Abstract:
A putter for striking a golf ball includes a cylindrical head containing a plurality of spaced openings in an outer surface thereof intermediate opposite ends of the head. The head has a diameter greater than the diameter of the golf ball. An hollow, elongated shaft is connected with the head. More particularly, a plug including a projection and a threaded portion removably connect the shaft with the head via a threaded connection, whereby when the head intermediate portion strikes the golf ball, a top spin is imparted on the ball and the ball is propelled toward a target.

Description:
[0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 12/897,980 filed Oct. 5, 2010. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention relates to golfing, and more particularly, to a golf putter. 
         [0003]    Putting may be one of the more difficult and important aspects of golf to master and constitutes a substantial portion of golf scores. Thus, golfers generally understand that putting is a skill that should be mastered in order to reduce golf scores and become overall better golfers. It is known that golfers should invest substantial time in putting practice to become good putters and golfers. However, most golfers simply do not have substantial amounts of time to invest in putting practice. Moreover, most golfers derive satisfaction from striking the golf ball because that is generally the most fascinating aspect of golf for them. Thus, most golfers are not interested in putting practice. Although most golfers are constrained by time or are not interested in putting practice, it is generally known that most golfers desire to improve their putting. 
         [0004]    In many competitive games an object is thrown towards a target such that the body of the thrower is oriented to face the target when releasing the object. Moreover, in such games the object is released by the thrower at a point in front of his body. Such games include, but are not limited to, baseball, darts, horseshoes, pitching pennies and softball. For example, in baseball the pitcher faces home plate and releases the ball at a point in front of his body when throwing the baseball towards the catcher. Facing the target and releasing the object at a point in front of the body while throwing the object may facilitate hitting the target because the thrower is able to concentrate on throwing the object in the direction of the target. In golf, putting involves gently swinging the head of a putter across a golfer&#39;s body, from one side to another, to gently hit a golf ball in the direction of the hole located in the green. However, golfers generally do not face the hole and generally do not concentrate on gently hitting the golf ball into the hole while putting. Instead, golfers face the golf ball and concentrate on making contact with the golf ball while putting. 
         [0005]    Some golfers have been known to develop nervous tension known as the yips while putting. Such golfers are generally not able to develop into good putters because the nervous tension negatively affects accurate putting. This nervous condition may be evidence that conventional styles of putting are not natural, or at a minimum are flawed. To counter the nervous tension, such golfers have been known to adopt many different putting styles. However, the different putting styles have not been known to offset the negative effects caused by nervous tension and also seem to be flawed due at least to the position of the golf ball. 
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    In one aspect, a method of putting a golf ball located on a putting green into a hole located in the putting green is provided. The method includes grasping a putter with at least one hand of a golfer. The putter includes a putter shaft, a putter head, and a putter grip. The putter shaft includes a first end and a second end. The putter head is securely connected to the second end of the putter shaft and is substantially perpendicular to the putter shaft. The putter is grasped at the first end of the putter shaft. Moreover, the method includes locating the putter at a first position such that the putter head is positioned proximate the golf ball and is about four or five feet from the golfer, and the golf ball is located on the putting green away from the hole. Furthermore, the method includes executing a backstroke by translating the putter head away from the golf ball to locate the putter at a second position, and orienting the shoulders of the golfer to be substantially perpendicular to the putter shaft in the second position. The putter head is translated a distance away from the golf ball that is determined by the force estimated to be required for hitting the ball over the length of the putt. Additionally, the method includes translating the putter head towards the golf ball along a line of the putt while the shoulders of the golfer face the hole, and instantaneously striking the golf ball with the putter head to cause the golf ball to develop a top spin and translate in a direction along a line of the putt towards the hole. 
