WO2021234415A1

WO2021234415A1 - A putter head and a putter

Info

Publication number: WO2021234415A1
Application number: PCT/GB2021/051248
Authority: WO
Inventors: Raymond Mcmahon
Original assignee: Raymond Mcmahon
Priority date: 2020-05-21
Filing date: 2021-05-21
Publication date: 2021-11-25
Also published as: GB202007588D0; GB2595291A

Abstract

A putter head (2; 102, 202) is provided, comprising a main body (4; 104) comprising a base surface (5; 105) that is adjacent to the ground when the putter head (2; 102; 202) is in use. The putter head (2; 102, 202) further comprises a putter face (7; 107) for striking a golf ball. The depth (D) of the putter face (7; 107) is at least 70% of the diameter of a golf ball, and the putter face (7; 107) is configured to strike the golf ball at the equator of the golf ball. This ensures that a golf ball struck by the putter face (7; 107) begins rolling quickly, thus improving the accuracy of the putter head. A putter (1; 101; 201) comprising the putter head (2; 102; 202) and a shaft (3; 103; 203) is also provided.

Description

A PUTTER HEAD AND A PUTTER

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to golf clubs, and in particular to a putter head and putter comprising the putter head.

Background of the Invention

The accuracy of putting is of great importance to golfers, as putting performance has a large effect on the golfer’s overall score in a game of golf. Small deviations in the path of the golf ball can cost the golfer crucial points when putting. Therefore, it is particularly important for golfers to choose a putter that provides them with a high degree of accuracy and precision.

It is well-established that golf balls will sink into the green to some extent, while resting on the green’s surface. Therefore, it is understood that golf balls typically sit in depressions in the surface of the putting green, caused by the impact of the golf ball on the green, or natural imperfections on the surface of the green.

To account for these depressions on the green, prior art putters are provided with features that are designed to lift the ball out of the depressions.

For example, prior art putters are often designed to strike the ball below its centre, or equator. The centre of gravity of the putter head is typically designed to be below the centre of the golf ball. This contact point between the putter and the golf ball transfers an upward force to the golf ball, thereby lifting it out of any depression. Putter faces are also typically provided with a certain amount of loft (typically around 2° to 5°), to encourage the ball to travel upwards from the surface of the green.

These features are included so that, when the ball is struck, it lifts out of the depression and travels upwards from the surface of the green. The ball generally travels with a backwards rotation, until it contacts the surface of the green and begins to roll.

However, after being lifted by these features of the putter, the golf ball will be airborne for a certain period of time, before beginning to roll. For example, the ball may skim above and/or bounce off the surface of the green for a length of approximately 6 to 15 inches, after being struck by the putter face and before contacting the green and beginning to roll.

Although the ball is generally only lifted a small distance above the surface of the green, and the lift is often not visible to the golfer, the airborne motion can cause the ball to be deviated from its intended path. The motion of the ball in the air can cause the ball to veer off target, and lose speed, thereby undesirably affecting the trajectory of the ball.

Even a small deviation from the original trajectory can cause the ball to land a relatively large distance away from the golfer’s intended target, namely, the hole. Therefore, the airborne motion of the golf ball for even a small amount of time can have a large effect on the accuracy of the golfer’s putts.

To this end, there is a need for a putter that improves the accuracy of the putter, by minimising the amount of time that the golf ball is airborne after initially being struck by the golf putter. In other words, there is a need for a putter that causes the ball to quickly engage with the surface of the green and begin to roll.

Summary of the Invention

In a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a putter head as set forth in the claims.

In the light of the claimed features, the putter face strikes the equator, or centre, of the golf ball, and the ball will not be lifted from the surface of the green after impact with the putter face. This reduces or eliminates the amount of time for which the ball is airborne.

Therefore, the deviation in the path of the ball that is common when using prior art putters is minimised.

Although it is widely believed that golf balls must be lifted out of depressions on the green, this lift is generally not necessary. Modern putting greens, particularly those used for professional competitions, are almost perfectly flat. Therefore, the depressions or imperfections, which are widely perceived to be present, are negligible. Usually, the ball will be sitting on a green that is almost perfectly flat, and there will be no need for the ball to be lifted above the green’s surface. When struck with the putter face according to the present invention, the ball is able to begin rolling immediately, thereby maintaining a smooth and consistent roll, and minimising the chance of the ball deviating from its intended path.

