Patent Publication Number: US-2013237336-A1

Title: Systems, methods, and articles of manufacture to measure, analyze and share golf swing characteristics

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE 
     This patent application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/524,257, filed on Jun. 15, 2012, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/246,663 filed on Sep. 27, 2011, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/485,549 filed on May 12, 2011, and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/391,647 filed on May 11, 2011, and is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/391,657 filed on May 11, 2011. This patent application is also a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/524,257, filed on Jun. 15, 2012, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/497,891 filed on Jun. 16, 2011; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/506,583 filed on Jul. 11, 2011; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/522,165, filed on Aug. 10, 2011; and, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/532,503 filed on Sep. 8, 2011. The disclosures of all of the above-referenced applications are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to golf, and more particularly, to measure, analyze and share golf swing characteristics. 
     BACKGROUND 
     In golf, some training devices may be an integral part of a golf club (i.e., built-in). That is, the golf club may not be readily used for play in a round of golf. Alternatively, other training devices may only function as a golf training device such that the training device may not be used for other purposes. Instead of the types of training device for golf mentioned above, individuals may want use already-owned and/or everyday-used portable electronic devices as a training device for golf. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  depicts a front perspective view of an example portable electronic device holder according to an embodiment of the methods and articles of manufacture described herein. 
         FIG. 2  depicts a back perspective view of an example portable electronic device holder of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  depicts a front view of the example portable electronic device holder of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  depicts a back view of the example portable electronic device holder of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  depicts a first end view of the example portable electronic device holder of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6  depicts a second end view of the example portable electronic device holder of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 7  depicts a first side view of the example portable electronic device holder of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 8  depicts a second side view of the example portable electronic device holder of  FIG. 1  engaging a golf club shaft. 
         FIG. 9  depicts a bottom view of the example portable electronic device holder of  FIG. 1  engaging a golf club shaft. 
         FIG. 10  depicts a front view of the example portable electronic device holder of  FIG. 1  engaging a portable electronic device. 
         FIG. 11  depicts a visual representation of the example portable electronic device holder of  FIG. 1  engaging a golf club. 
         FIG. 12  depicts a visual representation of the example portable electronic device holder of  FIG. 1  engaging a golf flagstick. 
         FIG. 13  depicts a schematic diagram of a typical portable electronic device. 
         FIG. 14  depicts a schematic diagram of communication between typical portable electronic devices. 
         FIG. 15  depicts a schematic diagram of a typical data communication network. 
         FIG. 16  depicts a block diagram representation of a process associated with the systems, methods, and articles of manufacture according to the disclosure. 
         FIGS. 17-27  depict visual diagram representations of example stroke characteristics according to the disclosure. 
         FIGS. 28-31  show an example golf club head. 
         FIG. 32  depicts a visual diagram representation of an example display according to the disclosure. 
         FIGS. 33-34  depict block diagram representations of processes associated with the systems, methods, and articles of manufacture according to the disclosure. 
         FIGS. 35-41  depict visual diagram representations of example displays according to the disclosure. 
         FIGS. 42-43  depict block diagram representations of processes associated with the systems, methods, and articles of manufacture according to the disclosure. 
         FIGS. 44-50  depict visual diagram representations of example displays according to the disclosure. 
         FIG. 51  depicts a block diagram representation of a process associated with the systems, methods, and articles of manufacture according to the disclosure. 
         FIGS. 52-58  depict visual diagram representations of example displays according to the disclosure. 
         FIGS. 59-60  depict block diagram representations of processes associated with the systems, methods, and articles of manufacture according to the disclosure. 
         FIG. 61  depicts a visual diagram representation of an example display according to the disclosure. 
         FIGS. 62-65  depict diagrams of a golf cup including a sensor assembly according to the disclosure. 
         FIGS. 66-67  depict schematic diagrams of an example sensor assembly according to the disclosure. 
         FIGS. 68-70  depict block diagram representations of processes associated with the systems, methods, and articles of manufacture according to the disclosure. 
         FIG. 71  depicts a schematic diagram of a golf ball having a sensor according to the disclosure. 
         FIG. 72  depicts a block diagram representation of a process associated with the systems, methods and articles of manufacture according to the disclosure. 
         FIG. 73  depicts a schematic diagram of a camera mounted on a flagstick according to the disclosure. 
         FIG. 74  depicts a schematic diagram of a typical camera. 
         FIG. 75  depicts a side view of a portable electronic device mounted to a golf club shaft with a device holder according to the disclosure. 
         FIG. 76  depicts a side view of a portable electronic device mounted to a flagstick with a device holder according to the disclosure. 
         FIGS. 77-78  depict block diagram representations of processes associated with the systems, methods, and articles of manufacture according to the disclosure. 
         FIGS. 79-81  depict three example putters according to the disclosure. 
         FIG. 82  depicts a block diagram representation of a process associated with the systems, methods, and articles of manufacture according to the disclosure. 
         FIGS. 83-85  depict three example stroke type indicators according to the disclosure. 
         FIG. 86  depicts a block diagram representation of a process associated with the systems, methods, and articles of manufacture according to the disclosure. 
         FIGS. 87-95  depict visual diagram representations of example displays according to the disclosure. 
         FIGS. 96-101  depict block diagram representations of processes associated with the systems, methods, and articles of manufacture according to the disclosure. 
         FIGS. 102-103  depict visual diagram representations of example displays according to the disclosure. 
         FIG. 104  depicts a block diagram representation of a process associated with the systems, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. 
         FIGS. 105-112  depict visual diagram representations of example displays according to the disclosure. 
         FIG. 113  depicts a block diagram representation of a process associated with the systems, methods, and articles of manufacture according to the disclosure. 
         FIGS. 114-123  depict visual diagram representations of example displays according to the disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In general, apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture associated with a portable electronic device holder are described herein. The methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     In the example of  FIGS. 1-12 , a portable electronic device holder  100  may include a body portion  200  (e.g., generally shown in  FIG. 2 ) and a clamp portion  300  (e.g., generally shown in  FIG. 3 ). As described in detail below, and generally shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 , the portable electronic device holder  100  may be configured to removably attach and secure a portable electronic device  1000  such as a wireless communication device and/or a portable media player to a golf club  798 . In particular, the portable electronic device holder  100  may be configured to removably attach and secure the portable electronic device  1000  to a golf shaft  800  of the golf club  798 . As generally shown in  FIG. 12 , the portable electronic device holder  100  may also be configured to removably attach and secure the portable electronic device  1000  to a golf flagstick  810 . For example, the portable electronic device  1000  may be a media player (e.g., an IPOD® mobile digital device from Apple Inc., Cupertino, Calif.), a wireless telephone (e.g., an IPHONE® mobile digital device from Apple Inc., Cupertino, Calif.), a handheld computer, a global positioning system (GPS) device, a game console device, a digital camera and/or a video camera. As described in detail below, the portable electronic device  1000  may be configured to operate as a training device, a gaming device and/or a social networking device (e.g., the portable electronic device  1000  may include a processor to execute a software application). In addition or alternatively, the portable electronic device  1000  may be configured to operate as a telephone or a speaker broadcasting music. The apparatus and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     In particular, the body portion  200  of the portable electronic device holder  100  may include a first body end  210 , a second body end  220 , a first side portion  230 , a second side portion  240 , and a back portion  250 . One or more portions of the body portion  200  may include one or more openings to accommodate for buttons, switches, ports, etc. of the portable electronic device  1000 , generally shown as  212 ,  214 ,  222 , and  232 . In one example, the first body end  210  may include an opening  212  to accommodate a headphone jack and an opening  214  to accommodate a power switch of the portable electronic device  1000 . The second body end  220  may include an opening  222  to receive the portable electronic device  1000 . The first side portion  230  may include an opening  232  to accommodate one or more buttons to control volume. The back portion  250  may include an opening to accommodate a camera lens. The body portion  200  may be made of semi-rigid molded plastic or other suitable type materials. For example, the body portion  200  may be made of polycarbonate material and/or polypropylene material. The apparatus and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in these regards. 
     In general, the portable electronic device  1000  may be able to slide in and out the body portion  200  via the opening  222  of the second body end  220 . The first body end  210 , the second body end  220 , the first side portion  230 , the second side portion  240 , and the back portion  250  may be configured to secure the portable electronic device  900  so that the portable electronic device  1000  does not slide out from the body portion  200  without being pulled away from the portable electronic device holder  100 . For example, the first body end  210 , the first side portion  230 , and/or the second side portion  240  may be curved or contoured in a manner to accommodate the outer shape of the portable electronic device  1000 . The back portion  250  may include a material, which helps to retain the portable electronic device  1000  in the body portion  200  via friction. While the above examples may describe various openings at or proximate to particular portions, the apparatus, the methods, and the articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     The clamp portion  300  may include a first clamp end  310 , a second clamp end  320 , a first arm portion  330 , and a second arm portion  340 . Each of the first and second arm portions  330  and  340  may have a W-shaped configuration. In particular, the first arm portion  330  may include a first support portion  332 , a first arcuate portion  334 , and a first guide portion  336 . The first support portion  332  of the first arm portion  330  may extend from the back portion  240  of the body portion  200 . The first support portion  332  may be coupled to the first arcuate portion  334 , which in turn, may be coupled the first guide portion  336 . 
     In a similar manner, the second arm portion  340  may include a second support portion  342 , a second arcuate portion  344 , and a second guide portion  346 . The second support portion  342  of the second arm portion  340  may extend from the back portion  250  of the body portion  200 . The second support portion  342  may be coupled to the second arcuate portion  344 , which in turn, may be coupled the second guide portion  346 . 
     The clamp portion  300  may be made of a semi-rigid material such as plastic and/or other suitable type of materials. For example, the clamp portion  300  may be made of polycarbonate material and/or polypropylene material. The first and second guide portions  336  and  346  may be configured to assist the golf club shaft  800  to engage the first and second arcuate portions  334  and  344 . The first and second support portions  332  and  342  may be configured to provide flexibility so that the clamp portion  300  may engage the golf club shaft  800  or the flagstick  810 . 
     In one example as shown in  FIG. 9 , the first and second arcuate portions  334  and  344  may be configured to engage the golf club shaft  800  or the flagstick  810  (i.e., a cross-sectional view of the golf club shaft  800  is shown). The first and second arcuate portions  334  and  344  may be configured to engage golf club shafts or flagsticks with various diameter sizes. For example, the first and second arcuate portions  334  and  344  may be configured to engage golf club shafts having a diameter of at least 0.3 inches. With some golf club shafts taper from one end to another (e.g., 0.335 inches at the tip end and 0.6 inches at the butt end), the first and second arcuate portions  334  and  344  may be configured to engage golf club shafts having a diameter ranging from 0.4 inches to 0.6 inches. The first and second arcuate portions  334  and  344  may be configured to engage flagsticks having a diameter of 0.5-1.0 inch. The apparatus, the methods, and the articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     The clamp portion  300  may also include a bumper portion  350 . In particular, a portion of the golf club shaft  800  or the flagstick  810  may rest against the bumper portion  350 . The bumper portion  350  may prevent or reduce damage to the graphics of the golf club shaft  800 , the golf club shaft  800  itself, and/or the flagstick  810 . 
     In the example of  FIGS. 8-11 , the golf club shaft  800  may include a butt end  810  and a tip end  820 . A grip  815  may be located at or proximate to the butt end  810  whereas a golf club head  825  may be located at or proximate to the tip end  820 . The portable electronic device holder  100  may engage the golf club shaft  800  of a golf club at or proximate to the butt end  810 . To engage the golf club shaft  800 , the portable electronic device holder  100  may be rotated 180 degrees from the orientation of the portable electronic device holder  100  shown in  FIG. 7 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , for example, the first end portion  210  of the portable electronic device holder  100  may point towards the tip end  820  of the golf club shaft  800  whereas the second end portion  220  of the portable electronic device holder  100  may point towards the butt end  810  of the golf club shaft  800 . The apparatus, the methods, and the articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     In the example of  FIG. 10 , a portable electronic device  1000  may include a top portion  1010 , a bottom portion  1020 , and a display portion  1030 . The body portion  200  of the portable electronic device holder  100  may receive the portable electronic device  1000 . In particular, the top portion  1010  of the portable electronic device  1000  may slide through the opening  222  of the second body end  220 . The first body end  210  of the body portion  200  may be configured to abut the top portion  1010  of the portable electronic device  1000 . The portable electronic device holder  100  may include an opening so that the display portion  1030  of the portable electronic device  1000  may be visible. In one example, the portable electronic device  1000  may operate as a training device for golf. Accordingly, any visual representation may be generated on the display portion  1030 , which can be seen by an individual while the portable electronic device  1000  is secured to the portable electronic device holder  100 . The apparatus, and the articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     The portable electronic device  1000  may communicate with a server, directly with another portable electronic device, with another portable electronic device through a server, and/or with a network as described in detail below. Referring to  FIG. 13 , the portable electronic device  1000  may include a processing device  1110 , a plurality of sensors  1112 , a graphical user interface (GUI)  1114 , and a data storage device  1116 . The portable electronic device  1000  may also include an input and output port (I/O port, not shown) and/or one or more transceivers (not shown). Furthermore, the portable electronic device  1000  may include one or more Global Positioning Sensors (GPS, not shown) for determining location. The processing device  1110  may execute instructions that are stored in the storage device  1116  to perform any of the processes according to the disclosure. The plurality of sensors  1112  may include accelerometers to measure accelerations and/or gyroscopes to determine an orientation of the portable electronic device  1000 , which may be used to determine stroke characteristics of an individual as described in detail below. The GUI  1114  may generate one or more visual displays associated with the processes according to the disclosure. The data storage device  1116 , which may be any type of data memory device, may store data associated with any of the processes according to the disclosure. The systems, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     The portable electronic device  1000  may include one or more user input devices (not shown), such as a touch screen graphical user interface, an alphanumeric keyboard, push-type buttons, rotating dials, a joystick, a trackball, and/or a touchpad. Accordingly, an individual may operate the portable electronic device  1000  and provide input to the portable electronic device  1000  with one or more of the noted input devices if any such input devices are provided on the portable electronic device  1000 . According to the disclosed examples, the GUI  1114  of portable electronic device  1000  is a touch-screen display by which an individual can select one or more displayed items, perform certain functions with the portable electronic device, operate the portable electronic device, and/or provide input to the portable electronic device. For example, a virtual keyboard may be provided on the GUI  1114 , by which an individual can input alphanumeric characters by touching an area of the GUI  1114  corresponding to the display of each character. In another example, the GUI  1114  may display one or more virtual windows having therein one or more selectable menu items that can be selected by an individual by touching an area of the GUI  1114  corresponding to the display of the menu item. Each menu item when selected may cause the portable electronic device  1000  to perform a certain process or function such as any of the disclosed processes or functions. In yet another example, the GUI  1114  may display a graphical icon, selection of which by an individual may cause the portable electronic device to perform a certain process or function, such as any of the disclosed processes of functions, corresponding to the graphical icon. The displayed icon can be selected by an individual by touching an area of the GUI  1114  where the graphical icon is displayed. The portable electronic device is described herein as having a touch screen GUI  1114 . However, any portable electronic device may be used to perform the disclosed processes or function as disclosed. Thus, the systems, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     Two or more portable electronic devices may directly communicate with each other. Referring to  FIG. 14 , three exemplary portable electronic devices are shown generally as  1120 ,  1122 , and  1124 . The portable electronic devices  1120 ,  1122 , and  1124  may be configured to perform the processes according to the disclosure and/or operate as described herein. The portable electronic devices  1120 ,  1122 , and  1124  may communicate with each other directly via a wireless communication link (e.g., short-range wireless communication link). For example, the portable electronic devices  1120 ,  1122 , and  1124  may operate in accordance with Bluetooth® technology to communicate and/or exchange data with each other. In addition or alternatively, the portable electronic devices  1120 ,  1122 , and  1124  may operate in accordance with the 802.xx family of standards developed by the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) and/or variations and evolutions of these standards (e.g., 802.11x, 802.15, 802.16x, etc.), Ultra Wideband (UWB), Near Field Communication (NFC), and/or radio frequency identification (RFID) to communicate and/or exchange data with each other as described herein. In another example, the portable electronic devices  1120 ,  1122 , and  1124  may be within a particular distance (e.g., up to 100 meters or 328 feet) of each other so that these devices may automatically detect the presence of each other to communicate and/or exchange data. The systems, methods, and articles of manufacture are not limited in this regard. 
     Referring to  FIG. 15 , each portable electronic device may communicate with a network  1150  including a server  1152 . The server  1152  may receive data from the portable electronic device and store the data. The portable electronic device  1000  may receive data from the server  1152 , receive updated instructions from the server  1152  to perform any of the processes according to the disclosure, and/or to receive new instructions from the server  1152  to perform any of the processes according to the disclosure. Two portable electronic devices are generally shown as  1154  and  1156 . In particular, the plurality of portable electronic devices  1154  and  1156  may communicate with the server  1152  directly and/or indirectly via one or more wired or wireless communication links, which may be in accordance to a proprietary wireless communication protocol or any of the wireless communication protocols described herein. Data stored on the server  1152  may be shared and accessed by the portable electronic devices  1154  and  1156 . Other portable electronic devices such as a desktop computer (e.g., one shown as  1158 ), a laptop computer (e.g., one shown as  1160 ), and/or a tablet device (e.g., one shown as  1162 ) may also send data to and receive data from the server  1152 , and access the data stored on the server  1152  via the Internet  1164 . 
     Referring back to  FIG. 14 , the first portable electronic device  1120  may share data in real time with the second portable electronic device  1122  and/or the third portable electronic device  1124  directly (e.g., via one or more wired and/or wireless communication links). In addition or alternatively, the first portable electronic device  1120  may share data by transmitting to a display or a monitor directly (e.g., via one or more wired and/or wireless communication links). 
