Abstract:
A method of determining a reference lie angle for at least one iron-type golf club custom-fit for a player, according to one or more aspects of the present invention, comprises providing a first hitting surface and a second hitting surface, the first hitting surface being different from the second hitting surface; providing a test club comprising a data acquisition device; directing the player to swing the test club relative to the first hitting surface, whereby initial information is collected by the data acquisition device; determining whether the initial information collected by the data acquisition device satisfies a pre-set condition; if the condition is satisfied, directing the player to swing the test club relative to the second hitting surface, whereby supplemental information is collected by the data acquisition device; and evaluating the supplemental information collected by the data acquisition device to determine the reference lie angle.

Description:
COPYRIGHT AUTHORIZATION 
     The disclosure below may be subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the documents containing this disclosure, as they appear in the Patent and Trademark Office records, but otherwise reserves all applicable copyrights. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Iron-type clubs are generally intended to be used as a set, and the specifications of iron-type clubs generally progress throughout at least a portion of the set. Certain club specifications, e.g., lie angle, are crucial to achieving shot consistency and are dictated by the swing type and physical characteristics of the player. Therefore, individual players must be properly fitted to optimize these parameters in their iron sets and to obtain maximum performance from their equipment. During the fitting process, club specifications for the entire set are typically determined by evaluating a player&#39;s swing relative to a planar lie board using, e.g., a plurality of 7 irons, wherein each test iron has a distinct set of specifications. 
     In existing lie board fitting methods, the ideal lie angle for a player is generally identified by determining the point of contact between the sole of the test club and the lie board during a test shot by the player. As shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , lie tape  112  is initially applied to the sole  108  of test club  100  and a reference line  111 , substantially perpendicular to the leading edge  124 , is then marked on the lie tape  112  proximate a face centerline  118 . Referring to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the “face centerline,” as used herein, denotes an imaginary line defined by the intersection of the strike face  123  with an imaginary vertical plane  115  that is oriented substantially perpendicular to the leading edge  124  and passes through a face center  110 , with the club head of the test club in an address position. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 3 , after the reference line has been marked on the lie tape, the player swings the test club relative to the lie board. The impact between the sole of the club head and the lie board produces a scarred or torn area in the lie tape at the point of contact. For each ¼ inch the point of sole impact is on the toe side of the reference line, the correct lie angle will be 1° more upright than the lie of the test club. For each ¼ inch the sole impact is on the heel side of the reference line, the correct lie angle will be 1° more flat than the lie of the test club. However, conventional fitting carts generally require a large number of “confirmation clubs,” so that the player may verify their test results with a club head having the appropriate lie angle. Accordingly, conventional fitting carts are generally expensive and can be cumbersome to transport. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present invention, in one or more aspects thereof, may advantageously comprise a more efficient fitting apparatus and method that reduce the number of clubs required to properly fit the player. 
     In one example, a method of determining a reference lie angle for at least one iron-type golf club custom-fit for a player comprises (a) providing a primary lie board having a horizontal hitting surface; (b) providing a secondary lie board having an oblique hitting surface inclined relative to the horizontal surface, the secondary lie board comprising a flat lie-angle orientation and an upright lie-angle orientation; (c) providing a test club comprising a sole and a test lie angle, the test club having a predetermined relationship with the at least one iron-type golf club; (d) providing a gauge comprising a toe region, a heel region, and an intermediate region; (e) applying the gauge to the sole of the test club; (f) directing the player to swing the test club relative to the horizontal hitting surface to impact the gauge against the horizontal hitting surface, whereby a first witness mark is produced on the gauge; (g) identifying whether the first witness mark is proximate the toe region, the heel region, or the intermediate region; (h) if the first witness mark is proximate the intermediate region, selecting the at least one iron-type golf club wherein the reference lie angle is substantially equal to the test lie angle; (i) if the first witness mark is proximate the heel region, directing the player to swing the test club relative to the oblique hitting surface, with the secondary lie board in the flat lie-angle orientation, to impact the gauge against the oblique hitting surface, whereby a second witness mark is produced on the gauge; (j) identifying whether the second witness mark of step (i) is proximate the toe region, the heel region, or the intermediate region, the toe region associated with a first flat lie-angle value, the intermediate region associated with a second flat lie-angle value, and the heel region associated a third flat lie-angle value; (k) if the second witness mark of step (i) is proximate the toe region, selecting the at least one iron-type golf club wherein the reference lie angle is substantially equal to the difference between the test lie angle and the first flat lie-angle value; (l) if the second witness mark of step (i) is proximate the intermediate region, selecting the at least one iron-type golf club wherein the reference lie angle is substantially equal to the difference between the test lie angle and the second flat lie-angle value; (m) if the second witness mark of step (i) is proximate the heel region, selecting the at least one iron-type golf club wherein the reference lie angle is substantially equal to the difference between the test lie angle and the second flat lie-angle value; (n) if the first witness mark is proximate the toe region, directing the player to swing the test club off the oblique hitting surface, with the secondary lie board in the upright lie-angle orientation, to impact the gauge against the oblique hitting surface, whereby the second witness mark is produced on the gauge; (o) identifying whether the second witness mark of step (n) is proximate the toe region, the heel region, or the intermediate region, the toe region associated with a first upright lie-angle value, the intermediate region associated with a second upright lie-angle value, and the heel region associated with a third upright lie-angle value; (p) if the second witness mark of step (n) is proximate the toe region, selecting the at least one iron-type golf club wherein the reference lie angle is substantially equal to the sum of the test lie angle and the first upright lie-angle value; (q) if the second witness mark of step (n) is proximate the intermediate region, selecting the at least one iron-type golf club wherein the reference lie angle is substantially equal to the sum of the test lie angle and the second upright lie-angle value; and (r) if the second witness mark of step (n) is proximate the heel region, selecting the at least one iron-type golf club wherein the reference lie angle is substantially equal to the sum of the test lie angle and the third upright lie-angle value. 
