Golf Clubs with Electronic Displays

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/105,194, filed Feb. 2, 2023, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/305,777, filed Feb. 2, 2022. The entire disclosures of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/105,194 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/305,777 are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

This application is related to golf club heads with electronic displays.

A well-aimed golf shot requires a golfer to precisely align a golf club head with a golf ball. When getting ready to make a shot, the golfer may align the golf club head with the golf ball by visualizing a line between the golf club head and the golf ball or by lining up the golf ball with an alignment indicator on the golf club head. Example alignment indicators can comprise a decal, an indent, or another feature of the golf club head. Such alignment indicators, which can be painted, adhered to, or otherwise fixed to conventional golf club heads, cannot be easily adjusted.

However, due to variations in physical characteristics, golfing styles, and personal preferences, different golfers can prefer different sizes, shapes, or orientations of alignment indicators. The same golfer may even have different preferences for an alignment indicator depending on the circumstances of a particular golf shot. Many existing alignment indicators cannot be easily adjusted, and thus the golfer may have to select from several different clubs to find a golf club head with a preferred alignment indicator.

Furthermore, many existing alignment indicators on golf club heads provide only a limited amount of information to the golfer. Since many existing alignment indicators are static, such alignment indicators cannot instruct the golfer to manipulate the golf club head at address or during the swing to achieve a more accurate golf shot. Accordingly, a need exists for improvements to golf club heads.

The present disclosure relates to apparatuses, systems, and methods pertaining to a golf club head for a golf club, wherein the golf club head is configured to provide a visual cue or an image that changes the position of a topline from the perspective of the user when the golf club head is in a normal address position.

In some examples, a golf club head can comprise a body. The body can define an interior cavity, a sole defining a bottom portion of the golf club head, a crown defining a top portion of the golf club head, a face defining a forward portion of the golf club head, a rearward portion of the golf club head opposite the face, and a hosel. The golf club head can have a topline along a face-to-crown transition at the forward portion of the golf club head. The face can include a center face location that defines a head origin of a coordinate system in which an x-axis is tangential to the face at the center face location and is parallel to a ground plane when the golf club head is in a normal address position, a y-axis that extends perpendicular to the x-axis and is also parallel to the ground plane, and a z-axis that extends perpendicular to the ground plane, wherein a positive x-axis extends toward a heel portion from the head origin, a positive y-axis extends toward the rearward portion from the head origin, and a positive z-axis extends toward the top portion from the head origin. The crown can comprise an electronic paper display positioned along the face-to-crown transition of the golf club head or wrapped from the face on to the crown, the electronic paper display being sized and shaped to display an image that changes a position of the topline along the positive y-axis from a perspective of a user of the golf club head when the golf club head is in a normal address position.

In some examples, a golf club head can comprise a body defining an interior cavity, a sole defining a bottom portion of the golf club head, a crown defining a top portion of the golf club head, a face defining a forward portion of the golf club head, a rearward portion of the golf club head opposite the face, and a hosel. The face can comprise a plurality of layers. The plurality of layers can comprise a base layer, a piezoelectric layer coupled to the base layer, an electronic paper display coupled to the piezoelectric layer. The piezoelectric layer can be configured to generate a signal in response to a golf ball impacting the face. The electronic paper display can be configured to display an impact location of the golf ball on the face in response to the signal from the piezoelectric layer.