     Referring to  FIG. 15 , the portable electronic device  1154  may share data with other portable electronic devices via the server  1152  or with systems (i.e., other servers or networks) remotely located from the server (not shown) via the internet  1164 . Accordingly, the portable electronic device  1156  and/or other devices (e.g., the desktop computer  1158 , the laptop computer  1160 , and/or the tablet device  1162 ) may access data stored on the server  1152 . The systems, methods, and articles of manufacture are not limited in this regard. 
     While the examples provided herein may describe particular wireless communication protocols, the systems, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may operate in accordance with other wireless communication protocols such as frequency division multiple access techniques such as frequency division multiple access (FDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), and/or code division multiple access (CDMA). For example, the wireless communication protocols may include Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), Wideband CDMA (W-CDMA), General Packet radio Services (GPRS), Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), High-Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), Long Term Evolution (LTR), variations and evolutions of these standards, and/or other suitable wireless communication standards to communicate and/or exchange data. The systems, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are readily applicable to many specifications and/or standards developed by other special interest groups and/or standard development organizations (e.g., Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) Alliance, Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) Forum, Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), etc.). 
     The processes described herein may be implemented as machine-accessible instructions utilizing any of many different programming codes stored on any combination of machine-accessible media embodied in a mobile application (e.g., an app) and/or an online application for various wired and/or wireless communication devices such as handheld computers, smartphones, portable media players, tablet computers, etc. In addition or alternatively, the machine-accessible instructions may be embodied in a volatile or non-volatile memory or other mass storage device (e.g., a floppy disk, a CD, and a DVD). For example, the machine-accessible instructions may be embodied in a machine-accessible medium such as a programmable gate array, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), a read only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a flash memory, a magnetic media, an optical media, and/or any other suitable type of medium. The systems, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     While example systems including, among other components, software or firmware executed on hardware are disclosed herein, it should be noted that such systems are merely illustrative and should not be considered as limiting. In particular, it is contemplated that any or all of the disclosed hardware, software, and/or firmware components could be embodied exclusively in hardware, exclusively in software, exclusively in firmware or in some combination of hardware, software, and/or firmware. 
     A golf stroke may be defined as the complete movement of a golf club by an individual to strike a golf ball from a setup or address position to the conclusion of a follow through position (i.e. continuous motion of the club after the ball is hit). Examples of golf strokes may be a putting stroke, a chipping stroke or a driving stroke. The disclosed systems, methods, and articles of manufacture are described with respect to putting strokes. However, the disclosed systems, methods, and articles of manufacture are not limited in this regard and are equally applicable to any type of golf stroke such as chipping strokes, driving strokes or any swinging action of a golf club by an individual for actually striking a golf ball or to simulate striking a golf ball. 
     The disclosed systems, methods, and articles of manufacture are described with respect to a putter type of golf club. However, any type of golf club may be used with the disclosed systems, methods, and articles of manufacture. For example, a golf club for use with the disclosed systems, methods, and articles of manufacture may be a wood-type golf club, such as a driver-type golf club head, a fairway wood-type golf club head (e.g., 2-wood golf club, 3-wood golf club, 4-wood golf club, 5-wood golf club, 6-wood golf club, 7-wood golf club, 8-wood golf club, or a 9-wood golf club), a hybrid-type golf club head or any other suitable type of golf club head with a hollow body or a body with one or more cavities, apertures, recesses or channels. Although the disclosed examples depict putter type golf clubs, the apparatus, articles of manufacture, and methods described herein may be applicable to other types of golf club heads. 
       FIG. 15  shows a process  1200  (e.g., via the portable electronic device  1000 ) configured to measure one or more stroke characteristics of an individual associated with one or a plurality of putting strokes (block  1202 ), generate a consistency score for the individual (block  1204 ) based on the measure stroke characteristics, and generate a putting handicap for the individual (block  1206 ) based on one or more consistency scores. The process  1200  may be further configured to compare a consistency score and/or a putting handicap of an individual with other individuals (block  1208 ), to fit an individual with golf clubs based on the individual&#39;s measured stroke characteristics (block  1210 ), and/or to allow an individual to compete against one or more local or remotely located individuals (block  1212 ). The process  1200  and operation of the electronic device  1000  when performing the process  1200  is described in detail below. 
     Stroke characteristics may include closing angle, impact angle, tempo, shaft lie angle and shaft loft angle. Closing angle, for example, may be the amount a striking face of a golf club turns during a downswing of a putting stroke. Impact angle, for example, may be defined by an angle of the striking face at impact. Tempo, for example, may be defined by a ratio of a backswing time to a downswing time. Shaft lie angle, for example, may be defined by the angle between the shaft of a golf club and a vertical line at the moment of impact between the face of the golf club and a ball. Shaft loft angle, for example, may be the defined by the angle between the shaft and a vertical line extending from the club face at the moment of impact between the club face and a ball. 
       FIGS. 17-19  show an exemplary club head  1212  having a club face  1214  for striking a ball. Based on the closing angle, the process  1200  may identify a stroke type. Any number of stroke types may be identified by the process  1200 . Three common stroke types may be a straight-type stroke, a slight arc-type stroke, or a strong arc-type stroke. Referring to  FIG. 17 , the face  1214  may have relatively less face rotation in a straight-type stroke as illustrated by the generally straight line  1216  whereas the face  1214  may have a greater face rotation in a slight arc-type stroke as illustrated by the arc  1218  of  FIG. 18 . Referring to  FIG. 19 , a strong arc-type stroke may be defined by the face  1214  having a larger rotation than in the straight-type stroke and slight-arc-type stroke as illustrated by the arc  1220 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 20-22 , the impact angle of a putting stroke may be an angle of the striking face  1214  of the club head  1212  at impact relative to an address position  1215  (shown with dashed lines).  FIG. 20  shows the striking face  1214  having an impact angle that is generally similar to the address position  1215 .  FIGS. 21 and 22  show the impact angle to be open and closed, respectively. An open position for a right handed player, which is generally shown in  FIG. 21 , may be defined by the striking face  1214  of the club head  1212  oriented toward the right of the address position  1215  whereas a closed position, which is generally shown in  FIG. 22 , may be defined by the striking face  1214  oriented toward the left of the address position  1215 . An open position for a left handed player (not shown), may be defined by the striking face  1214  of the club head  1212  oriented toward the left of the address position  1215  whereas a closed position (not shown) may be defined by the striking face  1214  of the club head  1212  oriented toward the right of the address position. 
     Referring to  FIG. 23 , the tempo of a putting stroke may be a ratio of backswing time (generally shown as  1224 ) to downswing time (generally shown as  1226 ). For example, a back swing time of 700 milliseconds (ms) to a downswing time of 350 ms is a 2-to-1 tempo. A relatively consistent tempo may provide better control of distance. 
     Referring to  FIG. 24 , a shaft lie angle  1227  of a golf club may be defined by the angle between the shaft  1229  and the vertical at the moment of impact between the club face  1214  and a golf ball. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 25-27 , shaft loft angle  1232  may be defined as the angle between the club shaft  1229  and a vertical line  1234  at the moment of impact between the club face  1214  and the golf ball. The club head may have a loft relative to the shaft that is built into the golf club. Accordingly, the club head may have a different loft angle than the shaft loft angle  1232  at the moment of impact. Therefore, a non-zero shaft loft angle  1232  has the effect of adding or subtracting to the built-in loft angle of the club face  1214  at the moment of impact. The vertical line  1234  may represent an address position of the shaft. However, certain individuals may orient the shaft at an angle relative to vertical when in the address position. The shaft loft angle  1232  may also determine an offset distance  1236  by which an individual&#39;s hands gripping the shaft  1229  are offset relative to the club face  1214  at the moment of impact between the club face  1214  and the golf ball. As shown in  FIG. 25 , the shaft loft angle  1232  may position the individual&#39;s hands gripping the shaft  1229  to a position behind the club face  1214  at the moment of impact between the club face  1214  and the golf ball, which may be referred to herein as the hands back position. In  FIG. 26 , the shaft loft angle  1232  is shown to be approximately zero. In  FIG. 27 , the shaft loft angle  1232  may position the individual&#39;s hands gripping the shaft  1229  to a position forward of the club face  1214  at the moment of impact between the club face  1214  and the golf ball, which may be referred to herein as the hands forward position. 
     To perform the process  1200 , the portable electronic device  1000  may be attached to a golf club (e.g., a putter-type golf club) via the portable electronic device holder  100  as shown in  FIG. 11 . In a putting session, for example, the process  1200  may measure one or more stroke characteristics (block  1202 ) associated with one or several putting strokes. For example, five putting strokes may be used by the process  1200  to measure one or more stroke characteristics. 
     To measure one or more stroke characteristics as described above, the portable electronic device  1000  may measure linear and/or angular positions and/or linear and/or angular motions (e.g. accelerations) of a section of the club shaft to which the portable electronic device  1000  is attached along one, two or three axes continuously or at certain time intervals prior to and after a face of the club head strike a ball.  FIGS. 28-31  show an exemplary golf club  1240  for illustrating measurements that may be made by the portable electronic device  1000  to determine one or more stroke characteristics and/or fitting an individual with golf clubs as described in detail below. The golf club  1240  may include a strike face  1242 , a hosel  1244 , and a shaft (a portion shown as  1246 ). The hosel  1244  may receive one end of the shaft  1246  whereas the opposite end of the shaft  1246  may include a grip (not shown). An axis may extend through the shaft  1246  (i.e., a shaft axis  1248 ). A center of gravity (CG)  1250  of the golf club  1240  may be defined relative to the shaft axis  1248  and/or a CG angle  1252  relative to a horizontal plane  1254  passing through the shaft axis  1248 . 
     In one example, the portable electronic device  1000  may determine face rotation of the golf club  1240  relative to the shaft axis  1248  during the entire backswing and downswing sections of a golf stroke to determine stroke type of an individual. The portable electronic device  1000  may measure linear and/or angular accelerations in one or more axes continuously or at discrete intervals during the entire golf swing starting from the address position. Impact of the club head with the ball may signal the end of the downswing. By measuring linear and/or angular accelerations from the address position to the impact position of the club head at continuous or discrete intervals, an angle of the club head may be calculated at each of the time intervals relative to the angle of the club head or the club face at the address position. Therefore, rotation of the club face during the entire backswing and downswing sections of a golf stroke may be determined. 
     In another example, the portable electronic device  1000  may measure an angle of rotation of the face of the golf club  1240  relative to an angle of the face at the address position  1215  shown in  FIGS. 20-22 . The portable electronic device  1000  may measure the angle of rotation of the face of the golf club  1240  continuously or at certain intervals during the entire golf swing relative to the address position  1215  shown in  FIGS. 20-22 . Therefore, the angle of the face of the golf club  1242  at the address position  1215  may be used as a reference angle relative to which all rotation angles of the club face during the entire golf swing are measured. 
     The change between the first rotation angle  1258  and the second rotation angle  1262  or between any rotation angle and the angle at the address position  1215  may be used by the portable electronic device  1000  to determine the stroke type for an individual. By measuring stroke characteristics based on multiple putt attempts, consistency in the putting stroke characteristics can be identified in order to provide an accurate measurement of putting stroke characteristics. In one example, a change in face rotation of less than 3.5 degrees may be classified as a straight stroke type. A change in face rotation in a range from 3.5 to 7.5 degrees may be classified as a mid-arc stroke type. A change in face rotation of greater than 7.5 degrees may be classified as a strong-arc stroke type. While the above examples may provide particular ranges of change in face rotation for various stroke types, the systems, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may use other suitable ranges to classify stroke type. 
     As described in detail below, the process  1200  may generate a putting handicap (block  1204 ) based on measuring an individual&#39;s stroke characteristics (block  1202 ). In particular, the process  1200  may calculate a consistency score associated with each putting session to define the repeatability of an individual&#39;s putting stroke. In one example, a relative low number may indicate a relatively consistent putting stroke whereas a relatively high number may indicate a relatively inconsistent putting stroke. Each putting session may include at least one putting stroke (e.g., at least five putting strokes by an individual). The process  1200  may generate the putting handicap based on one or a plurality of consistency scores (e.g., consistency scores from last ten putting sessions). The systems, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     The process  1200  may display the individual&#39;s stroke characteristics on the graphical user interface (GUI)  1114 . For example, the portable electronic device  1000  may determine the individual&#39;s stroke type, impact angle, tempo, shaft lie angle and/or shaft loft angle as discussed in detail below. The portable electronic device  1000  may then display in alphanumeric text, graphics or a combination thereof the individual&#39;s stroke type, impact angle, tempo, shaft lie angle and/or shaft loft angle. 
     Referring back to  FIGS. 13 and 15 , the process  1200  may be performed with the portable electronic device  1000  by instructions being executed with the processing device  1110 . The instructions may include one or a plurality of program codes and related data collectively defining software stored in the data storage device  1116  and retrieved by the processing device  1110 . Any instructions being executed with the processing device  1110  to perform any of the disclosed processes including the process  1200  may be generally referred to herein as the software. 
     An individual may start any of the disclosed processes including the process  1200  by touching a graphic icon on the GUI  1114  corresponding to the process. Alternatively, the individual may start a process by pressing one or more buttons on the portable electronic device  1000  and/or with voice commands. Performing any of the disclosed processes, including the process  1200  may entail the processing device  1110  retrieving at least a part of instructions such as a program code and any data associated with the retrieved part of the program code from the storage device  1116  and executing the program code to operate the portable electronic device  1000  to perform the process. 
     The GUI  1114  may display an icon representing the software, which as described in detail above, includes instructions that are executable by the processor of the portable electronic device to perform any of the disclosed processes including process  1200 . For example, the icon may be an image of a golf club and a golf ball. To start the software (i.e., execute instructions by the processor), an individual can touch the GUI  1114  at or near the location where the icon is displayed. Subsequently, a main display  1300  is shown on the GUI  1114 , an example of which is shown in  FIG. 32 . The main display  1300  may include a main menu  1302  by which the individual can select one or more of several functions of the software to be performed by the portable electronic device  1000 . 
     The main menu  1302  may include a practice icon  1304 , a measure icon  1306 , a compare icon  1308  and a sub-menu icon  1310  for providing additional options to an individual as described in detail below. Each of the icons  1304 ,  1306 ,  1308  and  1310  may include graphics and/or alphanumeric symbols to convey to an individual the process and/or function that is performed upon selection of the icon. For example, as shown in  FIG. 32 , the practice icon  1304  may display the word “Practice” along with a graphic representation of a putting green with a flagstick (not shown). The measure icon  1306  may display the word “Measure” along with a graphic representation of a measurement device, such as ruler (not shown). The “Compare” icon  1308  may display the word “Compare” along with a graphic symbol that may convey to an individual a compare function (not shown). The sub-menu icon  1310 , for example, may display the word “More” indicating more menu options. Each of the main menu icons may be selected by an individual touching the display of the icon on the GUI  1114 . However, an individual may select each icon by scrolling through the main menu  1302  with one or buttons, scroll wheels, joysticks and/or like user input devices on the portable electronic device  1000 . Touching the display of an icon on the GUI  1114 , i.e., selecting the icon, may change the color, contrast and/or brightness of the icon so as to visually show the individual that the icon has been selected. For example, touching an icon having a dark blue background color may change the color of the background to light blue so as to emulate a lighted switch or button that has been turned on. 
     An individual may perform a practice session during which one or more of the individual&#39;s stroke characteristics may be determined. The process  1200  may determine one or more stroke characteristics of an individual associated with one putting stroke ( FIG. 15 , block  1202 ). Accordingly, an individual may choose to practice putting and receive data regarding his or her stroke characteristics for each putt as shown by the process  1270  of  FIG. 33 . The process  1270  includes receiving data from the portable electronic device  1000  related to the motion of a golf club during a putting stroke by an individual (block  1272 ), and determining at least one stroke characteristic of the putting stroke of the individual based on the received data (block  1273 ). Referring to  FIG. 34 , the process  1270  may further include indicating to an individual to perform a putting stroke (block  1271 ) so that sensors  1116  of the portable electronic device  1000  can provide data related to the motion of the individual&#39;s golf club during the putting stroke. The process  1270  may further include displaying on the GUI  1114  of the portable electronic device  1000  the at least one stroke characteristic (block  1274 ). The process  1270  and operation of the electronic device  1000  when performing the process  1270  is described in detail below. 
     To perform the process  1270 , an individual may select the practice icon  1304  by touching the practice icon  1304 , which causes the GUI  1114  to display a practice display  1400  as shown in  FIG. 35 . The practice display  1400  includes the main menu  1302  and may further include a stroke characteristics menu  1412 , by which an individual may select which of his or her stroke characteristics to be determined in a practice session. The stroke characteristic menu  1412  may be represented by a stroke type icon  1414 , an impact angle icon  1416 , a tempo icon  1417 , an impact lie icon  1418  and/or an impact loft icon  1419 . An individual can select one or more of the stroke characteristics icons by touching the icons on the GUI  1114 . Touching each icon may change the display of the icon, such as changing the color, contrast and/or brightness of the icon to convey to the individual that the icon has been selected. 