         [0007]    In another aspect, a putter for putting a golf ball located on a putting green into a hole located in the putting green is provided. The putter includes a shaft including a plurality of shaft segments that are usable to adjust a length of the shaft. The shaft has a first shaft end and a second shaft end. Moreover, the putter includes a cylindrical head having a circular cross section, a first head end, a second head end, an outer surface, and a radial hole extending from the outer surface of the head to a center of the head. The radial hole is positioned intermediate the first head end and the second head end, and the shaft second end is inserted into the radial hole to securely connect the shaft second end to the head and to position the head substantially perpendicular to the shaft. The diameter of the putter head is determined such that a center of the putter head is configured to strike a golf ball at a distance above a center of the golf ball to cause the golf ball to develop a top spin and translate to the hole. 
         [0008]    In a still further aspect of the invention, the putter includes a cylindrical head which contains a plurality of spaced threaded openings extending inwardly from the outer surface of the head toward the axis of the head. The putter also includes an elongated shaft having a first end and a second end. A plug removably connects the shaft with the head. More particularly, the plug includes a projection arranged in one end of the shaft and a threaded end portion arranged in one of the spaced threaded openings in the putter head. 
         [0009]    While putting, a golfer grasps the first shaft end such that the putter is located at a first position and the head is positioned proximate the golf ball about four or five feet from the golfer. The head is translated away from the golf ball to locate the putter at a second position, and the shoulders of the golfer are oriented to be substantially perpendicular to the shaft. The putter head is translated a distance away from the golf ball that is determined by the force estimated to be required for hitting the ball over the length of the putt. Moreover, the head is translated from the second position towards the golf ball while the shoulders of the golfer face the hole, to instantaneously strike the golf ball to cause the golf ball to develop a top spin and translate in a direction along a line of the putt towards the hole. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]      FIG. 1  is a front view of an exemplary golf putter; 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is a side view of the exemplary golf putter shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an exemplary connection between a putter shaft and a putter head; 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an alternative exemplary connection between the putter shaft and the putter head; 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  is a front view of an alternative exemplary golf putter; 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of exemplary shaft segments positioned to form a joint; 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of alternative exemplary shaft segments positioned to form a joint; 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of additional alternative exemplary shaft segments positioned to form a joint; 
           [0018]      FIG. 9  is a top view of a golfer illustrating an exemplary method of putting; 
           [0019]      FIG. 10  is a side view of the golfer illustrating the exemplary method of putting; 
           [0020]      FIG. 11  is another side view of the golfer illustrating the exemplary method of putting; 
           [0021]      FIG. 12  is yet another side view of the golfer illustrating the exemplary method of putting; 
           [0022]      FIG. 13  is an enlarged side view of the putter head striking the golf ball at a contact point; 
           [0023]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a golf putter according to the invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 15  is an exploded cross-sectional view of the putter of  FIG. 14 ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 16  is an exploded view of the putter of  FIG. 14 ; and 
           [0026]      FIG. 17  is a top view of the golf putter showing alternative arrangements of the putter shaft. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0027]      FIG. 1  is a front view of an exemplary golf putter  10 . Specifically, the putter  10  includes a putter shaft  12  and a putter head  14 . In the exemplary embodiment, the putter shaft  12  includes a first end  16  and a second end  18 . Moreover, the putter shaft  12  is formed of a rigid material such as solid graphite, circular in cross-section, and forty-eight inches in length. However, in other embodiments the putter shaft may be hollow and may be made from any material such as, but not limited to, steel. The putter shaft  12  also includes a gripping region  20  at the first end  16  that extends for about a foot from the first end  16  towards the second end  18 . The gripping region  20  is for ensuring that golfers are able to securely grasp the putter shaft  12 . The putter head  14  is a cylinder including a first head end  22 , a second head end  24 , and an outer surface  26 . 
         [0028]      FIG. 2  is a side view of the golf putter  10  showing a side view of the putter head  14 . In the exemplary embodiment the putter head  14  includes a circular cross-section, is steel, and has a distance of four and one quarter inches between the first head end  22  and the second head end  24 . It should be understood that the distance between the first head end  22  and the second head end  24  corresponds to the diameter of a hole located in a golfing green. However, in other embodiments the distance between the first head end  22  and the second head end  24  may be any distance that facilitates putting as described herein. 
