Patent Publication Number: US-2022233929-A1

Title: Golf club fitting apparatus and method of golf club fitting

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/167,335, filed on Feb. 4, 2021, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/693,036, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,173,370, filed on Nov. 22, 2019, which are hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to golf club fitting and, more particularly, to an apparatus for properly fitting a putter. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The point of golf is to get the ball into the hole in the fewest number of strokes possible. Every stroke counts the same on the scorecard, whether that stroke is a 300-yard drive or a 1-foot putt. Not everyone can hit the ball 300-yards, but everyone can hit a putt 1-foot. Therefore, one of the best ways to improve your golf score is to improve your putting. 
     Practice is one way to improve putting, but it is not the only way. It is also possible to improve putting by ensuring that a putter is properly fitted and properly aligned. 
     Even if a putting stroke is technically perfect a golfer will struggle to hole putts if their putter is not properly fitted and/or they cannot aim at their intended target. There are many ways that a putter can be tailored for a golfer. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates components of a conventional putter. As shown in  FIG. 1 , a putter  100  includes a striking face  101 , a sole  102 , and a hosel or neck  103  for connecting the putter head  104  to a shaft  105 . 
       FIG. 1  illustrates several different ways that a putter can be oriented at address. It is noted that like reference numerals are omitted. A putter  100  is shown leaning forward or delofted (A), in a neutral address position (B), and leaning backward (C). 
     Loft is the angle between the striking face and a vertical plane perpendicular to the ground plane G when the putter is held in a normal address position. Effective loft is the angle between the striking face and a vertical plane perpendicular to the ground plane G in an actual address position. Therefore, while the loft of a putter  100  is static based on the geometry of the putter, the effective loft can change depending on how the putter  100  is leaning when addressing a ball. 
     A putter needs to have some effective loft, typically about 4°, to most effectively roll a golf ball. This angle is sufficient to lift the ball ever so slightly off of the ground so that the ball can quickly get into a roll. Each of the putters  100  depicted by (A), (B), and (C) has about 4 degrees of loft. However, each of the putters  100  depicted by (A), (B), and (C) has a different effective loft. The putter  100  depicted by (B) is in a normal address position, and therefore the effective loft α B  is equal to 4°, the loft of the putter. 
     If the effective loft of a putter is too low, then a putted ball will be driven down into the ground as depicted by (A) in  FIG. 1 . The putter  100  depicted by (A) has an effective loft α A  of about −1°. This will cause the putted ball to hop and subsequently bounce, which makes it difficult to hit the ball consistently in terms of distance and/or direction. 
     If the effective loft of the putter is too high, the putted ball will be driven into the air, possibly with backspin, as depicted by (C) in  FIG. 1 . The putter  100  depicted by (C) has an effective loft α C  of about 9°. These conditions also make it difficult to hit the ball consistently in terms of distance and/or direction. 
     It is critical to use a putter having the proper loft, as a fraction of a degree of loft can have drastic effects on how a putt is rolled. However, without special equipment it is difficult to correctly identify proper loft of a putter. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates additional features of a conventional putter. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the putter  100  also includes a heel  106 , a toe  107 , and a lie angle. 
     Lie angle is the angle between the center of the shaft  105  and the ground plane G when the putter  100  is soled in its normal address position. Effective lie angle is the angle between the center of the shaft and the ground plane G when the putter is held in an actual address position. The rules of golf govern that a putter must have a lie angle of less than 80 degrees. Like loft, it is important that a golfer use a putter having the proper lie angle. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates the effect of lie angle and effective lie angle on a putted golf ball by showing several different ways that a putter can be oriented at address. As shown in  FIG. 2 , a putter  100  is shown with the toe  107  higher than the heel  106  (A), in a neutral address position (B), and with the heel  106  higher than the toe  107  (C). 
     When a ball is putted using a putter  100  with a lie angle that is too upright (A), the putter  100  will be oriented with the toe  107  higher than the heel at impact as shown in (A). The putter  100  depicted by (A) has an effective lie angle β A  of about 65°, which is about 5° less than the actual lie angle of the putter  100 . In this position, the loft of the putter  100  will cause the ball to be missed to the left of where the putter is aiming. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the aiming line is denoted by a solid black line while the arrow shows where the ball will actually be hit. 
     When a ball is putted using a putter with the correct lie angle (B), the lie angle and the effective lie angle are equal. The putter  100  depicted by (B) has an effective lie angle β B  of about 70°, which is equal to the lie angle. The putter  100  depicted by (B) is oriented substantially parallel to the ground plane G at impact and the ball will roll in the direction that the putter is aiming. 
     When a ball is putted using a putter with a lie angle that is too flat (C), the putter will be oriented with the toe  107  lower than the heel  106  at impact. The putter  100  depicted by (C) has an effective lie angle β C  of about 75°, which is about 5° more than the actual lie angle of the putter  100 . In this position, and the loft of the putter will cause the ball to go to the right of where the putter is aiming. 
     Therefore, it is critical to use a putter having the proper lie angle, as a fraction of degree of lie angle have drastic effects on how a putt is rolled. However, without special equipment it is difficult to correctly identify proper lie angle. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates the ideal path that a putter head should take during the putting stroke. It is important to swing the putter in the proper way. Since all putters are required by rule to have a lie angle, it follows that the ideal putting stroke is not that of a pendulum, but rather one where the putter head  104  follows an arc-shaped path  310  influenced by the lie angle of the putter that deviates from the target line  311 . Also shown in  FIG. 3  is the “toe-flow”  312  of the putter that illustrates how the putter head  104  does not remain square to the target line  311  during the stroke, but rather opens and closes like a gate by remaining square to the arc-shaped path  310 . The arc-shaped path  310  may also be encouraged by the eye-line  313  being inside of the target line  311 . The eye-line  313  corresponds to a vertical plane extending down from the eyes and into the ground plane G. Swinging the putter without the proper arc-shaped path will require compensations and adjustments in the putting stroke that make it difficult to precisely strike putts. 
     It is also very important to properly aim the putter when putting. Even if a putter has the perfect loft and lie angle and is swung along the perfect arc-shaped path, it is still difficult to make putts when the putter is not properly aimed. It is not uncommon for golfers to aim a putter multiple degrees right or left of their intended target. The longer the putt, the more such an error in aim will affect the results of a putt. For example, aiming just 1-degree to the right or left of your target from 10 feet away is the equivalent of missing your target by 2.1 inches. As a regulation golf cup is only 4.25 inches wide, this 1-degree error is enough to be the difference between making a putt for par or missing the putt and making a bogey. 