     The practice display  1400  may also show an individual identification area  1420  in which the identification of an individual, such as his or her name or any other type of identification associated with an individual (e.g., nickname, user name for accessing a network, email address, etc.) is displayed. In the example of  FIG. 35 , the identification area  1420  appears above the stroke characteristics menu  1412  and is shown to have the generic identification “User Name.” An individual can input his or her identification by touching the identification area  1420 . Upon touching the identification area  1420 , the individual is presented by the GUI  1114  with an identification input display  1422 , an example of which his shown in  FIG. 36 . The individual may input his or her name in an identification window  1430 , provide his or her photograph in a photograph area  1432 , designate a putter for the practice session in a putter designation window  1434 , and/or specify the type of putter being used by the putter selection sub-menus  1436 . Upon providing information according to the identification input menu  1422 , the individual can return to the practice display  1400  by pressing a return icon  1438 , which may display an arrow indicating a reverse direction, i.e., going back, and/or text indicating that an individual is finished inputting information such as the word “Done” as shown in  FIG. 36 . An individual&#39;s identification information may be stored on the portable electronic device  1000  as the information is entered by the individual or when the return icon  1438  is selected by the individual. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 35 , upon providing information in the identification input menu  1422 , the individual&#39;s identification appears in the identification area  1420  instead of the generic identification “User Name.” An individual may select the stroke type icon  1414 , the impact angle icon  1416 , the tempo icon  1417 , the impact lie icon  1418  and/or the impact loft icon  1419  to activate any one or all of these functions so as to receive information about his or her stroke type, impact angle, tempo, impact lie angle and/or impact loft angle, respectively. The practice display  1400  may include a play icon  1424 , which an individual can touch to start a practice session. 
     Before starting the practice session as described above, the individual can attach the portable electronic device  1000  to the shaft of the putter with the device holder  100 . Upon starting a practice session, i.e., touching the play icon  1424 , a practice result display  1426  may be displayed on the GUI  1114  as shown in  FIG. 37 .  FIGS. 38 and 39  show results displayed on the practice results display  1426  after a putting stroke.  FIG. 39  shows a continuation of the practice result display  1426 , which may be viewed by scrolling down the practice result display  1426  of  FIG. 38 . The results display  1426  includes a stroke type window  1428 , and impact angle window  1430 , a tempo window  1432 , an impact lie window  1434  and an impact loft window  1436 . 
     The stroke type is shown in the stroke type window  1428  to be a straight stroke type with an angle of 3.3° (i.e., the angle of rotation of the head from the beginning of the downswing to impact, which is also referred to herein as the closing angle), the impact angle is shown in the impact angle window  1430  to be a closed impact angle of −1.2°, the tempo is shown in the tempo window  1432  to be 569 ms/279 ms or approximately 2.0, the impact lie is shown to be 21.1°, and the impact loft is shown to be 1.1°, representing a hands back position (see  FIG. 25 ). 
     Referring to  FIGS. 40 and 41 , with each subsequent putting stroke, the practice results display  1426  is refreshed to show the results of the latest putting stroke (only stroke type, impact angle and tempo are shown in  FIGS. 40 and 41 ).  FIG. 40  shows the result of another putting stroke, where the stroke type is shown to be a slight arc stroke type with an angle of 5.2°, the impact angle is shown to be an open impact angle of 1.2°, and the tempo is shown to be 539 ms/299 ms or approximately 1.8.  FIG. 41  shows the result of yet another putting stroke, where the stroke type is shown to be a strong arc with an angle of 18.8°, the impact angle is shown to be a closed impact angle of −4.5°, and the tempo is shown to be 739 ms/419 ms or approximately 1.8. An individual can continue putting and view the corresponding results on the practice results display  1426 . The individual can end the putting practice session and return to the practice display by touching a return icon  1438 . 
     Referring back to  FIG. 14 , some or all of the data and/or results from an individual&#39;s practice session may be transmitted to other portable electronic devices. Referring back to  FIG. 15 , some or all of an individual&#39;s putting practice data may be uploaded by the portable electronic device  1000  to a server  1152  and stored on the server  1152 . Accordingly, an individual may be able to remotely access the data stored on the server  1152  at any time for further viewing and/or analysis with the portable electronic device  1000  or any other remote access device, such as a laptop  1160 , a tablet computer  1162 , a desktop computer  1158 , and/or other computer devices that are capable of directly or indirectly communicating with the server  1152 . Additionally, an individual may authorize the sharing of all or certain portions of his or her practice session data with other individuals for comparison purposes as described in detail below. 
     An individual may perform a measure session, during which a consistency score may be calculated for the individual and a putting handicap (PHcp) may be determined from at least one consistency score. A Consistency score for an individual may be calculated by measuring a consistency in the individual&#39;s stroke characteristics for a plurality of putting strokes.  FIG. 42  shows a process  1500  for determining a consistency score for an individual. The process  1500  includes receiving data from the portable electronic device  1000  related to the motion of a golf club during a putting stroke by an individual (block  1506 ). At least two putting strokes are required to determine consistency in an individual&#39;s stroke characteristics by comparing the stroke characteristics of the two putting strokes. However, a larger number of putts may provide a more accurate consistency score for an individual. Accordingly, a consistency score may be determined from a certain number of putts, such as 3, 5, 7 or 10 putts. The process  1500  determines if a certain number of putting strokes have been made (block  1508 ). The certain number of putting strokes may be predetermined and/or specified by the individual. If the certain number of putting strokes has not been made, the individual can attempt another putting stroke. The portable electronic device  1000  can then receive data related to the motion of the golf club during the additional putting stroke (block  1506 ). If, however, the certain number of putting strokes has been made, the process  1500  determines at least one stroke characteristic of each of the putting strokes of the individual based on the received data for each putting stroke (block  1510 ). The process  1500  then determines a consistency score based on the putting stroke characteristics of the individual (block  1512 ). The consistency score may then be used to determine a putting handicap (PHcp) for the individual 
     Referring to  FIG. 43 , the process  1500  may further include an individual starting a putting stroke measure session, after which the portable electronic device  1000  may indicate to the individual to perform a putting stroke (block  1504 ). When performing each putting stroke, the plurality of sensors  1112  of the portable electronic device  1000  may record and provide data related to the motion of the individual&#39;s golf club during his or her putting stroke (block ( 1506 ). As described above, if a certain number of putting strokes has not been made (block  1508 ), the portable electronic device may indicate to the individual to perform another putting stroke (block  1504 ). If, however, the certain number of putting strokes has been made (block ( 1508 ), the process  1500  determines at least one stroke characteristic for each of the putting strokes (block  1510 ). A consistency score may then be determined based on the at least one stroke characteristic of the putting strokes (block  1512 ). The consistency score may be used to determine a putting handicap (block  1514 ). The putting handicap for the individual may also include any putting handicap scores from previous measurement sessions (block  1514 ). The portable electronic device may then display the at least one stroke characteristic for each putting stroke, an overall stroke characteristic based on the putting strokes, the consistency score and/or the putting handicap on the GUI  1114  (block  1516 ). The process  1500  and operation of the electronic device  1000  when performing the process  1500  is described in detail below. 
     To determine consistency of an individual&#39;s stroke characteristics, i.e., calculate a consistency score, by which a putting handicap for the individual may be determined, the individual can touch or press the measure icon  1306  of the main menu  1302  to start a measure session. Referring to  FIG. 44 , when the measure icon  1306  is touched or pressed, a measure display  1600  is displayed on the GUI  1114 . The measure display  1600  may include the main menu  1302 , a session number indicator  1602 , a putting distance indicator  1604 , a session selection icon  1606 , and/or a graphical representation of the number of putting strokes  1608  for consistency score calculation. The measure display  1600  may also include the user identification area  1420 , in which a user&#39;s identification is displayed as described in detail above with respect to  FIG. 36 . 
     To start a measure session, an individual can attach the portable electronic device  1000  to his or her putter with the device holder  100 . The individual may then touch a play icon  1624  on the GUI  1114  to activate or start the measure session. After the play icon  1624  is selected, the GUI  1114  displays the counter display  1650  as shown in the example of  FIGS. 45 and 46 . The counter display  1650  may show the number of putts completed and the number of putts remaining in numeric and/or graphical manner. In the example of  FIGS. 45 and 46 , a segmented annulus  1652  is shown. Each segment of the annulus  1652  may represent a putt. After each putt, a corresponding segment is highlighted (i.e., shown with different color, contrast, brightness, etc.) to show that the putt is completed. Furthermore, the number of the putts may be numerically shown inside the annulus  1652 . The counter display  1650  may also display other information regarding the putting session. After the number of putts shown on the counter display  1650  have been completed, either the individual can touch the GUI  1114  to view a measure results display  1660  shown in  FIG. 47  or the measure results display  1660  may be automatically shown. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 47 and 48 , the measure results display  1660  may include the main menu  1302 , a stroke type display  1662 , an impact angle display  1664 , a tempo display  1666 , an impact lie display  1667  and a loft display  1668 .  FIG. 48  shows a continuation of the measure results display  1660 , which may be viewed by scrolling down the measure results display  1660  of  FIG. 47 . 
     The stroke type display  1662  includes a stroke type scale  1670  that defines a straight stroke type at one end and a strong arc stroke type at the opposite end. The stroke type display  1662  may also include a closing angle display  1672 , which shows an average of the closing angles for the number of putts attempted in each measure session, which in the example of  FIG. 47  is five putts. Each of the putts in the measure session is visually represented on the stroke type scale  1670  with a symbol  1674 , such as a circle  1674  as shown in  FIG. 47 . Because five putts are attempted in each measure session in the example of  FIG. 47 , the stroke type scale  1670  shows five circles  1674  representing the five putts. The position of each symbol  1674  on the stroke type scale  1670  represents the value of the closing angle of the corresponding putt. The stroke type scale  1670  may also include opposing range brackets  1676 , which show the range of closing angles or stroke types for an individual based on the five putts. The stroke type scale  1670  may also include an average stroke type line  1678  that represents an average of the closing angles for the five putts. The numerical value of the location of the stroke type line  1678  on the stroke type scale  1670  may be the same as the closing angle shown in the closing display  1672 . 
     The impact angle display  1664  includes a number of club face angle displays  1680  corresponding to the number of putts in the measure session. Each face angle display  1680  may display a numerical value of the face angle upon impact between the club face and a ball. Each face angle display  1680  may also include a graphic depiction of the face angle of a golf club. Each face angle display  1680  may also include a description identifying the impact angle (e.g., “closed” as shown in  FIG. 47 ). An average angle based on the putt attempts may be computed and displayed in an average impact angle display  1682 , which may show the numerical value of the average impact angle and a graphical representation of the average impact angle. In the example of  FIG. 47 , the average impact angle is show to be 1.9°, which is the average of the impact angles shown in the face angle displays  1680 . 
     The tempo display  1666  may include a tempo scale  1690  having a backward swing section  1692  representing a backswing segment of a putting stroke and a downswing section  1694  representing the downswing segment of a putting stroke. The tempo scale  1690  may be a time scale. In the backward swing section  1692 , the tempo display  1666  displays a symbol  1695 , such as circle  1695  as shown in  FIG. 47 , to represent the backswing time for each putt. The tempo scale  1690  may also display backswing brackets  1696 , which define a range of backswing times for the five putts. An average backswing time may be represented by an average backswing timeline  1698  located between the backswing brackets  1696 . In the downswing section  1694 , the tempo display  1666  displays a symbol  1700 , such as circle  1700  as shown in  FIG. 47 , to represent the downswing time for each putt. The tempo scale  1690  may also display downswing brackets  1702 , which define a range of downswing times for the five putts. An average downswing time may be represented by an average downswing timeline  1704  located between the downswing brackets  1702 . The tempo display  1666  may further include a tempo value display  1706 , which displays a numerical value generally defining a ratio of the average backswing time to the average downswing time. In the example of  FIG. 47 , the tempo is shown to be 1.8. 
     Referring to  FIG. 48 , the impact lie display  1667  includes an impact lie scale  1720  that defines a flat impact lie angle at one end and an upright impact lie angle at the opposite end. A flat impact lie angle and an upright impact lie angle may be relative terms that define the degree of flatness or uprightness of a club head relative to a reference angle. For example, the reference angle may be 20° so that impact lie angles decreasing from 20° may be considered flatter impact lie angles and impact lie angles increasing from 20° may be considered more upright loft angles. The impact lie display  1667  may also include an impact lie angle display  1722 , which shows an average of the impact lie angles for the number of putts attempted in each measure session, which in the example of  FIG. 48  is five putts. Each of the putts in the measure session is visually represented on the impact lie scale  1720  with a symbol  1724 , such as a circle  1724  as shown in  FIG. 48 . Because five putts are attempted in each measure session in the example of  FIG. 48 , the impact lie display shows five circles  1724  representing the five putts. The position of each symbol  1724  on the impact lie scale  1720  represents the value of the closing angle of the corresponding putt. The impact lie scale  1720  may also include opposing range brackets  1726 , which show the range of impact lie angles for an individual based on the five putts. The impact lie scale  1720  may also include an average impact lie line  1728  that represents an average of the impact lie angles for the five putts. The numerical value of the location of the impact lie line  1728  along the impact lie scale  1720  may be the same as the average impact lie angle shown in the impact lie angle display  1722 . 
     The loft display  1668  may include a setup loft angle scale  1730  and an impact loft angle scale  1740 . The setup loft angle scale  1730  represents a range of loft angles of a club shaft at an address or a setup position. The impact loft angle scale  1740  represents a range of loft angles of the club shaft at the impact position, i.e., when the club face impacts a golf ball. 
     The setup loft angle scale  1730  includes a relative setup loft angle line  1731 , which defines if a setup loft angle represents a hands forward position or a hands back position. The setup loft angle scale  1730  may also include a setup loft angle display  1732 , which shows an average of the setup loft angles for the number of putts attempted in each measure session, which in the example of  FIG. 48  is five putts. Each of the putts in the measure session is visually represented on the setup loft angle scale  1730  with a symbol  1734 , such as a circle  1734  as shown in  FIG. 48 . Because five putts are attempted in each measure session in the example of  FIG. 48 , the setup loft angle scale  1730  shows five circles  1734  representing the five putts. The position of each symbol  1734  on the setup loft angle scale  1730  represents the value of the setup loft angle of the corresponding putt. The setup loft angle scale  1730  may also include opposing range brackets  1736 , which show the range of setup loft angles for an individual based on the five putts. The setup loft angle scale  1730  may also include an average setup loft angle line  1738  that represents an average of the setup loft angles for the five putts. The numerical value of the location of the setup loft angle line  1738  along the setup loft angle scale  1730  may be the same as the average setup loft angle shown in  FIG. 48  below the setup loft angle scale  1730 . 
     The impact loft angle scale  1740  includes a relative impact loft angle line  1741 , which defines if an impact loft angle represents a hands forward position or a hands back position. The impact loft angle scale  1740  may also include an impact loft angle display  1742 , which shows an average of the impact loft angles for the number of putts attempted in each measure session, which in the example of  FIG. 48  is five putts. Each of the putts in the measure session is visually represented on the impact loft angle scale  1740  with a symbol  1744 , such as a circle  1744  as shown in  FIG. 48 . Because five putts are attempted in each measure session in the example of  FIG. 48 , the impact loft angle scale  1740  shows five circles  1744  representing the five putts. The position of each symbol  1744  on the impact loft angle scale  1740  represents the value of the impact loft angle of the corresponding putt. The impact loft angle scale  1740  may also include opposing range brackets  1746 , which show the range of impact loft angles for an individual based on the five putts. The impact loft angle scale  1740  may also include an average impact loft angle line  1748  that represents an average of the impact loft angles for the five putts. The numerical value of the location of the impact loft angle line  1748  along the impact loft angle scale  1740  may be the same as the average impact loft angle shown in  FIG. 48  below the impact loft angle scale  1740 . 
     The measure results display  1660  may display a numerical consistency score in a consistency score display area  1710 . The consistency score may represent an individual&#39;s consistency based on the number of putts performed in a measure session. A consistency score for each stroke characteristic may be computed after an individual performs a plurality of putting strokes. For each one of closing angle, impact angle, tempo, impact lie angle and loft angle, a consistency score S may be computed by the following equation: 
         S=f ( x )  (1)
 
     Where x may be the value of a corresponding stroke characteristic (e.g., a closing angle of 3.3°), and f(x) may be a function that defines variation in the corresponding stroke characteristic for a plurality of swings or putts. For example, f(x) may be based on the standard deviation of the measured values of a stroke characteristic after a plurality of swings or putt attempts. An overall consistency score for a plurality of swings or putts may be an average of the closing angle, impact angle, tempo, impact lie angle and loft angle consistency scores. An overall consistency score may be displayed in the consistency score display area  1710  after an individual performs a measure session. In the example of  FIG. 41 , the consistency score is shown to be 17.8. 
     A handicap score (PHcp) may be computed by computing an average of a plurality of overall consistency scores. However, the computation of PHcp may depend on the number of past consistency scores for an individual. In one example, if only three or fewer consistency scores are available for an individual, PHcp is computed by taking an average of the available consistency scores. In another example, if four or greater and ten or less consistency scores are available for an individual, the highest consistency score and the lowest consistency score may be discarded. PHcp is then computed by taking an average of the remaining eight consistency scores. In yet another example, if greater than ten consistency scores are available, the most recent ten consistency scores may be considered. Then, the highest and lowest consistency scores may be discarded. PHcp is then computed by taking an average of the remaining eight consistency scores. Achieving better consistency scores in multiple measure sessions (i.e., multiple sessions with each session having several putts) reduces an individual&#39;s PHcp while poor consistency scores in multiple measure sessions increase an individual&#39;s PHcp. The measure results display  1660  may also include a handicap display area  1712  for displaying the PHcp for an individual. In the example of  FIG. 41 , PHcp for Individual  1  is shown to be 9.6. 
     The above consistency score and PHcp calculations represent an example of determining consistency score and PHcp calculations. Therefore, the systems, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. Accordingly, any type of computation by which an individual&#39;s stroke characteristics for one putting stroke are compared to the same stroke characteristics for another putting stroke to determine a consistency in the individual stroke characteristics may be used for determining a consistency score and a PHcp. 