         [0029]    The outer surface  26  of the putter head  14  is smooth and may be polished or buffed to facilitate reducing friction that may develop with grass while putting. The diameter of the putter head  14  is two inches. Because the putter shaft  12  is forty-eight inches long and the putter head diameter is two inches, the overall length of the putter  10  is fifty inches. In other embodiments the diameter of the putter head  14  may be any dimension that facilitates putting as described herein. Although the putter head  14  has a circular cross section in the exemplary embodiment, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments the putter head  14  may have any cross section that facilitates putting a golf ball as described herein such as, but not limited to, an elliptical cross section. Moreover, although the putter head  14  is steel in the exemplary embodiment, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments the head  14  may be made from any material such as, but not limited to, graphite, wood, a composite of graphite and wood, a composite of steel and wood, and a composite of steel and graphite. 
         [0030]      FIG. 3  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an exemplary connection between the second end  18  of the putter shaft  12  and the putter head  14 . In the exemplary embodiment the putter head  14  includes a radial hole  28  positioned intermediate the first head end  22  and the second head end  24 . It should be understood that the radial hole  28  extends radially from the outer surface  26  toward a center  30  of the putter head  14 , and that the radial hole  28  has a circular cross section. The second end  18  includes a connecting member  32  extending longitudinally along and away from the shaft  12  in a direction from the first end  16  towards the second end  18 . The connecting member  32  has a circular cross section and a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the radial hole  28 . The connecting member  32  is inserted into the radial hole  28  and is secured therein by an adhesive to thus securely connect the putter shaft  12  to the putter head  14 . The adhesive may be any adhesive that facilitates securely connecting the connecting member  32  to the radial hole  28  including, but not limited to, an epoxy resin. It should be understood that upon inserting the connecting member  32  into the radial hole  28 , the putter head  14  is positioned to be substantially perpendicular to the putter shaft  12 . The diameters of the connecting member  32  and of the radial hole  28  may be any size that facilitates ensuring a secure connection between the putter shaft  12  and the putter head  14 . 
         [0031]    Although the radial hole  28  extends radially from the outer surface  26  toward the center  30  of the putter head  14  in the exemplary embodiment, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments the radial hole  28  may be configured to extend any distance into the putter head  14  including, but not limited to, diametrically through the head  14 . 
         [0032]    The components shown in  FIG. 4  are similar to the components shown in  FIG. 3 , as described in more detail below. As such, components illustrated in  FIG. 4  that are identical to components illustrated in  FIG. 3 , are identified using the same reference numerals used in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0033]      FIG. 4  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an alternative exemplary connection between the second end  18  of the putter shaft  12  and the putter head  14 . This alternative exemplary connection between the putter shaft  12  and the putter head  14  is similar to that shown in  FIG. 3 . However, the connecting member  32  and the radial hole  28  are threaded such that the putter shaft  12  and the putter head  14  may be securely connected together without an adhesive. The putter shaft  12  and the putter head  14  are connected together by rotating the putter shaft  12  while inserting the connecting member  32  into the radial hole  28 . As a result of rotating the putter shaft  12 , the threads of the connecting member  32  engage the threads of the radial hole  28  such that the putter shaft  12  and the putter head  14  are securely connected together. In other embodiments the putter head  14  may be rotated such that the threads of the radial hole  28  engage the threads of the connecting member  32 , or both the putter head  14  and the putter shaft  12  may be rotated to engage the threads of the connecting member  32  with the threads of the radial hole  28  to securely connect the putter shaft  12  to the putter head  14 . As a result of securely connecting the putter head  14  to the putter shaft  12 , the putter head  14  is positioned to be substantially perpendicular to the putter shaft  12 . 
