Abstract:
A method of fitting a golf putter to an individual golf stroke of a person which comprises the steps of:
       (a) providing a golf putter to a person comprising a shaft with a proximal end and a distal end, an attachment means for pivotably attaching a putter head to the distal end of the shaft, an elongate flat blade having opposed ends and a top side and a bottom side and pivotably attached on the top side to the attachment means allowing for selection of a desired angle of the blade relative to the shaft, one or more weights removably connected to the elongate flat blade, and an adjustable runner having a height and attached to the bottom side of the elongate flat blade;   (b) determining the golf stroke of the person;   (c) adjusting a runner height to the golf stroke of the person;   (d) weighting the putter with the one or more weights to set a center of mass of the head to a point behind a contact area of the blade with a golf ball, particular to the golf stroke of the person;   (e) pivoting the shaft with respect to the elongate flat blade at a pivot angle to allow the blade to remain parallel to the ground for the particular golf stroke of the person; and   (f) measuring the runner height, the one or more weights, and the desired angle for the purpose of fitting the putter to the particular golf stroke of the person.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   None 
   STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
   Not Applicable 
   REFERENCE TO A “COMPUTER LISTING APPENDIX SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC” 
   Not Applicable 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   (1) Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates generally to golf equipment, and more particularly to golf putters. Specifically, the present invention relates to a golf putter head having an elongate flat blade for contacting the golf ball. More specifically, the invention relates to a golf putter head which has a contact area between the blade and the golf ball which is linear, of narrow width, and which has a contact area that is essentially horizontal and which spans the dimple diameter of the ball. 
   (2) Description of the Related Art 
   The traditional putter has a vertical blade with a flat surface and a vertical height usually one inch (25 mm) or greater. Subsequent traditional putters have a similar geometry on the face allowing for flat, convex, but not concave faces. The contact surface is often distinguished by the shape of the mass behind the vertical face. There have been putters with curved contact faces from heel to toe on the putter. This feature is permissible under United States Golf Association (U.S.G.A.) rules. There also have been putters that are totally cylindrical in geometry. Existing putters come in many sizes and geometries. There is often heel to toe weighting to resist the turning of the vertical positioned putter blade. 
   The rules of golf equipment are controlled by the U.S.G.A. for America. The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews (R.&amp;A.) is the governing authority for the rules of golf in more than one hundred affiliated nations. More recently, in a written ‘statement of principles’ published jointly by the R.&amp;A. and the U.S.G.A., it was acknowledged that, “History has proved that it is impossible to foresee the developments in golf equipment which advancing technology will deliver.” However, both the R.&amp;A. and the U.S.G.A. remain vigilant when considering the equipment rules. The main objective of U.S.G.A. Rules 4 and 5 and Appendices II and III is to protect golf&#39;s best traditions, to prevent an over-reliance on technological advances rather than skill, and to ensure that skill is the dominant element of success throughout the game. Therefore, any club design must consider these rules if the club is to be deemed legal by the governing authorities of golf. Any putter must be compatible with the U.S.G.A. rules of golf in regards to being plain in shape, with runners that do not extend into the face, a width that is greater than the depth, a face without concavity, a face angle of no more than fifteen degrees, and an angle of shaft to the head of ten degrees incline or greater. There is no rule regarding the vertical depth of the face of the putter. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 3,730,529 to Donofrio teaches a stroke indicating golf club operable for visually presenting the area of contact of the club head with the golf ball. The club can also be used for normal golfing. The club has a plurality of pins extending forward and backward through the club head which are displaced physically upon contact with the ball to retain a contact impression of the golf ball with the club head. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 4,165,076 to Cella teaches a putter with the blade face formed with a longitudinal edge, which is the normal ball striking component of the golf club, being located above the center line of the ball in blade striking position. On the reverse side of the blade there is provided a secondary ball striking edge located below the center line of the ball. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,294,122 to Longo teaches a golf putter having a head designed to function effectively, both on the green and on the fringe as well as in the higher grass areas. The head has a rectangular body with a flat base formed with comb-like longitudinal ridges or runners which serve to part grass blades during forward and backward movement. The head is a horizontal, upwardly positioned ball striking surface and has a downwardly tapered top surface having a ball pick-up socket at its rear edge. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,467,987 to Perkins et al. teaches a golf putter having a club head with a striking face comprising a striking edge defined by at least two substantially planar surfaces which engages a golf ball at a point below the center of the golf ball. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,531,439 to Azzarella teaches a putter for imparting rotation to a golf ball during putting. The putter includes a club handle with a sole plate attached to a lower end thereof. A face plate projects from a forward edge of the sole plate and is oriented at an orthogonal angle relative to the plate. A frictional insert is mounted within a slot of the face plate and operates to impart a rotation to the ball during contact. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,542,675 to Micciche et al. teaches a golf putter head adaptor for providing a putter head with an elastomeric striking surface. The adaptor includes a central portion adapted to cover a substantial portion of the striking surface of a putter head, an upper lip portion adapted to engage the top surface of a putter head and a bottom lip portion adapted to engage the bottom surface of a putter head. The adaptor also includes an elastomeric portion associated with the central portion of the attachment layer such that it covers a sufficient portion of the striking surface of the putter head to allow the striking of a golf ball exclusively with the elastomeric portion of the striking surface. Micciche et al. also teach a putter including the putter head adaptor and a snap-on putter head adaptor for providing an elastomeric striking surface to a putter head. The putter head adaptor can be employed to adapt an existing putter to provide it with an elastomeric striking surface and it can be removed and exchanged in order to adapt the putter to the prevailing playing conditions. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,718,644 to Donofrio teaches an insert member for a golf putter. One face of the insert is adapted to fittingly engage the putting face of a head of the golf putter. The other face of the insert, which engages the golf ball, comprises a regular, elongated, curved surface such as an arc section of a cylinder. The elongated curved surface is longitudinally positioned in alignment with a longitudinal axis of the putter head and is preferably of a dimension and position for putting engagement with a golf ball below the equator of the ball. The insert is comprised of titanium, titanium alloy, anodized aluminum, or high strength plastic. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,155,934 to Pinns teaches a putter. In one form, the club has a head with a ground engaging surface and a ball striking surface and an elongate shaft which is connected to the head. The ball striking surface extends upwardly from the ground engaging surface a predetermined distance that is no more than 0.8 inches (20.3 mm). 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,270,423 to Webb teaches a golf club head with interchangeable pads or inserts, each of which is composed of material having a different density. The mounting face detachably anchors or holds the selected pad or insert in place by screws, clips, adhesive or the like. Guides are provided on the club head for aligning the pad or insert with the mounting face. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,340,336 to Loconte teaches a putter head for a golf club designed to strike the upper portion only of a golf ball. The club face has an upper vertical face and a lower face constructed at such an angle away from the golf ball so as to prevent contact with the lower part of the golf ball. Additionally, the shaft connects to the club head on the side of the club head for right or left handed golfers. Alternatively, the shaft connects intermediate of the club head having grooves therein for insertion of weights onto the upper leading and trailing edges of the putter head for balancing the putter head. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,450,894 to Sun et al. teaches a golf putter head having a central portion made of a relatively light weight material such as a light alloy of extruded aluminum or extruded plastic alloy. The central portion can be extruded. The face plate can be formed from a light polymer or rubber material. The toe and heel portions of the head are separately formed of a relatively heavy material such as sintered tungsten or tungsten copper. The toe and heel portions are similar to each other and are attached to the central portion by means of pins as well as screws which engage threads formed in the central portion. Employing a central portion which is much lighter in weight than the end portions provides an anti-twisting motion of inertia to the club head. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,464,598 to Miller teaches a golf club with a wedge face, a rounded sole, and a putting face located along a blade area between the wedge face and a front portion of the rounded sole. The putting face is located at a height above the crown of the rounded sole so that the putting face strikes a golf ball above the equator of the ball to impart top spin when putting. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,517,450 to Klyve teaches a golf club of the putter type, with a club head with a level, vertical or largely vertically positioned strike area. The strike area is arranged as a lengthwise extended tension bar, which is clamped to two fastening clamps at the opposite ends of the club head. The tension bar has, in an area between the two opposite end parts, a main part which extends freely over a hollow in the club head. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,520,865 to Fioretti teaches a golf putter which has a vertical arcuate striking face wherein the height of the striking face is at least as high as the diameter of a golf ball. The arcuate face is preferably in the shape of the contour of a golf ball. The putter head has a top surface with a top face edge, a bottom surface with a bottom face edge, rear and opposing edge faces and a vertical arcuate striking face extending from the bottom face edge to the top face edge so that the top face edge overhangs the bottom face edge. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,524,193 to Devore teaches a golf putter head which has a cylindrical body with a defined flat face on top. The body is made up of an outer shell of an aluminum alloy and an inner core of brass. The head has a groove across the flat face of the top and at its center, with indicator material carried in the groove for alignment purposes. The head is sized so that the convex surface of the cylindrical body, at its widest point, will strike a golf ball at its corresponding widest point. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,533,678 to Johnson teaches a golf putter that has an interchangeable striking face, while maintaining the same head, shaft and grip. The various striking faces are made of different materials with different rebound characteristics. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,554,721 to Woodward et al. teaches a golf club head comprising a main body that defines a front face. The front face includes projections extending from the front face. The ends of the projections define a plurality of individual contact surfaces for striking a golf ball. The projections prevent a golf ball from contacting the front face thereby resulting in a change of the golf ball general contact area. 