     In addition to the graphical and alphanumeric information provided on the measure results display  1660  as discussed above, one or more color, contrast and/or brightness schemes, which may be referred to herein as display schemes, may be used to graphically convey to an individual information about his or her performance. At least one of the stroke type display  1662 , the impact angle display  1664 , the tempo display  1666 , the impact lie display  1667  and the loft display  1668  may reflect the consistency performance of the individual. For example, when an individual&#39;s stroke type measurements are highly inconsistent, the color red may at least partly be used as a color scheme of the stroke type display  1662 . In another example, when an individual&#39;s stroke type measurements are highly consistent, the color green may at least partly be used as a color scheme of the stroke type display  1662 . In yet another example, when an individual&#39;s stroke type measurements are neither highly inconsistent nor highly inconsistent, the color yellow may at least partly be used in the color scheme of the stroke type display  1362 . The display schemes of the impact angle display  1364  and the tempo display  1366  may be similarly affected based on an individual&#39;s consistency in impact angle and tempo during the putting measure session, respectively. A display scheme as disclosed may refer to a background color, a foreground color, an outline color of an icon or a displayed object, a text color, a line colors, a symbol color, and/or a color of any displayed object. For example, if an individual&#39;s stroke type measurements are highly inconsistent, the circles  1674  displayed in the stroke type scale  1670  may be displayed with the color red. In another example, if an individual&#39;s stroke type measurements are highly inconsistent, the outlines or borders of all objects displayed in the stroke type display  1662 , such as the outline or border of the stroke type scale  1670  may be displayed with the color red. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 14 , some or all of the data collected for an individual during a measure session by the portable electronic device  1000  may be transmitted to other portable electronic devices. Referring back to  FIG. 15 , some or all of the data for an individual may be uploaded by the portable electronic device  1000  to a server  1152  and stored on the server  1152 . Accordingly, an individual can remotely access the data stored on the server  1152  at any time for further viewing and/or analysis with the portable electronic device  1000  or any other remote access device, such as a laptop  1160 , a tablet computer  1162 , a desktop computer  1158 , and/or other devices that are capable of directly or indirectly communicating with the server  1152 . Additionally, an individual may be able to authorize the sharing of all or certain portions of his or her data with other individuals for comparison and/or competition purposes as described in detail below. 
     The stroke characteristics of an individual may be displayed on the GUI  1114  of the portable electronic device as disclosed. However, a portable electronic device  1000  may display all data regarding an individual&#39;s golf swing in a tabular format either in partially processed or raw form. For example, the GUI  1114  may display in a list or a table the following: backswing time, downswing time, backswing angle, putter speed at impact, clubface angle at impact, lie angle, swing plane information, and/or any other information that may be explicitly or impliedly provided from the data. 
     Based on the data collected by the portable electronic device  1000  during an individual&#39;s golf swing, the software may include instructions executed by the processor of the portable electronic device to visually show an individual a simulation of his or her golf swing based on the collected data. Accordingly, an individual can view the simulation of his or her golf swing and use the simulation to improve his or her golf swing. 
       FIGS. 47 and 48  show measure session results for a certain individual, which is identified as Individual  1 .  FIGS. 49 and 50  show measure session results for two other individuals, which are identified as Individual  2  and Individual  3 , respectively. As described above, measure session data for each individual may be transmitted to and stored on a server  1152 .  FIG. 51  shows a process  1750  for comparing stroke characteristics of two or more individuals. At least two individuals may be selected so that their stroke characteristics results can be compared (block  1752 ). Subsequently, the selected individuals&#39; stroke characteristics results may be displayed on the portable electronic device  1000  (block  1754 ). 
       FIG. 52  shows an exemplary compare display  1800 , which is displayed on the GUI  1114  when an individual touches or presses the compare icon  1308  of the main menu  1302 . The compare display  1800  includes a primary individual selection menu  1802  and a measure session selection menu  1804  associated with the individual selected from the primary individual selection menu  1802 . An individual can select his or her identity from the primary individual selection menu  1802  and also select one of his or her measure sessions from the measure session selection menu  1804  to compare to another individual. When an individual selects one of his or her measure sessions from the measure session selection menu  1804 , his or her consistency score and/or PHcp from the selected measure session may be displayed on the compare display  1800 . For example,  FIG. 52  shows a consistency score of 6.3 for Session  1  of Individual  3 . 
     The compare display  1800  may also include one or more secondary individual selection menu  1806  and corresponding measure session selection menu  1808 . In  FIG. 52 , only one secondary individual selection menu  1806  and the corresponding measure session selection menu  1808  are shown. The compare display  1800  may include an individual addition icon  1810 , by which more individuals can be added. From the secondary individual selection menu  1806 , an individual can select another individual for a measure session comparison. The individual to be selected for comparison may be another individual with whom the selecting individual is familiar (e.g., friend or family), a celebrity, a professional athlete, or a professional golfer, or any other individual who may have his or her results stored on a network server to which the individual has access. Upon selecting an individual, the selected individual&#39;s consistency score and/or PHcp may be displayed on the compare display  1800 . For example,  FIG. 52  shows a consistency score of 9.1 for Session  2  of Individual  2 . To compare measure session results, an individual can select, e.g., touch or press the compare area  1812  on the GUI  1114  to compare his or her putting session results with the one or more other selected individuals. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 53-56 , the selected individuals&#39; stroke characteristics may be compared. In the examples of  FIGS. 53-56 , only closing angle/stroke type, impact angle and tempo comparisons between the selected individuals are shown. However, the portable electronic device  1000  may also display the impact lie angle and loft angle comparisons between the selected individuals according to the impact lie angle display  1667  and loft angle display  1668  as described above. The systems, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     Referring to  FIG. 53 , after the individual selects the compare area  1812 , the GUI  1114  may display a comparison between the stroke type of the primary individual and the secondary individual in a stroke type compare display  1820 . Comparing the stroke types of the primary individual and the secondary individual may entail displaying the stroke type result from a selected session for the primary individual adjacent to the stroke type result from a selected session for the secondary individual. As shown in the example of  FIG. 53 , a stroke type display  1662  as described in detail above and with respect to  FIG. 47  may be displayed for each individual. 
     Referring to  FIG. 54 , the GUI  1114  may also display a comparison between the stroke impact angles of the primary individual and the secondary individual in an impact angle compare display  1822 . Comparing the stroke impact angles of the primary individual and the secondary individual may entail displaying the impact angle results from the selected session for the primary individual adjacent to the stroke type result from the selected session for the secondary individual. As shown in the example of  FIG. 46 , an impact angle display  1664  as described in detail above and with respect to  FIG. 47  may be displayed for each individual. An individual can scroll between the displays of  FIGS. 53 and 54  by swiping the surface of the GUI  1114 , touching one or more areas on the GUI  1114 , and/or pressing one or more buttons on the portable electronic device  1000 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 55 , the GUI  1114  may also display a comparison between the tempo of the primary individual and the secondary individual in a tempo compare display  1824 . Comparing the tempo of the primary individual and the secondary individual may entail displaying the tempo from the selected session for the primary individual adjacent to the tempo result from the selected session for the secondary individual. As shown in the example of  FIG. 55 , a tempo display  1666  as described in detail above and with respect to  FIG. 41  may be displayed for each individual. An individual can scroll between the displays of  FIGS. 53-55  by swiping the surface of the GUI  1114 , touching one or more areas on the GUI  1114 , and/or pressing one or more buttons on the portable electronic device  1000 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 56 , the GUI  1114  may also display a comparison between the consistency of the primary individual and the secondary individual in consistency display  1826 . Comparing the consistency of the primary individual and the secondary individual may entail displaying consistency score from the selected session for the primary individual in a session consistency display  1828  for the primary individual adjacent to the consistency score from the selected session for the secondary individual in a session consistency display  1828  for the secondary individual. An individual can scroll between the displays of  FIGS. 53-56  by swiping the surface of the GUI  1114 , touching one or more areas on the GUI  1114 , and/or pressing one or more buttons on the portable electronic device  1000 . 
     Although not shown, the GUI may also display and compare the putting handicap PHcp of the primary individual with the putting handicap of the secondary individual (e.g., friends, professional golfers, etc.). For example, the software may include a putting handicap compare display that may show the putting handicaps of two or more individuals in a side-by-side manner. The systems, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     An individual may be able to view his or her profile, photo, stroke characteristics, PHcp and/or consistency scores by touching or pressing the identification area  1420 , which may be displayed in the practice display  1400 , measure display  1600 , measure results display  1660  and the compare display  1800 . Subsequently, a user profile display  1850  is displayed on the GUI  1114  as shown in  FIG. 57 . The user profile display  1850  may include consistency scores  1852  of the individual plotted against corresponding measure sessions that are completed by the individual. The plotted consistency scores  1852  may be connected with a consistency trend line  1854 . As shown in  FIG. 57 , the consistency trend line  1854  visually conveys to the individual his or her consistency trend, i.e., improvement and/or setback. 
     As described in detail above, a PHcp may be calculated for an individual based on his or her consistency score for each measure session. Accordingly, the PHcp value may be affected, i.e., increases or decreases, based on each consistency score. As shown in  FIG. 57 , the user profile display  1850  may also include the PHcp of an individual plotted as a PHcp trend line  1856  against corresponding measure sessions that are completed by the individual. The PHcp trend line  1856  visually conveys to the individual his or her PHcp trend. The user profile display  1850  may also include a current PHcp  1858  for the individual. In the example of  FIG. 57 , the current PHcp  1858  for Individual  1  is shown to be 13.3. Thus, an individual may get a snapshot view of his or her current and historical putting performance with the user profile display  1850 . 
       FIG. 58  shows the measure display  1600  and the sub-menu icon  1310  having been activated by an individual to display a sub-menu  1900 . The sub-menu  1900  may include selectable options such as a Home option  1902 , a Help option  1904 , a Skins Game option  1906 , a Club Fit option  1908 , a Users option  1910  and/or a Pros option  1912 . Selecting the home options  1902  may return the display on the GUI  1114  to the main display  1300 . Selecting the Help option  1904  may provide an individual with help information regarding using the different menus, options, and/or procedures discussed herein. The Skins Game option  1906  may operate the portable electronic device  1000  according to the process described in detail below by which an individual can compete with one or more locally or remotely located individuals. The Club Fit option  1908 , which is described in detail below, provides an individual with guidance regarding selecting a proper golf club for the individual base upon his or her stroke characteristics. The Users option  1910  returns the display on the GUI  1114  to the user profile display  1850 , which is described in detail above. The Pros option  1912  displays profiles of golf professionals and their corresponding consistency scores and/or PHcp that may have been stored on the server  1512  by the golf professionals and made available to users of the software for comparison purposes. 
     According to the foregoing, stroke characteristics of an individual may be measured and displayed to the individual by using a portable electronic device  1000  attached to a golf club with a device holder  100 . As described in detail below, the disclosure may also provide an individual result-oriented information, which may refer to speed and/or trajectory of a golf ball from the moment of being struck by a golf club until the ball comes to a stop at a final location, and whether or not a putt was successfully made (i.e., ball falling in a golf cup). 
       FIGS. 59 and 60  show an exemplary process  2000 , by which an individual may determine the results of multiple putts to ascertain various result-oriented information, such as the individual&#39;s miss tendencies. An individual may start the process  2000  by touching an icon (not shown) on the GUI  1114  corresponding to the process  2000 . Alternatively, the individual may start the process  2000  by pressing one or more buttons (not shown) on the portable electronic device and/or with voice commands. The icon for starting the process  2000  may be provided in the main menu  1302 . Alternatively, the process  2000  may be started by using a corresponding option in the sub-menu  1900 . Starting the process  2000  may entail the processing device  1110  retrieving at least a part of a program code and any data associated with the retrieved part of the program code from the storage device  1116  and executing the program code to operate the portable electronic device  1000  to perform the process  2000  as described in detail below. 
     Referring to  FIG. 60 , the process  2000  includes receiving data corresponding to a final location of a golf ball after a putt (block  2004 ), and graphically displaying the location of the golf club (block  2008 ). Referring to  FIG. 60 , the process  2000  may further include indicating to an individual to putt a golf ball (block  2002 ). The portable electronic device then receives data corresponding to a final location of the golf ball after the putt (block  2004 ). The individual may wish to continue putting (block  2006 ). Accordingly, the individual is again signaled or indicated to putt another golf ball or the same golf ball (block  2002 ). However, the individual may wish to stop putting and view the results of his or her putts (block  2006 ), i.e., final locations of the balls. The locations of the golf balls after the putts are then graphically displayed (block  2008 ). The operation of the electronic device  1000  when performing the process  2000  is described below. 
     As described above, an individual may select an icon (not shown) on the GUI  1114  to start the process  2000 . For example, the main menu  1302  or the sub-menu  1900  may include an icon or option, respectively (not shown), by which an individual can start the process  2000 . The icon or sub-menu option may include text or graphics. Alternatively, the process  2000  may be performed contemporaneously with the processes  1270  of  FIGS. 33 and 34  and/or the process  1500  of  FIGS. 42 and 43 . Accordingly, the process  2000  may be performed during a practice session and/or a measure session. Thus, selecting the practice icon  1304  or the measure icon  1306  may also start the process  2000 . 
     The individual may attach the portable electronic device  1000  to his or her putter with the device holder  100 . The individual can then putt one or more golf balls in a putting area at a certain distance from a golf cup. The distance may be generally a consistent distance so as to allow an individual to determine his or her miss tendencies from a particular distance. For example, the individual may choose to practice putting from 10 feet from the hole. However, the putting distance may be varied. Referring to  FIG. 61 , the GUI  1114  may present the individual with a schematic display of the putting area  2020  including the target golf cup  2022 . The schematic display of the putting area  2020  may be shown to be divided into sections  2024  to allow an individual to more accurately specify a location of a ball as described herein. In the example of  FIG. 61 , the sections  2024  are quadrants defined by perpendicular lines  2026 . 
     An individual may manually record the result of a putt on the schematic display of the putting area  2020  by touching an area on the GUI  1114  that generally corresponds with the actual position of the ball in the putting area relative to the golf cup. The portable electronic device  1000  may include a zoom function on the GUI  1114  that allows the individual to zoom in on a certain part of the schematic display of the putting area  2020  for a more accurate placement of a representation of the ball. Upon specifying the location of a ball, the ball may be displayed on the GUI  1114  with a symbol  2028 . In  FIG. 61 , the direction of putting is shown with the arrow  2027 . 
     The shape, size and/or color of a symbol  2028  may convey certain information about the position of the ball in the putting area such as the golf club used by an individual to putt the ball, the distance from the golf cup from which the putt is attempted, an individual&#39;s stroke characteristics, an individual&#39;s setup position for attempting the putt, and/or any other information by which one putt may be distinguished from another putt. For example, the color of the symbol  2028  may indicate whether or not the ball corresponding to the symbol overshot the golf cup  2022 . A ball that overshot the golf cup  2022  may be shown with a red symbol, while a ball that did not reach the cup  2022  may be shown with a green symbol  2022 . In another example, the shape, size and/or color of the symbol representing the ball may depend on the quadrant  2024  in which the ball comes to rest after a putt. In another example, the shape, size and/or color of the symbol representing the ball may depend on the stroke type, impact angle and the tempo of the individual when putting the ball. In yet another example, the shape, size and/or color of the symbol representing the ball may depend on the type of golf club used by an individual. In the example of  FIG. 61 , the balls that fell short of the golf cup  2022  are shown with hollow circles, the balls that overshot the golf cup  2022  are shown with filled circles, and the successfully putted balls are shown to be half-filled circles. 
     The individual may then attempt additional putts and similarly record the result of each putt. At any time or when the individual no longer wishes to continue, the individual may view the schematic display of the putting area  2020  to determine his or her putting tendencies. The schematic display of the putting area  2020  may resemble a scatter plot, which may show patterns or tendencies when a sufficient number of data points are present. For example, after a few putts, such as four or six putts, the number of symbols  2028  on the schematic display of the putting area  2020  may not be sufficient to convey to an individual any pattern or tendency. However, as shown in  FIG. 53 , after a sufficient number of putts, a pattern may emerge where certain symbols may appear in clusters or groups, thereby representing a certain pattern or tendency. As shown in  FIG. 61 , clusters or groups of symbols may be shown on the schematic display of the putting area  2020  to be within a tendency cluster area  2029  defining the cluster or group. For example, certain clusters or groups of symbols are shown in  FIG. 61  to be enclosed by dashed circles. In another example, symbols in each cluster may be shown to be the same shape, size, color and/or have similar visual characteristics. 
     Referring back to  FIGS. 59 and 60 , the process  2000  may be performed without having the portable electronic device  1000  in the device holder  100  and attached to a golf club. Accordingly, after each putt attempt, an individual may retrieve the portable electronic device  1000  from his or her pocket, belt clip, or other storage devices that may be on the individual or in his or her golf bag and record the approximate position of the ball relative to the golf cup  2022  as described above. However, when the portable electronic device  1000  is placed in the device holder  100  and attached to a putter shaft, in addition to an individual graphically recording the approximate position of a ball to generate the above-described scatter plot, the portable electronic device  1000  may also determine an individual&#39;s stroke characteristics as discussed in detail above. The miss tendencies of the individual according to the scatter plot and the individual&#39;s stroke characteristics may suggest to the individual the corrections in his or her putting stroke that may yield better putting performance. For example, the shapes, sizes and/or colors of the symbols  2028  of the scatter plot may correspond to stroke type, impact angle and/or tempo of the individual for each putt. In another example, any pattern or cluster of symbols  2028  that may visually appear to an individual may be correlated with the individual&#39;s consistency scores or PHcp and/or any improvements in consistency scores or PHcp. Thus, the stroke characteristics of the individual as determined by the processes  1270  and  1500 , and results of the process  2000  may be correlated to assist the individual in improving his or her putting stroke and performance. 