Therefore, the present invention provides a putter head that provides improved accuracy.

The end of the putter head that is closest to the golfer’s feet in use is referred to as the “heel portion”, and the end of the putter head that is furthest from the golfer’s feet in use is referred to as the “toe portion”.

The “length” of the putter face refers to the distance from the toe portion to the heel portion.

The “depth” of the putter face refers to the distance, in a direction perpendicular to the length, from the base surface to the point of the putter face that is uppermost in use. For example, the depth of the putter face may be the distance between the base surface and the portion of the putter head to which the shaft is attached in use.

Preferably, the putter face may have a constant depth along the length of the putter face. In other words, each point along the length of the putter face may have an equal depth.

In this way, the putter face may strike the equator of the golf ball, regardless of the position of the putter head when the ball is struck. That is, regardless of whether the ball is struck with a portion of the putter face adjacent to the toe portion or a portion of the putter face adjacent to the heel portion, the putter head will still provide the advantage of improved accuracy.

With prior art putters, the putt is generally more accurate if the golf ball is hit with the centre of the putter face, or the portion of the putter face that is adjacent to the shaft, due to the centre of gravity of the putter. The accuracy of the putt may be greatly decreased when the golf ball is hit with the portion of the putter face that is adjacent to the toe portion or the heel portion of the putter head.

The present invention may alleviate this problem, by providing the putter face with a depth that is consistent along the face of the putter.

The depth of the putter face, i.e. the distance between the base surface and the point of the putter face that is uppermost in use, is at least 70% of the diameter of a golf ball. The depth of the putter face may be smaller than the diameter of a golf ball. For example, the depth of the putter face may be either 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%,

78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% of the diameter of a golf ball.

Alternatively, the depth of the putter face may be larger than the diameter of a golf ball. For example, the depth of the putter face may be either 101%, 102%, 103%, 104%, 105%,

106%, 107%, 108%, 109%, 110%, 111%, 112%, 113%, 114%, 115%, 116%, 117%, 118%, 119%, 120%, 121%, 122%, 123%, 124%, 125%, 126%, 127%, 128%, 129%, 130%, or greater than 130% of the diameter of a golf ball.

The “diameter of a golf ball” refers to the minimum diameter of a golf ball according to the USGA, i.e. 4.23 cm (1.68 inches).

Preferably, the depth of the putter face may be approximately equal to the diameter of a golf ball. In other words, the depth of the putter face may be 4 to 4.5 cm (1.57 to 1.77 inches).

Further preferably, the depth of the putter face may be equal to the diameter of a golf ball. In other words, the depth of the putter face may be 4.23 cm (1.68 inches)

In this way, the centre of the golf ball may be struck by the portion of the putter face that is adjacent to the centre of gravity of the putter head.

Preferably, the angle between the base surface and the putter face may be between 89° and 91°.

In this way, the force exerted on the ball by the putter head may be parallel to the ground, rather than upwards, so that the ball begins to roll immediately. This further improves the accuracy of the putter head, by minimising any deviations in trajectory due to airborne motion of the ball.

Further preferably, the angle between the base surface and the putter face may be between 89.5° and 90.5°.

Further preferably, the putter head may be provided with no loft, or 0° loft. In other words, the angle between the base surface and the putter face may be 90°. It is advantageous that the angle between the base surface and the putter face is as close to 90° as possible. This ensures that the force exerted on the golf ball is not elevated, i.e. the force is exerted directly towards the hole. Therefore, the ball begins to roll immediately after being struck by the putter face.

Preferably, the putter head may comprise an engagement means for attaching a shaft to the putter head.

The engagement means may be positioned on a surface of the putter head that is opposite to the base surface. In this way, the shaft will extend upwards from the ground, when the putter head is in use.

Preferably, the engagement means may comprise a threaded member to secure the shaft to the putter head.

In this way, adjustment of the threaded member in a first direction may tighten the connection between the putter head and a shaft, and adjustment of the threaded member in a second direction may loosen the connection between the putter head and a shaft.

Preferably, the engagement means may comprise an aperture into which a shaft may be inserted.

Further preferably, the aperture may be shaped to assist with alignment of a shaft relative to the putter head.