In some examples, a golf club head can comprise a body defining an interior cavity, a sole defining a bottom portion of the golf club head, a crown defining a top portion of the golf club head, a face defining a forward portion of the golf club head, a rearward portion of the golf club head opposite the face, and a hosel. The golf club head can have a topline along a face-to-crown transition at the forward portion of the golf club head. The face can include a center face location that defines a head origin of a coordinate system in which an x-axis is tangential to the face at the center face location and is parallel to a ground plane when the golf club head is in a normal address position, a y-axis that extends perpendicular to the x-axis and is also parallel to the ground plane, and a z-axis that extends perpendicular to the ground plane. A positive x-axis can extend toward a heel portion from the head origin, a positive y-axis can extend toward the rearward portion from the head origin, and a positive z-axis can extend toward the top portion from the head origin. The crown can comprise a first electronic paper display. The first electronic paper display can comprise a front edge portion extending along a front portion of the crown. The face can comprise a second electronic paper display, the second electronic display comprising a top edge portion extending along an upper edge of the face. The first electronic paper display and the second electronic paper display can be configured to display images that change a position of the topline along the positive y-axis from a perspective of a user of the golf club head when the golf club head is in a normal address position.

Certain aspects of the disclosure concern a method of showing an impact location of a golf ball on a golf club head. In some examples, the method can comprise detecting an impact between a face of the golf club head and the golf ball, determining an impact location of the golf ball on the face of the golf club head, and displaying the impact location on an electronic display coupled on the face of the golf club head.

The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the disclosed technology will become more apparent from the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying figures.

For purposes of this description, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the embodiments of this disclosure are described herein. The disclosed methods, apparatus, and systems are not limiting in any way. Instead, the present disclosure is directed toward all novel features and aspects of the various disclosed embodiments, alone and in various combinations and sub-combinations with one another. The methods, apparatus, and systems are not limited to any specific aspect or feature or combination thereof, nor do the disclosed embodiments require that any one or more specific advantages be present or problems be solved. The scope of this disclosure includes any features disclosed herein combined with any other features disclosed herein, unless physically impossible.

Although the operations of some of the disclosed embodiments are described in a particular, sequential order for convenient presentation, it should be understood that this manner of description encompasses rearrangement, unless a particular ordering is required by specific language set forth herein. For example, operations described sequentially may in some cases be rearranged or performed concurrently. Moreover, for the sake of simplicity, the attached figures may not show the various ways in which the disclosed components can be used in conjunction with other components.

As used in this disclosure and in the claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural forms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Additionally, the term “includes” means “comprises.” Further, the terms “coupled” and “associated” generally mean electrically, electromagnetically, and/or physically (e.g., mechanically or chemically) coupled or linked and does not exclude the presence of intermediate elements between the coupled or associated items absent specific contrary language.

In some examples, values, procedures, or apparatus may be referred to as “lowest,” “best,” “minimum,” or the like. Such descriptions are intended to indicate that a selection among many alternatives can be made, and such selections need not be better, smaller, or otherwise preferable to other selections.

In the description, certain terms may be used such as “up,” “down,” “upper,” “lower,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “left,” “right,” and the like. These terms are used, where applicable, to provide some clarity of description when dealing with relative relationships. But, these terms are not intended to imply absolute relationships, positions, and/or orientations. For example, with respect to an object, an “upper” surface can become a “lower” surface simply by turning the object over. Nevertheless, it is still the same object.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing dimensions, forces, masses, frequencies, material quantities, angles, pressures, molecular weights, percentages, temperatures, times, and so forth, as used in the specification or claims are to be understood as being modified by the term “about.” Accordingly, unless otherwise indicated, implicitly or explicitly, the numerical parameters set forth are approximations that can depend on the desired properties sought and/or limits of detection under test conditions/methods familiar to those of ordinary skill in the art. When directly and explicitly distinguishing embodiments from discussed prior art, the embodiment numbers are not approximates unless the word “about” is recited. Furthermore, not all alternatives recited herein are equivalents.

Although there are alternatives for various components, parameters, operating conditions, etc., set forth herein, that does not mean that those alternatives are necessarily equivalent and/or perform equally well. Nor does it mean that the alternatives are listed in a preferred order unless stated otherwise.

Any of the club heads disclosed herein (such as club heads,,, etc.) can be coupled to a golf club shaft of any type to form a wood-type golf club. The features disclosed herein can be implemented in any type of wood-type golf club, such as a driver, a fairway wood, a hybrid club, a rescue club, or a utility club.