     Based on one or more clusters or groups of symbols and/or the tendency cluster areas  2029  visually highlighting patterns or tendencies, an individual may determine his or her putting tendencies and possibly take action to improve his or her putting performance. For example, the tendency cluster area  2031  may represent putts made by an individual with a first putter and the tendency cluster area  2033  may represent putts made by the individual with a second putter that is different in one or more respects from the first putter. The putts made by the first putter are shown to be short of the golf cup  2022  and on the right side of the golf cup  2022 , while the putts made with the second putter are shown to have overshot the golf cup  2022  and also on the right side of the golf cup  2022 . Based on the patterns shown by the tendency cluster areas  2031  and  2033  and the corresponding putters used, the individual may select a different style putter so as to have better results. In another example, the area  2031  may represent putts made from a certain putting distance and the area  2033  may represent putts made from another putting distance. Accordingly, an individual may determine his or her putting tendencies based on the putting distance. 
     The schematic display of the putter area  2020  allows an individual to determine his or her putting tendencies based on one or more putting related parameters such as putting stance, stroke characteristics, golf club characteristics and/or fitting for the individual and/or putting style. Accordingly, an individual can use a scatter plot as described in detail above to improve his or her performance for each of the noted putting related parameters or other putting related parameters. 
     In another example, instead of or in conjunction with the touching of the schematic display of the putting area  2020 , the portable electronic device  1000  may graphically query the individual for information about the putt attempt. For example, instead of touching the screen to place a symbol  2028  on the schematic display of the putting area  2020  corresponding to an actual position of the ball, the individual may enter an approximate distance of the ball from the cup, the lateral position of the ball from the cup (i.e., left or right), and/or whether or not the ball overshot the cup. 
     According to the process  2000 , an individual manually provides data regarding location of a golf ball after a putt to the portable electronic device  1000 . As discussed below, however, the process of determining speed, trajectory and/or location of the golf ball continuously or at discrete time intervals may be at least partly or fully automated so that an individual&#39;s input may not be required. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 62-65 , an exemplary golf cup  2100  is generally shown. The golf cup  2100  may generally include a cylindrical wall  2102 , a bottom  2104 , which may have a center bore  2106  for receiving a flagstick (not shown). When a golf ball enters the golf cup  2100 , it falls to the bottom  2104  and remains there until retrieved by an individual. 
     According to one example, a golf cup  2100  may include at least one sensor assembly  2110  for detecting and indicating the presence of a golf ball in the golf cup and/or entry of a golf ball into the golf cup. The sensor assembly  2110  may be located anywhere outside and near the golf cup  2100  as show in  FIG. 62 , at the lip of the golf cup  2100  as shown in  FIG. 63 , on the cylindrical walls  2102  as shown in  FIG. 64 , and/or at the bottom  2104  as shown in  FIG. 65 . The sensor assembly  2110  of  FIGS. 62-64  may partially surround the hole as shown or completely surround the hole (not shown). 
     Referring to  FIG. 66 , the sensor assembly  2110  may include at least one sensor  2112 , which may be any type of sensor that can detect movement, weight, impact, light, and/or any other physical parameter or characteristic by which the presence of the golf ball near the golf cup  2100  and/or inside the golf cup  2100  can be detected. The sensor assembly  2110  of  FIG. 66  is shown to be configured for placement on the bottom  2104  of the golf cup  2100  as shown in  FIG. 65 . Additionally, the sensor  2110  may be a type of sensor that can communicate with a radio frequency identification (RFID) sensor on or inside a golf ball and/or a transceiver on or inside a golf ball. For example, a sensor that detects weight may be placed at the bottom of the golf cup  2100  so as to detect the weight of a golf ball. In another example, a sensor that detects impact may be a piezoelectric sensor or an accelerometer located at the bottom of the golf cup  2100  to detect impact of the ball with the bottom of the golf cup  2100 . In yet another example, a light sensor located at the bottom of the golf cup  2100  may detect the presence of a golf ball at the bottom of the golf cup  2100  as a result of the ball at least partially blocking light from reaching the sensor. 
     Referring to  FIG. 67 , an exemplary sensor assembly  2110  may include one or more sensors  2112 , a processor  2114 , a memory  2116 , and at least a transmitter  2118 . The sensor assembly  2110  may also include a power source  2120 . However, the sensor assembly  2110  may operate without a power source, where a piezoelectric module that generates a short burst of current upon being impacted with a golf ball. Such a current burst may be sufficient for the sensor assembly  2110  to operate as intended, i.e., transmit a signal indicating presence of a ball in the golf cup  2100 . A powered sensor assembly  2110  may include a continuous power source  2120  such as a battery and/or one or more photovoltaic cells to power the circuitry of the sensor assembly  2110 . 
     The sensor assembly  2110  may transmit or broadcast a signal with the transmitter  2118  upon detecting a ball entering the golf cup  2100 . Accordingly, the sensor assembly  2110  may only be capable of one-way communication, i.e., only transmitting information. However, the sensor assembly  2110  may also include a receiver  2122  to enable two-way communication. Accordingly, the sensor assembly  2110  may establish and maintain communication with an external device. The transmitter  2118  and/or the receiver  2122  may operate in accordance with a proprietary communication protocol, any of the wireless communication protocols described herein, Bluetooth® technology, the 802.xx family of standards developed by the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) and/or variations and evolutions of these standards (e.g., 802.11x, 802.15, 802.16x, etc.), Ultra Wideband (UWB), Near Field Communication (NFC), and/or radio frequency identification (RFID) to communicate and/or exchange data with another device. 
     The sensor assembly  2110  may be a movable and portable unit that can be used by an individual in combination with the portable electronic device  1000 . The sensor assembly  2110  may have a compact form. The sensor assembly  2110  may be in the shape of a relatively thin pad that can be placed by an individual inside the golf cup  2100  at the bottom  2104  of the golf cup  2100  (shown for example generally in  FIGS. 64 and 65 ). Thus, an individual may place the sensor assembly  2110  in any golf cup  2100  to practice putting and have the ability to move the sensor assembly  2110  to another golf cup. The portable electronic device  1000  may communicate with the sensor assembly  2110  to receive data from the sensor assembly  2110  regarding presence and/or entry of a golf ball into the golf cup  2100 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 68 , a process  2200  for generally determining detecting a ball relative to a cup by using the sensor assembly  2110  is shown. The process  2200  includes detecting a ball relative to golf cup (block  2204 ) and transmitting data indicative of detecting the ball relative to the golf cup (block  2206 ). The process of  FIG. 68  can be performed with a sensor assembly  2110  that is capable of two-way communication, i.e., transmission and reception, and a sensor assembly  2110  that is only capable of data transmission. If the sensor assembly  2110  is a portable sensor assembly as described above, an individual can place the sensor assembly  2110  at the bottom of a golf cup  2100 . The sensor assembly  2110  may be placed in the golf cup  2100  prior to any putting session. 
     Referring to  FIG. 69 , the process  2200  may further include establishing communication between the sensor assembly  2110  and a portable electronic device such as the disclosed portable electronic device  1000  (block  2202 ). The establishment of communication between the sensor assembly  2110  and the portable electronic device  1000  may be performed automatically or by an individual actively performing certain connection procedures to establish communication. For example, when the sensor assembly  2110  and the portable electronic device  1000  are sufficiently close and/or within a certain range of communication, the portable electronic device  1000  may automatically identify the sensor assembly  2110  and establish communication with the sensor assembly  2110 . Alternatively, for example, the portable electronic device  1000  may automatically identify the sensor assembly  2110 , but communication between the portable electronic device  1000  and the sensor assembly  2110  may only be established if an individual requests such communication. Establishment of communication between the sensor assembly  2110  and the portable electronic device  1000  may have to be performed only once if the identification of the sensor assembly  2110  is stored in the portable electronic device  1000  for future communication. With the latter alternative, an individual has the option of establishing communication between the portable electronic device  1000  and one or more particular sensor assemblies  2110 , rather than with all of the sensor assemblies  2110  within a certain range of communication. 
     The sensor assembly  2110  may detect a ball relative to a golf cup. For example, the sensor assembly  2110  may include one or more proximity sensors that detect nearby objects. The sensor assembly  2110  may be configured to detect nearby objects that resemble in configuration to a golf ball. The sensor assembly  2110  may also detect a ball inside a golf cup. The sensor assembly  2110  is described in detail below as detecting a golf ball in a golf cup. However, the disclosed sensor assembly  2110  may be configured to detect a golf ball relative to a golf cup, i.e., near and/or inside a golf cup. 
     When an individual strikes a golf ball in a putt attempt and the golf ball enters a golf cup  2100 , the sensor assembly  2110  detects the entry of the ball into the golf cup  2100  (block  2004 ). The sensor assembly  2110  may then transmit data regarding entry of the ball into the golf cup  2100  to the portable electronic device  1000  (block  2006 ). If the sensor assembly  2110  does not include a receiver, the transmission of data regarding the entry of the ball into the golf cup  2100  may be a continuous broadcast transmission or transmissions at discreet time intervals for a certain period of time. For example, the sensor assembly  2110  may continuously broadcast a signal for a period of 5-10 seconds so that any portable electronic device that is sufficiently close to the sensor assembly  2110  may receive the signal. Alternatively, the sensor assembly  2110  may transmit a signal every 0.5 seconds for a period of 5-10 seconds so that any portable electronic device that is sufficiently close to the sensor assembly  2110  may receive the signal. Accordingly, a portable electronic device, such as the disclosed portable electronic device  1000 , can receive one of the transmitted messages successfully and ignore any repeated transmissions. If the sensor assembly  2110  includes both a transmitter and a receiver, the sensor assembly  2110  may inform the portable electronic device through two-way communication that the ball has entered the golf cup  2100 . For example, the sensor assembly  2110  may transmit a signal to the portable electronic device  1000  regarding the status of the golf ball and the portable electronic device  1000  may acknowledge receipt by transmitting an acknowledgement to the sensor assembly  2110 . 
     As discussed above, the sensor assembly  2110  may transmit data regarding a successful putt. However, when a golf ball does not enter a golf cup  2100  after a putt attempt, a lack of any signal being transmitted from the sensor assembly  2110  after a certain period of time may be interpreted by the portable electronic device  1000  as an unsuccessful putt. Referring to  FIG. 70 , a process  2250  for detecting a golf ball in a golf cup is shown from the view point of a portable electronic device, such as the disclosed portable electronic device  1000 . The process  2250  includes establishing communication (not shown) with a sensor assembly, such as the sensor assembly  2110 , which may be located inside or near a golf cup. When an individual strikes a golf ball toward the golf cup with his or her putter, the portable electronic device may record the time at which the golf ball is struck by the putter (block  2252 ). If the portable electronic device  1000  does not receive any data from the sensor assembly  2110  indicative of the ball entering the golf cup after a certain wait period (block  2254 ), the portable electronic device  1000  considers the putt to be a miss (block  2256 ). However, if the portable electronic device receives data from the sensor assembly  2110  indicative of the ball entering the golf cup after the certain wait period (block  2254 ), the portable electronic device  1000  considers the putt to be successful (block  2258 ). The wait period can be set to a greater value than the amount of time generally required in making a putt from the consistent distance (e.g., 10 ft.). Alternatively, the wait period can be set to a certain wait period that is long enough to encompass the time generally required to make a very long putt. In another alternative, when the golf ball is struck by a golf club during a putt attempt, the portable electronic device  1000  may transmit the time of the ball strike to the sensor assembly  2110 . If the sensor assembly  2110  does not detect entry of the golf ball in the golf cup  2110  for a wait period after the time the ball was struck by the golf club, the sensor assembly  2110  may transmit a signal to the portable electronic device  1000  indicating a miss. 
     As described in detail above, the portable electronic device  1000  may also analyze each putt and determine stroke characteristics, the putting consistency and putting handicap for an individual. Accordingly, an individual&#39;s stroke characteristics and the individual&#39;s putting results for each putt attempt can be correlated to determine certain of the individuals putting tendencies that either resulted in successful putts or unsuccessful putts. Correlating stroke characteristics analysis with the result oriented information as described in detail above may enable an individual to improve his or her putting performance by modifying his or her stroke to make more successful putts. Further, an individual may not be required to record successful putt attempts on the scatter plot of  FIG. 61  because the portable electronic device  1000  may receive data from the sensor assembly  1708  indicating each successful putt attempt. Accordingly, the portable electronic device  1000  may record the final position of a golf ball on the scatter plot after receiving information regarding the relative position of the golf ball to the golf cup. 
     Referring to  FIG. 71 , a golf ball  2300  may include at least one sensor  2302 , which may be any type of sensor by which the golf ball  2300  can be at least identified by using a portable electronic device, such as the disclosed portable electronic device  1000  and/or a sensor assembly, such as the disclosed sensor assembly  2110 . For example, the sensor  2302  may be an RFID sensor that is embedded inside the ball  2300 . Accordingly, the sensor assembly  2110  and/or the portable electronic device  1000  may include an RFID reader to identify the ball  2300 . Alternatively, the sensor  2302  may be a type of sensor that can provide at least an identification of the ball  2300  to an external device such as the portable electronic device  1000  and/or the sensor assembly  2110   
     The portable electronic device  1000  may also receive sufficient information from the sensor  2302  to determine the speed, spin characteristics, and/or a location of the ball  2300  at certain time intervals. From the speed and location information obtained from the sensor  2302  and based on general frictional characteristics between the ball  2300  and the ground (e.g., green speed), the portable electronic device  1000  may determine an estimated trajectory for the ball  2300  and/or an approximate location where the ball  2300  may come to rest after a putt. For example, the portable electronic device  1000  may include a GPS sensor such that the location of the ball  2300  at the moment of striking the ball  2300  is known. As the distance between the ball  2300  and the portable electronic device  1000  increases, the portable electronic device  1000  may track the movement of the ball  2300  by communicating with the ball at certain time intervals. The signals received from the ball  2300  at the certain time intervals may be used to determine the speed and rotational characteristics of the ball  2300  by methods such as Doppler shift. The portable electronic device  1000  may then determine the distance of the ball from the portable electronic device  1000  based on the speed information. The systems, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. Accordingly, any type of sensor may be used in a ball  2300  to provide communication with any type of electronic system and/or device in order to provide information regarding the motion and location characteristics of the ball  2300  to the electronic system and/or device. 
     Referring to  FIG. 72 , a process  2350  of using the ball  2300  is shown. The portable electronic device  1000  may automatically identify one or more balls  2300  that are to be used by an individual (block  2352 ). Alternatively or in conjunction with the portable electronic device  1000 , the sensor assembly  2110  may also automatically identify the one or more balls  2300  (block  2352 ). The individual may have several balls  2300  in his or her proximity, such as in the putting area and/or in his or her golf bag. The sensor  2302  of each ball  2300  may have a unique identifier that may be received by the portable electronic device  1000  and/or the sensor assembly  2110 . Accordingly, the portable electronic device  1000  and/or the sensor assembly  2110  may recognize and track all of the balls  2300  that are in the proximity of the portable electronic device  1000  and/or the sensor assembly  2110 . 
     An individual may make at least one putt with a ball  2300 . As described above, the portable electronic device  1000  and/or the sensor assembly  2110  may detect, track and/or determine a location of the ball  2300  after a putt (block  2356 ). Additionally, the portable electronic device  1000  and/or the sensor assembly  2110  may detect motion characteristics of the ball  2300  while moving from the golf club toward the golf cup to determine speed, trajectory and/or location of the golf ball continuously or at certain time intervals. The sensor assembly  2110  and the portable electronic device  1000  may communicate with each other data regarding the position of the ball  2300  so that the portable electronic device can determine more accurate motion characteristics and location information for the ball  2300 . 
     As described in detail above, the portable electronic device  1000  may also analyze each putt and determine stroke characteristics, the putting consistency and putting handicap for an individual. Accordingly, an individual&#39;s stroke characteristics and information about location, speed, and/or trajectory of a ball for each putt attempt can be correlated to determine certain of the individuals putting tendencies that either resulted in successful putts or unsuccessful putts. Correlating stroke characteristics analysis with the result oriented information as described in detail above may enable an individual to improve his or her putting performance by modifying his or her stroke to make more successful putts. 
     Referring to  FIG. 61 , the final location of each ball  2300  after a putt may be known relative to the golf cup  2022  and/or relative to the portable electronic device  1000 . Accordingly, based on the location of each ball  2300  as determined by the portable electronic device  1000  as described above, the scatter plot of  FIG. 61  may be automatically generated without any input or less input from an individual. Thus, by having one or more sensors  2302  in the ball  2300 , an individual may not have to manually input a position of the ball on the electronic device  1000 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 73 , one or more cameras  2400  may be located at or near a golf cup, such as the golf cup  2100 , to capture images of a ball, such as a ball  2300 , for tracking locations of the ball near the camera or after a putt. For example, the camera  2400  may be mounted on a flagstick  2402  as shown in  FIG. 73 . The camera  2400  may be a digital camera having one or more charge-coupled devices (CCDs) and/or active pixel sensors (CMOS) to digitally capture images. Referring to  FIG. 74 , the camera  2400  may include an image capturing device  2410  (CCD or CMOS), a processor  2412 , memory  2414 , and a transceiver  2416 . A portable electronic device, such as the disclosed portable electronic device  1000 , may establish communication with the transceiver  2416  to receive captured images and associated data from the camera  2400 . The transceiver  2416  and the portable electronic device  1000  may communicate by using any wireless communication method, such as a proprietary communication method or the standard wireless communication standards described herein. The camera  2400  may also include a power supply  2418 , which may be a battery or a solar energy device, e.g., photovoltaic cells. 