   U.S. Design Pat. No. D396257 to Spano teaches an ornamental design for a golf club head. It is not clear from the drawings how the club is used. 
   The physics of the putter contact area with the golf ball is important in the development of a golf putter. It is germane to this description to review the physics of the putter contact area with the golf ball. The typical force of impact during putting results in little or no deformation of the ball in contrast to the impact imparted by other golf clubs, especially the driver. Therefore, the contact area results in minimal deformation of the ball. The contact is limited to the surface of the golf ball and does not progress to the base of the golf ball&#39;s dimples. The striking face of the putter whether curved or perfectly straight makes less than 0.125 in 2  (80.6 mm 2 ) of contact with the spherical golf ball. The geometry of the contact area is circular whether created with a flat or curved, putter face. It would be coincidental if the area contacted by the blade of the ball symmetrically surrounded any single dimple to produce an even surface of contact. The usual contact area is varied and is rarely symmetrical. The perfect circular contact area would allow the resultant direction to be along any of the 360°. The asymmetrical contact area also possibly has a resultant angular direction force depending upon how the blade contacted the irregular surface of the golf ball. 
   While the related art describes alternative ways to address improving putter performance, there is still a need for a superior solution. 
   OBJECTS 
   Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved putter. It is further an object of the present invention to provide a putter with a geometry such that the contact area between the putter and the ball at impact is linear and essentially horizontal. It is further an object of the present invention to provide a putter which determines the contact point with the ball, the angle of approach, and the swing arc of the player and optimum roll of the bail. These and other objects will become increasingly apparent by reference to the following description and the drawings. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention provides a golf putter having a shaft with a grip at a proximal end and a head at a distal end of the shaft for contacting a golf ball on the ground during putting of the golf ball, the improvement in the head which comprises: an elongate flat blade having opposed ends (toe and heel edges), with a top side and a bottom side, and a first linear edge (front edge) extending therebetween, wherein the top side of the blade is mounted on the distal end of the shaft and the first linear edge (front edge) acts as a striking face for the golf ball and strikes the golf ball in an essentially linear contact area horizontal to the ground. 
   In further embodiments, the head of the previous embodiment is configured to optimally align the putter face to the ball along a horizontal central axis of the ball. In still further embodiments, the striking face is sharp, pointed, flat, or curved. In still further embodiments a single groove extends along a length of the striking face. In still further embodiments the striking face is curved with a radius of curvature less than a radius of the golf ball. In still further embodiments the striking face is capable of striking the golf ball at, above, or below a median of the golf ball. 
   The present invention further provides a golf putter having a shaft with a grip at a proximal end and a head at a distal end of the shaft for contacting a golf ball on the ground during putting of the golf ball, the improvement in the head which comprises: an elongate flat blade having opposed ends (toe and heel edges), with a top side and a bottom side, and a first linear edge (front edge) extending therebetween, wherein the top side of the blade is mounted on the distal end of the shaft and the first linear edge (front edge) acts as a striking face for the golf ball and strikes the golf ball in an essentially linear contact area horizontal to the ground; and a runner provided on the bottom side of the blade wherein during putting, the runner acts to space the bottom side of the blade from the ground. In some embodiments the runner extends between the first linear edge and a second linear edge (back edge), and is convexly rounded between the linear edges. In further embodiments, a bottom of the head is convexly rounded between the ends of the blade. In still further embodiments, the weights of any of the previous embodiments are variously mounted on the head which act to stabilize the head during putting. The weights can vary to change the center of gravity of the putter for a particular individual. In still further embodiments, the bottom of the head of any of the previous embodiments is provided with a convexly rounded semicircular or ovate protrusion from the blade as the runner. In still further embodiments, the head of any of the previous embodiments is metal or other suitable material. In still further embodiments, the blade of any of the previous embodiments is metal and with a non-metal on the sides of the blade. In still further embodiments the shaft of the putter is mounted on the top side of the blade. In still further embodiments, the shaft of the putter in of any of the previous embodiments is mounted on the top side of the blade adjacent to the point on the first linear edge (front edge) where the edge strikes the golf ball. In other embodiments it can be mounted anywhere on the horizontal blade which strikes the ball without any interpositioned material which modifies the striking face. In still further embodiments, the striking face of any of the previous embodiments is preferably less than about 0.25 inch (6.4 mm) thick between the sides defining the linear edge. In still further embodiments, the head of any of the previous embodiments is configured to optimally align the putter face to the ball along a horizontal central axis of the ball. In still further embodiments, the striking face of any of the previous embodiments is sharp, pointed, flat, or curved. In still further embodiments a single groove extends along a length of the striking face. In still further embodiments the striking face is curved with a radius of curvature less than a radius of the golf ball. In still further embodiments the striking face is capable of striking the golf ball at, above, or below a median of the golf ball. 
   The present invention further provides a modular putter head for attachment to a head of an existing putter which comprises an elongate flat blade with a first linear edge (front edge) extending between ends of the blade and top and bottom sides of the blade, and forming a striking face for a golf ball, which during putting strikes the ball in an essentially linear, horizontal line of contact, and with a second linear edge parallel to the first linear edge and extending between the ends of the blade; and an attachment means for securing the blade to the head of the putter. The runner can be modular as well so as to be replaceable to accommodate individual golfer&#39;s stroke. In further embodiments of the modular putter head, a bottom of the sides of the putter head provides a runner which is adjacent to the ground and a top of the sides is attached to the shaft. There does not need to be a runner. If there is a runner it can be as fins which are as fins for instance on the underside of the putter in the direction of the put to promote a straight strike. In further embodiments of the modular putter head the runner is narrow and convexly curved, so that in use the runner minimizes skidding against the ground. 
   The present invention further provides a method of training a golfer to perfect a stroke for putting a golf ball which comprises gripping a golf putter having a shaft with a grip at a proximal end and a head for contacting the ball during putting at a distal end of the shaft, for putting a golf ball, the improvement in the head which comprises an elongate flat blade with a first linear edge (front edge) as a striking face for the golf ball between ends of the blade and parallel sides of the blade, which edge during putting strikes the ball in an essentially linear horizontal line of contact, and with a second linear edge parallel to the first edge between the ends of the blade, and stroking the ball repeatedly with the putter in order to perfect the stroke for putting of the golf ball. In some embodiments of the method, a bottom of the sides (bottom side) provides a runner which is adjacent to the ground and a top of the sides (top side) is attached to the shaft. 