     In another example, a method of determining a reference lie angle for at least one iron-type golf club custom-fit for a player comprises (a) providing a horizontal hitting surface; (b) providing an oblique hitting surface inclined relative to the horizontal surface, the oblique hitting surface comprising a flat lie-angle orientation and an upright lie-angle orientation; (c) providing a test club comprising a sole and a test lie angle, the test club having a predetermined relationship with the at least one iron-type golf club; (d) providing a gauge comprising a toe region, a heel region, and a intermediate region; (e) applying the gauge to the sole of the test club; (f) directing the player to swing the test club relative to the horizontal hitting surface to impact the gauge against the horizontal hitting surface, whereby a first witness mark is produced on the gauge; (g) identifying whether the first witness mark is proximate the toe region, the heel region, or the intermediate region; (h) if the first witness mark is proximate the intermediate region, selecting the at least one iron-type golf club wherein the reference lie angle is substantially equal to the test lie angle; (i) if the first witness mark is proximate the heel region, directing the player to swing the test club relative to the oblique hitting surface, with the oblique hitting surface in the flat lie-angle orientation, to impact the gauge against the oblique hitting surface, whereby a second witness mark is produced on the gauge; (j) identifying whether the second witness mark of step (i) is proximate the toe region, the heel region, or the intermediate region, the toe region associated with a first flat lie-angle value, the intermediate region associated with a second flat lie-angle value, and the heel region associated with a third flat lie-angle value; (k) if the second witness mark of step (i) is proximate the toe region, selecting the at least one iron-type golf club wherein the reference lie angle is substantially equal to the difference between the test lie angle and the first flat lie-angle value; (l) if the second witness mark of step (i) is proximate the intermediate region, selecting the at least one iron-type golf club wherein the reference lie angle is substantially equal to the difference between the lie angle and the second flat lie-angle value; (m) if the second witness mark of step (i) is proximate the heel region, selecting the at least one iron-type golf club wherein the reference lie angle is substantially equal to the difference between the test lie angle and the third flat lie-angle value; (n) if the first witness mark is proximate the toe region, directing the player to swing the test club relative to the oblique hitting surface, with the oblique hitting surface in the upright lie-angle orientation, to impact the gauge against the oblique hitting surface, whereby the second witness mark is produced on the gauge; (o) identifying whether the second witness mark of step (n) is proximate the toe region, the heel region, or the intermediate region, the toe region associated with a first upright lie-angle value, the intermediate region associated with a second upright lie-angle value, and the heel region associated with a third upright lie-angle value; (p) if the second witness mark of step (n) is proximate the toe region, selecting the at least one iron-type golf club wherein the reference lie angle is substantially equal to the sum of the test lie angle and the first upright lie-angle value; (q) if the second witness mark of step (n) is proximate the intermediate region, selecting the at least one iron-type golf club wherein the reference lie angle is substantially equal to the sum of the test lie angle and the second upright lie-angle value; and (r) if the second witness mark of step (n) is proximate the heel region, selecting the at least one iron-type golf club wherein the reference lie angle is substantially equal to the sum of the test lie angle and the third upright lie-angle value. 