Although the descriptions and drawings presented herein are mainly associated with wood-type golf clubs, any of the features disclosed herein can analogously be implemented in any other type of golf club, such as an iron, a wedge, or a putter.

As illustrated in, a wood-type golf club head, such as golf club head, can include a hollow body. The bodycan include a crown(which is also referred to herein as a “crown portion”), a sole(which is also referred to herein as a “sole portion”), and a face(which is also referred to herein as a “face portion”) defining a striking surface, while defining an interior cavity. The crowncan define a top portion of the golf club head. The solecan be a portion of the golf club headconfigured to rest on a ground planewhen the golf club headis at a normal address position. As used herein, the terms “normal address position” and “at address” refer to a position of the golf club headwhere the soleof the golf club headis touching the ground planewith a 60-degree USGA lie angleand at a 0-degree face angle (a “square face”). The face angle is an angle formed by an axis normal to the striking surfaceof the golf club headand a line of flight of a golf ball (i.e., when the faceis perpendicular to the line of flight of the golf ball).

The bodymay further include openings in the crownand/or solethat are overlaid or covered by inserts (which are also referred to herein as “panels” or “plates”) formed of lighter-weight material, such as composite materials. For example, the crownof the bodycan comprise a composite crown insert that covers a large portion of the area of the crownand has a lower density than the metal the bodyis made of, thereby saving weight in the crown. Similarly, the solecan include one or more openings in the bodythat are covered by sole inserts. The sole insert can be made of composite material, metallic material, or other material. In embodiments where the bodyincludes openings in the crownor sole, such openings can provide access to the inner cavity of the club headduring manufacturing, especially where the striking surfaceis formed as an integral part of the bodyduring casting (and there is not a face opening in the bodyto provide access during manufacturing). More information regarding openings in the bodyand related inserts can be found in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2018/0185719, published Jul. 5, 2018, and in U.S. Pat. No. 10,874,922, issued Dec. 29, 2020, both of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

In some embodiments, the club headcan comprise one or more adjustable weights, such as one or more weights movable along weight tracks formed in the sole and/or perimeter of the club head. Other exemplary weights can be adjusted by rotating the weights within threaded weight ports. Various ribs, struts, mass pads, and other structures can be included inside the bodyto provide reinforcement, adjust mass distribution and MOI properties, adjust acoustic properties, and/or for other reasons.

The striking surfaceand a vertical axisperpendicular to the ground planecan define an angle therebetween called a loft(which is also referred to herein as a “loft angle”). A “driver” type club head can have a loftof 15 degrees or less, and, in some examples, of 12 degrees or less. A “fairway wood” type club head can have a loftof 13 degrees or greater, and, in some examples, 15 degrees or greater.

The bodycan further include a hosel, which can define a hosel boreadapted to receive a golf club shaft. A hosel axiscan comprise a central longitudinal axis extending along the length of the hosel. The lie anglecan be an angle formed between the hosel axisand the ground plane.

The bodymay further include a heel portion, a toe portion, a front portion, a rear portion, and a top portion. The bodymay further include a face-to-crown transition zone(which is also referred to herein as a “face-to-crown transition region,” a “crown/face juncture,” or a “face-to-crown transition”) at the front portionof the club head. The face-to-crown transition zonecan extend in the heel-toe direction and can include a curved portion of the club headwhere the facetransitions to the crown. The face-to-crown transition zonemay include a toplinewhere the facemeets the crown. In certain examples, the toplinecan extend along the apex or forwardmost edge of the curved face-to-crown transition zone. In some examples, the toplinecan be visually distinct from the top portion (e.g., the crown) and/or the front portion (e.g., the face) to provide an alignment indicator for a golfer (who is also referred to herein as a “user”). For example, a portion of the topline(e.g., a line painted on the topline, or a display element as disclosed later) extending in the heel-toe direction can be a different color than the crownand the faceto provide the golfer with a visual indication of the orientation of the club head.