For example, the aperture may comprise at least one corner. The corner may be alignable with a complementary corner of a shaft, so that the user may easily align the shaft with the putter head. The corner may also engage with the complementary corner of the shaft, to improve the security of the engagement between the shaft and the putter head, and prevent the putter head from twisting relative to the shaft during use.

Further preferably, the aperture may be symmetrical. A symmetrical aperture may provide a reversible engagement with a shaft, as discussed further below. Further preferably, the aperture may be rectangular. In this way, each of the corners of the aperture may engage with a complementary corner of the shaft, to further improve the security of the engagement between the shaft and the putter head.

Preferably, the engagement means may be positioned in the central portion of the putter head. That is, the engagement means may be positioned equidistant from the toe portion and the heel portion.

However, it is envisioned that the putter head may comprise any suitable engagement means. Alternatively, the putter head and a shaft may be integrally formed.

Preferably, the putter head may further comprise weighting in the toe portion and the heel portion of the main body.

This makes the putter head more resistant to twisting, thereby improving the stability of the putter head.

Preferably, the putter head may further comprise a ball-retrieval means. The ball-retrieval means may be positioned on the portion of the putter head that is furthest from the putter face.

Further preferably, the ball-retrieval means may comprise a portion that is shaped to be inserted between the ground and the golf ball. Additionally or alternatively, the ball-retrieving means may comprise a portion that is shaped to retain the ball while the putter is being lifted.

The ball-retrieving means may allow the user to pick up their golf ball, without having to bend down. Therefore, the putter of the present invention may be advantageous for golfers with knee and/or back problems, since the ball-retrieval means may reduce the amount of knee and back movement required during a game of golf.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides a putter comprising the putter head described above, and a shaft.

Preferably, the shaft may be removably attached to an engagement means of the putter head. In this way, the putter may be adjustable by way of the engagement between the shaft and the putter head. The shaft may comprise a complementary engagement portion that is configured to engage with the engagement means of the putter head. For example, the shaft may be provided with a protrusion that is receivable in an aperture in the engagement means.

Alternatively, the end of the shaft may form the engagement portion. For example, the engagement means may comprise an aperture that is shaped to receive the end of the shaft.

Further preferably, the shaft may be reversibly attachable to the engagement means. In other words, the shaft may be attachable to the engagement means in a first orientation, in which the putter face is facing in a first direction, and a second orientation, in which the putter face is facing in an opposite second direction.

In this way, the putter shaft may be reversible, to provide use by both a right-handed player and a left-handed player.

This feature may be particularly useful for manufacturers, retailers and sellers of putters, because they would only need to provide one type of putter, which would be suitable for all players. Typically, it is necessary for manufacturers, retailers and sellers to provide two types of putters: one type to suit right-handed players and one type to suit left-handed players.

In contrast, the putter according to the present invention may allow only one putter to be provided, which is suitable for both right-handed and left-handed players by virtue of its reversible engagement means. This is advantageous, since it reduces the costs, and potential waste, involved in manufacturing, storing and stocking putters.

Preferably, the shaft may extend from the putter head in a direction that is not perpendicular to the base surface. That is, the shaft may be inclined relative to the base surface. For example, the putter shaft and the base surface may form an angle of around 60° to about 80°. Therefore, the shaft may be attachable to the engagement means in a first orientation, in which a portion of the shaft may be above the toe portion in use, and a second orientation, in which a portion of the shaft may be above the heel portion in use.

The reversible attachment between the putter head and the shaft may be provided by an aperture in the engagement means of the putter head.

Preferably, the aperture may be shaped so as to assist with alignment of the shaft relative to the putter head.

For example, the aperture may comprise at least one corner.

In this way, the corner may engage with a complementary corner of the shaft, to improve the security of the engagement between the shaft and the putter head, and prevent the putter head from twisting relative to the shaft during use. Therefore, the engagement means may advantageously prevent the putter head from rotating, and becoming misaligned, during use of the putter.

The corner may be configured to be aligned with a complementary corner of the shaft, so that the user may easily attach the shaft to the putter head. That is, the corners of the shaft and the engagement means may allow the user (for example the golfer or the retailer) to easily see whether or not the shaft and the putter head are correctly aligned. This embodiment may therefore be advantageous, because the shaft is easier to align relative to the putter head.