     In another example, a method of determining a reference lie angle for at least one iron-type golf club custom-fit for a player comprises (a) providing a horizontal hitting surface; (b) providing an oblique hitting surface inclined relative to the horizontal surface, the oblique hitting surface comprising a flat lie-angle orientation and an upright lie-angle orientation; (c) providing a test club comprising a sole and a test lie angle, the test club having a predetermined relationship with the at least one iron-type golf club; (d) providing a first gauge and a second gauge, each comprising a toe region, a heel region, and a intermediate region; (e) applying the first gauge to the sole of the test club; (f) directing the player to swing the test club relative to the horizontal hitting surface to impact the first gauge against the horizontal hitting surface, whereby a first witness mark is produced on the first gauge; (g) identifying whether the first witness mark is proximate the toe region, the heel region, or the intermediate region; (h) if the first witness mark is proximate the intermediate region, selecting the at least one iron-type golf club wherein the reference lie angle is substantially equal to the test lie angle; (i) if the first witness mark is proximate the heel region, removing the first gauge from the sole of the test club, applying the second gauge to the sole of the test club, directing the player to swing the test club relative to the oblique hitting surface, with the oblique hitting surface in the flat lie-angle orientation, to impact the second gauge against the oblique hitting surface, whereby a second witness mark is produced on the second gauge; (j) identifying whether the second witness mark of step (i) is proximate the toe region, the heel region, or the intermediate region, the toe region associated with a first flat lie-angle value, the intermediate region associated with a second flat lie-angle value, and the heel region associated with a third flat lie-angle value; (k) if the second witness mark of step (i) is proximate the toe region, selecting the at least one iron-type golf club wherein the reference lie angle is substantially equal to the difference between the test lie angle and the first flat lie-angle value; (l) if the second witness mark of step (i) is proximate the intermediate region, selecting the at least one iron-type golf club wherein the reference lie angle is substantially equal to the difference between the test lie angle and the second flat lie-angle value; (m) if the second witness mark of step (i) is proximate the heel region, selecting the at least one iron-type golf club wherein the reference lie angle is substantially equal to the difference between the test lie angle and the third flat lie-angle value; (n) if the first witness mark is proximate the toe region, removing the first gauge from the sole of the test club, applying the second gauge to the sole of the test club, directing the player to swing the test club relative to the oblique hitting surface, with the oblique hitting surface in the upright lie-angle orientation, to impact the second gauge against the oblique hitting surface, whereby the second witness mark is produced on the second gauge; (o) identifying whether the second witness mark of step (n) is proximate the toe region, the heel region, or the intermediate region, the toe region associated with a first upright lie-angle value, the intermediate region associated with a second upright lie-angle value, and the heel region associated with a third upright lie-angle value; (p) if the second witness mark of step (n) is proximate the toe region, selecting the at least one iron-type golf club wherein the reference lie angle is substantially equal to the sum of the test lie angle and the first upright lie-angle value; (q) if the second witness mark of step (n) is proximate the intermediate region, selecting the at least one iron-type golf club wherein the reference lie angle is substantially equal to the sum of the test lie angle and the second upright lie-angle value; and (r) if the second witness mark of step (n) is proximate the heel region, selecting the at least one iron-type golf club wherein the reference lie angle is substantially equal to the sum of the test lie angle and the third upright lie-angle value. 
     In yet another example, a method of determining a reference lie angle for at least one iron-type golf club custom-fit for a player comprises (a) providing a horizontal hitting surface; (b) providing an oblique hitting surface inclined relative to the horizontal surface, the oblique hitting surface comprising a flat lie-angle orientation and an upright lie-angle orientation; (c) providing a test club comprising a sole and a test lie angle, the test club having a predetermined relationship with the at least one iron-type golf club; (d) providing a gauge comprising a toe region, a heel region, and a intermediate region; (e) applying the gauge to the sole of the test club; (f) directing the player to perform at least two test swings relative to the horizontal hitting surface to impact the gauge against the horizontal hitting surface, whereby at least two first witness marks are produced on the gauge; (g) identifying whether a majority of the at least two first witness marks is proximate the toe region, the heel region, or the intermediate region; (h) if the majority of the at least two first witness marks is proximate the intermediate region, selecting the at least one iron-type golf club wherein the reference lie angle is substantially equal to the test lie angle; (i) if the majority of the at least two first witness marks is proximate the heel region, directing the player to perform at least two test swings relative to the oblique hitting surface, with the oblique hitting surface in the flat lie-angle orientation, to impact the gauge against the oblique hitting surface, whereby at least two second witness marks are produced on the gauge; (j) identifying whether a majority of the at least two second witness marks of step (i) is proximate the toe region, the heel region, or the intermediate region, the toe region associated with a first flat lie-angle value, the intermediate region associated with a second flat lie-angle value, and the heel region associated with a third flat lie-angle value; (k) if the majority of the at least two second witness marks of step (i) is proximate the toe region, selecting the at least one iron-type golf club wherein the reference lie angle is substantially equal to the difference between the test lie angle and the first flat lie-angle value; (l) if the majority of the at least two second witness marks of step (i) is proximate the intermediate region, selecting the at least one