         [0034]    The components shown in  FIG. 5  are similar to the components shown in  FIG. 1 , as described in more detail below. As such, components illustrated in  FIG. 5  that are identical to components illustrated in  FIG. 1 , are identified using the same reference numerals used in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0035]      FIG. 5  is a front view of an alternative exemplary golf putter  10  that includes an adjustable length putter shaft  12 . This alternative exemplary golf putter  10  is similar to that shown in  FIG. 1 . However, the putter shaft  12  includes a plurality of shaft segments  34  each adapted to be removably connectable to other shaft segments  34 , such that the length of the putter shaft  12  may be easily and quickly adjusted. Specifically, each of the shaft segments  34  is removeably connected to another shaft segment  34  at a shaft joint  36 . Thus, golfers may merely add or subtract a desired number of segments  34  when the golfer decides that changing the shaft length may facilitate improved putting. Each segment  34  is twelve inches long such that four segments  34  are required to yield a putter shaft length of forty-eight inches. However, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments the segments  34  may be any desired length such that any number of segments  34  may be used to adjust the putter shaft  12  to any desired length. For example, the segments  34  may be six inches long such that a golfer may adjust the length of the shaft  12  from forty-eight inches to forty-two inches by removing one of the segments  34 . It should be appreciated that in other embodiments each of the segments  34  included in the putter shaft  12  may have a different length. 
         [0036]      FIG. 6  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of two exemplary segments  34  positioned to form an exemplary shaft joint  36  included in the putter shaft  12 . A first segment is designated  34 - 1  and a second segment is designated  34 - 2 . Each of the segments  34 - 1  and  34 - 2  includes a body  38 , a first segment end  40  and a second segment end  42 . The first segment end  40  includes a fastening member  44  extending longitudinally along and away from the body  38  in a direction from the second segment end  42  towards the first segment end  40 . The fastening member  44  has a circular cross section. The second segment end  42  includes a cavity  46  having a circular cross section that is designed to receive the fastening member  44 . It should be understood that the diameter of the cavity  46  corresponds to the diameter of the fastening member  44 . The two segments  34 - 1  and  34 - 2  are removably connected together to form the joint  36  by inserting the fastening member  44  of segment  34 - 1  into the cavity  46  of segment  34 - 2  and securing the fastening member  44  in the cavity  46  with a friction fit. In this exemplary embodiment, the segments  34 - 1  and  34 - 2  are hollow. However, in other embodiments the segments  34 - 1  and  34 - 2  may be solid. 
         [0037]    The components shown in  FIG. 7  are similar to the components shown in  FIG. 6 , as described in more detail below. As such, components illustrated in  FIG. 7  that are identical to components illustrated in  FIG. 6 , are identified using the same reference numerals used in  FIG. 6 . 
         [0038]      FIG. 7  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of two alternative exemplary segments  34 - 1  and  34 - 2  positioned to form an alternative exemplary shaft joint  36 . The alternative exemplary segments  34 - 1  and  34 - 2  are similar to those shown in  FIG. 6 . However, the fastening member  44  and the cavity  46  are threaded such that the segments  34 - 1  and  34 - 2  may be removably connected together. Specifically, the two segments  34 - 1  and  34 - 2  may be removably connected together to form the joint  36  by turning the segment  34 - 1  while inserting the fastening member  44  into the cavity  46 . As a result of turning the segment  34 - 1 , the threads of the fastening member  44  engage the threads of the cavity  46  such that the segments  34 - 1  and  34 - 2  are removably connected together. In other embodiments the segment  34 - 2  may be rotated to engage the threads of the cavity  46  with the threads of the fastening member  44 , or both segments  34 - 1  and  34 - 2  may be rotated to engage the threads of the cavity  46  with the threads of the fastening member  44 . In this alternative embodiment, the segments  34 - 1  and  34 - 2  are solid. However, in other embodiments the segments  34 - 1  and  34 - 2  may be hollow. 
