InPutter: Concept and evaluation of an engineered golf putter

Abstract

InPutter was designed for research, analysis and training to improve the performance in golf putting. The engineered putter is equipped with an inertial measurement unit (IMU), force sensitive resistors and heartbeat radio-frequency receiver compatible with Polar electrocardiogram (ECG) transmitters. With a high frequency of 100Hz, the device can be combined easily with other alternatives, such as cameras, to increase the range of applications and variables for further analysis. The putter is able to maintain energy autonomy (battery capacity) for up to four hours, which is ideal for both ‘Pitch & Putt’ and traditional golf games. After describing the hardware and software development, this article highlights and assesses the benefits of InPutter by validating experimentally its function using the data collected from professional/expert golfers. The data reveals a variety of different putting techniques and strategies. InPutter, with its innovative technologies,  is able to measure all aspects of a putting stroke with great precision.'

Key words: Smart putter; Golf putting; Putting signature; Kinematic pattern.