iron-type golf club wherein the reference lie angle is substantially equal to the difference between the test lie angle and the second flat lie-angle value; (m) if the majority of the at least two second witness marks of step (i) is proximate the heel region, selecting the at least one iron-type golf club wherein the reference lie angle is substantially equal to the difference between the test lie angle and the third flat lie-angle value; (n) if the majority of the at least two first witness marks is proximate the toe region, directing the player to perform a plurality of test swings relative to the oblique hitting surface, with the oblique hitting surface in the upright lie-angle orientation, to impact the gauge against the oblique hitting surface, whereby the at least two second witness marks are produced on the gauge; (o) identifying whether the majority of the at least two second witness marks of step (n) is proximate the toe region, the heel region, or the intermediate region, the toe region associated with a first upright lie-angle value, the intermediate region associated with a second upright lie-angle value, and the heel region associated with a third upright lie-angle value; (p) if the majority of the at least two second witness marks of step (n) is proximate the toe region, selecting the at least one iron-type golf club wherein the reference lie angle is substantially equal to the sum of the test lie angle and the first upright lie-angle value; (q) if the majority of the at least two second witness marks of step (n) is proximate the intermediate region, selecting the at least one iron-type golf club wherein the reference lie angle is substantially equal to the sum of the test lie angle and the second upright lie-angle value; and (r) if the majority of the at least two second witness marks of step (n) is proximate the heel region, selecting the at least one iron-type golf club wherein the reference lie angle is substantially equal to the sum of the test lie angle and the third upright lie-angle value. 
     In yet another example, a method of determining a reference lie angle for at least one iron-type golf club custom-fit for a player comprises (a) providing a horizontal hitting surface; (b) providing an oblique hitting surface inclined relative to the horizontal surface, the oblique hitting surface comprising a flat lie-angle orientation and an upright lie-angle orientation; (c) providing a test club comprising a sole and a test lie angle, the test club having a predetermined relationship with the at least one iron-type golf club; (d) providing a first gauge and a second gauge, each comprising a toe region, a heel region, and a intermediate region; (e) applying the gauge to the sole of the test club; (f) directing the player to perform at least two test swings relative to the horizontal hitting surface to impact the first gauge against the horizontal hitting surface, whereby at least two first witness marks are produced on the first gauge; (g) identifying whether a majority of the at least two first witness marks is proximate the toe region, the heel region, or the intermediate region; (h) if a majority of the at least two first witness marks are proximate the intermediate region, selecting the at least one iron-type golf club wherein the reference lie angle is substantially equal to the test lie angle; (i) if the majority of the at least two first witness marks is proximate the heel region, removing the first gauge from the sole of the test club, applying the second gauge to the sole of the test club, directing the player to perform at least two test swings relative to the oblique hitting surface, with the oblique hitting surface in the flat lie-angle orientation, to impact the gauge against the oblique hitting surface, whereby at least two second witness marks are produced on the gauge; (j) identifying whether a majority of the at least two second witness marks of step (i) is proximate the toe region, the heel region, or the intermediate region, the toe region associated with a first flat lie-angle value, the intermediate region associated with a second flat lie-angle value, and the heel region associated with a third flat lie-angle value; (k) if the majority of the at least two second witness marks of step (i) is proximate the toe region, selecting the at least one iron-type golf club wherein the reference lie angle is substantially equal to the difference between the test lie angle and the first flat lie-angle value; (l) if the majority of the at least two second witness marks of step (i) is proximate the intermediate region, selecting the at least one iron-type golf club wherein the reference lie angle is substantially equal to the difference between the test lie angle and the second flat lie-angle value; (m) if the majority of the at least two second witness marks of step (i) is proximate the heel region, selecting the at least one iron-type golf club wherein the reference lie angle is substantially equal to the difference between the test lie angle and the third flat lie-angle value; (n) if the majority of the at least two first witness marks is proximate the toe region, removing the first gauge from the sole of the test club, applying the second gauge to the sole of the test club, directing the player to perform at least two test swings relative to the oblique hitting surface, with the oblique hitting surface in the upright lie-angle orientation, to impact the gauge against the oblique hitting surface, whereby the at least two second witness marks are produced on the gauge; (o) identifying whether the majority of the at least two second witness marks of step (n) is proximate the toe region, the heel region, or the intermediate region, the toe region associated with a first upright lie-angle value, the intermediate region associated with a second upright lie-angle value, and the heel region associated with a third upright lie-angle value; (p) if the majority of the at least two second witness marks of step (n) is proximate the toe region, selecting the at least one iron-type golf club wherein the reference lie angle is substantially equal to the sum of the test lie angle and the first upright lie-angle value; (q) if the majority of the at least two second witness marks of step (n) is proximate the intermediate region, selecting the at least one iron-type golf club wherein the reference lie angle is substantially equal to the sum of the test lie angle and the second upright lie-angle value; and (r) if the majority of the at least two second witness marks of step (n) is proximate the heel region, selecting the at least one iron-type golf club wherein the reference lie angle is substantially equal to the sum of the test lie angle and the third upright lie-angle value. 