The bodymay include a skirt(which is also referred to herein as a “skirt portion”) disposed around a periphery of the club headbetween the crownand the sole. The bodymay further include a crown-to-skirt transition zone(which is also referred to herein as a “crown-to-skirt region” or a “crown-to-skirt transition”) where the crowntransitions to the skirt.

Wood-type club heads, such as the club head, have a volume, typically measured in cubic-centimeters (cm), equal to the volumetric displacement of the club head, assuming any apertures are sealed by a substantially planar surface. (See United States Golf Association “Procedure for Measuring the Club Head Size of Wood Clubs,” Revision 1.0, Nov. 21, 2003). In the case of a driver, the golf club headcan have a volume between approximately 250 cmand approximately 600 cm, such as between approximately 300 cmand approximately 500 cm, and can have a total mass between approximately 145 g and approximately 260 g. In the case of a fairway wood, the golf club headcan have a volume between approximately 120 cmand approximately 300 cm, and can have a total mass between approximately 115 g and approximately 260 g. In the case of a utility or hybrid club, the golf club headcan have a volume between approximately 60 cmand approximately 140 cm, and can have a total mass between approximately 105 g and approximately 280 g.

The soleis defined as a lower portion of the club headextending upwards from a lowest point of the club headwhen the club headis ideally positioned, i.e., at a proper address position relative to a golf ball on a level surface (such as the ground plane). In some implementations, the soleat the heel portionand/or toe portionextends at least approximately 50% of the distance from the lowest point of the club headto the highest elevation of the crown, and at least 55%, 60%, 65%, or 70% in additional embodiments. In one embodiment the distance is at least approximately 15 mm, and at least 20 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm, or 35 mm in further embodiments. In another embodiment the soleat the rear portionextends no more than 45% of the distance from the lowest portion of the club headto the highest elevation of the crown, and in further embodiments no more than 40%, 35%, 30%, 25%, 20%, or 15%.

Materials which may be used to construct the golf club headcan include composite materials (e.g., carbon fiber reinforced polymeric materials, including unidirectional prepreg portions, weave portions, and/or chopped fiber portions), titanium or titanium alloys, steels or alloys of steel, magnesium alloys, copper alloys, nickel alloys, and/or any other metals or metal alloys suitable for golf club head construction. Other materials, such as paint, polymeric materials, ceramic materials, etc., can also be included in the golf club head. In some embodiments, the golf club headcan be made of a metallic material such as titanium or titanium alloys (including but not limited to 9-1-1 titanium, 6-4 titanium, 3-2.5, 6-4, SP700, 15-3-3-3, 10-2-3, or other alpha/near alpha, alpha-beta, and beta/near beta titanium alloys), or aluminum and aluminum alloys (including but not limited to 3000 series alloys, 5000 series alloys, 6000 series alloys, such as 6061-T6, and 7000 series alloys, such as 7075), Ti Grade 9 (Ti-3A1-2.5V) having a chemical composition of ≤3.5-2.5% Al; ≤3.0-2.0% V; ≤0.02% N; ≤0.13% H; ≤0.12% Fe.