         [0039]    The components shown in  FIG. 8  are similar to the components shown in  FIG. 6 , as described in more detail below. As such, components illustrated in  FIG. 8  that are identical to components illustrated in  FIG. 6 , are identified using the same reference numerals used in  FIG. 6 . 
         [0040]      FIG. 8  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of two additional alternative exemplary segments  34 - 1  and  34 - 2  positioned to form an alternative exemplary shaft joint  36 . The alternative exemplary segments  34 - 1  and  34 - 2  are similar to those shown in  FIG. 6 . However, the fastening member  44  includes two legs that each have protrusions  48  positioned at a terminal end thereof. Moreover, the cavity  46  also includes protrusions  49 . The protrusions  48 ,  49  have a semicircular cross section. The two segments  34 - 1  and  34 - 2  may be removably connected together to form the joint  36  by pushing the protrusions  48  of the first segment fastening member  44  over the protrusions  49  of the second segment cavity  46 , such that the protrusions  48  of the first segment fastening member  44  are positioned closer to the first segment end  40  of the second segment  34 - 2  than the protrusions  49  of the second segment cavity  46 . The protrusions  48  of the first segment fastening member  44  also contact an inner surface of the second segment cavity  46 . As a result, the protrusions  48  of the first segment fastening member  44  engage the protrusions  49  of the second segment cavity  46  such that the segments  34 - 1  and  34 - 2  are removably connected together. The protrusions  48 ,  49  are made from the same material as the segments  34 - 1  and  34 - 2 . Although the exemplary embodiments described herein use a friction fit, threads, and protrusions to removably connect segments  34  together at the joints  36 , it should be appreciated that in other embodiments any type of fastening device may be used that removably connects the segments  34 . 
         [0041]    Because the segments  34  are removably connectable, golfers may dismantle the putter  10  into the plurality of segments  34  and the putter head  14  to facilitate transporting the putter on vehicles such as, but not limited to, airplanes and automobiles. For example, when a golfer visiting Scotland from the United States desires to bring the putter  10  to Scotland for golfing, the golfer merely dismantles the putter  10  and includes the segments  34  and head  14  in luggage which is transported in an airplane. 
         [0042]      FIG. 9  is a top view of a golfer  50  illustrating an exemplary method of putting a golf ball  52  with the putter  10  on a putting green  54  into a hole  56  located in the putter green  54 . The golfer  50  begins putting with the putter  10  by grasping the putter  10  at the gripping region  20  and locating the putter  10  at a first position such that the putter head  14  is positioned proximate the golf ball  52  and is about four or five feet from the golfer. While positioning the putter, the golfer  50  adopts a position that offers an unobstructed view of the ball  52  and the hole  56  that facilitates establishing a line of sight LS with the hole  56 . In the exemplary embodiment the golfer  50  grasps the gripping region  20  with one hand. However, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments golfers  50  may use both hands to grasp the gripping region  20 . 
         [0043]    In the exemplary method, the golfer  50  faces the hole  56  and aims the shaft  12  along the line of sight LS between the golf ball  52  and the hole  56 . Because the golfer is facing the hole  56  while aiming the shaft  12  and locating the putter  10  in the first position, the front  58  of the golfer is positioned to be substantially perpendicular to the putter shaft  12 . Consequently, the shoulders and hips of the golfer are also positioned to be substantially perpendicular to the putter shaft  12 . In contrast to conventional putting techniques that require the putter head to be within about six inches of the golfer, in the exemplary method described herein the putter head  14  is positioned about four or five feet from the golfer when putting to facilitate providing improved putting. 
         [0044]    The components shown in  FIGS. 10 ,  11 , and  12  are similar to the components shown in  FIG. 9 , as described in more detail below. As such, components illustrated in  FIGS. 10 ,  11  and  12  that are identical to features illustrated in  FIG. 9 , are identified using the same reference numerals used in  FIG. 9 . 
         [0045]      FIG. 10  is a side view of the golfer  50  illustrating the exemplary method of putting the golf ball  52  where the golfer  50  is grasping the gripping region  20  and the putter  10  is located in the first position. 