     In yet another example, a method of determining a reference lie angle for at least one iron-type golf club custom-fit for a player comprises providing a first hitting surface and a second hitting surface, the first hitting surface being different from the second hitting surface; providing a test club comprising a data acquisition device; directing the player to swing the test club relative to the first hitting surface, whereby initial information is collected by the data acquisition device; determining whether the initial information collected by the data acquisition device satisfies a pre-set condition; if the condition is satisfied, directing the player to swing the test club relative to the second hitting surface, whereby supplemental information is collected by the data acquisition device; and evaluating the supplemental information collected by the data acquisition device to determine the reference lie angle. 
     In yet another example, a plurality of lie boards for determining a reference lie angle for at least one iron-type club custom-fit for a player comprises a first lie board having a horizontal surface and a second lie board having an oblique surface. 
     These and other features and advantages of the fitting apparatus and method according to the invention in its various aspects, as provided by one or more of the examples described in detail below, will become apparent after consideration of the ensuing description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Exemplary implementations of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a bottom plan view of a golf club head. 
         FIG. 2  is a bottom plan view of the golf club head of  FIG. 1  with lie tape applied thereto. 
         FIG. 3  is a front perspective view of the golf club head of  FIG. 1 , 
         FIG. 4  is a top plan view of the golf club head of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is a front elevational view of the golf club head of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6  is a rear perspective view of a golf club head with lie tape applied thereto. 
         FIG. 7  is a top plan view of a generally planar lie board according to one or more aspects of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of the planar lie board of  FIG. 7  taken along the lines  8 - 8  of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 9A  is a bottom plan view of a golf club head with lie tape applied thereto. 
         FIG. 9B  is a bottom plan view of the golf club head of  FIG. 9A . 
         FIG. 9C  is a bottom plan view of the golf club head of  FIG. 9A . 
         FIG. 10  is a top plan view of an exemplary lie board having an oblique hitting surface according to one or more aspects of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  is an exploded view of the lie board of  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 12  is a bottom plan view of the lie board of  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view of the lie board of  FIG. 10  taken along the lines  13 - 13  of  FIG. 12 . 
         FIG. 14  is a bottom plan view of an exemplary lie board according to one or more aspects of the present invention. 
         FIG. 15  is a bottom plan view of an exemplary lie board according to one or more aspects of the present invention. 
         FIG. 16  is a bottom plan view of an exemplary lie board according to one or more aspects of the present invention. 
         FIG. 17  is a bottom plan view of an exemplary lie board according to one or more aspects of the present invention. 
         FIG. 18  is a bottom plan view of an exemplary lie board according to one or more aspects of the present invention. 
         FIG. 19  is a bottom plan view of an exemplary lie board according to one or more aspects of the present invention. 
         FIG. 20  illustrates a golfer addressing a lie board having an oblique hitting surface. 
         FIG. 21A  is a bottom plan view of a golf club head with lie tape applied thereto. 
         FIG. 21B  is a bottom plan view of the golf club head of  FIG. 21A . 
         FIG. 21C  is a bottom plan view of the golf club head of  FIG. 21A . 
         FIG. 22A  is a bottom plan view of the golf club head of  FIG. 21A . 
         FIG. 228  is a bottom plan view of the golf club head of  FIG. 21A . 
         FIG. 22C  is a bottom plan view of the golf club head of  FIG. 21A . 
         FIG. 23A  is a bottom plan view of the golf club head of  FIG. 21A . 
         FIG. 23B  is a bottom plan view of the golf club head of  FIG. 21A . 
         FIG. 23C  is a bottom plan view of the golf club head of  FIG. 21A . 
         FIG. 24A  is a bottom plan view of the golf club head of  FIG. 21A . 
         FIG. 24B  is a bottom plan view of the golf club head of  FIG. 21A . 
         FIG. 24C  is a bottom plan view of the golf club head of  FIG. 21A . 
         FIG. 25A  is a bottom plan view of the golf club head of  FIG. 21A . 
         FIG. 25B  is a bottom plan view of the golf club head of  FIG. 21A . 
         FIG. 25C  is a bottom plan view of the golf club head of  FIG. 21A . 