     The camera  2400  may capture one or more images of one or more golf balls around the hole and may determine the locations and/or movement patterns of each golf ball. The camera may capture still images or capture video (i.e., a sequence of images captured at a certain frame rate such as a frame rate of between 20 and 60 frames/second). Because golf balls have generally consistent dimensions, a golf ball may be distinguished in an image captured by the camera. For example, a white circle appearing on an image with a shade of green as the background may be identified as a golf ball located on a putting green. The camera  2400  may capture one or more images with the image capture device  2410 , store the one or more images in the memory  2414 , and/or process the images with the processor  2412  to determine motion characteristics of the golf ball and/or the position of the golf ball relative to the camera  2400  and/or or the golf cup  2100 . To determine the speed of the golf ball and/or the trajectory of the golf ball, more than one image may be required. However, one image may be sufficient to determine a location of the golf ball. Thus, the camera  2400  may capture multiple images and determine the speed and/or trajectory of a golf ball with the processor  2412 . Alternatively or in conjunction with self processing of captured images, the camera  2400  may transmit image data to the portable electronic device  1000  for processing. Accordingly, the portable electronic device  1000  may process the captured images and determine motion characteristics of the golf ball and/or the distance of the golf ball from the portable electronic device  1000  and/or the golf cup  2100 . Although one camera  2400  is described, a plurality of cameras may be provided at or near the golf cup  2100  to perform the disclosed methods. By providing more than one camera at or near the golf cup  2100 , the speed, trajectory, and/or location of the ball may be more accurately determined. Additionally, a triangulation method may be applied to captured images from multiple cameras to more accurately determine the motion characteristics and/or the location of a golf ball. 
     The portable electronic device  1000  may include a digital camera that is capable of performing the disclosed image capture functions. Accordingly, an individual may attach a first portable electronic device  1001  to a putter shaft  800  with a first device holder  101  as shown in  FIG. 76 , which is similar to  FIG. 11  and a second portable electronic device  1002  to the flag stick  2402  with a second device holder  102  as shown in  FIG. 75 . The second portable electronic device  1002  may function as a digital camera as described above, while the first portable electronic device  1001  may function to determine stroke characteristics and operate the software as also described above. The two portable electronic devices  1001  and  1002  may communicate with each other as described below. 
     Referring to  FIG. 77 , a process  2420  for using the camera  2400 , which may be a part of the second portable electronic device  1002  is shown. The camera  2400  may be attached to the flagstick  2402  as shown in  FIG. 76 . Alternatively, if a portable electronic device  1002  is used as a camera, the portable electronic device  1002  may be attached to the flagstick  2402  with the second device holder  102 . The camera  2400  may capture at least one image of the ball when an individual putts the ball (block  2422 ). The image may be captured at approximately the moment when the ball comes to rest or after a certain sufficient wait period so that a ball comes to rest. The at least one captured image is then processed to determine the final location of the golf ball (block  2424 ). If more than one image is captured while the ball is moving, motion characteristics of the ball may also be determined (not shown). Accordingly, speed, trajectory and/or locations of the ball may be determined continuously or at certain time intervals (not shown). 
     Referring to  FIG. 78 , a process  2450  for using two portable electronic devices  1001  and  1002  is shown. The second portable electronic device  1002  may be attached to a flagstick  2402  with the second device holder  102 . Additionally the camera lens of the second portable device  1002  may be generally pointed in the direction from which an individual may be putting one or more golf balls. The first portable electronic device  1001  may be attached to the individual&#39;s putter as described in detail above with the first device holder  101 . 
     The process  2450  includes establishing communication between the first portable electronic device  1001  and the second portable electronic device  1002  (block  2452 ). After communication is established, an individual may putt a golf ball toward the golf club, i.e., toward the flag  2402 . Accordingly, as described in detail above, the first portable electronic device  1001  may determine the stroke characteristics of the individual (block  2454 ). The second portable electronic device  1002  may capture one or multiple images or a video of the putting area (block  2456 ). Either the first portable electronic device  1001  or the second portable electronic device  1002  may process the captured images to determine motion characteristics and/or locations of the golf ball (block  2458 ). If the first portable electronic device  1001  is to process the captured images, the second portable electronic device  1002  may transmit the captured images to the first portable electronic device  1002 . The process  2450  can then determine the individual&#39;s putting performance based on the stroke characteristics of the individual and the motion characteristics and/or locations of the golf ball (block  2460 ). 
     The first and second device holders  101  and  102  may be identical or similar in many respects. For example, if the first and second device holders  101  and  102  are identical, the clamp portions (such as the clamp portion  300  of the device holder  100 ) of both devices may be configured to provide attachment to a putter shaft and a flagstick. Accordingly, because a flagstick may have a larger diameter than a diameter of a typical putter shaft, the clamp portion may be configured to receive poles, rods or shafts of large varying diameters. In another example, the first and second device holders  101  and  102  may be similar in many respects except for their respective clamp portions. The clamp portion of the first device holder  101  may be configured for attachment to a putter shaft, while the clamp portion of the second device holder  101  may be configured for attachment to a flagstick. 
     According to the process  2420  and  2450 , the individual may make several putts from a consistent distance. For each putt, the camera  2400  or the camera of the second portable electronic device  1002  may capture images of the ball. The camera may capture images continuously in a video capture mode or in discrete intervals. In one example, to reduce the space required in memory of the first portable electronic device  1001  and/or the second portable electronic device  1002  for storing images, the camera may be activated when the individual swings his golf club and/or strikes the ball. Accordingly, the first portable electronic device  1001  may transmit a signal to the second portable electronic device  1002  when the individual swings the golf club and/or the golf club strikes the ball so that the second portable electronic device  1002  can capture images of the ball from the moment a putt is initiated or just prior to the golf club striking the ball. The camera of the second portable electronic device  1002  may stop capturing images upon detecting that the ball is no longer in motion. Alternatively, the camera of the second portable electronic device  1002  may stop capturing images after a certain period, such as a time period that is typically required to make a generally long putt. 
     When the camera  2400  or the camera of the second portable electronic device  1002  captures a plurality of images or video during the same putt attempt, the speed, location and/or trajectory of the ball at every instant in time when the image was captured may be determined. In one example, the second portable electronic device  1002  may determine ball movement characteristics based on the captured images and transmit the ball movement characteristic data to the first portable electronic device  1001 . Alternatively, the second portable electronic device  1002  may transmit the captured images to the first portable electronic device  1001  so that the first portable electronic device  1001  can determine the movement characteristics of the ball. 
     As described in detail above, one of the portable electronic devices  1001  or  1002  that is attached to the putter shaft with the device holder  101  or  102 , respectively, may also analyze each putt and determine stroke characteristics, the putting consistency and putting handicap for an individual. Accordingly, an individual&#39;s stroke characteristics and information about location, speed and/or trajectory of a ball for each putt attempt as determined by the captured images of the ball him can be correlated to determine certain of the individuals putting tendencies that either resulted in successful putts or unsuccessful putts. Correlating stroke characteristics analysis with the result oriented information as described in detail above may enable an individual to improve his or her putting performance by modifying his or her stroke to make more successful putts. 
     Referring to  FIG. 61 , the final location of each ball  2300  after a putt may be known relative to the golf cup  2022  and/or relative to the portable electronic device  1000 . Accordingly, based on the location of each ball  2300  as determined by the captured images as described above, the scatter plot of  FIG. 61  may be automatically generated without any input or less input from an individual. Thus, by capturing images of a ball during each putt, an individual may not have to manually input a position of the ball on the electronic device  1000 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 82 , a process  2500  is shown for classifying golf clubs in one or more golf club categories based on at least one golf club characteristic associated with the golf club. The process  2500  includes classifying a golf club in at least one golf club category based on at least one club characteristic (block  2502 ), associating at least one stroke type with the at least one golf club category (block  2504 ), and indicating a stroke type on a golf club based on the at least one golf club category of the golf club (block  2506 ). Accordingly, an individual may select an appropriate type of golf club for optimum or near optimum performance considering the individual&#39;s stroke characteristics and skill level. 
     Referring back to  FIGS. 28-31 , golf clubs may be classified in categories based on the center of gravity (CG) position  1250  and/or the CG angle  1252 . The process  2000  may classify a golf club  1240  in at least one of the club categories. In one example, the golf club  1240  may be a putter-type golf club. Accordingly, the process  2000  may classify the golf club  1240  in a face-balance putter category, a mid-hang putter category, or a toe-down putter category. 
     In one example, a putter-type golf club classified in the face-balance putter category may have a relatively-lower CG angle (e.g., less than six degrees) with varying CG position from the shaft axis  1248  (e.g., from zero to two inches).  FIG. 79  shows an example of a face-balanced putter. When the shaft of a face-balanced putter is held in a horizontal position and allowed to freely rotate about the shaft axis (extending through the page in  FIG. 79 ), the head  1241  remains in a horizontal position as shown in  FIG. 79 . Thus, the position and angle of the CG is such that the portion of the head  1241  from the shaft  1248  to the toe  1243  and the portion of the head  1241  from the shaft  1248  to the heel  1245  balance each other about the shaft axis  1248 . 
     A putter-type golf club classified in the mid-hang putter category may have a relatively-moderate CG angle (e.g., less than 45 degrees) and a relatively-moderate CG position from the shaft axis  1248  (e.g., less than one inch). Further, a putter-type golf club classified in the mid-hang putter category may have a relatively lower CG angle (e.g., less than 20 degrees) but a relatively-farther CG position (e.g., more than one inch) from the shaft axis  1248 .  FIG. 80  shows an example of a mid-hang putter. When the shaft of a mid-hang putter is held in a horizontal position and allowed to freely rotate about the shaft axis  1248  (extending through the page in  FIG. 80 ), the head  1241  rotates about the shaft axis  1248  until it finds a balanced position generally midway between a horizontal position and a vertical position. Thus, the position and angle of the CG is such that the portion of the head  1241  from the shaft  1248  to the toe  1243  is slightly off balance relative to the portion of the head  1241  from the shaft  1248  to the heel  1245 . 
     A putter-type golf club classified in the toe-down putter category may have a relatively-higher CG angle (e.g., greater than 45 degrees) and a relatively-shorter CG position from the shaft axis  1248  (e.g., less than one inch) may be classified in the toe-down putter category. In addition, a putter-type golf club classified in the toe-down putter category may have a relatively-lower CG angle (e.g., less than 30 degrees) but a relatively-farther CG position (e.g., more than one inch) from the shaft axis  1248 .  FIG. 81  shows an example of a toe-down putter. When the shaft of a tow-down putter is held in a horizontal position and allowed to freely rotate about the shaft axis  1248  (extending through the page in  FIG. 81 ), the head  1241  rotates about the shaft axis  1248  until it finds a balanced position generally near a vertical position. Thus, the position and angle of the CG is such that the portion of the head  1241  from the shaft  1248  to the toe  1243  is highly off balance relative to the portion of the head  1241  from the shaft  1248  to the heel  1245 . 
     While the above examples may define the plurality of putter categories in a particular manner, the systems, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. That is, various combinations of CG angles and CG position from the shaft axis  1248  may define the plurality of putter categories. 
     According to the above, a golf club may be classified in a club category based on at least one club characteristic associated with the golf club, such as CG location and CG angle. A golf club classified in a certain category may then be associated with a stroke type for which that golf club is suitable. In one example, a face-balanced putter may be more suitable for a straight-type stroke, a mid-hang putter may be more suitable for a slight arc-type stroke, and a toe-down putter may be more suitable for a strong arc-type stroke. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 83-85 , a putter-type golf club classified in a face-balance putter category may include a stroke type indicator  2510  associated with a straight stroke type. The stroke type indicator  2510  may include a description, a letter, a number, a logo, a symbol, a color, a combination thereof, etc. In on example, a text field  2512 , in which a stroke type is described. For example, the text field  2512  may include the description “Straight,” “Slight Arc” or “Strong Arc.” The stroke type indicator  2510  may also include a graphical stroke type field  2514 , in which a stroke type is graphically conveyed to an individual. In the example of  FIGS. 83-85 , each of the straight, slight arc and strong arc stroke types is graphically represented by a partial circle  2516  and a line  2518 , where the curvature of the line  2518  may define the stroke type. The partial circle  2516  may represent a golf cup or hole. A tab  2520  framing any graphical representation of the stroke type in the graphical stroke type field  2514  may identify the stroke type on the stroke type indicator  2510 . The partial circle  2516  of the indicated stroke type may also include a small filled circle  2522  representing a golf ball inside a golf cup or a hole. Although not shown, certain colors used on the stroke type indicator  2510  may indicate a stroke type. For example, the graphical stroke type field  2514  may have a blue, green or red background color associated with straight, slight arc or strong arc stroke types, respectively. 
       FIG. 83  is an example of a stroke type indicator  2510  associated with a straight type stroke that may be provided on a face-balanced putter. The stroke type indicator  2510  includes the word “Straight” in the text field  2512  to indicate that a golf club having such a visual stroke indicator may be better suited for an individual having a straight type of stroke. The tab  2520  of the graphical stroke type field  2514  is shown to frame the partial circle  2516  and line  2518  that visually convey a straight type stroke to an individual. The line  2518  is shown to be a straight line and the framed partial circle  2516  is shown to have a small filled circle  2522  representing a golf ball in the golf cup. The graphical stroke type field  2514  and/or the word “Straight” in the text field  2512  may also have a certain color associated with a straight type stroke, such as the color blue. 
       FIG. 84  is an example of a stroke type indicator  2510  associated with a slight arc type stroke that may be provided on a mid-hang putter. The stroke type indicator  2510  includes the word “Slight Arc” in the text field  2512  to indicate that a golf club with such a stroke type indicator may be better suited for an individual having a slight arc type of stroke. The tab  2520  of the graphical stroke type field  2514  is shown to frame the partial circle  2516  and line  2518  that visually convey a straight type stroke to an individual. The line  2518  is shown to be slightly arced and the framed partial circle  2516  is shown to have a small filled circle  2522  representing a golf ball in the golf cup. The graphical stroke type field  2514  and/or the words “Slight Arc” may also have a certain color associated with a straight type stroke, such as the color green. 
       FIG. 85  is an example of a stroke type indicator  2510  associated with a slight arc type stroke that may be provided on a toe-down putter. The stroke type indicator  2510  includes the word “Strong Arc” in the text field  2512  to indicate that a golf club with such a stroke type indicator may be better suited for an individual having a strong arc type of stroke. The tab  2520  of the graphical stroke type field  2514  is shown to frame the partial circle  2516  and line  2518  that visually convey a straight type stroke to an individual. The line  2518  is shown to have the greatest arc as compared to the lines  2518  of the straight and slight arc stroke type indicators  2510 . The framed partial circle  2516  is shown to have a small filled circle  2522  representing a golf ball in the golf cup. The graphical stroke type field  2514  and/or the words “Strong Arc” may also have a certain color associated with a straight type stroke, such as the color red. 
     Characterizing an individual&#39;s golf swing or putting stroke and/or an analysis of the individual&#39;s performance may be considered to identify an appropriate type of golf club for the individual to play his or her best. Referring to  FIG. 86 , a process  2600  may recommend a golf club for an individual based on an individual&#39;s stroke characteristics and/or an analysis of the individual&#39;s putting performance. The process  2600  may generally include determining at least one stroke characteristic of an individual (block  2602 ), and recommending at least one golf club based on the at least one stroke characteristic of the individual and/or recommending an adjustment to at least one golf club based on the at least one stroke characteristic of the individual (block  2604 ). 
     An individual may perform the process  2600  by selecting (e.g., touching the GUI  1114 ) club fitting option  1908  of the sub-menu  1310 . Upon selecting the club fitting option  1908 , the GUI  1114  of the portable electronic device  1000  displays a counter display  2610  as shown in  FIG. 87 . The counter display  2610  is similar in many respects to the counter display  1650 . Accordingly, a description of similar features and functions of the counter displays  2610  is not repeated herein for brevity. The counter display  2610  may further display instructions for an individual regarding the number of putts to attempt and the distance for the attempted number of putts. For example, the counter display  2610  may instruct the individual to “TAKE 5 IDENTICAL 10 ft PUTTS” as shown in  FIG. 87 . The individual may take the specified number of putts (e.g. 5 putts) from the specified distance (e.g. 10 feet) until the counter display  2610  shows that all five putt attempts have been completed. 
     Upon completing the specified number of putts from the specified distance, the stroke type of the individual may be displayed on a stroke identification display  2620  as shown in  FIG. 88 . The stroke identification display  2620  may include a stroke type display  2622 , which is similar to the stroke type display  1662  of  FIG. 47 . Accordingly, a detailed description of the stroke type display  2622  is not provided herein for brevity. The stroke identification display  2620  may also include a stroke type indicator  2624 . According to the process  2500  as described above, a stroke type indicator  2510  may be provided on a golf club to associate the golf club with a certain stroke type. The stroke type indicator  2624  displayed on the stroke identification display  2620  may be similar or identical to the stroke type indicator  2510  associated with the same stroke type. Therefore, a detailed description of the stroke type indicator  2624  is not provided herein for brevity. As described below, an individual may readily match up the displayed stroke type indicator  2624  with a similar stroke type indicator  2510  on a golf club when selecting an appropriate golf club based on the stroke characteristics of the individual. 
     According to one example, the stroke type indicator  2510  may be a sticker that is affixed to a corresponding golf club. According to another example, the stroke type indicator  2510  may be painted on a corresponding golf club during manufacturing thereof. According yet another example, the stroke type indicator  2510  may be etched, embossed or be made as an integral piece of the golf club. Thus, the stroke type indicator  2510  may be placed at any location on the golf club with any method. 