         [0046]      FIG. 11  is another side view of the golfer  50  illustrating the exemplary method of putting the golf ball  52  where the putter is located in a second position. Specifically, after locating the putter  10  in the first position, the golfer  50  continues putting by executing a backstroke by translating the putter head  14  on the surface of the green  54  away from the golf ball  52  to locate the putter  10  at the second position. The direction of translation is indicated by an arrow  58 . The putter head is translated a distance away from the golf ball that is determined by the force estimated to be required for hitting the ball over the length of the putt. It should be understood that while locating the putter  10  at the second position, the shoulders and hips of the golfer are positioned to be oriented substantially perpendicular to the putter shaft  12 . After locating the putter  10  in the second position, the golfer  50  continues putting by verifying his shoulders and hips are oriented substantially perpendicular to the putter  10  in the second position. 
         [0047]      FIG. 12  is yet another side view of the golfer  50  illustrating the exemplary method of putting the golf ball  52 . Specifically, after locating the putter  10  in the second position, the golfer continues putting by causing the putter  10  to move towards the golf ball  52  and thus translating the putter head towards the golf ball  52  as indicated by an arrow  60 . It should be understood that while the golfer is translating the putter head  14  towards the hole  56 , the shoulders of the golfer face the hole. The golfer continues translating the putter head  14  towards the golf ball  52  and instantaneously strikes the golf ball with the putter head  14  to cause the golf ball to develop a top spin and translate in a direction towards the hole  56 . By thus instantaneously striking the golf ball  52 , the putter head  14  imparts a force to the golf ball  52  that causes the golf ball  52  to develop a top spin and translate towards the hole  56  along the line of sight LS. It should be understood that the outer surface  26  of the putter head  14  contacts the golf ball  52  at a distance above a center of the golf ball  52 . The line of sight LS corresponds to the line of the putt. 
         [0048]      FIG. 13  is an enlarged side view of the putter head  14  striking the golf ball  52  at a contact point CP. It should be understood that the contact point CP is located a distance D above a center  62  of the golf ball  52 . By virtue of striking the golf ball  52  at the contact point CP, the putter head  14  imparts a force to the golf ball  52  that presses the golf ball  52  into the green and imparts a top spin to the golf ball  52 . In the exemplary method the distance D may be any distance that facilitates imparting a force to the golf ball  52  that presses the golf ball  52  into the green and causes the golf ball  52  to develop a top spin and translate to the hole  56 . 
         [0049]    Although the golfer executes one backstroke before translating the putter head to strike the golf ball  52  in the exemplary method, it should be understood that in other methods the golfer may repeatedly execute the backstroke and translate the putter head  14  towards the golf ball  52  without actually striking the golf ball  52 , prior to translating the head  14  and striking the golf ball  52 . 
         [0050]    It should be understood that in other embodiments the putter  10  may be used in a conventional style of putting. Specifically, the putter  10  may be used to putt golf balls by gently swinging the head  14  across the golfer&#39;s body, such that either the first head end  22  or second head end  24  hits the golf ball in the direction of the hole. Because the putter  10  may be used in such a conventional style of putting, the putter  10  itself as well as a method of using the putter  10 , comply with the rules of golf established by the United States Golf Association. 
         [0051]    An alternate embodiment of a putter according to the invention will now be described with reference to  FIGS. 14-17 . 
         [0052]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a golf putter  110 . Specifically, the putter  110  includes a shaft  112  and a head  114 . As shown in  FIG. 16 , the putter shaft  112  includes a first end  116  and a second end  118 . The putter shaft  112  is hollow and may be made from any suitable material such as steel. The putter shaft  112  also includes a gripping region  120  at the first end  116  that extends for about a foot from the first end  116  towards the second end  118 . The gripping region  120  is for ensuring that golfers are able to securely grasp the putter shaft  112 . The putter head  114  has a cylindrical configuration including a first end  122 , a second end  124 , and an outer surface  126 . 