illustrate a head origin, a head origin x-axis, a head origin y-axis, and a head origin z-axis, a center of gravityof the club head, a CG x-axis, a CG y-axis, and a CG z-axis. The head origin axes,,pass through the head origin, and the CG axes,,pass through the CG. The head originis defined as the geometric center of the faceas measured per USGA protocol, see U.S.G.A. “Procedure for Measuring the Flexibility of a Golf Clubhead,” Revision 2.0, Mar. 25, 2005, for the methodology to measure the center of the striking face of a golf club. The geometric center of the face, where the head originis located, is also referred to herein as a “center face location.” The head origin axes,,and CG axes,,are horizontal or vertical (e.g., parallel or perpendicular to the ground plane) while the club headis in the normal address position, as illustrated. The head origin x-axisis tangential to the faceat the center face location and is parallel to the ground planewhen the club headis at the normal address position. The positive head origin x-axis(which is also referred to herein as the “positive x-axis”) can extend from the head origintowards the heel portionand the negative head origin x-axis(which is also referred to herein as the “negative x-axis”) can extend from the head origintowards the toe portion. The head origin y-axisextends perpendicular to the head origin x-axisand parallel to the ground plane. The positive head origin y-axis(which is also referred to herein as the “positive y-axis”) can extend from the head origintowards the rear portionand the negative head origin y-axis(which is also referred to herein as the “negative y-axis”) can extend from the head origintowards the front portion. The head origin z-axisextends perpendicular to the ground plane. The positive head origin z-axis(which is also referred to herein as the “positive z-axis”) can extend from the head origintowards the top portionand the negative head origin z-axis(which is also referred to herein as the “negative z-axis”) can extend from the head origintowards the sole.

The head origin x-axis, head origin y-axis, and head origin z-axisare sometimes referred to in shorthand as simply the x-axis, the y-axis, and the z-axis, and together they are referred to as the club head origin coordinate system. Similarly, the CG x-axis, CG y-axis, and CG z-axisare referred to as the club head CG coordinate system, while the CG x-axis coordinate is referred to as CGx, the CG y-axis coordinate is referred to as CGy, and the CG-z axis coordinate is referred to as CGz. The head origincan also be at the same point as an ideal impact location, as is illustrated, or the two points can be spaced apart. Thus, if the club head CGis located 5 mm toward the heel from the head origin, and 5 mm below the head origin, and 25 mm behind the head origin, the head origin x-axis (CGx) coordinate would be 5 mm, the head origin y-axis (CGy) coordinate would be 25 mm, and the head origin z-axis (CGz) coordinate would be −5 mm. Similarly, if the club head CGis located 5 mm toward the toe from the head origin, and 2 mm above the head origin, and 25 mm behind the head origin, the head origin x-axis (CGx) coordinate would be −5 mm, the head origin y-axis (CGy) coordinate would be 25 mm, and the head origin z-axis (CGz) coordinate would be 2 mm. As used herein, “Zup” means the CG z-axis location determined according to the above ground coordinate system. Zup generally refers to the height of the CGabove the ground plane.

The technology disclosed herein relates to e-ink displays and other similar controllable display technologies that are integrated with golf clubs, golf club components, golf balls, golf bags, golf club head covers, and/or other golf-related equipment. An integrated layer of a golf club component can change cosmetically/visually when manipulated electrically, magnetically, or physically. Conventional methods of adjusting the appearance of the club head include permanent changes, such as painting, printing, decals, indentations or other physical features that are not easily changeable or adjustable. By contrast, with e-ink display technology (which is also referred to herein as “electronic paper technology” and/or “e-ink layer”), the visual effect can be readily adjusted by applying different electrical feeds.

One of the most powerful ways of affecting the result of a golf shot is through a change in visual cues. For example, by decoupling the appearance of a club from its physical measurements the golfer can be influenced to manipulate the club head at address or during the swing to achieve a desired effect. Also, incorporating e-ink technology into the face of a golf club we can essentially create erasable impact face tape, that may also identify the impact location and feed representative impact location data to an internal or external data storage and/or analysis component. This can enable the golfer to have real time feedback on impact location, and save such impact location data for historical analysis and/or club fitting purposes.

An e-ink integrated layer can be added on top of the existing structure of a golf club and can provide the ability to change the appearance of the club at address. For example, the e-ink layer can be positioned as the top layer of the crown, although the e-ink layer may include a protective external layer; and in some embodiments the e-ink layer may be incorporated into a composite crown lay-up so that it is flush, proud, or recessed from the adjacent composite material, or as a top layer of a putter.

