Block putter

Abstract

A block putter, usable with either a conventional or sidesaddle putting stance for a right-handed or left-handed golfer, having a head width in the range of about one half to about twice the width of a golf ball. The increased width and potentially increased weight of the putter head improve its performance both on the green and when hitting from the fringe, the fairway, or the rough, or out of the sand. The golfer may use the toe of the putter, rather than one of the faces, to strike the ball, for increased accuracy, especially on short putts. Alternatively, the golfer may putt in a sidesaddle stance with the traditional putter face using a putter having an elongated shaft. The elongated shaft is of such a length as to allow for the end of the shaft to rest on the golfer's shoulder and help stabilize the putt.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method of putting comprising: 
 addressing a golf ball in a sidesaddle stance;    swinging a putter having an elongated shaft;    controlling the putter during the putting swing from at least three points of contact.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said elongated shaft has a length in the range from three to 12 inches above a golfer's shoulder.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein, said elongated shaft has a length between 40 and 84 inches.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said at least three points of contact comprise: 
 the contact points of both hands, and the contact point of the shaft on a golfer's shoulder.  
 
     
     
         5 . A putter adapted for use in a sidesaddle stance comprising: 
 an elongated shaft; and    at least one grip disposed on said elongated shaft.    
     
     
         6 . The putter of  claim 5  wherein said elongated shaft has a length between 40 and 84 inches.  
     
     
         7 . The putter of  claim 5 , wherein the elongated shaft extends beyond a golfer's shoulder such that the shaft may rest upon said golfer's shoulder during a putting stroke.  
     
     
         8 . The putter of  claim 5  wherein said at least one grip comprises two grips disposed on the elongated shaft, wherein each grip is accessible by a golfer's hands during a putting stroke  
     
     
         9 . The putter of  claim 5  wherein said at least one grip comprises two grips disposed on the elongated shaft, wherein one grip is accessible by a golfer's hands and one grip is situated to rest on a golfer's shoulder during a putting stroke.