   The present invention further provides a golf putter for fitting to an individual golf stroke comprising a shaft with a proximal end and a distal end; an attachment means for pivotably attaching a putter head to the distal end of the shaft; an elongate flat blade having opposed ends and a top side and a bottom side, and pivotably attached on the top side to the attachment means allowing for selection of a desired angle of the blade relative to the shaft; one or more weights removably connected to the elongate flat blade; and an adjustable runner having a height and attached to the bottom side of the elongate flat blade. In further embodiments the weights are attached to the opposed ends of the blade. 
   The present invention further provides a method of fitting a golf putter to an individual golf stroke of a person which comprises the steps of providing a golf putter to a person comprising a shaft with a proximal end and a distal end, an attachment means for pivotably attaching a putter head to the distal end of the shaft, an elongate flat blade having opposed ends and a top side and a bottom side and pivotably attached on the top side to the attachment means allowing for selection of a desired angle of the blade relative to the shaft, one or more weights removably connected to the elongate flat blade, and an adjustable runner having a height and attached to the bottom side of the elongate flat blade; determining the golf stroke of the person; adjusting a runner height to the golf stroke of the person; weighting the putter with the one or more weights to set a center of mass of the head to a point behind a contact area of the blade with a golf ball, particular to the golf stroke of the person; pivoting the shaft with respect to the elongate flat blade at a pivot angle to allow the blade to remain parallel to the ground for the particular golf stroke of the person; and measuring the runner height, the one or more weights, and the desired angle for the purpose of fitting the putter to the particular golf stroke of the person. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of an elongate flat blade golf putter  10  according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates affront view of the head  15  of the golf putter  10  of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a heel view of the golf putter head  15  of  FIG. 2 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a top view of the golf putter head  15  of  FIG. 2 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a bottom view of the golf putter head  15  of  FIG. 2 . 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a cross-section view of the golf putter head  15  of  FIG. 2  taken along the line  6 - 6  of  FIG. 2 . 
       FIG. 7A  illustrates a heel view of the golf putter head  15  of  FIG. 2  in contact with a golf ball  20 . 
       FIG. 7B  illustrates a heel view of the golf putter head  15  of  FIG. 2  in off-center contact with a golf ball  20 . 
       FIG. 7C  illustrates a heel view of the golf putter head  15  of  FIG. 2  in downward angle of approach to a golf ball  20 . 
       FIG. 7D  illustrates a heel view of the golf putter head  15  of  FIG. 2  in upward angle of approach to a golf ball  20 . 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a golf ball  20  showing the contact area  24  resulting from contact with a putter head  15  according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 8A  illustrates a closer view of the designated region in  FIG. 8 . 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a front view of a golf putter  10  of  FIG. 2  showing the contact area  26  resulting from contact with the golf ball  20  of  FIG. 8 . 
       FIG. 9A  illustrates a closer view of the designated region in  FIG. 9 . 
       FIG. 9B  illustrates a front view of the head  85  of an embodiment of an elongate flat blade golf putter  10  according to the present invention with a grooved blade  86 . 
       FIG. 9C  illustrates a heel view of the golf putter head  85  of  FIG. 9B . 
       FIG. 9D  illustrates a cross-section view of the golf putter head  85  of  FIG. 9B  taken along the line  9 D- 9 D of  FIG. 9B . 
       FIG. 10  illustrates a front view of another embodiment of a golf putter head  32  according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 11  illustrates a heel view of the golf putter head  32  of  FIG. 10 . 
       FIG. 12  illustrates a top view of the golf putter head  32  of  FIG. 10 . 
       FIG. 13  illustrates a front view of a further embodiment of a golf putter head  44  according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 14  illustrates a heel view of the golf putter head  44  of  FIG. 13 . 
       FIG. 15  illustrates a top view of a golf putter head  44  of  FIG. 13 . 
       FIG. 16  illustrates a bottom view of a golf putter head  44  of  FIG. 13 . 
       FIG. 17  illustrates a front view of still a further embodiment of a golf putter head  51  according to the present invention with a unitary head. 
       FIG. 18  illustrates a toe view of the golf putter head  51  of  FIG. 17 . 
       FIG. 19  illustrates a top view of the golf putter head  51  of  FIG. 17 . 
       FIG. 20  illustrates a cross-section view of the golf putter head  51  of  FIG. 17  taken along the line  20 - 20  of  FIG. 17 . 
       FIG. 21  illustrates a front view of still a further embodiment of a golf putter head  61  according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 22  illustrates a heel view of the golf putter head  61  of  FIG. 21 . 
       FIG. 23  illustrates a top view of the golf putter head  61  of  FIG. 21 . 
       FIG. 24  illustrates a cross-section view of the golf putter head  61  of  FIG. 21  taken along the line  24 - 24  of  FIG. 21 . 
       FIG. 25A  illustrates a heel view of still a further embodiment of a golf putter head  75  according to the present invention with a sharp blade edge  76 A which is sharp at the top. 
       FIG. 25B  illustrates a heel view of still a further embodiment of a golf putter head  75  according to the present invention with a sharp blade edge  76 A which is sharp in the center. 
       FIG. 25C  illustrates a heel view of still a further embodiment of a golf putter head  75  according to the present invention with a sharp blade edge  76 A which is sharp at the bottom. 
       FIG. 26  illustrates an embodiment of a golf putter head  93  according to the present invention with an adjustable blade  96  and convexly rounded runner  98 . 
       FIG. 27  illustrates a toe view of the golf putter head  93  of  FIG. 26  with an adjustable blade  96  and convexly rounded runner  98 . 
       FIG. 28  illustrates a back view of the golf putter head  93  of  FIG. 26  with an adjustable blade  96  and convexly rounded runner  98 . 
       FIG. 29  illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a golf putter head  93  with an adjustable, pivoting shaft  112  according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 30  illustrates a cross-section view of the golf putter head  93  of  FIG. 29  taken along the line  30 - 30  of  FIG. 29 . 
       FIG. 31  illustrates a cross-section view of the golf putter head  93  of  FIG. 29  taken along the line  31 - 31  of  FIG. 29 . 
       FIG. 32  is another embodiment showing a cross-section view of the golf putter head  93  of  FIG. 29  taken along the line  31 - 31  of  FIG. 29  with a ball  114  with teeth. 
       FIG. 33  is a front view of a golf putter head showing sharp runners  218  perpendicular to the face of the putter. 
       FIG. 34  is a heel view of a golf putter of  FIG. 33  showing one of the sharp runners  218 . 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   All patents, patent applications, government publications, government regulations, and literature references cited in this specification are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. In case of conflict, the present description, including definitions, will control. Definitions for the following terms are provided to promote a further understanding of the present invention. 
   The term “contact area” is the area on either the blade or the ball where there is contact between the ball and the putter blade. 
   The term “proximal” refers to the side near the golfer. 
   The term “distal” refers to the side away from the golfer. 
   The term “front” refers to the side of the putter head used as a striking face which contacts the golf ball. 
   The term “toe” refers to the side (end) of the putter head which is away from the golfer when putting. 
   The term “heel” refers to the side (end) of the putter head which is near the golfer when putting. 
     FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a golf putter  10  according to the present invention. The golf putter  10  includes a shaft  12  with a proximal end  12 A and a distal end  12 B, and a head  15  mounted on the distal end  12 B of the shaft  12 . In one embodiment, the shaft  12  is straight and constructed of chrome plated, connected, concentric steel cylinders  12 C as shown in  FIG. 1 . Adjacent concentric steel cylinders  12 C narrowing in radius from the proximal end  12 A towards the distal end  12 B of shaft  12 , thereby creating a shaft  12  which tapers down from the proximal end  12 A to the distal end  12 B of the shaft  12 . The resulting outward appearance of the shaft  12 , is of smooth cylinders  12 C which have smooth narrowing steps  12 D at the distal ends of each steel cylinder  12 C. In other embodiments, the shaft  12  is a single-piece smoothly tapered stainless steel, graphite or any other suitable material. Further embodiments of the shaft  12  can be any shaft design known in the art. In some embodiments, the shaft  12  can be straight from the proximal end  12 A of shaft  12  to within approximately 5.0 inches (127 mm) or fewer above the distal end  12 B of the shaft  12 . 