     Therefore, a system for properly fitting and aiming a putter is needed. The present invention provides such a system and fitting method. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The systems, methods, and devices described herein have innovative aspects, no single one of which is indispensable or solely responsible for their desirable attributes. Without limiting the scope of the claims, some of the advantageous features will now be summarized. 
     The present technology generally relates to a club fitting apparatus and a method of fitting golf clubs, and more particularly, the apparatus and method related to putter type golf clubs. More specifically, the present invention is directed to system and methods that enable a player to adjust the putter or the orientation of the putter to achieve an optimal setup position. By improving the setup position, the player will inherently improve putting efficiency. 
     One aspect of the invention herein is directed to a fitting apparatus for a golf club. The fitting apparatus may include a first apparatus body having a first opening defined in said first apparatus body for receiving a shaft of said golf club; a first angle indicator coupled to said first apparatus body and exposed on an upper surface of said first apparatus body; a second angle indicator coupled to said first apparatus body and exposed on said upper surface of said first apparatus body; and a stroke-plane indicator coupled to said first apparatus body and exposed through a lower surface of said first apparatus body. 
     According to an embodiment, said first opening may be defined in said first apparatus body at a first predetermined angle relative to a normal of said lower surface of said apparatus. 
     The first predetermined angle may be between about 0° and about 30° relative to said normal of said lower surface of said first apparatus body. 
     The first predetermined angle may preferably be between about 15° and about 25° relative to said normal of said lower surface of said first apparatus body. 
     The first predetermined angle is most preferably about 20° relative to said normal of said lower surface of said first apparatus body and corresponds to a lie angle of said golf club. 
     The first angle indicator may be configured to measure changes corresponding to an effective lie angle of said golf club, where said effective lie angle of said golf club is the angle between a shaft of said golf club and a ground plane when said golf club is held in an address position. 
     The second angle indicator may be configured to measure changes corresponding to an effective loft angle of said golf club, wherein said effective loft angle of said golf club is the angle between a striking face of said golf club and a normal to a ground plane when said club is held in an address position. 
     The fitting apparatus may further include a second opening defined in said first apparatus body at said first predetermined angle, and the second opening may be configured to receive said stroke-plane indicator therein. 
     The stroke-plane indicator may include a collimated light source and when received within said second opening said collimated light source may emit collimated light. 
     The fitting apparatus may include a fastener that is securable through a lateral surface of said first apparatus body adjacent the first opening. 
     The fastener may be securable through said lateral surface of said first apparatus body at an angle that is complementary to said first predetermined angle. 
     Another aspect of the invention herein is directed to a system for fitting a putter that includes a putter having a body, a striking face; a rear surface opposite said striking face; a heel; a toe opposite said heel; a sole; an upper surface opposite said sole; and a shaft attached to said golf club head. The system may further include a fitting apparatus that includes a first apparatus body; a first opening defined in said first apparatus body for receiving said shaft of said putter, the first opening being defined at a first predetermined angle; a fastener configured to apply a force to said putter shaft within said first opening, where said fastener is securable through a lateral surface of said first apparatus body adjacent the first opening; a first angle indicator coupled to said first apparatus body and exposed on an upper surface of said first apparatus body, wherein said first angle indicator is configured to measure a difference between an effective lie angle of said putter and a prescribed lie angle of said putter when said putter is held at an address position, wherein said effective lie angle of said putter is the angle between said and a ground plane when said putter is held in an address position; a second angle indicator coupled to said first apparatus body and exposed on said upper surface of said first apparatus body, wherein said second angle indicator is configured to measure a difference between an effective loft angle of said putter and a prescribed loft angle of said putter when said putter is held at said address position, wherein said effective loft angle of said putter is the angle between said striking face and a normal to a ground plane when said putter is held in an address position; a second opening defined in said first apparatus body at said first predetermined angle, wherein said second opening is configured to receive a collimated light source therein and expose said collimated light source through a lower surface of said first apparatus body; and a first recess defined in said lower surface of said first apparatus body, wherein the first recess is configured to receive said collimated light source; and a reflective member removably attached to said striking face. In a first configuration said fitting apparatus is coupled to said shaft of said putter such that said collimated light source emits light in a direction parallel to said shaft toward said ground plane, and in a second configuration said collimated light source emits light in a direction parallel to an aiming line toward said reflective member. 
     The first predetermined angle may be between about 0° and about 30° relative to a normal of said lower surface of said first apparatus body. 
     The first predetermined angle may be between about 15° and about 25° relative to said normal of said lower surface of said first apparatus body. 
     The first predetermined angle may be about 20° relative to said normal of said lower surface of said first apparatus body and corresponds to a lie angle of said putter. 
     The fastener may be securable through said lateral surface of said first apparatus body at an angle that is complementary to said first predetermined angle. 
     According to another aspect of the invention herein, a method for fitting a putter with a fitting apparatus may include attaching said fitting apparatus to a shaft said putter; measuring, by said fitting apparatus, at least one of an effective lie angle, an effective loft angle, and a stroke plane of said putter when said putter is held in an address position; and modifying at least one of said putter and said address position to adjust said at least one of said effective lie angle, said effective loft angle, and said stroke plane. 
     The effective loft angle may be measured with a first angle indicator exposed through an upper surface of said fitting apparatus, the effective lie angle of said putter is measured with a second angle indicator exposed through an upper surface of said fitting apparatus, and said stroke plane is measured with a collimated light source that is exposed through a lower surface of said fitting apparatus so as to emit a beam of collimated light in a direction parallel to said shaft. 
     The method for fitting a putter may further include removing said fitting apparatus from said shaft; positioning said fitting apparatus on a ground plane; placing said collimated light source on said fitting apparatus so as to emit a beam of collimated light in a direction substantially parallel to said ground plane; aiming said putter toward said collimated light source such that said beam of collimated light contacts a reflective surface disposed on a striking face of said putter; measuring a location of a beam reflected from said reflective surface; and modifying at least one of said putter and said address position to adjust said location of said beam reflected from said reflective surface. 
     According to another aspect of the invention herein, a golf club fitting apparatus for a golf club including a shaft defining a shaft axis, a golf club head connected a first end of said shaft, and a grip connected to a second end of said shaft opposite said first end, includes: a second apparatus body having a lower surface, an upper surface opposite said lower surface, and a lateral surface connecting said upper surface and said lower surface; an angle indicator coupled to said second apparatus body and exposed on said upper surface of said second apparatus body; where said second apparatus body is adapted to be coupled to said grip such that said lower surface of said second apparatus body contacts a butt end of said grip, and where said angle indicator is disposed at a predetermined angle relative to said shaft axis such that said angle indicator is in a neutral position when said golf club is in a normal address position. 