     The stroke identification display  2620  may also include a “Recommend Putter” icon  2626  that when selected by an individual identifies a putter that may be best suitable for the individual based on his or her stroke type on a recommended putter display  2630  as shown in  FIG. 89 . The recommended putter display  2630  may show at least one recommended putter  2632 . The recommended putter  2632  may be identified by manufacturer and model. The recommended putter display  2630  may also display the stroke type associated with the recommended putter in the form of the stroke type indicator  2624  and/or  2510 . An individual may have the option of viewing other recommended putters on the recommended putter display  2630  by scrolling between several recommended putters. The individual may also have the option of viewing technical specifications of the recommended putter  2632 . Referring to  FIG. 90 , the recommended putter display  2630  may include a smaller sub-display  2634 , which may be displayed over the recommended putter display  2630  and include technical specifications of the recommended putter  2632 , such as the material from which the recommended putter  2632  is constructed, the weight of the recommended putter  2632  and/or the lie angle of the recommended putter  2632 . The sub-display  2634  may be activated by an individual touching a certain icon (e.g., an arrow or the like) on a certain part of the recommended putter display  2630 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 91 , the recommended putter display  2630  may include a miss tendency sub-menu  2636 , by which an individual can select miss tendency options such as Left, None or Right. For example, a right-handed individual who has the tendency to miss to the left of a golf hole with his or her current golf club may benefit from a golf club that is more toe-down (i.e., more in the toe-down direction) than his or her current golf club. Accordingly, such an individual may selected the Left miss tendency option from the sub-menu  2636 . In another example, an individual who has the tendency to miss to the right of a golf hole with his or her currently golf club may benefit from a golf club that is more face-balanced (i.e., more in the face-balance direction) than his or her current golf club. Accordingly, such an individual may select the Right miss tendency option from the sub-menu  2636 . Referring to  FIG. 92 , the recommended putter display  2630  may also include an alignment aid sub-menu  2638 , by which an individual can select the style and/or type of alignment aid that he or she prefers on a putter. For example, the options that may be selectable from the alignment aid sub-menu  2638  may be No Preference, Minimal, Standard, or Many/Heavy. 
     The recommended putter display  2630  recommends a putter for an individual based on his or her stroke type. However, the individual may require advanced fitting so that the recommended putter is sized for the individual. Accordingly, the recommended putter display  2630  may include an advanced fitting option  2640 , selection of which by an individual displays an advanced fitting display  2642  shown in  FIG. 93 . An individual may enter his or her measurements in a measurement input area  2644  by activating a measurement display  2646  as shown in  FIG. 94 . The measurement display  2646  may include an overall height input area  2648  for an individual to input his or her height, a wrist to floor height input area  2650  for the individual to input the distance from his or wrist to the floor, gender identification input area  2652  for selection of the individual&#39;s gender, and stance type input area  2654  for selection of the individual&#39;s putting stance, such as upright, standard, or crouch. Upon returning to the advanced fitting display  2642 , the individual may have the option of selecting the green speed such as fast, medium or slow from a green speed menu  2656  as shown in  FIG. 95 . The advanced fitting display  2642  may display a recommended putter configuration sub-display  2658  for the recommended putter  2632 . The recommended putter configuration sub-display  2658  may include a recommended length, loft and lie angle as shown in  FIGS. 93 and 95 . The speed of a putting green of a golf hole may be considered when adjusting the recommended loft angle. For example, the loft angle may decrease by one degree for a fast putting green whereas the loft angle may increase by one degree for a slow putting green. The loft angle may not be adjusted for a medium speed putting green. The advanced fitting display  2642  may also provide the individual to capture or practice putts with the recommend putter  2632  by selecting a putt capture or practice area  2660  on the GUI  1114 . The systems, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     The process  2600  may also recommend one or more adjustments to a golf club based on the at least one stroke characteristic of the individual (block  2604 ). For example, a golf club that may already be in use by an individual may be modified to adjust the length, loft and/or lie of the golf club to better fit the individual. 
       FIG. 96  illustrates a process  2670  for fitting one or more golf clubs for an individual based on one or more photos of the individual. The process  2670  includes capturing at least one image of an individual (block  2672 ), and recommending at least one golf club based on the at least one captured photo of the individual and/or recommending an adjustment to at least one golf club based on the at captured photo of the individual (block  2674 ). 
     According to one example, the process  2670  utilizes a camera of a portable electronic device, such as the portable electronic device  1000 , to capture one or more images of an individual. The one or more captured images may be analyzed by the portable electronic device  1000  to determine the individual&#39;s stroke characteristics as described in detail herein, physical attributes (height and other bodily measurements) as shown in  FIG. 94 , and/or putting stance, such as upright, standard, or crouch as shown in  FIG. 94 . For example, the information shown in  FIG. 94  may be determined by the portable electronic device  1000  according to one or more captured images of an individual. In another example, one or more captured images of an individual may be correlated with stroke characteristics and/or putting results of an individual as described in detail herein to recommend an appropriate golf club for the individual considering the individual&#39;s skill level. Further details of fitting one or more golf clubs to an individual based on capturing one or more images of the individual are provided in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/465,304, filed on May 7, 2012, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     Referring to  FIG. 97 , a process  2700  for an individual to share his or her putting results, such as stroke characteristics, consistency scores, and/or putting handicap is shown. An individual, which may be referred to herein as a first individual, may receive a request from a second individual to share putting results (block  2702 ). The first individual may accept the request and transmit his or her putting results to the second individual (block  2704 ). The putting results may be transmitted directly from the portable electronic device of the first individual to the portable electronic device of the second individual by wired transmission, wireless transmission according to the disclosed wireless transmission standards, and/or any type of removable memory module. For example, two individuals who are playing golf may share their putting results with each other through their portable electronic devices via communication with Bluetooth® technology. Although an individual may request and/or receive putting results from another individual, the request for putting result may be from an entity. For example, an entity may be any individual, a group of individuals, or an organization. The entity may also be an electronic device, which may request putting results without any guidance or intervention from an individual. For example, an electronic device may be configured to request putting results from certain individuals at certain time intervals. 
       FIG. 98  shows a process  2710 , which is a more detailed example of the process  2700 . At least two individuals, who may be referred to herein as the first individual and the second individual, may wish to share putting results. The sharing of the putting results may be in real time or based on prior putting results. However, the process  2710  shows an example of real time sharing. The first individual may activate the software on a first portable electronic device. Similarly, the second individual may activate the software on a second portable electronic device. The process  2710  may include establishing communication between the first portable electronic device and the second portable electronic device (block  2712 ). To establish communication, each individual may select a communication/link feature (not shown) of the software of his or her portable electronic device to seek, select and establish communication with the other individual&#39;s portable electronic device. For example, upon selecting a communication/link feature (not shown) of the software, the first portable electronic device may display any Bluetooth® enabled device that is within sufficient proximity of the first portable electronic device for Bluetooth® communication. The first individual may then select the second portable electronic device to establish communication with the second portable electronic device. 
     Each of the first individual or the second individual may attach his or her portable electronic device to his or her golf club with a device holder. Each of the first individual or the second individual may perform at least one putting stroke. The at least one putting stroke may be performed according to a practice session and/or a measure session as described in detail above. Alternatively, the first individual may perform at least one putting stroke while the second individual only participates as an observer. If the second individual only participates as an observer, he or she may not have to attach his or her portable electronic device to his or her golf club. According to process  2710 , the first individual performs at least one putting strokes. The first portable electronic device may then collect data related to the at least one putting stroke (block  2714 ) and transmit data related to the at least one putting stroke to the second portable electronic device (block  2716 ). The transmitted data may be raw data collected by the portable electronic device during the performance of the at least one putting strokes. Alternatively, the raw data collected by the first portable electronic device may be analyzed and the resulting stroke characteristics of the putting stroke may be transmitted to the second portable electronic device. The second portable electronic device may store the received data and/or display the received data on the GUI of the second portable electronic device. The received data may also be used by the second electronic device for comparison purposes as disclosed. 
       FIG. 99  shows a process  2730  for an individual to share his or her putting results with others via electronic mail, a posting on a social media network such as FACEBOOK® social networking service of Facebook, Inc., Palo Alto, Calif. or TWITTER® social networking service of Twitter, Inc., San Francisco, Calif., and/or any communication network to which one or more other individuals may have access. According to the process  2730 , an individual may transmit his or her putting results to a network (block  2732 ). Referring back to  FIG. 15 , an example of a network  1150  is shown that may provide communication and data sharing between different network devices via the Internet  1164 . After the individual transmits his or her putting results to the network  1150  via the Internet  1164 , the putting results  1150  may be stored on the server  1152 . The transmission of the putting results by the individual may be performed by the individual emailing the results to another individual or entity (e.g., a group of individuals, social group, organization or the like). The email message including the results may be received and stored on the server  1152  (e.g., an email server) and then transmitted from the server  1152  to one or more other entities. The transmission of the putting results by the individual may be performed by the individual uploading the results and/or any associated messages, comments, descriptions or the like to the server  1152 , which may be a social media server, a game server, or the like to which other individuals or entities have access for sharing data. The transmission of putting results from any individual via his or her portable electronic device may be performed without the individual&#39;s control either in real time or at certain time intervals. 
     According to the process  2730 , another individual, a plurality of individuals and/or one or more entities may access the individual&#39;s putting results from the network  1150  by communicating with the server  1152  via the Internet  1164  (block  2734 ). Accessing the results may be defined as viewing and/or downloading the results. Further, the individual who transmitted his or her results to the server  1152  may also access the results from the network  1150  if the individual no longer has the putting results stored on his or her portable electronic device. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 52 , comparing results of a measurement session of a first individual, which shown in  FIG. 52  as Individual  1 , with the results of a measurement session of another individual, which is shown in  FIG. 52  as Individual  2 , may require that Individual  1  have access to measurement session results for one or more certain putting sessions of Individual  2 . According to processes  2700  and  2710 , measurement session results for one or more putting sessions of individual  2  may be transmitted from the portable electronic device of Individual  2  to the portable electronic device of individual  1  upon Individual  1  requesting such results. According to process  2730 , one or more measurement session results of Individual  2  may be downloaded by the portable electronic device of Individual  1  from a server, such as the server  1152 , which may be an email server, a social networking server, a game server or any type of server that provides data to various electronic devices. Upon receiving certain measurement session results of Individual  2 , the received measurement session results may be stored in the memory of the portable electronic device of Individual  1  for future use. The systems, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     Two or more individuals may share their putting and/or golf game results with each other in real time according to any of the processes  2700 ,  2710  and  2730 . The sharing of results in real time may enable social gaming as described in detail below. Referring to  FIG. 14 , two or more individuals may share information in real time by the individuals&#39; portable electronic devices directly communicating with each other. As shown in  FIG. 98 , the portable electronic device of two or more individuals may establish communication with each other as described in detail above (block  2712 ). The portable electronic devices of the two or more individuals can then transmit to each other in real time (block  2716 ) the information collected by the portable electronic device related to each individual&#39;s putting stroke and game play (block  2714 ). 
     Two or more individuals may share information with each other in real time via the Internet by using a network server  1152 , which may be a social media server, a game server, an email server, or any type of data server to which other individuals or entities may have access for sharing data.  FIG. 100  shows in detail a process  2750  of sharing information in real time via the Internet. The process  2750  shows sharing of information between two portable electronic devices, namely a first portable electronic device and a second portable electronic device. However, the process  2750  is applicable to a large number of portable electronic devices (e.g., cell phones, smart phones, laptop computers, tablet computers, digital music players, etc.). 
     Each of the first portable electronic device and the second portable electronic device may execute the software (block  2752 ). If the first and second portable electronic devices are not connected to the Internet, then the first and second portable electronic devices may be connected to the Internet. For example, the first electronic device or the second electronic device may have a continuous connection to the Internet for email, messaging, voice, or other IP (Internet Protocol) applications. Each of the first and second portable electronic devices may establish connection with a server, through which data is shared (block  2756 ). Establishing a connection with a server may entail logging into an account provided on the server for a certain individual, organization, social group, gaming group, professional group or the like to provide an individual access to all or certain data stored on the server and associated with the account. Each of the first portable electronic device and/or the second portable electronic device may be attached to a putter with the device holder as disclosed. At least one of the portable electronic devices may then be used to perform one or more putting strokes (block  2758 ), which may be in a practice session or a measure session as described in detail above. Data related to the one or more putting strokes may be transmitted to the server and stored on the server in a data storage space associated with the individual operating the first portable electronic device. The data may be transmitted after each putting stroke or after a putting session (i.e., a plurality of putting strokes). For example, after each putting stroke, the data may be automatically transmitted to the server via the Internet. The data may be raw measurement data or data including results of one or more putting strokes as determined by the portable electronic devices, such as stroke characteristics, consistency scores, and/or putting handicap. The server may then transmit the data to the second portable electronic device (block  2760 ). The second portable electronic device may then receive (block  2762 ), store, analyze, compare and/or display the received data as disclosed herein. 
     Any information provided to an individual on the GUI  1114  of the portable electronic device  1000  may be shared by the individual with the general public or select individuals. For example, stroke characteristics of an individual and/or the club fitting results for an individual may be shared. An individual may directly share with another electronic device or upload information about his or her practice session, measure session, compare session, result based practice session (i.e., by which miss tendencies may be determined), club fitting session, and/or competition with others session to a server, which may be a social media server, a game server, an email server, or any type of data server to which other individuals or entities may have access for sharing data. The sharing of information, which may be direct sharing with another electronic device or sharing with others via a server, may be performed by an individual selecting a share icon  63  during a practice session, a measure session, a compare session, a result based practice session, a club fitting session, and/or a competition with others session. The share icon  63  may be shown on the GUI  1114  so as to be selectable by an individual. For example, the share icon  63  is shown is  FIGS. 44 and 47 . By activating the share icon  63 , the results of the corresponding session may be shared with others either directly or via a server as described in detail herein. 
     Two or more local and/or remotely located users may engage in competition by sharing stroke characteristics, consistency scores, putting handicap, and/or result oriented performance data as described in detail above. According to one example, a competition between two or more individuals may be in the form of a skins game, which is a type of scoring for golf, where players compete for prize money on each individual hole. Each hole is assigned certain point value or prize money. To get the points or prize money for a hole, the player with the best score wins the hole. If two or more players tie (e.g., halving) on a hole, the points may be carried over to the next hole. The player who accumulates the most points or prize money is the winner of the skins game. 
     Referring to  FIG. 101 , a process  2800  for local and/or remotely located individuals to engage in a skins game is shown. The process  2800  may determine a winner based on the consistency scores of the individuals participating in the game for each hole. The skins game may be played for one or more holes. The process  2800  includes indicating to one individual among several participating individuals to attempt a certain number of putts for an indicated hole (blocks  2802  and  2804 ). The individual&#39;s consistency score is then determined by a portable electronic device as described in detail above (block  2806 ). If all of the individuals who are participating in the skins game haven not played the indicated hole (block  2808 ), then the process of playing the first hole is repeated for all participating individuals. Accordingly, the next participating individual plays the first hole (block  2810  and block  2802 ). The process  2800  then checks whether or not all of the participating individuals have played all of the holes (block  2812 ). For example, if the first hole has been played by all of the participating individuals, then the participating individuals should play the next hole or the second hole. Accordingly, the next hole is played by all of the participating individuals. Thus, if all of the participating individuals have not played all of the holes, the process of playing each hole is repeated as described above (block  2814  and block  2802 ). However, if all of the participating individuals have played all of the holes, a winner of the skins game is determined based on the consistency scores of all of the participating individuals for all of the holes (block  2816 ). Further detail of the process  2800  and the operation of a portable electronic device  1000  when performing the process  2800  is described below. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 58 , an individual may select the Skins Game option  1906  to start a skins game. Upon selecting the Skins Game option  1906 , the GUI  1114  of the portable electronic device  1000  displays the game selection menu  2900  shown in  FIGS. 102 and 103 . The game selection menu  2900  shown in  FIG. 103  is a continuation of the game selection menu  2900  of  FIG. 102  and can be viewed by scrolling down the game selection menu  2900  of  FIG. 102 . The game selection menu  2900  includes a Pass-And-Play option  2902 , a Turn Based option  2904  and a Hosted option  2906 , all of which relate to different procedures by which local or remotely located individuals may participate in a skins game. The Pass-And-Play option  2902  allows several local individuals to play a skins game with a single portable electronic device. Accordingly, a single portable electronic device is passed from one individual to another during game play based on each individual&#39;s turn at playing the game. The Turn-Based option  2904  allows several local or remotely located individuals to play one or more skins games by communicating through a network. The Hosted option  2906  allows several local or remotely located individuals to play one or more skins game and display the results in a leader board on a large display device such as a television or a large display monitor. The process  2800  and the operation of a portable electronic device  1000  when each of options in the game selection menu  2900  is selected are described in detail below. 
     An individual can select the Pass-And-Play option  2902 . According to process  2906  shown in  FIG. 104 , after the individuals who may be participating in the skins game are determined (block  2907 ), the number of holes to play may be determined (block  2908 ). The participating individuals may then play a skins game according to the process  2800  and as described in detail below. 
     Referring to  FIG. 105 , after selecting the Pass-And-Play option  2902 , the portable electronic device  1000  displays the player menu  2910  from which the individuals who may be participating in the skins game may be determined (block  2906 ). The player menu  2910  includes player entry windows  2912 , an add player icon  2914 , a remove player icon  2916 , and a play icon  2918 . A first individual, who may be referred to herein as Individual  1 , can enter his or her name in the “Player  1 ” player entry window  2912 . The first individual may also have the option of providing his photograph by using the photo entry icon  2920 . A second individual, who may be referred to herein as Individual  2 , can enter his or her name in the “Player  2 ” player entry window  2912 . The second individual may also have the option of providing his photograph by using the photo entry icon  2920 . To add more players, the add player icon  2914  can be selected, by which additional player entry windows  2912  may be provided on the player menu  2910  so that additional individuals can enter their names and/or photographs. To remove a player, the remove player icon  2916  may be used. After entry of players&#39; names is finished, one of the individuals can select the play icon  2918 , which in  FIG. 93  is shown to display “Play Now!” 