   A grip  14  is located at the proximal end of the shaft  12  which allows a golf player to maintain a firm hold on the club. The grip  14  material is constructed of a wrapped leather strip, and has a circular cross section of approximately 1.75 inches (44.5 mm) or less when applied to the shaft  12 . The resulting grip  14  has a slightly indented spiral  13  upward towards the proximal end  12 A of shaft  12 , where a small rubber cap  17  is inserted. In other embodiments, the grip  14  is constructed of rubber and has a non-circular cross-section without bulges or waists. In further embodiments, the grip  14  can have a continuous, straight, slightly raised rib along the full length of the grip  14 . In further still embodiments, the putter  10  will have two grips  14  circular in cross-section, with both grips coaxial with the shaft  12 , separated by at least approximately 1.5 inches (38 mm). However, any legal grip  14  known in the art can be used which fits the proximal end  12 A of the shaft  12 . 
   The head  15  includes an elongate flat blade  16  and a runner  18 . The elongate flat blade  16  includes a first linear edge as a front edge  16 A, and a second linear edge as a back edge  16 B, a toe edge  16 C, a heel edge  16 D, a top side  16 E, and a bottom side  16 F. The top side  16 E and bottom side  16 F are parallel sides of the blade. A runner  18  is attached to the bottom side  16 F of the blade  16 . The runner has an inner surface  18 A, an outer surface  18 B, a front end  18 C, and a back end  18 D. The front edge  16 A of the blade  16  is the striking face for contacting the golf ball  20  between the ends defined by toe edge  16 C and heel edge  16 D, and the parallel sides of the top side  16 E and bottom side  16 F. The distal end  12 B of shaft  12  is attached to the top side  16 E of blade  16  such that the projection of the shaft  12  onto the vertical plane through the front edge  16 A of the blade  16  is 10° or more. In further embodiments, the shaft  12  is attached to the blade  16  such that the projection of the shaft  12  upon a vertical plane through the toe edge  16 C of the blade  16  is 20° or less. The elongate flat blade  16  is attached to the distal end  12 B of the shaft  12  near front edge  16 A at the center of the length of front edge  16 A between toe edge  16 C and heel edge  16 D. The distal end  12 B of shaft  12  is attached to the blade  16  at or near the area of anticipated contact of the blade  16  to the ball. In other embodiments, the shaft  12  is attached to the top side  16 E of the blade  16  through a single plain neck or socket. The length along the neck or socket axis in these embodiments, following any bends, is approximately 5.0 inches (127 mm) or less. The overall length of the putter  10  from proximal end  12 A of the shaft  12  to the outer surface  18 B of runner  18  is at least approximately 18 inches (457 mm). 
     FIGS. 2-5  show the putter head  15  from various views. Putter head  15  comprises a blade  16  and a runner  18 .  FIG. 2  illustrates a front view of the golf putter head  15  of this embodiment. Elongate flat blade  16  is a thin horizontal rectangle with distance from heel edge  16 D to toe edge  16 C (length) approximately twice the distance from front edge  16 A to back edge  16 B (width). The dimension ratios can vary, however the length is greater than the width by U.S.G.A. rules. The front edge  16 A of blade  16  is the striking face which contacts the golf ball  20 . A top side  16 E of the elongate flat blade  16  is attached to the distal end  12 B of shaft  12 . Upon the opposite face of the blade  16  is the bottom face  16 F. A runner  18  with a semi-circular cross section ( FIG. 6 ) is attached to the bottom side of the blade  16 , with the front end  18 C and back end  18 D of the runner  18  directed lengthwise along the blade  16  parallel to front edge  16 A. The outer surface  18 B of runner  18  keeps the blade  16  the proper distance from the putting surface, and allows for a smooth swinging movement during the stroke. 
     FIG. 3  illustrates a heel view of the golf putter head, and shows distal end  12 B of shaft  12  attached to face  16 E near front edge  16 A. Heel edge  16 D of blade  16  is shown in foreground. Outer surface  18 B and inner surface  18 A of hollow right cylindrical segment runner  18  are shown along the axis of runner  18 .  FIG. 4  illustrates a top view of the golf putter head with the distal end  12 B of shaft  12  attached to the top side  16 E of the blade  16 , centrally located along the length along front edge  16 A and near to front edge  16 A along the width of blade  16 . A sighting line  19  is marked along the top side  16 E intersecting the front edge  16 A and parallel to the toe edge  16 C.  FIG. 5  illustrates a bottom view of the golf putter head with the runner  18  attached to the bottom side of the elongate flat blade  16 .  FIG. 6  is a cross-section of the distal end of shaft  12  and head  15  along the plane indicated by  6 - 6  in  FIG. 2 . The hollow shaft  12  appears oval because of the angle made between the projection of the club shaft  12  upon the vertical plane. The bottom side  16 F of plate  16  is shown attached to the front end  18 C and back end  18 D of runner  18 . Front end  18 C and back end  18 D are attached forming lines parallel to front edge  16 A. 
   The contact area  24  on the ball  20  and contact area  26  on the blade are small.  FIG. 8A  illustrates the contact area  24  upon the golf ball  20  made by striking the ball  20  with the elongate flat blade  16  covered with a powder  28 . The contact area  24  is estimated by the powder  28  transferred from front edge  16 A of blade  16  onto the golf ball  20  after the ball  20  has been struck with a powder coated front edge  16 A of blade  16  as shown in  FIG. 9 .  FIG. 9A  illustrates the corresponding contact area  26  upon the elongate flat blade  16  after contacting the golf ball  20  of  FIG. 8 . The contact area  26  can be seen where the powder  28  has been removed from the front edge  16 A of blade  16 . The front edge  16 A of the blade  16  was sprayed with a fine powder  28 . The powder  28  adhered to the front edge  16 A of the steel blade  16 , but was easily removed by contact. A surface of a golf ball  20  coming into contact with the powder  28  was coated with the powder  28  at the contact area  24  with the front edge  16 A of blade  16 . The powder  28  coated putter head  15  was then used upon a golf green to strike a golf ball  20 . The golf ball  20  was then examined to see the contact area  24  left upon the ball  20 . This contact area  24  represented the area of the ball  20  which strikes the front blade  16 A of the blade  16 . 
   The contact area  24  was compared to the contact area (not shown) created by striking a ball with a traditional putter. The contact area  24  on the ball  20  from the front edge  16 A of the elongate flat blade  16  had notable differences to the contact areas of a traditional putter. The contact area  24  on the golf ball  20  and contact area  26  on the blade  16  are both linear with a narrow width, and are also horizontal in orientation. Additionally, the contact area  24  on the ball  20  usually spanned the dimple  22  diameter on the golf ball  20  without entering the dimple  22  concavity, so that direction of roll is not influenced by the dimple  22  concavity. 
     FIGS. 9B ,  9 C, and  9 D is a further embodiment of the putter head  85  of the present invention further comprising a groove  89  in the front edge  16 A of blade  16 .  FIG. 9B  shows the putter head  85  from a front view, showing the groove  89  in the front edge  86 A of blade  86 . Groove  89  runs horizontally across the center line of front edge  86 A of the blade  86 . Groove  89  is approximately 0.06 inches (1.5 mm) wide and approximately 0.04 inches (1.0 mm) deep and extends from wheel edge  86 D to toe edge  86 C.  FIG. 9D  illustrates a cross-section along the line  9 D- 9 D of  FIG. 9B  showing the groove  89  with these dimensions. In further embodiments, the front edge  86 A is flat and not convex. 