     According to another aspect of the invention herein, a method for fitting a putter with a fitting apparatus, includes attaching said fitting apparatus to a grip of said putter; measuring, by said fitting apparatus, at an effective lie angle and an effective loft angle of said putter when said putter is held in an address position; and modifying at least one of said putter and said address position to adjust said at least one of said effective lie angle and said effective loft angle. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing and other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description of the invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, further serve to explain the principles of the invention and to enable a person skilled in the pertinent art to make and use the invention. 
         FIG. 1  shows a putter with varying degrees of shaft-lean modifying the effective loft of a putter; 
         FIG. 2  shows a putter with varying degrees of shaft-lean modifying the effective lie angle of a putter; 
         FIG. 3  shows an arc-shaped putting stroke; 
         FIG. 4  shows an exploded perspective view of a golf club fitting apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5  shows a perspective view of a golf club fitting apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 6  shows an overhead view of a golf club fitting apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 7  shows a side view of a golf club fitting apparatus attached to a shaft in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 8  shows an overhead view of a golf club fitting apparatus attached to a right-handed golf club in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 9  shows an overhead view of a golf club fitting apparatus attached to a left-handed golf club in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 10  shows a side view of a golf club fitting apparatus attached to a golf club in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 11  shows a frontal view of a golf club fitting apparatus attached to a golf club in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 12  shows an exploded perspective view of the bottom of a golf club fitting apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 13  shows a side view of a golf club fitting apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 14  shows a side view of a putter with a reflective member attached thereto used in conjunction with a golf club fitting apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 15  shows a flowchart of a method of fitting a putter with a golf club fitting apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 16  shows a side view of a golf club fitting apparatus attached to a golf club in accordance with embodiment exemplary of the present invention. 
         FIG. 17  shows a side view of a golf club fitting apparatus attached to a grip in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 18  shows a perspective view of a golf club fitting apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 19  shows a flowchart of a method of fitting a putter with a golf club fitting apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the present disclosure. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented herein. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the Figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated and form part of this disclosure. For example, a system or device may be implemented or a method may be practiced using any number of the aspects set forth herein. In addition, such a system or device may be implemented or such a method may be practiced using other structure, functionality, or structure and functionality in addition to or other than one or more of the aspects set forth herein. Alterations and further modifications of inventive features illustrated herein, and additional applications of the principles of the inventions as illustrated herein, which would occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the invention. 
     Other than in the operating examples, or unless otherwise expressly specified, all of the numerical ranges, amounts, values and percentages such as those for amounts of materials, moments of inertias, center of gravity locations, loft and bounce angles, power spectrums, frequencies and others in the following portion of the specification may be read as if prefaced by the word “about” even though the term “about” may not expressly appear with the value, amount, or range. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the following specification and attached claims are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the present invention. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter should at least be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. 
     Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical value, however, inherently contains certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements. Furthermore, when numerical ranges of varying scope are set forth herein, it is contemplated that any combination of these values inclusive of the recited values may be used. 
     In describing the present technology, the following terminology may have been used: The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to an item includes reference to one or more items. The term “plurality” refers to two or more of an item. The term “substantially” means that the recited characteristic, parameter, or value need not be achieved exactly, but that deviations or variations, including for example, tolerances, measurement error, measurement accuracy limitations and other factors known to those of skill in the art, may occur in amounts that do not preclude the effect the characteristic was intended to provide. A plurality of items may be presented in a common list for convenience. However, these lists should be construed as though each member of the list is individually identified as a separate and unique member. Thus, no individual member of such list should be construed as a de facto equivalent of any other member of the same lists solely based on their presentation in a common group without indications to the contrary. Furthermore, where the terms “and” and “or” are used in conjunction with a list of items, they are to be interpreted broadly, in that any one or more of the listed items may be used alone or in combination with other listed items. The term “alternatively” refers to a selection of one of two or more alternatives, and is not intended to limit the selection of only those listed alternative or to only one of the listed alternatives at a time, unless the context clearly indicated otherwise. 
     Features of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. After considering this discussion, and particularly, after reading the section entitled “Detailed Description” one will understand how the illustrated features serve to explain certain principles of the present disclosure. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4-7 , an embodiment of a golf club fitting apparatus  400  in accordance with the present invention is disclosed.  FIG. 4  is an exploded view of a golf club fitting apparatus  400 ,  FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the golf club fitting apparatus  400 ,  FIG. 6  is an overhead view of the golf club fitting apparatus, and  FIG. 7  is a side view of the golf club fitting apparatus  400 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , golf club fitting apparatus  400  may include a first apparatus body  401 , a first opening  402 ; a first angle indicator  403 , a second angle indicator  404 , one or more second openings  405 , one or more third openings  406 , a stroke-plane indicator  407 , a fastener  408 , and a first groove  410 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the first opening  402  is defined through an upper surface  412  and a lower surface  413  of the golf club fitting apparatus  400  and includes a slot portion  402   a  defined through a lateral surface  414  of the golf club fitting apparatus  400  and an arcuate portion  402   b  connected to a terminal end of the slot portion  402   a.    
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , an overhead of the golf club fitting apparatus  400  is shown to better illustrate relative dimensions. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the golf club fitting apparatus  400  may have a width W between about 2.0 inches to 5.0 inches. Preferably the width W of the golf club fitting apparatus  400  is between about 2.5 inches to about 3.5 inches. The golf club fitting apparatus  400  may have a length L of between about 1.5 inches to about 4.0 inches. Preferably, the length L of the golf club fitting apparatus  400  is between about 2.0 inches and about 3.0 inches. 
     The slot portion  402   a  of the first opening  402  may have a width W 1  that is between about 0.5 inches to about 1.0 inch so as to accommodate insertion of a shaft. Preferably the slot portion  402   a  has a width W 1  that is between about 0.5 inches to about 0.75 inches. 
     The arcuate portion  402   b  may have a larger width than that of the slot portion  402   a  to facilitate proper alignment the golf club fitting apparatus  400  on a shaft. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the arcuate portion  402   b  of the first opening  402  may have a width W 2  that is between about 0.75 inches and 1.5 inches. Preferably the arcuate portion  402   b  has a width W 2  that is between about 0.75 inches and 1.0 inch. 