         [0053]    The putter head  114  is preferably solid and has a circular cross-section. It is formed of any suitable rigid material such as steel or synthetic plastic. The length of the head between the first end  122  and the second end  124  is preferably four and one-quarter inches which corresponds to the diameter of a hole located in a golfing green. However, in other embodiments the distance between the first head end  122  and the second head end  124  may be any distance that facilitates putting as described above. 
         [0054]    The outer surface  126  of the putter head  114  is smooth and may be polished or buffed to reduce friction that may develop with the putting surface. The diameter of the putter head  114  is preferably two inches. The putter shaft  112  is preferably forty-eight inches long. Thus, the overall length of the putter  110  is fifty inches. In other embodiments the diameter of the putter head  114  may be any dimension that facilitates putting. Although the putter head  114  has a circular cross section in the present embodiment, it will be appreciated that in other embodiments the putter head  114  may have any cross section that facilitates putting a golf ball including, but not limited to, an elliptical cross section. Moreover, the putter head  114  may be made from any material such as, graphite, wood, a composite of graphite and wood, a composite of steel and wood, and a composite of steel, graphite and/or synthetic plastic. 
         [0055]    As shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16 , the putter head  114  contains a plurality of spaced openings  128  in the outer surface  126  for receiving the shaft  112 . The center opening is preferably along the radius of the head, and the other openings spaced from the center opening are arranged at an angle relative to a radius of the head. The preferred angle β is 15° relative to a radius of the head. A ferrule  130  is mounted on the shaft adjacent to the head. 
         [0056]      FIG. 15  is a detailed cross-sectional view showing the connection between the second end  118  of the putter shaft  112  and the putter head  114 . The spaced openings  128  have a circular configuration and are internally threaded. A plug  132  removably connects the shaft  112  with the head  114 . The plug includes a projection  134  at one end and a threaded portion  136  at the other end. The projection  134  is arranged in the second end of the shaft  118  and secured therein with an adhesive. The threaded portion  136  is removably connected with the head by twisting the portion  136  into one of the spaced openings  128  thus connecting the putter shaft  112  to the putter head  114 . 
         [0057]    The adhesive may be any adhesive that facilitates securely connecting the projection  134  to the shaft second end  118 , including, but not limited to, an epoxy resin. 
         [0058]      FIG. 17  is a top view of the putter showing the shaft  112  connected with the central opening so that the shaft  112  is perpendicular to the head  114 . The shaft can be removed from the central opening and connected with one of the end openings  128  so that the shaft  112  is at an angle β relative to a radius R of the head  114 . In an alternate embodiment and in compliance with United States Golf Association and Royal and Ancient Golf Club rules, the angle β between a shaft  112  and putter head  114  must be 15° relative to a radius R of the head. 
         [0059]    In each embodiment, the above described putter and method of putting a golf ball facilitate improving putting by reducing the number of putts required to navigate a golf ball on a green into a hole. More specifically, while facing the hole a golfer causes a putter head to be translated towards a golf ball to instantaneously strike the golf ball at a contact point. By thus striking the golf ball, the putter head imparts a force to the golf ball that presses the golf ball into the green and causes the golf ball to develop a top spin and translate towards the hole. As a result, the number of puts required to navigate the golf ball into the hole is facilitated to be reduced and golfers have more time to work on other areas of their golf games that they may enjoy more than putting. Moreover, by virtue of facing the hole while putting golfers are able to better concentrate on putting the golf ball into the hole. Furthermore, the negative effects of nervous tension on putting are facilitated to be reduced. Accordingly, golfer performance and competitiveness are both facilitated to be enhanced. 
         [0060]    Because golf scoring emphasizes putting, the above described putter and method of putting facilitates quickly achieving better scores based on more effective putting by allowing golfers to putt better without hours of practice. 
         [0061]    While the invention has been described in terms of various specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the claims.