   The head  85  includes an elongate flat blade  86  and a runner  88 . The elongate flat blade  86  includes a first linear edge as a front edge  86 A, and a second linear edge as a back edge  86 B, a toe edge  86 C, a heel edge  86 D, a top side  86 E, and a bottom side  86 F. The top side  86 E and bottom side  86 F are parallel sides of the blade. A runner  88  is attached to the bottom side  86 F of the blade  86 . The runner has an inner surface  88 A, an outer surface  88 B, a front end  88 C, and a back end  88 D. The front edge  86 A of the blade  86  is the striking face for contacting the golf ball  20  between the ends defined by toe edge  86 C and heel edge  86 D, and the parallel sides of the top side  86 E and bottom side  86 F. The distal end  12 B of shaft  12  is attached to the top side  86 E of blade  86  such that the projection of the shaft  12  onto the vertical plane through the front edge  86 A of the blade  86  is 10° or more. In further embodiments, the shaft  12  is attached to the blade  86  such that the projection of the shaft  12  upon a vertical plane through the toe edge  86 C of the blade  86  is 20° or less. The elongate flat blade  86  is attached to the distal end  12 B of the shaft  12  near front edge  86 A at the center of the length of front edge  86 A between toe edge  86 C and heel edge  86 D. The distal end  12 B of shaft  12  is attached to the blade  86  at or near the area of anticipated contact of the blade  86  to the ball. In other embodiments, the shaft  12  is attached to the top side  86 E of the blade  86  through a single plain neck or socket. The length along the neck or socket axis in these embodiments, following any bends, is approximately 5.0 inches (127 mm) or less. The overall length of the putter  10  from proximal end  12 A of the shaft  12  to the outer surface  88 B of runner  88  is at least approximately 18 inches (457 mm). Elongate flat blade  86  is a thin horizontal rectangle with distance from heel edge  86 D to toe edge  86 C (length) approximately twice the distance from front edge  86 A to back edge  86 B (width). The dimension ratios can vary, however the length is greater than the width by U.S.G.A. rules. The front edge  86 A of blade  86  is the striking face which contacts the golf ball  20 . A top side  86 E of the elongate flat blade  86  is attached to the distal end  12 B of shaft  12 . Upon the opposite face of the blade  86  is the bottom face  86 F. A runner  88  with a semi-circular cross section ( FIG. 9D ) is attached to the bottom side of the blade  86 , with the front end  88 C and back end  88 D of the runner  88  directed lengthwise along the blade  86  parallel to front edge  86 A. The outer surface  88 B of runner  88  keeps the blade  86  the proper distance from the putting surface, and allows for a smooth swinging movement during the stroke.  FIG. 9C  illustrates a heel view of the golf putter head, and shows distal end  12 B of shaft  12  attached to face  86 E near front edge  86 A. Heel edge  86 D of blade  86  is shown in foreground. Outer surface  88 B and inner surface  88 A of hollow right cylindrical segment runner  88  are shown along the axis of runner  88 . 
     FIGS. 10-12  show another embodiment of the golf putter head  32  from various views. Body  34  is a solid horizontal rectangular block with front side  36 A, back side  36 B, toe side  36 C, heel side  36 D, top side  36 E, and bottom side  36 F. An elongate flat blade  36 , with a front side  36 A, back side  36 B, toe side  36 C, heel side  36 D, top side  36 E, and bottom side  36 F is encased within the body  34  of the putter head  32 . The elongate flat blade extends from the body  34  at a first linear edge (front edge  36 A), and a second linear edge (back edge  36 B). The toe to heel length of side  34 A is longer than the length of front edge  36 A of blade  36 . Front edge  36 A and a portion of top side  36 E of elongate flat blade  36  extend forward from the body  34  from the front side  34 A. Likewise, back edge  36 B and a short back portion of elongate flat blade  36  extends from the body  34  from back face  34 B. The distal end  12 B of shaft  12  penetrates the top surface  34 E of body  34  through hole  34 G, and attaches to the top side  36 E of blade  36 .  FIG. 11  illustrates a heel view of the golf putter head  32  of the golf putter head of  FIG. 10 , showing a cut away to illustrate the shaft  12  attachment to the blade  16 . Distal end  12 B of shaft  12  penetrates the top side  34 E of body  34 . The front edge  36 A and back edge  36 B of blade  36  extends from sides  34 A and  34 B of body  34 .  FIG. 12  illustrates a top view of the golf putter head  32  of  FIG. 10 , showing a sighting line  39  which is marked along the top side  34 E of body  34  intersecting the center of front edge  34 A and parallel to the toe edge  34 C. The front sighting line  39 A is an extension of the sighting line  39  projected onto blade  36  on the front portion of the top side  36 E. Likewise the back sighting line  39 B is an extension of the sighting line  39  projected onto blade  36  on the back portion of the top side  36 E. 
     FIGS. 13-16  illustrate a further embodiment of the present invention, which includes weights which allow the club to be weighted for a particular golf swing. The head  44  includes an elongate flat blade  46  and a runner  48 . The elongate flat blade  46  includes a first linear edge as a front edge  46 A, and a second linear edge as a back edge  46 B, a toe edge  46 C, a heel edge  46 D, a top side  46 E, and a bottom side  46 F. The top side  46 E and bottom side  46 F are parallel sides of the blade. A runner  48  is attached to the bottom side  46 F of the blade  46 . The runner has an inner surface  48 A, an outer surface  48 B, a front end  48 C, and a back end  48 D. The front edge  46 A of the blade  46  is the striking face for contacting the golf ball  20  between the ends defined by toe edge  46 C and heel edge  46 D, and the parallel sides of the top side  46 E and bottom side  46 F. The distal end  12 B of shaft  12  is attached to the top side  46 E of blade  46  such that the projection of the shaft  12  onto the vertical plane through the front edge  46 A of the blade  46  is 10° or more. In further embodiments, the shaft  12  is attached to the blade  46  such that the projection of the shaft  12  upon a vertical plane through the toe edge  46 C of the blade  46  is 20° or less. The elongate flat blade  46  is attached to the distal end  12 B of the shaft  12  near front edge  46 A at the center of the length of front edge  46 A between toe edge  46 C and heel edge  46 D. The distal end  12 B of shaft  12  is attached to the blade  46  at or near the area of anticipated contact of the blade  46  to the ball  20 . In other embodiments, the shaft  12  is attached to the top side  46 E of the blade  46  through a single plain neck or socket. The length along the neck or socket axis in these embodiments, following any bends, is approximately 5.0 inches (127 mm) or less. The dimensions may vary. The overall length of the putter  10  from proximal end  12 A of the shaft  12  to the outer surface  48 B of runner  48  is at least approximately 18 inches (457 mm). 
   The putter head  15  comprises a blade  46  and a runner  48 . Elongate flat blade  46  is a thin horizontal rectangle with distance from heel edge  46 D to toe edge  46 C (length) approximately twice the distance from front edge  46 A to back edge  46 B (width). The dimensions can vary, however the length is greater than the width by U.S.G.A. rules. The front edge  46 A of blade  46  is the striking face which contacts the golf ball  20 . A top side  46 E of the elongate flat blade  46  is attached to the distal end  12 B of shaft  12 . Upon the opposite face of the blade  46  is the bottom face  46 F. A runner  48  with a semi-circular cross section is attached to the bottom side  46 F of the blade  46 , with the front end  48 C and back end  48 D of the runner  48  directed lengthwise along the blade  46  parallel to front edge  46 A. The runner  48  is attached to the bottom side  46 F of the blade  46  by means of a weld, screw, or any other means known in the art. The outer surface  48 B of runner  48  keeps the blade  46  the proper distance from the putting surface, and allows for a smooth swinging movement during the stroke. In other embodiments, the runner  48  is a hemisphere. In further embodiments, the runner  48  is thin to avoid scuffing upon the ground. The runner can be of any shape which keeps blade  46  at a height above the ground. 