     The second openings  405  may have a diameter D of between about 0.1 inches to about 1.0 inches. Preferably, the diameter D of the second openings  405  is between 0.25 inches and about 0.75 inches. 
     According to an embodiment of the present invention as shown in  FIG. 7 , the golf club fitting apparatus  400  may have a height H between about 0.1 inches to about 1.5 inches. Preferably the height H of the golf club fitting apparatus  400  is between about 0.25 inches to about 1.0 inches. Most preferably the height H of the golf club fitting apparatus is about 0.5 inches. 
     The first apparatus body  401  of the golf club fitting apparatus  400  may be formed of any suitable material. Preferably the first apparatus body  401  of the golf club fitting apparatus  400  is formed of a lightweight material so as to not overly affect the balance of the golf club when installed. The first apparatus body  401  of the golf club fitting apparatus  400  may be formed of metal, wood, plastic, or composites. According to an exemplary example, the body  400  first apparatus body  401  of the golf club fitting apparatus  400  may be formed of anodized 6061 aluminum. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , the golf club fitting apparatus  400  is shown from the side so as to clearly show a unique aspect of the first opening  402 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , both the slot portion  402   a  and the arcuate portion  402   b  of the first opening  402  may be defined at a first angle θ relative to the normal to the lower surface  413  of the golf club fitting apparatus  400 . The first angle θ ensures that the golf club fitting apparatus  400  will be substantially parallel to a ground plane G when attached to the shaft  105  of a putter that is held in a normal address position. The first angle θ may be in a range of about 0° to about 30° relative to the normal of the lower surface  413  of the golf club fitting apparatus  400 . Preferably the first angle θ may be in a range of about 15° to about 25° relative to the normal of the lower surface  413  of the golf club fitting apparatus  400 . Most preferably the first angle θ may be about 20° relative to the normal of the lower surface  413  of the golf club fitting apparatus  400  and corresponding to a lie angle α of a putter. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 5 and 7 , the fastener  408  is configured to project into the first opening  402  and apply a force to secure a shaft  105  within the arcuate portion  402   b  of the first opening  402 . According to an embodiment of the present invention, the fastener  408  may be a threaded fastener that is mated into corresponding threads defined the golf club fitting apparatus  400 . Alternatively, the fastener  408  may be friction fit into a corresponding opening defined in the golf club fitting apparatus  400 . 
     According to an embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 7  the fastener  408  may pass through a lateral surface  414  of the golf club fitting apparatus  400  at an angle that is complementary to the first angle θ. That is, a central axis of the fastener  408  may extend in a direction that is substantially orthogonal to an angled surface of the first opening  402 . Alternatively, the fastener  408  may pass through a lateral surface  414  of the golf club fitting apparatus  400  at an angle that does not complement the first angle θ. For example, as shown in  FIG. 5 , the fastener  408  may pass through the lateral surface  414  of the golf club fitting apparatus  400  at an angle that is substantially orthogonal to the lateral surface  414  of the golf club fitting apparatus  400 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , when the shaft is secured within the golf club fitting apparatus  400 , the fastener  408  applies a force to the shaft  105  such that the shaft  105  contacts the angled surface of the arcuate portion  402   b  opposite the fastener  408 . The first angle θ of the surface of the arcuate portion  402   b  ensures that the golf club fitting apparatus  400  will be substantially parallel to the ground plane G when secured to the shaft  105 . 
     Referring back to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the second openings  405  are defined through an upper surface  412  and a lower surface  413  of the golf club fitting apparatus  400 . The second openings  405  are configured to receive a stroke-plane indicator  407  such that the stroke-plane indicator  407  may be secured within either second opening  405  and exposed through a lower surface  413  of the golf club fitting apparatus  400 . The stroke-plane indicator  407  may be secured within one of the second openings  405  through any number of known securing methods. For example, the stroke-plane indicator  407  may include a portion having an increased diameter greater than a diameter of the second openings  405  such that the stroke-plane indicator  407  cannot pass entirely through the second openings  405 . Alternatively, the stroke plane-indicator  407  may have a tapered diameter and the second openings  405  may have either a uniform diameter or a corresponding tapered diameter that prevents the stroke-plane indicator  407  from passing entirely therethrough. 
     The second openings  405  may be defined at the first angle θ, and positioned such that an axis passing through a center of the stroke-plane indicator  407  is substantially parallel to a shaft angle of a putter secured within the first opening  402  and intersects the ground plane G in front of the striking face. According to an embodiment, the stroke-plane indicator  407  may be a collimated light source, such as that emitted from a laser (i.e., a solid state laser, laser pointer) of minimal power, typically about less than 3 mW. The axis passing through the center of the stroke-plane indicator  407  may be the beam of the laser. 
     According to an embodiment of the present invention, the golf club fitting apparatus  400  may include two second openings  405  to accommodate both right-handed and left-handed putters. As shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , one of the second openings  405  is set to the left of where a shaft contacts the arcuate portion  402   b  of the first opening  402  and the other of the second openings is set to the right of where a shaft contacts the arcuate portion  402   b  of the first opening  402 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 , when the golf club fitting apparatus  400  is attached to a right-handed putter, the shaft  105  of the right-handed putter is secured within the first opening  402  and the stroke-plane indicator  407  is secured in the second opening  405  that is located to the left of where the shaft  105  contacts the arcuate portion  402   b  of the first opening  402 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 9 , when the golf club fitting apparatus  400  is attached to a left-handed putter, the shaft  105  of the left-handed putter is secured within the first opening  402  and the stroke-plane indicator  407  is secured in the second opening  405  that is located to the right of where the shaft  105  contacts the arcuate portion  402   b  of the first opening  402 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 8-11 , whether the golf club fitting apparatus  400  is attached to a right-handed or left handed golf club, the axis passing through a center of the stroke-plane indicator  407  is substantially parallel to a shaft  105  secured within the first opening  402  and intersects the ground plane G in front of the striking face at or near the center of the striking face. This relationship is independent of the height at which the golf club fitting apparatus  400  is attached to the shaft. It should be understood that the various geometries of putter shafts and putter necks/hosels may result in the axis passing through the center of the stroke-plane indicator  407  to intersect the ground plane G at slightly different positions, but the benefits of the present invention remain as described below. 
