Putter assemblies, putter modification kits, and putting methods

Abstract

Putter assemblies are provided that can include a putter head coupled to a backstroke guide, with the backstroke guide consisting of polymeric material. Putter modification kits are also provided that can include a backstroke guide configured to couple with a portion of a putter head. Methods for putting a ball are included as well that can include viewing a first location of a putting surface through a backstroke guide of a putter. Methods can include aligning the first location with a portion of the putter as well as moving the putter through the backstroke while viewing the first location of the putting surface through backstroke guide.

1 . A putter assembly comprising a putter head coupled to a backstroke guide, the backstroke guide consisting of polymeric material. 
   
   
       2 . The assembly of  claim 1  wherein the polymeric material extends from a posterior edge of the putter. 
   
   
       3 . The assembly of  claim 1  wherein the polymeric material extends laterally from the heel and/or toe of the putter. 
   
   
       4 . The assembly of  claim 1  wherein the backstroke guide is at least partially transparent. 
   
   
       5 . The assembly of  claim 1  wherein the backstroke guide is at least partially translucent. 
   
   
       6 . The assembly of  claim 1  wherein the backstroke guide comprises a first end proximate the putter head and second end opposite the first end. 
   
   
       7 . The assembly of  claim 6  wherein the distance between the first end and the second end is less the distance between the heel and toe of the putter head. 
   
   
       8 . The assembly of  claim 6  wherein the second end includes a target mark. 
   
   
       9 . The assembly of  claim 8  wherein the target mark is substantially aligned with the center of the putter head. 
   
   
       10 . A putter modification kit comprising a backstroke guide configured to couple with a portion of a putter head. 
   
   
       11 . The kit of  claim 10  wherein the backstroke guide comprises a polymeric material. 
   
   
       12 . The kit of  claim 11  wherein the backstroke guide is at least partially transparent. 
   
   
       13 . The kit of  claim 10  wherein the backstroke guide comprises a first end opposite a second end, the first end being configured to couple with the putter head, and the second end including a backswing target. 
   
   
       14 . The kit of  claim 13  wherein when coupled with the putter head the target substantially aligns with the center of the putter head. 
   
   
       15 . The kit of  claim 10  wherein the putter head comprises a substantially flat posterior portion and the backstroke guide comprises a first end configured to couple with the flat portion, the first end having an opposite second end. 
   
   
       16 . The kit of  claim 10  further comprising an adhesive configured to couple the backstroke guide to the putter head. 
   
   
       17 . The kit of  claim 10  wherein the backstroke guide is configured to be removably coupled to the putter head. 
   
   
       18 . A method for putting a ball comprising:
 viewing a first location of a putting surface through a backstroke guide of a putter;   aligning the first location with a portion of the putter;   moving the putter through the backstroke while viewing the first location of the putting surface through backstroke guide; and   returning the putter to putt the ball.   
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 18  wherein the backstroke guide includes a first end opposite a second end, wherein the first end is proximate the putter, the method further comprising viewing the first location through the second end and following the first location as the guide passes over the first location to align a portion of the putter with the first location. 
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 18  further comprising, after returning the putter to putt the ball, removing the backstroke guide from the putter head. 
   
   
       21 . The method of  claim 18  wherein the backstroke guide is constructed of transparent polymeric material. 
   
   
       22 . The method of  claim 18  wherein the backstroke guide extends from posterior portion of the putter and comprises a frame defining an opening, the viewing occurring through the opening.