Further preferably, the aperture may be rectangular. For example, shaft may comprise an engagement portion having a rectangular cross-section, which is receivable into a complementary rectangular aperture in the putter head. In this way, each of the corners of the aperture may engage with a complementary corner of the shaft, to further improve the security of the engagement between the shaft and the putter head

Alternatively, the shaft may be permanently attached to an engagement means of the putter head. For example, the shaft may be integral with the putter head. It is envisioned that this embodiment may be advantageous to provide a secure engagement between the shaft and the putter head, and to ensure that the putter head remains correctly aligned relative to the shaft. Preferably, the putter may be able to “stand alone”. In other words, the base surface may be flat, and the centre of gravity of the putter may be such that the putter is able to stand with the base surface adjacent to the ground and the shaft extending from the ground, without external support.

In this way, the golfer can stand the putter in the position in which they believe that the putter face is correctly aligned towards the hole. The golfer may then stand behind the putter, with the putter supporting itself, to check whether the putter face is correctly aligned. This allows the golfer to see whether the putter is correctly aligned, and to adjust the alignment if necessary.

Preferably, the shaft may be made from carbon fibre. This may make the shaft more rigid.

Alternatively, the shaft may be made from any suitable material. For example, the shaft may be made from stainless steel.

Preferably, the shaft may comprise a grip. The grip may comprise any suitable material or texturing to increase friction with the golfer’s hands. For example, the grip may comprise carbon fibre.

In a third aspect, the present invention provides a putter comprising: a putter head comprising an aperture for receiving a shaft; and a shaft comprising an engagement portion that is complementarily shaped to the aperture and receivable in the aperture, to removably attach the shaft to the putter head; wherein the aperture is in the central portion of the putter head; and wherein the aperture and the engagement portion are symmetrical and comprise at least one corner.

Since the aperture and the engagement means are symmetrical, and the shaft is receivable in the aperture, the present invention provides a putter having a shaft that is reversibly attachable to the putter head. In other words, the shaft may be attachable to the putter head in a first orientation, in which the putter face is facing in a first direction, and a second orientation, in which the putter face is facing in an opposite second direction.

In this way, the putter shaft may be reversible, to provide use by both a right-handed player and a left-handed player. This feature may be particularly useful for manufacturers, retailers and sellers of putters, because they would only need to provide one type of putter, which would be suitable for all players. Typically, it is necessary for manufacturers, retailers and sellers to provide two types of putters: one type to suit right-handed players and one type to suit left-handed players.

In contrast, the putter according to the present invention allows only one putter to be provided, which is suitable for both right-handed and left-handed players by virtue of its reversible attachment. This is advantageous, since it reduces the costs, and potential waste, involved in manufacturing, storing and stocking putters.

Additionally, the corner of the aperture may engage with a complementary corner of the shaft, to improve the security of the engagement between the shaft and the putter head, and prevent the putter head from twisting relative to the shaft during use. Therefore, the putter according to the present invention may advantageously prevent the putter head from rotating, and becoming misaligned, during use of the putter.

The corner of the aperture and the corner of the shaft may be alignable with one another, so that the user may easily attach the shaft to the putter head. That is, the corners of the shaft and the engagement means may allow the user (for example the golfer or the retailer) to easily see whether or not the shaft and the putter head are correctly aligned. Therefore, the shaft is easier to align relative to the putter head.

Further preferably, the aperture may be rectangular. For example, the end of the shaft may be provided with a section having a rectangular cross-section, which is receivable into a complementary rectangular aperture in the putter head. In this way, each of the corners of the aperture may engage with a complementary corner of the shaft, to further improve the security of the engagement between the shaft and the putter head.

It is envisioned that the putter may comprise the putter head described above, or any other suitable putter head.

Brief Description of the Drawings

A non-limiting embodiment of the present invention will now be described byway of reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a putter in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, with only part of the shaft shown;

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the putter of Figure 1 ; and

Figure 3 shows a top view of the putter of Figure 1 ;

Figure 4 shows a side view of a putter in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, with only part of the shaft shown, next to a golf ball;

Figure 5 shows a front view of the putter of Figure 4, next to a golf ball;

Figure 6 shows a back view of the putter of Figure 4;

Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a putter in accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, with only part of the shaft shown;

Figure 8 shows a top view of the putter head of Figure 7.