   The toe edge  46 C and heel edge  46 D are curved inward at the center of the edge and accept the attachment of toe weight  47  and heel weight  49 , respectively. Toe weight  47  and heel weight  49  can be independently varied in mass to fit the swing of the individual golfer. This adjusts the center of gravity up and down. This is important when fitting the club to the golfer&#39;s individual swing to derive the best possible putt. Toe weight  47  and heel weight  49  can be made of any dense material to balance the club swing. Toe weight  47 , curves outward at the attachment edge  47 A to closely fit to the toe edge  46 C of blade  46 . The outward edge  47 B of toe weight  47  curves smoothly outward from toe edge  46 C. The top surface  47 C of toe weight  47  bulges upward convexly, while the bottom surface  47 D bulges downward convexly. This gives a smooth aesthetic appearance, while allowing for a larger volume and therefore increased mass for the toe weight  47 . Likewise, in a symmetrical manner, heel weight  49  curves outward at the attachment edge  49 A to closely fit to the heel edge  46 D of blade  46 . The outward edge  49 B of heel weight  49  curves smoothly outward from heel edge  46 D. The top surface  49 C of heel weight  49  bulges upward convexly, while the bottom surface  49 D bulges downward convexly. This gives a smooth aesthetic appearance, while allowing for a larger volume and therefore increased mass for the heel weight  49 . The toe weight  47  and heel weight  49  are thereby symmetrical with respect to the center of mass of the blade  16 . Addition of toe weight  47  and heel weight  49  of different masses allows a user to adjust the center of mass of the complete putter head  44 . Therefore, the center of mass of the putter head  44  can be adjusted to fall behind any point for contacting golf ball  20  along front edge  46 A which is preferred by the user. In further embodiments, the runner  48  weight can be varied to further shift the center of mass. This can be accomplished by modifying the shape of the runner  48 , or the material of which the runner  48  is constructed. 
     FIGS. 17-20  show still a further embodiment of the present invention from various views.  FIG. 17  illustrates a front view of the golf putter head  51  of this embodiment. The head  51  of the golf putter  10  has a unitary body  52  section attached to a runner  58 . The unitary body  52  section includes an arching top  53  contiguous with an elongate flat blade  54  bottom. The arching top  53  is a cylindrical section which arches upward with an axis (not shown) running front to back along club head  51 , having a toe edge  53 C, heel edge  53 D, top side  53 E, and bottom side  53 F. The elongate flat blade  54  having a first linear edge (front edge  54 A), a second linear edge (back edge  54 B), toe edge  54 C, heel edge  54 D, top side  54 E, and bottom side  54 F. The toe edge  53 C and heel edge  53 D of the arching top  53  are contiguous with the toe edge  54 C and heel edge  54 D, respectively, of blade  54 . Toe bracket  55 A attaches the bottom side  53 F of the arching top  53  of the body  52  to the top side  54 E of the blade  54 . Heel bracket  55 B attaches the bottom side  53 F of arching top  53  of body  52  to the top side  54 E of blade  54 . The distal end  12 B of shaft  12  penetrates arching top  53  and is attached to the top side  54 E of the elongate flat blade  54  of unitary body  52 . 
   The shaft  12  penetrates, but does not contact, arching top  53  and is attached to the top side  54 E of the blade  54  such that the projection of the shaft onto the vertical plane through the front edge  54 A of the blade  54  is approximately 10° or more from the vertical. The shaft  12  penetrates the arching top  53  and is attached to the blade  54  such that the projection of the shaft  12  upon the vertical plane through the toe edge  54 C of the blade  54  is 20° or less from vertical.  FIG. 19  illustrates a top view of the golf putter head. A sighting line  59  is marked along the apex of the top side  53 E of the arching top  53  of body  52  intersecting the front edge  53 A and parallel to the toe edge  54 C of blade  54 .  FIG. 20  illustrates a cross-section along the line  20 - 20  of  FIG. 17  showing the distal end  12 B of shaft  12  attached to the elongate flat blade  53 A section of unitary body  52 . The runner  58  is semi-circular in cross section ( FIG. 20 ) attached to the bottom side of the elongate flat blade  54  portion of body  52 . 
     FIGS. 21-23  show still a further embodiment of the present invention from various views. The distal end  12 B of shaft  12  is attached to the elongate flat blade  66 . The elongate flat blade has a first linear edge (front edge)  66 A, and a second linear edge (back edge)  66 B, a toe edge  66 C, a heel edge  66 D, a top side  66 E, and a bottom side  66 F. In this embodiment, the elongate flat blade  66  is formed from a round rod shaped into a continuous rectangular loop. A rectangular hollow region is thus defined by the inner sides  66 G of the blade  66 . The distance from heel edge  66 D to toe edge  66 C (length) is approximately twice the distance from the front edge  66 A to back edge  66 B (width). The dimensions vary, however the length is greater than the width by U.S.G.A. rule. The front edge  66 A of blade  66  is the striking face which contacts the golf ball  20 . A top side  66 E of the front edge  66 A of the elongate flat blade  66  is attached to the distal end  12 B of shaft  12 . Upon the opposite side of the blade  66  is the bottom side  66 F. A body  64  which is roughly ellipsoid in shape attaches along the center of the length of the golf club head  61 , attaching to the inner side  66 G of the blade  66 . A convex runner  68  is connected underneath the body  64  and attaches at front end  68 A to the inner side  66 G of front edge  66 A of the blade  66 . Likewise, the runner  68  attaches at the back end  68 B to the inner surface  66 G of back edge  66 B of blade  66 .  FIG. 22  illustrates a heel view of the golf putter head of  FIG. 21 ; showing the runner  86  under the body  64 .  FIG. 21  illustrates that the runner  68  is narrow in this embodiment.  FIG. 24  illustrates a cross-section along the plane indicated by  24 - 24  of  FIG. 21 . While the rod which forms the blade  66  is shown as solid, it can be hollow in further embodiments. 
     FIGS. 25A-C  show still further embodiments of the present invention from a heel view, which have a sharp front edge  76 A. The head  75  includes an elongate flat blade  76  and a runner  78 . The elongate flat blade  76  includes a first linear edge as a front edge  76 A, and a second linear edge as a back edge  76 B, a toe edge  76 C, a heel edge  76 D, a top side  76 E, and a bottom side  76 F. The elongate flat blade  76  comes to a sharp edge in the middle of the front edge  76 A of the blade  76  in one embodiment ( FIG. 25B ). Further embodiments include a blade which has a sharp edge at the bottom ( FIG. 25C ). In a further embodiment, the front edge  76 A has a sharp edge at the top ( FIG. 25A ). The front edge  76 A is preferably about 15° or less from vertical in each embodiment by rule. The top side  76 E and bottom side  76 F are parallel sides of the blade  76 . A runner  78  is attached to the bottom side  76 F of the blade  76 . The runner  78  has an inner surface  78 A, an outer surface  78 B, a front end  78 C, and a back end  78 D. The front edge  76 A of the blade  76  is the striking face for contacting the golf ball  20  between the ends defined by toe edge  76 C and heel edge  76 D, and the parallel sides of the top side  76 E and bottom side  76 F. The distal end  12 B of shaft  12  is attached to the top side  76 E of blade  76  such that the projection of the shaft  12  onto the vertical plane through the front edge  76 A of the blade  76  is 10° or more. In further embodiments, the shaft  12  is attached to the blade  76  such that the projection of the shaft  12  upon a vertical plane through the toe edge  76 C of the blade  76  is 20° or less. The elongate flat blade  76  is attached to the distal end  12 B of the shaft  12  near front edge  76 A at the center of the length of front edge  76 A between toe edge  76 C and heel edge  76 D. The distal end  12 B of shaft  12  is attached to the blade  76  at or near the area of anticipated contact of the blade  76  to the ball. In other embodiments, the shaft  12  is attached to the top side  76 E of the blade  76  through a single plain neck or socket. The length along the neck or socket axis in these embodiments, following any bends, is approximately 5.0 inches (127 mm) or less. The overall length of the putter  10  from proximal end  12 A of the shaft  12  to the outer surface  78 B of runner  78  is at least approximately 18 inches (457 mm). 