     
    
    
     For purposes of illustration, these figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. In all the figures, same or similar elements are designated by the same reference numerals. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     A novel lie board and method for determining a reference lie angle for at least one iron-type golf club custom-fit for a player is disclosed. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the applicability of this lie board and method to right-handed as well as left-handed players. Similarly, the lie board and method are applicable to wedges as well as irons. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , the player, according to one or more aspects of the present invention, is initially provided with a test club  200  having a sole  208  and a test lie angle β, measured with the club head in the reference position. A data acquisition device or gauge  212  is applied to the sole  208  of the club head to collect information relating to the player&#39;s swing. The gauge  212  may be a mechanical device, e.g., lie tape, or an electronic device that communicates the player&#39;s swing information to a data terminal. According to one or more aspects of the present invention, the gauge  212  may comprise a toe region  226   a , an intermediate region  226   b , and a heel region  226   c.    
     Referring to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the player is directed to swing the test club  200  relative to a primary lie board  225  having a horizontal hitting surface  232 , when the lie board  225  is resting on the ground plane for use by the player. As shown in  FIGS. 9A-9C , the impact of the gauge  212  against the horizontal hitting surface  232  produces a first witness mark, e.g., first witness marks  234   a - c , on the gauge  212 . The first witness mark may be formed by the tearing or scarring of the gauge  212  during the test swing or by the transfer of a colored marking directly from the lie board  225  to the gauge  212 . In another example, a virtual first witness mark may be transmitted to a data terminal when an electronic gauge is employed. Typically, the primary lie board  225  is formed from a rigid, transparent material, e.g., polycarbonate, polypropylene, plexi-glass, and polytrimethyleneterephthalate (PTT). 
     After completing the test swing, the location of the first witness mark on the gauge  212  is identified and recorded. For example, the first witness mark may be disposed proximate the toe region  226   a  ( FIG. 9A ), the intermediate region  226   b  ( FIG. 9C ), or the heel region  226   c  ( FIG. 9B ). Referring again to  FIG. 9C , if the first witness mark is located proximate the intermediate region  226   b  of the gauge  212 , at least one iron-type golf club having a reference lie angle substantially equal to the test lie angle β is selected for the player. For example, if the lie angle of the test club  200  is 62°, then a golf club having a reference lie angle of substantially 62° is selected for the player. The lies of the remaining clubs in the set are adjusted relative to the selected club head. However, if the first witness mark is located proximate the toe region  226   a  ( FIG. 9A ) or the heel region  226   c  ( FIG. 9B ), the player is directed to swing the test club  200  relative to a secondary lie board  236  ( FIG. 10 ). Prior to performing a test swing relative to the secondary lie board  236 , the gauge  212  may be removed from the sole of the test club and a new gauge may be applied thereto. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 10 and 11 , the secondary lie board  236  may have a two-piece construction comprising a central section  238  and a support structure  240 . The central section  238  may have an oblique hitting surface  244  inclined, e.g., 1°, 2°, or 3°, relative to the ground plane, when the lie board  236  is resting on the ground plane for use by the player. Suitable methods for fabricating the secondary lie board  236  may include, e.g., pressure forming, stamping, milling, or water-jetting. Preferably, the secondary lie board  236  may be formed from a light-weight, rigid material, e.g., polycarbonate, polypropylene, PTT, or plexiglass, to minimize the weight of the fitting cart and to facilitate the transport thereof. As shown in  FIG. 11 , the support structure  240  may include a recess  245  for receiving the central section  238 . The central section  238  may be coupled to the support structure  240 , e.g., by plastic welding, mechanical interlocking, press fitting, or adhesive bonding. According to one or more aspects of the present invention, the central section  238  of the lie board  236  may be interchangeable, since repeatedly striking the lie board  236  with a test club may accumulate distracting smudges and/or scratches on the hitting surface of the central section  238 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 12 and 13 , the support structure  240  may further include a lateral portion  250  having a lateral surface  252  integral with a support leg  254 . Preferably, the secondary lie board  236  is formed from a transparent or translucent material so that decals or indicia applied to the underside of the lateral portion  250  are visible to a player when addressing the secondary lie board  236 . The support leg  254  may include a foot  256  that contacts a ground plane  207 , when the secondary lie board is resting on the ground plane for use by the player, and provides sufficient torsional resistance to inhibit movement of the board at club impact. 