     Referring back to  FIGS. 4-6 , the golf club fitting apparatus  400  may include one or more angle indicators. According to an embodiment, the golf club fitting apparatus  400  includes a first angle indicator  403  and a second angle indicator  404 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , the first angle indicator  403  and the second angle indicator  404  may be disposed substantially orthogonally to each other. The first angle indicator  403  may be disposed so as to be parallel to a leading edge of the striking face of a putter when the shaft of the putter is secured within the first opening  402 . The second angle indicator  404  may be disposed so as to be parallel to an aiming line when a putter shaft is secured within the first opening  402 . 
     According to an embodiment, the first angle indicator  403  and the second angle indicator  404  may be secured within third openings  406  so as to be exposed through an upper surface  412  of the golf club fitting apparatus  400 . The third openings  406  may be defined partially or entirely through the first apparatus body  401  of the golf club fitting apparatus  400 . Preferably the third openings  406  are defined entirely through the first apparatus body  401  of the golf club fitting apparatus  400 . The first angle indicator  403  and the second angle indicator  404  may be secured within the third openings  406  either from above through the upper surface  412  of the golf club fitting apparatus  400  or from below through a lower surface  413  of the putter fitting apparatus  400 . Preferably, the first angle indicator  403  and the second angle indicator  404  may be secured by press fitting or snap fitting into the third openings  406  through a lower surface  413  of the golf club fitting apparatus  400 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , when the golf club fitting apparatus  400  is attached to a right-handed or left-handed putter, the first angle indicator  403  may indicate an effective lie angle of a putter and the second angle indicator  404  may indicate an effective loft of a putter. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , markings  409  may be defined on the first apparatus body  401  of the golf club fitting apparatus  400  proximate the first angle indicator  403  and the second angle indicator  404 . The markings  409  may be defined on the first apparatus body  401  in any suitable manner, including but not limited to etched into, raised out of, or drawn onto the first apparatus body  401  of the golf club fitting apparatus  400 . The markings  409  preferably indicate the effective lie angle and the effective loft angle in fractions of a degree over a range of more than 10 degrees. Alternatively, the markings  409  may be defined directly on the first angle indicator  403  and the second angle indicator  404 . 
     Moreover, the first angle indicator  403  and the second angle indicator  404  may be provided in multiple different configurations so that the scale and range of the markings  409  may differ depending on the accuracy required for a particular fitting. For example, as the skill level of the golfer changes, different first angle indicators  403  and/or a second angle indicators  404  may be utilized that measure a smaller or larger overall ranges of angles, and therefore the markings  409  may represent larger or smaller increments, respectively. 
     By way of example, when a putter shaft  105  is secured within the first opening  402 , if the putter shown in  FIG. 8  were leaned in a more vertical direction, or “more upright,” the first angle indicator  403  would indicate this change in angle. Similarly, if the putter shown in  FIG. 7  were leaned in a downward direction, or “flatter,” the first angle indicator  403  would indicate this change in angle. 
     Likewise, when a putter shaft is secured within the first opening  402 , if the putter shown in  FIG. 7  were leaned to the left, or “forward pressed,” the second angle indicator  404  would indicate this change in angle. Similarly, if the putter shown in  FIG. 8  were leaned to the right, or “reverse leaned,” the second angle indicator  404  would indicate this change in angle. 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , the golf club fitting apparatus  400  is shown when attached to a left-handed putter. The shaft of the left-handed putter is secured within the first opening  402  and the first angle indicator  403  and second angle indicator  404  are used to indicate effective lie angle and effective loft angle, respectively. In this configuration the effective lie angle may be measured on the same scale as in the right hand configuration, while the effective loft angle is measured using a second set of markings owing to the opposite loft angles on right and left handed clubs. 
     The first angle indicator  403  and the second angle indicator  404  may be any angle indicator, including but not limited to bubble levels, tilt sensors, tilt indicators, slope meters, slope gauges, gradient meters, gradiometers, level gauges, level meters, curved gas-filled inclinometers, and curved fluid-filled inclinometers. Preferably, the first angle indicator  403  and the second angle indicator  404  are curved vial-type fluid-filled inclinometers having a radius of curvature and being filled with a damping fluid that ensure a smooth responsive angle indication. The radius of curvature of the inclinometer will affect the range of range of measurement of the inclinometer. Therefore, the curvature may be adjusted depending on the desired range, for example based on the skill of the player. 
     When the inclinometers include a bubble indicator, the ends of the first angle indicator  403  and the second angle indicator  404  are oriented to be lower than a central portion thereof. Conversely, when the inclinometers include a ball indicator, the ends of the first angle indicator  403  and the second angle  404  indicator are oriented to be higher than a central portion thereof. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 10 and 11 , a golf club fitting apparatus  400  in accordance with the present invention is illustrated installed on a shaft  105  of a golf club.  FIG. 10  is a frontal view of an installed golf club fitting apparatus  400  according to an embodiment of the present invention and  FIG. 11  is a side view of the golf club fitting apparatus  400 . 
     As a result of the unique construction of the golf club fitting apparatus  400 , the golf club fitting apparatus  400  may be installed at any straight portion of a shaft  105 . As shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the golf club fitting apparatus is installed progressively lower on each of golf clubs (A), (B), and (C). However, despite the different configurations, an axis of the stroke-path indicator  407  intersects the ground plane G at substantially the same position. It is noted that putters may include different types of shafts having different bending profiles; however, regardless of the bending profile of the shaft, or the installation position on the shaft, the axis of the stroke-path indicator  407  will intersect the ground plane G at substantially the same position for a given putter. The point of intersection may also be moved slightly if the putter is held in a manner that deviates from the proper address position, which offers a further manner in which the golf club fitting apparatus  400  may assist to ensure that a putter is properly fitted. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 12 and 13 , the golf club fitting apparatus  400  is shown in a second configuration. In the second configuration, the golf club fitting apparatus  400  placed on a ground surface and a collimated light source is attached to the club fitting apparatus such that an axis passing through the center thereof is emitted substantially parallel to a ground plane G. The collimated light source may be the stroke-plane indicator  407  or may be a different collimated light source. Preferably, the collimated light source is the stroke-plane indicator  407  and it is disposed within a first groove  410  defined in a lower surface  413  of the golf club fitting apparatus  400  when the golf club fitting apparatus  400  is inverted as shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 14 , the light emitted by the stroke-plane indicator  407  may be directed toward the striking face of the putter to ensure proper alignment of the putter with respect to the putting line. The stroke-plane indicator  407  is oriented perpendicular to the striking face of a putter head  104 . The putter head  104  comprises a reflective surface  1401  attached to the striking face  101 . The incident beam  1301  emitted by the stroke-plane indicator  407  strikes the reflective surface  1401  and is directed away from the reflective surface  1401  as a reflected beam  1302  back towards an indexed reference device, such as an opaque surface, such as a ruler or paper, a grid, such as graph paper, or a photo-detector, such as a charge-coupled device (“CCD”). The reflective surface  1401  can be any reflective surface, but is preferably a mirror or highly-polished fused silica of glass. A spacer or shim may also be used to orient the reflecting surface in the proper angle for return of the collimated light source to the reference device. 
