angled triangle of which the ball striking and side faces form two sides.

26. A golf putter head according to any one of claims 22 to 25 wherein, in said ball-striking position, said putter head lies substantially wholly within the space bounded by said first and second notional planes and a third notional plane that is vertical, that intersects the first notional plane at an angle of A, and whose minimum distance from the line of intersection of the first and second notional planes is X * sinA, where:

X = K * the distance between the heel and toe ends of the ball striking face;

Y = K * the said length of the side face;

A = tan^"1 (Y/X); and

K=about 1.20 and preferably about 1.15.

27. A golf putter head according to any one of claims 22 to 26 wherein the ball striking face is a forward face of a plate-like first member and the side face is an outer face of a plate-like second member secured to the first member.

28. A golf putter head according to claim 27 further including a gusset having first and second edges secured respectively to a rear face of the first member and to an inner face of the second member.

29. A golf putter head according to claim 28 wherein the gusset is generally in the form of a right-angled triangle.

30. A golf putter head according to claim 29 wherein the gusset extends substantially to a rear end of the second member and/or substantially to the toe end of the first member.

31. A golf putter head according to any one of claims 28 to 30 further including a hosel secured to an upper face of the gusset.

32. A golf putter head according to any one of claims 28 to 31 having a weight secured to the upper or lower face of said gusset.

33. A golf putter head according to claim 27 wherein at least one of the first and the second members is formed from plate or sheet material and secured to the other of the first and second members.

34. A golf putter head according to claim 33 wherein the first and second members are secured to each other by welding or brazing or by the , use of threaded fasteners.

35. A golf putter head according to claim 28 wherein said gusset is formed from sheet material and secured to said first and second members.

36. A golf putter head according to any one of claims 22 to 30 integrally formed by forging or casting optionally with subsequent machining or by machining from a solid blank of suitable material.

37. A golf putter head according to any one of claims 22 to 30 having an upward facing planar surface that is at right angles to the planes of the ball striking face and the side face.

38. A golf putter head according to claim 37 wherein a hosel is secured to said upward facing surface.

39. A golf putter head according to claim 37 having on the upward facing surface at least one mark (preferably a groove, embossed line, ball outline or the like) positioned to indicate a "sweet spot" of said putter head.

40. A golf putter head according to claim 37 having on an upward facing surface at least one mark (preferably a groove, embossed line, ball outline or the like) positioned and/or oriented to indicate a direction perpendicular to the ball striking surface.

41. A method for providing a golf putter customized for a particular player including the steps of providing a golf putter head according to any one of claims 28 to 30 and securing a hosel to an upper face of the gusset, in a position found to be suited to the player and securing a shaft with a grip in said hosel.

42. A method for providing a golf putter customized for a particular player including the steps of providing a golf putter head according to any one of claims 28 to 30 and securing a weight to an upper or lower face of said gusset in a position found to be suited to the player.