     As shown in  FIG. 13 , the support structure  240  may further include a central reinforcement portion  248  integral with the lateral portion  250  and disposed proximate the central section  238 . The central reinforcement portion  248  may include a plurality of longitudinally disposed reinforcement members  246 , whereby each reinforcement member may be separated by a support platform  258  that abuts the central section  238  to help prevent impact and/or fatigue cracking thereof. Moreover, each reinforcement member  246  may at least partially contact the ground plane  207 , when the secondary lie board  236  is resting on the ground plane for use by the player, to minimize the deflection of the central section  238  at club impact. Deflection of the central section  238  during a test swing may lead to inaccurate test results. To accommodate the changes in elevation associated with the inclined lie board  236 , each reinforcement member  246  may have a distinct effective height. “Effective height”, as used herein, denotes a vertical distance between a first point  260 , characterized as a point of contact between a reinforcement member  246  and the ground plane  207 , and a second point  262 , characterized by the intersection of an imaginary line  264 , substantially perpendicular to the ground plane and containing the first point  260 , with the hitting surface  244 . The effective heights of the reinforcement members may range between about 0.10 inches and about 1 inch and more preferably between about 0.25 inches and about 0.50 inches. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 14-19 , the orientation of the reinforcement members relative to the central reinforcement portion may vary. For example, as shown in  FIG. 14 , a secondary lie board  336  may include a central reinforcement portion  348  having a plurality of reinforcement members  346  that originate from a central location  368 . At least two reinforcement members  346  are disposed diagonally across the central reinforcement portion  348  and at least two reinforcement members  346  are oriented perpendicular to one another. In another example, shown in  FIG. 15 , a secondary lie board  436  may include a central reinforcement portion  448  comprising a plurality of circular-shaped reinforcement members  446 .  FIG. 16  depicts a secondary lie board  536  having a central reinforcement portion  548  comprising a plurality of reinforcement members  546  oriented in a honey-comb shaped structure. Alternatively,  FIG. 17  illustrates a secondary lie board  636  comprising a reinforcement portion  648  having a plurality of reinforcement members  646  arranged in a waffle pattern. In another example, shown in  FIG. 18 , a secondary lie board  736  may have a central reinforcement portion  748  comprising a single, curvilinear reinforcement member  746 . In yet another example, shown in  FIG. 19 , a secondary lie board  836  may have a central reinforcement portion  848  including a plurality of reinforcement members  846 , whereby each reinforcement member  846  is disposed parallel to the transverse dimension  870 . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 9A , if the first witness mark, e.g., the first witness mark  234   a , is proximate the toe region  226   a , the player is directed to swing the test club  200  relative to the secondary lie board  236 , with the secondary lie board  236  in an upright lie-angle orientation relative to the player. As shown in  FIG. 20 , the secondary lie board  236  is in the upright lie-angle orientation ULO when the player is addressing the oblique hitting surface  244  with his or her feet perpendicular to and proximate the highest edge of the lateral surface  252 . Prior to performing the upright lie-angle test swing relative to the secondary lie board  236 , each region of the gauge  212  (see  FIG. 6 ) may be assigned a distinct upright lie-angle value. For example, the toe region  226   a  may be associated with a first upright lie-angle value, e.g., 3°, the intermediate region  226   b  may be associated with a second upright lie-angle value, e.g., 2°, and the heel region  226   e  may be associated with a third upright lie-angle value, e.g., 1°. 
     During the upright lie-angle test swing, the impact of the gauge  212  against the oblique hitting surface  244  produces a second witness mark on the gauge  212 . Referring to  FIG. 21A , if the second witness mark, e.g., the second witness mark  270   a , is proximate the toe region  226   a , at least one iron-type golf club having a reference lie-angle that is substantially equal to the sum of the test lie angle β (see  FIG. 6 ) and the first upright lie-angle value is selected for the player. Referring to  FIG. 21B , if the second witness mark, e.g., the second witness mark  270   b , is proximate the heel region  226   c , at least one iron-type golf club having a reference lie-angle that is substantially equal to the sum of the test lie angle β and the third upright lie-angle value is selected for the player. Referring to  FIG. 21C , if the second witness mark, e.g., the second witness mark  270   c , is proximate the intermediate region  226   b , at least one iron-type golf club having a reference lie-angle that is substantially equal to the sum of the test lie angle β and the second upright-lie angle value is selected for the player. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 9B , if the first witness mark, e.g., the first witness mark  234   b , is proximate the heel region  226   c , the player is directed to swing the test club  200  relative to the secondary lie board  236 , with the secondary lie board  236  in a flat lie-angle orientation relative to the player. As shown in  FIG. 20 , the secondary lie board  236  is in the flat lie-angle orientation FLO when the player is addressing the oblique hitting surface  244  with his or her feet perpendicular to and proximate the lowest edge of the lateral surface  252 . Prior to performing the flat lie-angle test swing relative to the secondary lie board  236 , each region of the gauge  212  may be assigned a distinct flat lie-angle value. For example, the toe region  226   a  may be associated with a first flat lie-angle value, e.g., 1°, the intermediate region  226   b  may be associated with a second flat lie-angle value, e.g., 2°, and the heel region  226   c  may be associated with a third flat lie-angle value, e.g., 3°. 