     As a golfer addresses a golf ball prior to making a putting stroke, the reflected beam  1302  is directed back at the reference device. The location of the reflected beam  1302  on the reference device aids the golfer in determining the orientation of the putter face prior to making the putting stroke. For example, if the putter face of a right-handed putter is held in an “open” orientation, the laser beam spot will be reflected to the right of center on the reference device. Conversely, if the putter face of a right handed putter is held in a closed orientation, the laser beam spot will be reflected to the left of center on the reference device. Of course, if the putter face is square, the laser beam spot will be reflected directly to the center of the reference device. 
     The present invention is also directed to a method of fitting and aligning a golf club. The method includes providing a golf club having a head with a loft angle and a shaft extending from the head at a lie angle, attaching a golf club fitting apparatus to the shaft of the golf club, measuring an effective loft, an effective lie angle, and adjusting the length and/or positioning of the golf club based on the effective lie angle and effective loft. The method also includes swinging the club, using the golf club fitting apparatus to measure a swing-plane of the golf club, and adjusting the swing-plane in response to measured swing-plane. The method also includes aiming the golf club at a target, measuring the actual aim point of the golf club, and adjusting the aiming based on the measured aim point. 
     Referring to  FIG. 15 , a flowchart diagram illustrates a preferred method of fitting and adjusting clubs in accordance with the present invention. The approach and technique indicated by the flowchart are sufficient to describe at least one implementation of the present method. However, other implementations of the method may utilize approaches and techniques from those shown. It should be understood that the steps of the method outlined in the flowchart are not limited to the order as recited, but rather these steps may be implemented in any order and still fall within in the scope of the present disclosure. 
     As shown in  FIG. 15 , first,  1501  a club fitting apparatus  400  is attached to the shaft  105  of a golf club. The club fitting apparatus  400  may be secured to the shaft  105  with a fastener. The golf club fitting apparatus  400  is positioned on the shaft  105  so that a leading edge (left edge in  FIG. 8 , right edge in  FIG. 9 ) is substantially parallel to the leading edge of the striking face of the putter. 
     Next,  1502 , a stroke-plane indicator  407  is secured in the golf club fitting apparatus. The stroke-plane indicator may be a collimated light source, such as a laser, that emits a collimated beam. The stroke-plane indicator  407  may be fitted differently based on whether the putter is right-handed or left-handed. 
     Next,  1503 , the golf club is held in an address position and a first angle indicator  403  and a second angle indicator  404  are read to determine an effective lie angle and an effective loft angle of the putter. In detail, the first angle indicator  403  and the second angle indicator  404  may indicate deviations from the normal address position of putter. 
     Next,  1504 , the positioning of the putter and/or the putter itself may be adjusted based on the readings in  1503 . For example, if a reading of the first angle indicator  403  and the second angle indicator  404  show that at least one of the effective lie angle and the effective loft angle are not at the prescribed level, the putter may be repositioned to ensure that the effective lie angle and effective loft angle are at the prescribed level. Should a golfer be uncomfortable addressing the ball in a manner that ensures the effective lie angle and effective loft are at the prescribed level, the actual putter may be adjusted or replaced. The adjustment or replacement of the putter may include any of changing the lie angle of the putter, changing the loft angle of the putter, or changing the shaft length of the putter to ensure that the effective lie angle and effective loft angle are at the prescribed level. 
     Then,  1505 , the swing-plane of the putter is evaluated. In detail, the stroke-plane indicator  407  is turned on and the light emitted therefrom is focused at or near an area in front of the striking face of the putter. While the light is being emitted from the stroke-plane indicator  407 , the putter is swung as in use. As the putter is swung, the light emitted from the stroke-plane indicator  407  will indicate a swing-plane on the ground. Provided that the putter is swung on the proper plane, the path that the stroke-plane indicator  407  traces on the ground will be parallel to the intended target line. For example, as shown in  FIG. 8 , when the light emitted by the stroke-plane indicator  407  is focused on the target line  311  at address, a proper-arc-shaped path  310  will cause the stroke-plane indicator  407  to trace the target line  311  during the backswing and follow through. It is understood that depending on the type of shaft installed in the putter, the stroke-plane indicator  407  may focus at the target line, heelward of the target line, or toeward of the target line. Regardless of where the stroke-plane indicator  407  focuses, stroke-plane indicator  407  will trace a substantially straight line that is substantially parallel to the target line  311  when the stroke is on plane and follows the proper arc-shaped path  310 . 
     Then,  1506 , the stroke and/or the putter may be adjusted based on the trace of the stroke-plane indicator  407  in  1505 . Many different adjustments may be made based on the trace, including moving a golfer&#39;s eye line, body alignment, grip, weight distribution, the geometry of the putter itself, etc. 
     Next,  1507 , the golf club fitting apparatus  400  is removed from the shaft and placed on the ground. The stroke-plane indicator  407  is placed on the golf club fitting apparatus  400 . 
     Then,  1508 , while the stroke-plane indicator  407  is emitting light, the putter is placed in an address position such that that the stroke-plane indicator  407  emits light toward the striking face  101  of the putter  100 . As a golfer addresses a golf ball prior to making a putting stroke, the beam emitted from the stroke-plane indicator  407  is directed back at a reference device. The location of the reflected beam of light on the reference device aids the golfer in determining the orientation of the putter face prior to making the putting stroke. For example, if a right handed putter face is held in an “open” orientation, the laser beam spot will be reflected to the right of center on the reference device. Conversely, if the putter face of a right handed putter is held in a closed orientation, the laser beam spot will be reflected to the left of center on the reference device. Of course, if the putter face is square, the laser beam spot will be reflected directly to the center of the reference device. 