Detailed Description of the Drawings

In one aspect, the present invention provides a putter 1, as shown in Figures 1 to 3.

The putter 1 comprises a putter head 2 and a shaft 3. The putter head 2 comprises a main body 4 comprising a base surface 5 that is adjacent to the ground when the putter 1 is in use.

The putter head 2 further comprises a putter face 7 for striking a golf ball. The depth D of the putter face is equal to the diameter of a golf ball, and the putter face 7 is configured to strike the golf ball at the equator of the golf ball.

Since the putter face 7 strikes the equator of the golf ball, the ball is not lifted from the surface of the green after impact with the putter face 7. This reduces or eliminates the amount of time for which the ball is airborne, thus providing a more accurate putter.

The putter face 7 has a constant depth D along the length L of the putter face. However, it will be appreciated that the putter face could be any suitable shape. It will also be appreciated that the depth of the putter face may be larger or smaller than the diameter of a golf ball, provided that the putter face is at least 70% of the diameter of a golf ball and the putter face is configured to strike the golf ball at its equator.

The angle between the base surface 5 and the putter face 7 is 90°. However, it will be appreciated that the angle between the base surface and the putter face could be any suitable angle, provided that the putter face is still configured to strike the golf ball at its equator. For example, the angle could be between 89° and 91°.

The putter head further comprises an engagement means 6 for attaching the shaft 3 to the putter head 2. The engagement means 6 is positioned on the surface of the putter head that is opposite to the base surface 5. Therefore, the shaft 3 extends upwards from the ground, when the putter 1 is in use, as shown in Figure 2.

The engagement means 6 is also positioned in the central portion of the putter head, equidistant from the toe portion 8 and the heel portion 9.

The engagement means 6 comprises an aperture into which the shaft 3 may be inserted. Since the aperture is symmetrical, a reversible connection is provided between the putter head 2 and the shaft 3.

The engagement means 6 further comprises a threaded member 10 to secure the shaft 3 to the putter head 2.

However, it is envisioned that the putter head may comprise any suitable engagement means. For example, the engagement means may allow the shaft to be removable from the putter head, or permanently attached to the putter head. Alternatively, the shaft and the putter head may be integrally formed. The engagement means may also be positioned in any suitable position on the putter head.

The putter head 2 further comprises weighting in the toe portion 8 and the heel portion 9 of the main body 4.

As shown in Figure 3, the putter head 2 further comprises a ball-retrieval means 11. The ball-retrieval means 11 comprises a first portion 12 that is shaped to be inserted between the ground and the golf ball, and a second portion 13 that is shaped to retain the ball while the putter is being lifted. The main body 4 comprises a cuboid section that includes the putter face 7, and a stepped section that accommodates the ball-retrieval means 11.

However, it is envisioned that the putter head could be any suitable shape, and could comprise no ball-retrieval means and/or no toe or heel weighting.

The base surface 5 of the putter head 2 is flat, and the centre of gravity of the putter is such that the putter 1 is able to stand with the base surface 5 adjacent to the ground and the shaft 3 extending from the ground, without external support. Therefore, the putter 1 is able to “stand alone”, as shown in Figure 2.

Figures 4, 5 and 6 show a putter 101 according to a second embodiment of the invention.

The putter 101 comprises a putter head 102 and a shaft 103. The putter head 102 comprises a main body 104 comprising a base surface 105 that is adjacent to the ground when the putter 101 is in use.

The main body 104 is L-shaped, and comprises a ball-retrieval means 111, as shown in Figure 6.

The putter head 102 further comprises a putter face 107 for striking a golf ball 120. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the depth D of the putter face is equal to the diameter 121 of a golf ball 120, and the putter face 107 is configured to strike the golf ball 120 at the equator 122 of the golf ball.

The putter face 107 has a constant depth D along the length L of the putter face. However, it will be appreciated that the putter face could be any suitable shape. It will also be appreciated that the depth of the putter face may be larger or smaller than the diameter of a golf ball, provided that the putter face is at least 70% of the diameter of a golf ball and the putter face is configured to strike the golf ball at its equator.

