Systems and methods for fitting golf equipment

Abstract

A golf equipment fitting system that uses advanced technology to not only objectively identify the optimum equipment for the golfer, but to also identify and help correct swing flaws so that the golfer can achieve optimum performance on the golf course. Thus, in one embodiment, golf fitting includes collecting data related to the golfer's swing and determining if the golfer's swing technique should be modified based at least in part on the collected swing data. When it is determined that the golfer's swing technique should be modified, then providing swing instruction to the golfer. When, however, it is determined that the golfer's swing technique is fine, then collecting data related to how the golfer's swing launches a golf ball. Finally, golf equipment, e.g., golf clubs, can be specified based on the collected swing data and launch data.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . A method for fitting a golfer with golf equipment using a launch monitor and an optimization engine running on a processor, the method comprising:
 in the launch monitor, receiving launch data related to how the golfer launches a golf ball using a golf club, the golf club comprising a grip, shaft, and a club head, the club head comprising a loft, center of gravity, an orientation, and a weight distribution;   determining velocity information, spin information, and launch angle information imparted to the golf ball based on the launch data;   extrapolating a distance and flight path based on the velocity, spin, and launch angle information;   in a processor, determining optimized velocity, spin, and launch angle information to achieve a combination of maximum distance and maximum accuracy, based on the determined velocity, spin, and launch angle information and the extrapolated distance and flight path and not based on linear relationships; and   correlating the optimized velocity, spin, and launch angle information with changes in at least one of the golf ball, grip, shaft, and club head required to achieve the optimized velocity, spin, and launch angle information,   wherein the change in the club head is related to at least one of the orientation and the weight distribution.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 changing at least one of the golf ball and golf club based on the correlated changes;   in the launch monitor, receiving launch data related to how the golfer launches the golf ball using the golf club, the golf club comprising a grip, shaft, and a club head, the club head comprising a loft, center of gravity, an orientation, and a weight distribution;   determining velocity information, spin information, and launch angle information imparted to the golf ball based on the launch data;   extrapolating a distance and flight path based on the velocity, spin, and launch angle information;   in the processor, determining optimized velocity, spin, and launch angle information to achieve a combination of maximum distance and maximum accuracy, based on the determined velocity, spin, and launch angle information and the extrapolated distance and flight path and not based on linear relationships; and   correlating the optimized velocity, spin, and launch angle information with further changes in at least one of the golf ball, grip, shaft, and club head required to achieve the optimized velocity, spin, and launch angle information, unless the correlation and optimization steps indicate that no further changes are necessary.   
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising displaying information related to the extrapolated distance and flight path as well as the launch data. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the information related to the launch data is displayed in a graphical format.