   Elongate flat blade  76  is a thin horizontal rectangle with distance from heel edge  76 D to toe edge  76 C (length) approximately twice the distance from front edge  76 A to back edge  76 B (width). The dimensions can vary, however the length is greater than the width by U.S.G.A. rules. The front edge  76 A of blade  76  is the striking face which contacts the golf ball  20 . A top side  76 E of the elongate flat blade  76  is attached to the distal end  12 B of shaft  12 . Upon the opposite face of the blade  76  is the bottom face  76 F. A runner  78  with a semi-circular cross section is attached to the bottom side of the blade  76 , with the front end  78 C and back end  78 D of the runner  78  directed lengthwise along the blade  76  parallel to front edge  76 A. The outer surface  78 B of runner  78  keeps the blade  76  the proper distance from the putting surface, and allows for a smooth swinging movement during the stroke. This curved surface keeps the blade  76  the proper distance from the putting surface, and allows for a smooth swinging movement during the stroke. The curvature also minimizes scuff as the club swings along the ground. Also, relatively thin blades in the direction of the put can be used as shown in  FIGS. 33 and 34  hereinafter. 
     FIG. 26  illustrates a front view of an embodiment of an elongate flat blade putter  93  of the present invention which is useful for fitting a golf putter to a person having a particular golf stroke. The golf putter  93  includes a shaft  12 , a body  94 , a face plate  95 , and a convexly rounded runner  98 . The body  94  is a solid block having an L-shape with a front side  94 A, back side  94 B, toe side  94 C, heel side  94 D, top side  94 E, and a bottom side  94 F forming an essentially rectangular section, and a flared lower portion  94 G which extends outward from the rectangular section along the bottom side  94 F of the body  94 . The distal end  12 B of the shaft  12  attaches to the top side  94 E of body  94 . The bottom side  94 F of the body  94  has a truncated triangular shape such that the thickness of the body  94  at the toe side  94 C and the heel side  94 D is less than the thickness of a middle portion of the body  94  spaced between the toe and heel side  94 D is less than the thickness of a middle portion of the body  94  spaced between the toe and heel sides  94 C and  94 D. The toe to heel length of the front side  94 A is longer than the length of bottom side  94 F along flared lower portion  94 G of the body  94 . The front side  94 A of the body  94  has a rectangular hollow portion  94 H. 
   The face plate  95  is mounted in the hollow portion  94 H in the front side  94 A of the body  94 . The hollow portion  94 H in the front side  94 A of the body  94  has a shape similar to the shape of the face plate  95 . In one (1) embodiment, the face plate  95  has a rectangular shape with a front side  95 A, a back side  95 B, a toe side  95 C, a heel side  95 D, a top side  95 E, and a bottom side  95 F. The hollow portion  94 H has the same width and height as the back side  95 B of the face plate  95 , and is deep as the front to back width of toe side  95 C, heel side  95 B, top side  95 E, and bottom side  95 F of face plate  95 , so that the face plate  95  can fit snugly and flush within the rectangular hollow portion  94 H in the front side  94 A of body  94 . 
   An elongate flat blade  96  is contiguous with the front side  95 A of the face plate  95 . The elongate flat blade  96  is mounted off center from the vertical centerline  95 G of front side  95 A of face plate  95 . This allows for the face plate  95  to be inserted in the upside down position with the bottom side  95 F adjacent to the top side  94 E of the body  94 , so that the elongate flat blade  96  can be shifted to a higher or lower vertical position. In one (1) embodiment, the face plate  95  is attached to the body  94  by a set of two (2) screws  97  which penetrate the body  94  from the back side  94 B.  FIG. 28  illustrates the back side  94 B of putter body  94 , showing the set of two (2) screws  97 . However, it is understood that the face plate  95  can be attached to the body  94  by any means well known in the art. In another embodiment, the means for attaching the face plate  95  are Allen screws which penetrate the front side  95 A of the face plate  95  into the body  94 . When the face plate  95  is mounted within the hollow portion  94 H in the front side  94 A of the body  94 , the blade  96  extends outward from the front side  94 A of the body  94  in a direction opposite the back side  94 B of the body  94 . The elongate flat blade  96  extends outward horizontally from the front side  95 A of face plate  95  so that the front edge  96 A of the blade  96  is used to strike the golf ball  20 . 
   The convexly rounded runner  98  has a solid semi-spherical shape and is attached by an attachment means to the bottom side  94 F of the body  94  so that the flat side of the convexly rounded runner  98  is adjacent the bottom side  94 F of the body  94 . The convexly rounded runner  98  can be attached to the bottom side  94 F of the body  94  by any means well known in the art. In one (1) embodiment, the convexly rounded runner  98  is attached with a screw  99  centrally penetrating the convexly rounded runner  98  to fasten the convexly rounded runner  98  into the bottom side  94 F of the body  94 . The convexly rounded runner  98  of a width, can thereby be interchanged with a runner of a different width. In further embodiments, an Allen wrench is used to switch the convexly rounded runner  98  from the bottom side  94 F of body  94  with another runner of a different width. An assortment of runners with a range of radii can be attached, which allow the person being fitted to select the runner which has the proper radius for the person&#39;s individual golf stroke. In some embodiments of the runner attachment means could not be fastened or removed with fingers or fingernails, but would require a wrench or similar device for attachment or removal of a convexly rounded runner  98 . 
     FIGS. 29-31  illustrate various views of one (1) embodiment of an attachment means for pivotably attaching an elongate flat blade putter head  93  useful for fitting a golf putter to a person having a particular golf stroke. The attachment means allows for pivoting the axis  112 D of the shaft  112  with respect to the putter body  118  at a pivot angle which allows the body  118  to remain parallel to the ground with the particular golf stroke of a person. The body  118  has a front side  118 A, toe side  118 C, heel side  118 D, top side  118 E, and flared lower portion  118 G. The body is a rectangular block towards the top side  118 E, and flares backward at the flared lower portion  118 G towards the bottom side of the putter head  118 . The distal end  112 B of shaft  112  has inside surface threading  112 C along the shaft axis. A ball  114  with a threaded metal screw extension  114 A is screwed into the inside threading  112 C of distal end  112 B of shaft  112  after first inserting the threaded metal screw extension  114 A through the opening  116 A in a raised central ring  116 B in socket head  116 . The socket head  116  is a smoothed edge rectangular piece which has a raised central ring  116 B designed with an opening  116 A diameter to hold the ball  114  securely in place in a socket depression  118 H in the golf head. The socket head  116  is attached to the top side  118 E of the body  118  by two hexagonal screws  120  penetrating the socket head  116  adjacent to the raised central ring. One of the screws  120  penetrates the socket head  116  towards the toe of the head  118 , and the other screw penetrates the socket head  116  towards the heel of the head  118 . 
   The ball  114  is thereby attached to the top side  118 E of body  118  in socket depression  118 B in the center of top side  118 E, which allows the shaft to freely pivot along the toe to heel, or the front to back axis of the golf putter head away from the vertical.  FIG. 30  illustrates a cross-section view of the golf putter of  FIG. 29  taken along the plane indicated by  30 - 30  of  FIG. 29  showing the inside surface threading  112 C along the shaft axis and the threaded metal screw extension  114 A of the ball  114  screwed into the inside threading  112 C of distal end  112 B of shaft  112 . The  FIG. 31  illustrates a cross-section view of the golf putter of  FIG. 29  taken along the plane indicated by  31 - 31  of  FIG. 29  which shows the completed ball and socket pivoting means. The shaft  112  with the ball  114  attached can be freely rotated with respect to the vertical in both toe to heel and front to back inclinations. The socket head  116  firmly holds the ball  114  and accordingly, the shaft  112  in place against the top side  118 E of the head  118 .  FIG. 32  shows a more permanent mounting so that the putter will hold its position. 
     FIG. 32  illustrates a cross-section view of another embodiment of the golf putter of  FIG. 29  taken along the plane indicated by  31 - 31  of  FIG. 29  which shows the completed ball and socket pivoting means. The shaft  112  with the ball  114  with teeth  118 J can be rotated with respect to the vertical in both toe to heel and front to back inclinations and securely held in a position. The socket head  116  firmly holds the ball  114  with teeth  118 J in place in grooves  118 I within socket depression  118 H in the head  118 . 