     Then,  1509 , the setup position and/or putter may be adjusted based on the how the laser beam spot is reflected. These adjustments may include moving a golfer&#39;s eye line, body alignment, grip, weight distribution, the geometry of the putter itself, etc. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 16-18 , a golf club fitting apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.  FIG. 16  is side view of a golf club fitting apparatus attached to a grip of a golf club,  FIG. 17  is a side view of the grip and the golf club fitting apparatus,  FIG. 18  is a perspective view of the golf club fitting apparatus attached to the grip of the golf club. 
     As shown in  FIG. 16 , a putter  160  includes a putter head  1604 . A shaft  1605  is attached to the putter head  1604 . A shaft axis  1609  extends from the putter head  1604  through a center of the shaft  1605 . When the putter  160  is held in a normal address position (e.g., held such that the putter&#39;s prescribed loft angle and lie angle are equal to the putter&#39;s effective loft angle and effective lie angle), the shaft axis  1609  is disposed at a lie angle β relative to a ground plane G. A grip  1606  is attached to the end of the shaft  1605  opposite the putter head  1604 . A golf club fitting apparatus  1600  is attached to the putter  160  at a butt end of the grip  1606 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 17 , the grip  1606  and the golf club fitting apparatus  1600  attached thereto are shown in greater detail to elaborate some of the unique features of the golf club fitting apparatus  1600 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 17 , the grip  1606  includes a butt end  16061  at a terminal end thereof. The butt end  16061  of the grip  1606  may be formed at any angle relative to the shaft axis  1609 , but preferably the butt end  16061  of the grip  1606  is formed substantially perpendicular to the shaft axis  1609 . The golf club fitting apparatus  1600  includes a second apparatus body  1601 . The second apparatus body  1601  may be formed of metal, wood, plastic, or composites. According to an exemplary example, the second apparatus body  1601  of the golf club fitting apparatus  1600  may be formed of anodized 6061 aluminum. 
     The second apparatus body  1601  includes a lower surface  16013 , an upper surface  16012  opposite the lower surface  16013 , and a lateral surface  16014  connecting the lower surface  16013  and the upper surface  16012 . The lower surface  16013  of the second apparatus body  1601  may be in contact with a butt end  16061  of the grip  1606  when the golf club fitting apparatus  1600  is attached thereto. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the lower surface  16013  and the butt end  16061  of the grip  1606  may be configured to substantially conform to each other such that a transition from the grip  1606  to the golf club fitting apparatus  1600  is substantially seamless. 
     As shown in  FIG. 17 , the lower surface  16013  and the upper surface  16012  of second apparatus body  1601  may be formed so as to be angularly offset from each other. That is, the lower surface  16013  of the second apparatus body  1601  may be substantially parallel to the butt end  16061  of the grip  1606  and the upper surface  16012  of the second apparatus body  1601  may be substantially parallel to the ground plane G when the putter  160  is held in a normal address position. 
     While the lower surface  16013  and the upper surface  16012  of the second apparatus body  1601  may be offset from each other, the critical dimension is actually the first angle θ between the upper surface  16012  of the second apparatus body  1601  and a plane  1611  extending normal to the shaft axis  1609 . According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first angle θ may be between about 0° to about 30°, preferably the first angle θ may be about 15° to about 25°, and most preferably the first angle θ may be about 20° and complementary to the lie angle β. 
     When the first angle θ is in this range, the upper surface  16012  of the second apparatus body  1601  is substantially parallel to the ground plane G when the putter  160  is held in the normal address position. 
     It is worth noting here that the first angle θ is the same as the first angle θ described above with regard to  FIG. 7 . While the first angle θ is shown in  FIG. 16  is measured with respect to the shaft axis  1609  rather than the lower surface  413  of the golf club fitting apparatus  400 , the first angle θ ultimately controls the orientation of the golf club fittings apparatus  400  and golf club fitting apparatus  1600  relative to the ground plane G in the same manner. 
     It is noted that the shaft axis  1609  may not pass precisely through the center of the grip  1606 . According to the rules of golf, a putter grip may be non-symmetrical. For example, as shown in  FIG. 17  the grip  1606  may have a pistol shape where the circumference of the grip  1606  is greatest near the butt end  16061 , and near the butt end  16061  a larger percentage of the grip  1606  is located on the underside of the grip  1606  from the perspective of a golfer. 
     Referring to  FIG. 18 , a perspective view of the golf club fitting apparatus  1600  allows for several additional features to be more clearly illustrated. As shown in  FIG. 18 , an angle indicator  1603  is coupled to the second apparatus body  1601  and is exposed on the upper surface  16012  of the second apparatus body  1601 . The angle indicator  1603  may be secured to the second apparatus body  1601  by press fitting, snap fitting, adhesion, mechanical fastening, or the like. 
     The angle indicator  1603  may further include a level indicator  16034 . The angle indicator  1603  may be any angle indicator, including but not limited to a bubble level, a tilt sensor, a tilt indicator, a slope meter, a slope gauge, a gradient meter, a gradiometer, a level gauge, and a level meter. 
     Preferably the level indicator  16034  is a ball or a bubble configured to move about the angle indicator  1603  to indicate both effective loft angle and effective lie angle of the putter  160 . 
     The angle indicator  1603  is configured to indicate both the effective loft angle and the effective lie angle of a putter. The angle indicator  1603  may further include markings  16033  defined thereon to provide a scale for measuring the effective lie angle and the effective loft angle of the putter  160  when held at address. The markings  16031  may be formed by any suitable manner, including but not limited to etching, molding, printing, or painting onto the angle indicator  1603 . 
     According to an exemplary embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 18  the markings  16033  may include a first axis  16031  and a second axis  16032 . The first axis  16031  may be oriented such that an imaginary vertical plane including the first axis  16031  extends parallel a leading edge of the striking face of a putter  160  when the golf club fitting apparatus  1600  is attached thereto. The second axis  16032  may be perpendicular to the first axis  16031  such that an imaginary vertical plane including the second axis  16031  extends parallel to an aiming line when the golf club fitting apparatus  1600  is attached to the putter  160 . 
     The intersection of the first axis  16031  and the second axis  16032  represent a neutral position of the putter  160  where the effective lie angle and the effective loft angle are equal to the prescribed lie angle and the prescribed loft angle, respectively. When the level indicator  16034  is located at the intersection of the first axis  16031  and the second axis  16032 , it can be said that the putter  160  is positioned in the normal address position and exhibits both the prescribed lie angle and the prescribed loft angle. 
     Movement of the level indicator  16034  along the first axis  16031  corresponds to changes in the effective lie angle of the putter  160 . Movement of the level indicator  16034  along the second axis  16032  corresponds to changes in the effective loft angle of the putter  160 . Movement of the level indicator  16034  in other directions therefore corresponds to changes in both the effective loft angle and the effective lie angle of the putter  160 . 