     The number of holes to play may be selectable by one or more individuals playing a skins game. Referring to  FIG. 106 , the portable electronic device  1000  may display an option for selecting the number of holes to play after an individual selects the play icon  2918  (block  2908 ). According to the exemplary hole selection display  2930 , the GUI  1114  of the portable electronic device may provide several hole selection icons  2932 , where each icon corresponds to a certain number of holes. In the example of  FIG. 106 , the hole selection display  2930  shows three hole selection icons  2932  corresponding to 4 holes, 6 holes and 9 holes. Alternatively, the portable electronic device  1000  may provide an entry window so that an individual can manually enter the number of holes to play. 
     After selecting the number of holes to play, the portable electronic device  1000  may display a game start display  2940  as shown in  FIG. 107 . The game start display  2940  may represent the start of the process  2800  (block  2802 ). The game start display  2940  may include an individual identification display  2942 , an instruction window  2944  and a skins point value window  2946  by which information about the skins game is provided. As shown in  FIG. 107 , the individual identification display  2942  may identify the individual who should play next or whose turn as arrived. The individual identification display  2942  may display the name of the first individual to play, which is shown for example to be Individual  1 . The instruction window  2944  may provide general instructions to an individual about the game. In the example of  FIG. 107 , an individual is instructed to take 5 putts so that the individual&#39;s consistency score can be determined as discussed in detail above. Accordingly, each individual may be instructed to perform a measure session as described in detail herein. The instruction window  2944  may also display a start icon  2948 , selection of which starts the skins game. The skins value window  2946  may specify information about the values of the holes in the skins game. For example,  FIG. 107  shows the skin value of the first hole to be 25000 or 1 skin. 
       FIG. 108  shows a play display  2950  that is displayed after the start icon  2948  is selected. The play display  2950  may include a hole indicator  2952  and a counter display  2954 . The hole indicator  2952  indicates the hole that is being currently played. The hole indicator  2952  may visually resemble a hole with a flagstick inserted therein as shown in the example of  FIG. 108 . The counter display  2954  is similar to the count display  1650  of  FIGS. 45 and 46 , hence a detailed description thereof is not provided herein. The counter display  2954  may show the number of putts completed and the number of putts remaining in numeric and/or graphical manner. The play display  2950  may also include the individual identification display  2942  and the skins value window  2946 . An individual may be allowed to skip his or her turn in the skins game. Accordingly, the play display  2950  may also include a skip turn icon  2956 , by which an individual can skip his or her turn in the game. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 109 and 110 , an individual results display  2960  is displayed on the GUI  1114  of the portable electronic device  1000  after an individual performs a measure session, e.g., attempting  5  putts.  FIG. 109  shows an example of the individual results display  2960  for Individual  1 . After the first individual, e.g., individual  1 , performs a measure session, he or she passes the portable electronic device  1000  to the second individual, e.g., individual  2 , to perform a measure session as described in detail above. Individual  1  and individual  2  may choose to play with the same golf club. Accordingly, individual  1  can pass his golf club including the portable electronic device  1000  attached thereto to individual  2  to perform his or her measure session.  FIG. 110  shows an example of the individual results display  2960  for Individual  2 . The individual results display  2960  may include an individual identification display  2942 , a score display  2962  and a results table display  2964 . The score display  2962  displays the consistency score of an individual after a measure session. The results table display  2964  shows the current results for all individuals in tabular format. The individual results display  2960  further includes a next player icon  2966 . After an individual views his or her results on the individual results display  2960 , the next individual can select the next player icon  2966  to play his or her turn. The individual results display  2960  may also include an overall results icon  2968 , selection of which displays the current overall results of the skins game in tabular form (see for example  FIG. 100 ). 
     Referring to  FIG. 111 , a match results display  2970  may be displayed after all of the players have performed measure sessions for all of the holes. The match results display  2970  may show the points and skins achieved by each participating individual and the placement of each participating individual (i.e., 1st place, 2nd place, etc.). The match results display  2970  may also include the overall results icon  2968 , selection of which displays the overall results of the match in tabular form as shown by the score card display  2980  of  FIG. 112 . The scorecard display  2980  includes a results table  2982  having each row represent one of the holes played in the skins game and each column corresponding to one of the players who participated in the skins game. The last row in the results table  2982  may display the overall points and skins achieved by each participating player. 
     Selecting the Turn Based option  2904  allows several local or remotely located individuals to play one or more skins games through a network.  FIG. 113  shows an exemplary process  3000  by which several individuals can play a skins game through a network. The process  3000  includes an individual establishing communication with a network (block  3002 ). To establish communication with a network, an individual may for example be required to login to a network server via the Internet. The network server may be a social media server, a game server, or the like to which other individuals or entities have access for sharing data. For example, the network server may be Apple&#39;s Game Center network from Apple Inc., Cupertino, Calif. After establishing communication with the network, the individual may choose to join a skins game that is hosted (i.e., has already been started) by another individual who has access to the network (blocks  3004  and  3006 ). Accordingly, the individual can play the skins game that is hosted by another individual (block  2800 ). 
     The individual may choose, however, to host a new skins game (block  3004 ). The individual may invite certain other individuals to join in the new hosted skins game (block  3008 ). The certain other individuals may be friends, family members, or others with whom the individual is familiar. As discussed in detail below, the individual can send invitations to others through the network to play the new hosted game (block  3008 ). The individual can then start the new hosted game (block  3010 ). Because the individual is the host of the game, he or she may be required to select the number of holes to play (block  3012 ) or specify other parameters of the game. The individual can then play the new hosted skins game as described in detail above with respect to process  2800  (block  2800 ). 
     Instead of inviting certain other individuals to play a new hosted skins game, the individual may choose to have other individuals who have access to the network and wish to play a skins game to join in the game. In other words, the individual hosting the new game may be automatically matched up with other individuals who wish to play the new hosted game. As discussed in detail below, an indication may be provided on the network that a new hosted game is available so that other individuals may be notified of the indication and choose to join the new hosted game (block  3014 ). The individual can then start the new hosted game (block  3016 ). Because the individual is the host of the game, he or she may be required to select the number of holes to play (block  3018 ) or specify other parameters of the game. The individual can then play the new hosted skins game as described in detail above with respect to process  2800  (block  2800 ). 
     The processes  3000  (including the process  2800 ) and the operation of a portable electronic device  1000  when the Turn-Based option  2904  is selected are described in detail below. Referring to  FIG. 114 , when the Turn-Based option  2904  is selected, a new game icon  3030  is displayed, by which the individual may host a new game. Additionally, an existing game icon  3032  is displayed, by which the individual may join a new game that is hosted by another individual. The existing game icon  3032  is shown in  FIG. 114  to display “Take Your Turn”, which is indicating to an individual to take his or her turn in a new game that is hosted by another individual. 
     When an individual selects the new game icon  3030 , a new game display  3050  is displayed on the portable electronic device  1000  as shown in  FIG. 115 . The new game display  3050  includes a player identification window  3052 , which shows the identification of the individual using the portable electronic device  1000  and who is hosting the new game. The identification may refer to the individual by name, email address, nickname, network username or user identification, or any text, numbers and/or symbols. In the example of  FIG. 115 , the individual is identified as “Me”. Additionally the player identification window  3052  may show each player&#39;s ranking among all other local and/or remotely located participants based on previously played matches. In the example of  FIG. 115 , the player identified as “Me” is shown to have a ranking of “#5,560 (Bottom 50%).” The individual may wish to add one or more players with an add player icon  3054  or remove one or more players with a remove player icon  3056 . 
     As shown in the player identification window  3052 , the individual who hosts a new game may either choose to be automatically matched up with other local or remotely located players through the network or invite friends to play by selecting the Invite Friend icon  3058 . Referring to  FIG. 116 , after the individual selects the Invite Friend icon  3058 , a list of the individual&#39;s friends who have access to the network may be displayed in one or more friend windows  3060 . The individual can select one or more friends from the list to invite to play the skins game by selecting the corresponding friend windows  3060 . As shown in the example of  FIG. 116 , selecting each friend may be accomplished by touching the display of the corresponding friend window  3060 , which may cause a check mark confirming the selection to appear in each friend window  3060 . Alternatively, the friend window may be highlighted, changed to show different colors, displayed with different text, or changed as compared to unselected friend windows  3060  to visually convey to the individual which friends have been selected. Upon selecting one or more friends, the individual may send an invitation to each selected friend to join the new hosted game as shown by the message window  3062  shown by example in  FIG. 117 . Upon sending a message such as “want to play a skins game?” by selecting a send icon  3064 , the individual is returned to the new game display  3050  as shown in  FIG. 118 . However, the new game display  3050  of  FIG. 118  may now display the name of the one or more friends who have been invited to play the new hosted game. The individual may have the option of uninviting one or more of his or her invited friends by selecting the un-invite icon  3066 . The individual may also wish to add players by using the add player icon  3054  or remove players by using the remove player icon  3056 . For example, the individual can select the add player icon  3054  so as to invite another friend to play the game. 
     After inviting one or more friends to play the new hosted game, the individual can start the game by selecting the play now icon  3068 . The individual may be presented with a hole selection display  2930  as shown in  FIG. 106 . After selecting the number of holes to play, the individual may attempt a certain number of putts for the first hole as disclosed according to the process  2800  and with respect to  FIGS. 107-109 . After the individual plays the first hole, his or her results, e.g., a consistency score, may be displayed on the portable electronic device  1000  as shown in  FIG. 109  and also transmitted to the network by the portable electronic device  1000 . The individual may then have to wait for the one or more invited friends to play their turn. Accordingly, as shown in  FIG. 119 , the portable electronic device  1000  of the first individual displays a game display  3070 , which may show that one of the invited friends should take his or her turn. The portable electronic device  1000  may send a notification through the network to one or more individuals whose turns have arrived to take their turns in playing the game. The notification may be in the form of visual and/or audible messages. For example, when an individual&#39;s turn has arrived, the individual may be notified by email, text, SMS (short message service), and/or any type of audio and/or visual notification. Each individual playing the game may then take his or her turn according to the process  2800  until all of the holes have been played by all of the individuals so that a winner of the game may be determined. After a winner is determined according to the process  2800 , a match results display  2970  as shown in  FIG. 111  may be displayed. The match results display  2970  may show the points and skin values achieved by each participating individual and the placement of each participating individual (i.e., 1st place, 2nd place, etc.). Furthermore, a scorecard display  2980  as shown in  FIG. 112  and disclosed herein may be displayed to all of the participating individuals. 
     Instead of inviting one or more friends to play, the individual can allow other individuals on the network to join the new hosted game. Referring back to  FIG. 115 , to play with other individuals who have access to the network, the individual (i.e., Me) can select the play now icon  3068  to start a new game without selecting any friends to play. Accordingly, the individual is Auto-Matched with remotely located individuals. The individual may be matched with any other individual regardless of the players&#39; skill level. Alternatively, the individual may be matched with another individual based on his or her skills, such as consistency scores and/or PHcp. The individual may be presented with a hole selection display  2930  as shown in  FIG. 94 . After selecting the number of holes to play, the individual may perform a measure session as disclosed according to the process  2800  and  FIGS. 107-109 . After the individual plays the first hole, his or her results, e.g., a consistency score, may be displayed on the portable electronic device  1000  as shown in  FIG. 109  and also transmitted to the network by the portable electronic device  1000 . The individual may then have to wait for one or more individuals who have access to the network to join the game. Another individual may join the game and compete with the first individual as described in detail below. 
     As described above, an individual can host a new game, i.e., start a new game and play with friends or others who may join the game through the network. However, an individual may choose to join a game that is hosted by another individual. Referring back to  FIG. 114 , an individual may choose the take your turn icon  3032  to join a game that is hosted by another individual. After selecting the take your turn icon  3032 , a game display  3072  may be displayed on the portable electronic device  1000  as shown in  FIG. 120 . The games display  3072  may show games that have been started by another individual, who has performed a measure session for the first hole, is waiting for others to join so as to also perform a measure session for the first hole, and to play the game according to the process  2800  and  FIGS. 107-109 . As shown in the example of  FIG. 120 , the game display  3072  may show several game windows  3074  that represent several hosted games that may be available for an individual to join. In the example of  FIG. 120 , the games that may be joined are identified by the identifications of the individuals who have hosted the games. For example,  FIG. 120  shows the individuals hosting new games to be Player  1 , Player  2  and Player  3 . Each corresponding game window  3074  may include the time when the individual who started the game played the first hole and the consistency score of the individual for the first hole. An individual may join a game by selecting one of the game windows  3074  and then selecting play now icon  3068 , after which he or she may perform a measure session for the current hole as disclosed. The game may continue according to the process  2800  and  FIGS. 107-109  until all of the players have performed measure sessions for all of the holes. A winner is then determined according to process  2800 . After a winner is determined, a match results display  2970  as shown in  FIG. 111  may be displayed. The match results display  2970  may show the points and skins achieved by each participating individual and the placement of each participating individual (i.e., 1st place, 2nd place, etc.). Furthermore, a scorecard display  2980  as shown in  FIG. 112  and disclosed herein may be displayed to all of the participating individuals. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 103 , the Hosted option  2906  as shown on the game selection display  2900  allows several local or remotely located individuals to play one or more skins game and display the results in a leader board on a large display device such as a television or a large display monitor. When an individual selects the Hosted option  2906 , a new game icon  3080  is displayed, by which the individual may start or host a new game as shown in  FIG. 121 . Additionally, an existing game icon  3082  is displayed, by which the individual may join a new game that is hosted or started by another individual. Starting a new game or joining a new game that is hosted by another individual under the Hosted option  2906  are similar to starting a new game and take your turn options of the Turn-Based option  2904 . Accordingly, two or more local or remotely located individuals may play a skins game under the Hosted option  2906  according to the processes  3008  and  FIGS. 107-109 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 122 , real time results of the game may be displayed on a large display device such as a television screen, a computer monitor, a projection screen or the like for viewing for one or more observers. The real time results may be transmitted to an external monitor or television directly and/or via a digital media receiver (e.g., an APPLE TV® digital media extender via the AIRPLAY® software feature from Apple Inc., Cupertino, Calif.). 
     The real time results may be displayed as a leader board display  3084 , which may show the identifications of all participating players in a players area  3090  including an indication of which player is currently playing, an indication of the hole being currently played and the skins value/points for the hole in a current hole display area  3092 , and a current score card  3094 . The players area  3090  may show the identification of each play in a listing or bracket format. An indication of the player who is currently playing may be provided by visually distinguishing that player&#39;s identification. For example, a player&#39;s identification may be highlighted, shown with different colors, shown with different style of text, shown with a flashing display, or displayed in any manner so that an observer can instantly determine that the particular player identified on the players area  3090  is taking his or her turn. The existing game icon  3032  is shown in  FIG. 122  to display “Take Your Turn”, which is indicating to an individual to take his or her turn in a new game started by another individual. Thus, one, a few or a large number of observers and view real time information about a skins game with the leader board display  3084 . 
     Displaying a leader board display  3084  is not limited to the Hosted option  2906  and may be provided with the Pass-And-Play option  2902  and the Turn Based option  2904 . For example, with the Pass-And-Play option  2902 , the portable electronic device  1000  that is used by all of the players may transmit display data corresponding to the leader board display  3084  to a remote display such as a television screen by any of the disclosed wireless transmission processes described herein. With the Turn Based option  2904 , for example, all of the players may choose to transmit display data corresponding to the leader board display  3084  to at least one remote display device, such as a television or a monitor. Thus, the leader board display  3084  may be provided as a display option for the Pass-And-Play option  2902 , the Turn Based option  2904  and the Hosted option  2906 . 
     Referring back to  FIG. 13 , the sensors of the portable electronic device  1000  may require a calibration so that correct linear and/or angular orientation, acceleration, positions and other motion related parameters are measured by the portable electronic device  1000  during operation and/or performance of any of the disclosed processes. According to one example, any of the disclosed operational displays may include a calibration icon  2611 , selection of which causes the portable electronic device  1000  to perform a calibration process. Referring for example to  FIG. 87 , the calibration icon  2611  is shown. Upon selecting of the calibration icon  2611 , a calibration screen  3500  is displayed as shown in  FIG. 123 . The calibration screen  3500  may instruct an individual to move the portable electronic device to a certain position for calibration. In the example of  FIG. 123 , the calibration screen  3500  is shown to instruct an individual to move the portable electronic device to a vertical position, which may be accurately performed by placing the portable electronic device against two perpendicular walls as shown. Upon correct placement as shown, the individual can press the “calibrate now” icon  3502  so that the portable electronic device records the position as a generally accurate vertical position. All measurements of the sensors  1112  may then be referenced according to the calibrated position. The individual may decide to skip the calibration step by selecting the skip icon  3504 . The individual may also decide to reset the calibration by selecting the reset icon  3506 . 
     Although a particular order of actions is described above with respect to each of the processes, these actions may be performed in other temporal sequences. For example, two or more actions described above may be performed sequentially, concurrently, or simultaneously. Alternatively, two or more actions may be performed in reversed order. Further, one or more actions described above may not be performed at all. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     As the rules to golf may change from time to time (e.g., new regulations may be adopted or old rules may be eliminated or modified by golf standard organizations and/or governing bodies), golf equipment related to the methods and articles of manufacture described herein may be conforming or non-conforming to the rules of golf at any particular time. Accordingly, golf equipment related to the systems, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be advertised, offered for sale, and/or sold as conforming or non-conforming golf equipment. The systems, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     While the above examples may be described in connection with a putter-type golf club, the systems, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be applicable to other types of golf club such as a driver-type golf club, a fairway wood-type golf club, a hybrid-type golf club, an iron-type golf club, or a wedge-type golf club. Alternatively, the systems, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be applicable other type of sports equipment such as a hockey stick, a tennis racket, a fishing pole, a ski pole, etc. 
     Although certain example systems, methods, and articles of manufacture have been described herein, the scope of coverage of this disclosure is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this disclosure covers all systems, methods, and articles of manufacture fairly falling within the scope of the appended claims either literally or under the doctrine of equivalents.