     FIGS. 33 and 34  illustrate a front view of another embodiment of a putter head  215  with sharp runners  218  which are semicircular and perpendicular to the bottom side  216 F of the blade  216 . Elongate flat blade  216  is a thin horizontal rectangle with distance from heel edge  216 D to toe edge  216 C (length) approximately twice the distance from front edge  216 A to back edge  216 B (width). The dimension ratios can vary, however the length is greater than the width by U.S.G.A. rules. The front edge  216 A of blade  216  is the striking face which contacts the golf ball  20 . A top side  216 E of the elongate flat blade  216  is attached to the distal end  12 B of shaft  12 . Upon the opposite face of the blade  216  is the bottom side  216 F. Two sharp runners  218  each with a semi-circular cross section are attached to the bottom side of the blade  216  near the toe edge  216 C and heel edge  216 D, with the front end  218 C and back end  218 D of each of the sharp runners  218  attached to the bottom side  216 F of the blade  216 .  FIG. 34  illustrates a heel view of the golf putter head of  FIG. 33  showing one of the sharp runners  218 , and also showing distal end  12 B of shaft  12  attached to face  216 E near front edge  216 A. Heel edge  216 D of blade  216  is shown in foreground. Outermost sharp edge  218 A of one of the sharp runners  218  attached near heel edge  216 D of blade  216  is shown. The outermost sharp edge  218 A of sharp runners  218  keep the blade  216  the proper distance from the putting surface, and allows for a smooth swinging movement during the stroke 
   The putter heads  15 ,  32 ,  44 ,  51 ,  61 ,  75 ,  85 ,  93  and  215  described are of narrow width, while the body can be more conventional in size. The heads  15 ,  32 ,  44 ,  51 ,  61 ,  75 ,  85 ,  93  and  215  have a contact area between the blades  16 ,  36 ,  46 ,  56 ,  66 ,  76 ,  86 ,  96  and  216 , and the golf ball  20  which are linear, and of narrow width. The contact area  24  on the golf ball  20  is horizontal in orientation. Additionally, the contact area  24  on the ball  20  usually spans the dimple  22  diameter. While not wishing to be held to any one theory, the contact area  24  allows the reduction in the release time of the ball from the front and thereby the ball starts rolling in less time. Additionally, the horizontal and linear contact area  24 , geometry can create a dominant resultant direction of the ball to one plane, while with conventional putters the contact area (not shown) is circular which thereby allows for 360° of directional course tracking of the ball. 
   Another aspect of the putter is that the shaft  12  is attached directly to the elongate flat blades  16 ,  36 ,  46 ,  56 ,  66 ,  76 , and  86 , at or near the area of anticipated contact of the blade  16 ,  36 ,  46 ,  56 ,  66 ,  76 ,  86  and  216 , to the ball  20 . This is in contrast to the typical putter which has a connection at some distance from the contact site where it is attached to some part of the body of the putter. This customary connection requires the force of impact to travel through the mass of the club head material prior to entering the shaft of the putter, thus reducing the feel of the contact. The elongate flat blade putter heads  15 ,  32 ,  44 ,  51 ,  61 ,  75 ,  85  and  215  intimate connection to the anticipated site of contact produces faster transmission of force of the impact to the golfer&#39;s hands. This produces an improved “feel” which is an important component of putting proficiency. This feature will be visibly evident on some models of the elongate flat putter by creating a circumferential space between the mass of the putter head and the shaft of the putter giving the appearance of being countersunk. 
   The surrounding body  34 ,  64 ,  94 , and  118 , or arching top  53  is predominantly cosmetic to provide a variety of appearances. This is an important aspect of putter design. However, there are many potential functions of the body  34 ,  64 ,  94 , and  118 , or arching top  53 . First, the body  34 ,  64 ,  94 , and  118 , or arching top  53  provides a potential for various weights to meet the individual golfer&#39;s preferences. Second, the body  34 ,  64 ,  94 , and  118 , or arching top  53  provides various positions to position the head weight to optimize the linear nature of the horizontal contact. Third, the weight of the putter head is transmitted to a horizontal narrow striking area by adjusting the center of gravity. Fourth, the body  34 ,  64 ,  94 , and  118  provides the opportunity to create the optimal distance between the ground and the best possible striking area on the golf ball. This distance can be varied to accommodate the various swing planes created by different golfer&#39;s strokes, i.e. direct, up, down, in, out, etc. Additionally, the body  34 ,  64 ,  94 , and  118 , or arching top  53  will accommodate alignment lines or graphics. 
   A shaft  12 ,  112  can be of any type, including a “belly putter” type (not shown), which is longer than a traditional putter, and allows for a style of putting where the proximal end of the putter is stabilized on the player&#39;s belly. In some embodiments, the shaft  12 ,  112  can be of a long putter type (not shown). In some embodiments, the shaft  12 ,  112  is of a traditional short length, at least longer than approximately 18 inches (457 mm). In further still embodiments, the shaft  12 ,  112  is relatively long (not shown), which makes it ideal for a pendulum style of golf stroke. 
   It is anticipated that modular systems could be provided to assist in obtaining the optimal positioning prior to finalization of the manufacture and for fitting. The modular elongate flat blade could be secured to the front of existing putters as a straightening device or more permanently in accordance with U.S.G.A. rules for competitive play. The geometry and the narrow front require the most perfect putting stroke by the golfer. That issue is readily recognized. Therefore, the golfer takes more care to create the improved stroke in order to make smooth and precise contact with the ball  20 . This aspect results in self-tutorial on improving the golfer&#39;s putting stroke and therefore improves his game. This feature also can be exploited as a training device. 
   EXAMPLE 
   A golf putter  10  was constructed using a commercially available shaft  12  and grip  14 . The head  15  was constructed as illustrated in  FIGS. 2-5 . The putter blade  16  and runner  18  were constructed from steel plate. The top side  16 E of the flat blade  16  was welded to the distal end of a chromed steel shaft  12 . Upon the bottom side  16 F of the blade  16  a steel runner  18  was welded to the bottom side of the blade. Another golf putter was constructed using a commercially available shaft  12  and grip  14 . The head  32  as illustrated in  FIGS. 10-12  was constructed by embedding a steel blade  36  in a solid rectangular wooden block which served as the putter body  34 . The distal end of the shaft  12  penetrated the top surface  34 E of the body  34  and was welded to the top side  36 E of the blade  36 . 
   Putting with a conventional putter or one with a round surface produced a circular area of contact on the putter and ball, while putting with a sand iron has the potential to create a horizontal linear pattern of contact on the blade and the ball  20 . Putting with the elongate flat blade putter head  15 ,  32  created a contact area  24  on the ball which was horizontal and linear. The stroke feel was great, and distance control was surprising. The geometry of the elongate flat blade  16 ,  36 ,  46 ,  56 ,  66 ,  76 ,  86 ,  96  and  216  allows for various angles of approach and positions of contact ( FIGS. 7A-7C ). The elongate flat blade  16 ,  36 ,  46 ,  56 ,  66 ,  76 ,  86 ,  96  and  216  can strike the ball  20  along the center of the ball  20  ( FIG. 7A ) or off-center of the ball  20  ( FIG. 7B ). The angle of approach allows control of roll of the ball  20 . Striking the ball  20  in upward ( FIG. 7D ) or downward ( FIG. 7C ) angles of approach resulted in straight tracking of the ball, especially when compared to conventional putters. There was surprisingly little bounce when striking the ball  20  in upward ( FIG. 7B ) or downward ( FIG. 7D ) angles of approach. The putter  10  worked well off the fringe of the green. For some golfers, there was a smoother roll when a forward press was used. 
   While the present invention is described herein with reference to illustrated embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not limited hereto. Those having ordinary skill in the art and access to the teachings herein will recognize additional modifications and embodiments within the scope thereof. Therefore, the present invention is limited only by the Claims attached herein.