     During the flat lie-angle test swing, the impact of the gauge  212  against the oblique hitting surface  244  produces a second witness mark on the gauge  212 . Referring to  FIG. 22A , if the second witness mark, e.g., the second witness mark  270   a , is proximate the toe region  226   a , at least one iron-type golf club having a reference lie-angle that is substantially equal to the difference between the test lie angle β and the first flat lie-angle value is selected for the player. Referring to  FIG. 22B , if the second witness mark, e.g., the second witness mark  270   b , is proximate the heel region  226   c , at least one iron-type golf club having a reference lie-angle that is substantially equal to the difference between the test lie angle β and the third flat lie-angle value is selected for the player. Referring to  FIG. 22C , if the second witness mark, e.g., the second witness mark  270   c , is proximate the intermediate region  226   b , at least one iron-type golf club having a reference lie-angle that is substantially equal to the difference between the test lie angle β and the second flat-lie angle value is selected for the player. 
     Since the impact location between the sole of the test club and the lie board can vary for each swing, the player may be directed to perform a plurality of test swings relative to the primary lie board  225  ( FIG. 7 ) and the secondary lie board  236  ( FIG. 11 ) to accurately determine the player&#39;s swing tendencies. For example, the player may be directed to perform at least two test swings relative to the horizontal hitting surface  232  of the primary lie board  225  to produce at least two first witness marks on the gauge  212 . Referring to  FIG. 23C , if the majority of the at least two first witness marks  234   c  is located proximate the intermediate region  226   b , at least one iron-type golf club having a reference lie angle substantially equal to the test lie angle β is selected for the player. However, if the majority of the at least two first witness marks  234   a  is located proximate the toe region  226   a  ( FIG. 23A ) or the heel region  226   b  ( FIG. 23B ), the player is directed to perform at least two test swings relative to the secondary lie board  236 . Prior to performing a test swing relative to the secondary lie board  236 , the gauge  212  may be removed from the sole of the test club and a new gauge may be applied thereto. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 23A , if the majority of the first witness marks, e.g., first witness marks  234   a , is proximate the toe region  226   a , the player is directed to perform a plurality of test swings relative to the secondary lie board  236 , with the secondary lie board  236  ( FIG. 11 ) in the upright lie-angle orientation relative to the player. Each impact of the gauge  212  against the oblique hitting surface of the secondary lie board produces a second witness mark proximate the toe region  226   a , the intermediate region  226   b , or the heel region  226   c.    
     If the majority of the at least two second witness marks  270   a  is proximate the toe region  226   a  ( FIG. 24A ), at least one iron-type golf club having a reference lie-angle that is substantially equal to the sum of the test lie angle β and the first upright lie-angle value is selected for the player. Alternatively, if the majority of the at least two second witness marks  270   b  is proximate the heel region  226   c  ( FIG. 24B ), at least one iron-type golf club having a reference lie-angle that is substantially equal to the sum of the test lie angle β and the third upright lie-angle value is selected for the player. Moreover, if the majority of the at least two second witness marks  270   c  is proximate the intermediate region  226   b  ( FIG. 24C ), at least one iron-type golf club having a reference lie-angle that is substantially equal to the sum of the test lie angle β and the second upright-lie angle value is selected for the player. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 23B , if the majority of the first witness marks, e.g., the first witness mark  234   b , is proximate the heel region  226   a , the player is directed to perform a plurality of test swings relative to the secondary lie board  236 , with the secondary lie board  236  in the flat lie-angle orientation relative to the player. Each impact of the gauge  212  against the oblique hitting surface  244  produces a second witness mark proximate either the toe region  226   a , the intermediate region  226   b , or the heel region  226   c.    
     If the majority of the second witness marks is proximate the toe region  226   a  ( FIG. 25A ), at least one iron-type golf club having a reference lie-angle that is substantially equal to the difference between the test lie angle β and the first flat lie-angle value is selected for the player. Conversely, if the majority of the at least two second witness marks is proximate the heel region  226   c  ( FIG. 25B ), at least one iron-type golf club having a reference lie-angle that is substantially equal to the difference between the test lie angle β and the third flat lie-angle value is selected for the player. Moreover, if the majority of the at least two second witness marks is proximate the intermediate region  226   b  ( FIG. 25C ), at least one iron-type golf club having a reference lie-angle that is substantially equal to the difference between the test lie angle β and the second flat-lie angle value is selected for the player. 
     According to one or more aspects of the present invention, the reference lie angle may be determined without using a lie board. For example, the player may be directed to perform test swings relative to any horizontal surface, e.g., a hitting mat. Moreover, one or more oblique hitting surfaces may be provided in lieu of the secondary lie board, described above. In yet another aspect, the present invention may include a golf club and/or a golf club set which has been custom fitted to a particular person using any of the methods set forth herein. 
     In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary aspects thereof. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.