     By way of example, the level indicator  16034  as depicted in  FIG. 18  is not centered about the intersection of the first axis  16031  and the second axis  16032 . From the perspective of a golfer, the level indicator  16034  in  FIG. 18  deviates from the second axis  16032  and is therefore positioned such that an effective lie angle of the putter is too great (i.e., the putter is being held too upright). The level indicator  16034  also deviates from the first axis  16031  and is therefore positioned such that the effective loft angle is too small (i.e., the putter is being overly forward-pressed such that the grip is being moved too close to the target). 
     By adjusting the address position of the putter  160  to center the level indicator  16034  about the intersection of the first axis  16031  and the second axis  16032  the putter  160  may be consistently positioned in the normal address position. By practicing positioning the putter  160  in this manner, a golfer may become more proficient in consistently and accurately addressing the golf ball. As detailed above, even a fraction of a degree of deviation from the normal address position can lead to missed putts. Therefore, the golf club fitting apparatus  1600  may go a long way to improving a golfer&#39;s setup and therefore their performance. 
     As shown in  FIG. 18 , in addition to or alternative to the first axis  16031  and the second axis  16032 , the markings  16033  may include one or more concentric circles centered about the point of intersection of the first axis  16031  and the second axis  16032 . As another example, the markings  16033  may include a grid centered about the intersection of the first axis  16031  and the second axis  16032  or a series of discrete marks disposed along the first axis  16031  and the second axis  16032 . As yet another example, the markings  16033  may include a single point corresponding to the point of intersection of the first axis  16031  and the second axis  16032 . 
     The markings  16033  of the angle indicator  1603  may be configured to indicate a range of deviations from the normal address position both in terms of lie angle and loft angle of between about −10 degrees to about 10 degrees, preferably between about −5 degrees to about 5 degrees, and most preferably between about −3 degrees to about 3 degrees. 
     Another feature of the present invention that is more clearly shown in  FIG. 18  is the projection  16015  which extends from the lower surface  16013  of second apparatus body  1601 . The projection  16015  is configured to secure the golf club fitting apparatus  1600  to the butt end  16061  of a grip  1606 . The projection  16015  may have a tapered or constant diameter, and may include one or more ribs  16016  having an increased diameter relative to adjacent portions of the projection  16015 . The projection  16015  is dimensioned so as to securely fit within a hole formed on the butt end  16061  of conventional golf grips such as grip  1606 . 
     Though not shown in the drawings, according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, a first magnet may be fixedly attached to the lower surface  16013  of the second apparatus body  1601  and a second magnet may be attached to or formed integrally with a butt end  16061  of a grip  1606 . The first and second magnets may have opposite polarities such that the golf club fitting apparatus  1600  may be removably coupled to the butt end  16061  of the grip  1606  via a magnetic force. 
     According to a further alternative embodiment, the golf club fitting apparatus  1600  may be removable coupled to the butt end  16061  of the grip  1606  using an adhesive or a mechanical fastener such as a screw. 
     According to embodiments of the present invention, the golf club fitting apparatus may be quickly and easily installed onto a golf club for use during practice, as the rules of golf do not allow for movable components to be attached to golf clubs during play. The configuration of the golf club fitting apparatus, specifically the angular offset between the upper and lower surfaces of the second apparatus body, offsets the lie angle of the golf club such that the angle indicator may be centered relative to the ground when installed. The centered position of the angle indicator results in accurate and consistent installation and therefore accurate and consistent measurements of both effective loft angle and effective lie angle by the angle indicator. As a result, the golf club fitting apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention can uniquely improve a golfer&#39;s accuracy and consistency in setup, and therefore a golfer&#39;s accuracy and consistency in play. 
     The present invention is also directed to a method of fitting a golf club. The method includes providing a golf club having a head with a loft angle and a shaft extending from the head at a lie angle, attaching a golf club fitting apparatus to the grip of the golf club, measuring an effective loft angle, an effective lie angle, and adjusting the length and/or positioning of the golf club based on the effective lie angle and effective loft angle. 
     Referring to  FIG. 19 , a flowchart diagram illustrates a preferred method of fitting and adjusting clubs in accordance with the present invention. The approach and technique indicated by the flowchart are sufficient to describe at least one implementation of the present method. However, other implementations of the method may utilize approaches and techniques different from those shown. It should be understood that the steps of the method outlined in the flowchart are not limited to the order as recited, but rather these steps may be implemented in any order and still fall within in the scope of the present disclosure. 
     As shown in  FIG. 19  and with reference to the golf club fitting apparatuses of  FIGS. 16-18 , first,  1901  a club fitting apparatus  1600  is attached to grip  1606  of a putter  160 . The club fitting apparatus  1600  may be secured to the grip  1606  with a projection  16015 , an adhesive, or another mechanical fastener as described in detail above. The golf club fitting apparatus  1600  is positioned on the butt end  16061  of the grip  1606  such that the upper surface  16012  of the second apparatus body  1601  is parallel to the ground when the putter  160  is held in a normal address position. 
     Next,  1902 , the putter  160  is held in an address position and angle indicator  1603  is read to determine an effective lie angle and an effective loft angle of the putter  160 . In detail, angle indicator  1603  may indicate deviations from the normal address position of the putter  160 . 
     Next,  1903 , the positioning of the putter  160  and/or the putter  160  itself may be adjusted based on the readings in  1902 . For example, if a reading of the angle indicator  1603  shows that at least one of the effective lie angle and the effective loft angle are not at the prescribed level, the putter  160  may be repositioned to ensure that the effective lie angle and effective loft angle are at the prescribed level. Should a golfer be uncomfortable addressing the ball in a manner that ensures the effective lie angle and effective loft are at the prescribed level, the actual putter  160  may be adjusted or replaced. The adjustment or replacement of the putter  160  may include any of changing the lie angle of the putter  160 , changing the loft angle of the putter  160 , or changing the shaft length of the putter  160  to ensure that the effective lie angle and effective loft angle are at the prescribed level. 
     In describing the present technology herein, certain features that are described in the context of separate implementations also can be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation also can be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable sub combination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a sub combination or variation of a sub combination. 
     Various modifications to the implementations described in this disclosure may be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other implementations without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the implementations shown herein, but are to be accorded the widest scope consistent with this disclosure as well as the principle and novel features disclosed herein.