Shaft design has a huge bearing on how the club feels during the stroke and of course impact! The majority of research and development is focused primarily on the full swing. Putter manufacturers focus their R&D on their head design, performance and aesthetics. The actual putter shaft is more often than not an afterthought. The shaft is proven to affect the club head’s velocity and orientation (loft and face angle) in full swing kinematics, but despite these findings, there is limited literature on putter shaft designs and their effect on putting performance.
In previous studies we have shown the putter face angle at impact determines up to 92% of the start direction a putt. (Hurrion 2014 et al.). As well as putter face angle, the ball speed at impact is also a reason why putts are missed. In addition an inconsistent ball launch angle will influence the ratio of sliding and rolling friction. This in turn will effect the point at which ‘true roll’ occurs. A sliding golf ball and a rolling golf ball will slow down at different rates, thus affecting the point at which a ball will take the break on the surface. The launch angle of the golf ball is a very important factor for ball spin and the consistency of roll and ball speed across the putting surface.
“Can a putter shaft influence these three characteristics : Club Face, Ball Speed and Launch Angle?”
It is through my work and development with the Quintic Ball Roll System (www.quinticballroll.com) that, of the many parameters the Quintic System measures, the hardest to achieve consistently is the ‘Launch Angle’ of the golf ball – even with some of the very best players in the game! Quintic Ball Roll will often record very consist readings for face angle, face rotation, twist, ball speed, and attack angle… but rarely do we see a consistent launch angle with a range of less than one degree, even from a robot! Why is this, even from some of the best players in the world do they have inconsistent Launch Angles, despite a consistent low point, attack angle and impact location.
Therefore the aim of the PH Putter Balanced shaft is to ensure a greater consistency for shaft angle and ultimately the balls launch angle for ALL levels of golfers.