As shown in Figure 4, the angle between the base surface 105 and the putter face 107 is 90°. However, it will be appreciated that the angle between the base surface and the putter face could be any suitable angle, provided that the putter face is still configured to strike the golf ball at its equator. For example, the angle could be between 89° and 91°. Figures 7 and 8 show a putter 201 according to a third embodiment of the invention, wherein the engagement means 206 for attaching the shaft 203 to the putter head 202 comprises a rectangular aperture into which the shaft 203 may be inserted.

The rectangular aperture assists with alignment of the shaft 203 relative to the putter head 202.

Since the aperture is symmetrical, a reversible connection is provided between the putter head 202 and the shaft 203.

The engagement means 206 further comprises a threaded member 210 to secure the shaft 203 to the putter head 202.

It is envisioned that the rectangular aperture shown in Figures 7 and 8 could be included in the putters shown in Figures 1 to 6.

The present invention will now be described by way of reference to the following clauses:

1. A putter head comprising: a main body comprising a base surface that is adjacent to the ground when the putter head is in use; and a putter face for striking a golf ball; wherein the depth of the putter face is at least 70% of the diameter of a golf ball; and wherein the putter face is configured to strike the golf ball at the equator of the golf ball.

2. The putter head of clause 1 , wherein the putter face has a constant depth along the length of the putter face. 3. The putter head of clause 1 or clause 2, wherein the depth of the putter face is equal to the diameter of a golf ball.

4. The putter head of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the angle between the base surface and the putter face is between 89 and 91°.

5. The putter head of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the putter head comprises an engagement means comprising an aperture into which a shaft may be inserted.

6. The putter head of clause 5, wherein the aperture comprises at least one corner.

7. The putter head of clause 6, wherein the aperture is rectangular.

8. The putter head of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the putter comprises an engagement means for attaching a shaft to the putter head, and wherein the engagement means is positioned in the central portion of the putter head.

9. The putter head of any one of the preceding clauses, further comprising weighting in the toe portion and the heel portion of the main body.

10. The putter head of any one of the preceding clauses, further comprising a ball- retrieval means.

11. A putter comprising: the putter head according to any one of the preceding clauses; and a shaft.

12. The putter of clause 11, wherein the shaft is removably attached to an engagement means of the putter head.

13. The putter of clause 12, wherein the engagement means is positioned in the central portion of the putter head.

14. The putter of clause 13, wherein the shaft is reversibly attached to the engagement means.

15. The putter of clause 14, wherein the reversible attachment between the shaft and the putter head is provided by an engagement means comprising at least one corner. The putter of any one of clauses 11 to 15, wherein the base surface is flat, and the centre of gravity of the putter is such that the putter is able to stand with the base surface adjacent to the ground and the shaft extending from the ground, without external support.

Claims

1. A putter head comprising: a main body comprising a base surface that is adjacent to the ground when the putter head is in use; and a putter face for striking a golf ball; wherein the angle between the base surface and the putter face is 90°; wherein the depth of the putter face is 4 to 4.5 cm; and wherein the putter face is configured to strike the golf ball at the equator of the golf ball.

2. The putter head of claim 1 , wherein the putter face has a constant depth along the length of the putter face.

3. The putter head of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the depth of the putter face is equal to the diameter of a golf ball.

4. The putter head of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the putter head comprises an engagement means comprising an aperture into which a shaft may be inserted.

5. The putter head of claim 4, wherein the aperture comprises at least one corner.

6. The putter head of claim 5, wherein the aperture is rectangular.

7. The putter head of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the putter comprises an engagement means for attaching a shaft to the putter head, and wherein the engagement means is positioned in the central portion of the putter head.

8. The putter head of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising weighting in the toe portion and the heel portion of the main body.

9. The putter head of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a ball-retrieval means.

10. A putter comprising: the putter head according to any one of the preceding claims; and a shaft.

11. The putter of claim 10, wherein the shaft is removably attached to an engagement means of the putter head.

12. The putter of claim 11 , wherein the engagement means is positioned in the central portion of the putter head.

13. The putter of claim 12, wherein the shaft is reversibly attached to the engagement means.

14. The putter of claim 13, wherein the reversible attachment between the shaft and the putter head is provided by an engagement means comprising at least one corner.

15. The putter of any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the base surface is flat, and the centre of gravity of the putter is such that the putter is able to stand with the base surface adjacent to the ground and the shaft extending from the ground, without external support.