The e-ink layer can cover the entire crown surface or just a portion. For instance, some embodiments can have a variable topline where the e-ink display can provide various topline angles relative to the static face angle. In some embodiments, an e-ink display can provide alignment aids parallel to the target line that can be toggled on or off for practice and play. In some embodiments, the e-ink display can display relevant information on the crown, such as information about the golf course, hole strategic advice, swing thoughts, wind conditions, or other useful information. The e-ink integrated layer can also be incorporated in the face of a club head, such as in a driver or other wood, or even a putter face. Either through the physical impact from a golf ball, or a piezoelectric generated voltage, the impact location can be revealed using an e-ink layer on or around the face. In some embodiments, the user can then erase the face by pushing a button or similar to generate a voltage that would revert the face back to its original state.

In some embodiments, the e-ink display may form a portion of an outermost layer of a golf club head while in other embodiments the e-ink display may be an integrated layer that is visible to a user but does not form an outermost layer of a golf club. For example, an e-ink display may be protected by a polyurethane cover or other polymer cover that forms the outermost layer of the golf club head. Such as when an e-ink display is visible from a face on view or from an address view. A see-through cover that includes scorelines may be placed overtop the e-ink display to protect the e-ink display from impact forces and the cover may provide advantageous spin characteristics to the golf ball to achieve desired performance in the various conditions that golf is played (e.g., wet and dry conditions) or the cover may provide spin variation across the face depending on impact location.

In various embodiments, the e-ink layer can be incorporated into virtually any surface as a banner displaying information or graphics. For instance, logos or information could be displayed on portions of the sole, crown, faces, iron backs, iron badges, shafts, head covers, bags, etc. The possibilities for personalization are infinite.

E-ink displays can advantageously utilize low power consumption, low voltages, sleep modes, and other energy saving features that can allow the display to operate over long periods of time (days, weeks, etc.) using an on-board battery without needing to be recharged.

As used herein, “e-ink” is used synonymously with “electric ink,” “electrophoretic ink,” and “electronic paper display” (EPD), all such technologies and terminologies are expressly included as alternative implementations of the disclosed technology. Such technologies can utilize electroluminescence, a process where electroluminescent materials emit light in response to an applied electrical current or electric field. Depending on the type of electroluminescent material, it can emit different colors. E-ink displays can produce any combinations of colors, such as black-and-white, grey-scale, two-tone, three color combinations, four color combinations, or even up to seven or more different colors at the same time on the same display.

A user may customize or control the one more e-ink displays on the golf club head using a smart phone, personal digital assistant, and/or a user may adjust the display by using onboard buttons or switches. The display may include pre-programed images that can be manipulated or changed by using an onboard switch or button. For example, a button push may cycle from a neutral tendency alignment aid/top-line/visual cue on a crown or top portion of a club head to a left tendency alignment aid/top-line/visual cue.

A golf club head may contain two or more e-ink displays. A first display on a crown portion and a second display on a face portion and the two may work together to form a manipulable top-line. This could allow adjustment of the topline and it could show impact location after a strike. It could also be used to make the face appear larger than it is by controlling the blend between the face and crown portions. A larger face inspires greater confidence in the golfer. Alternatively, a single display may wrap from a face portion of the golf club head onto the crown or upper portion of the golf club head, and this could be controlled to adjust the top-line/visual cues/alignment aid.

A product utilizing e-ink technology can also include any of various other electrical components, such as a battery, microcontroller, CPU, memory, wires, input/output devices, wireless transmitters and receivers, user interface displays/buttons/etc., and can be connected via wires or wirelessly to separate electrical devices or computing devices, such as a mobile phone, cellular communications tower, wi-fi network, the internet, and/or local electrical devices, such as in a golf bag or club head cover.

An e-ink layer can be integrated to a golf club in many different ways, such as by bonding/welding/fastening to a surface of the club head or integrated into the manufacture of a club head components, such as the crown plate or shaft. In some embodiments, the e-ink display may be permanently attached to the club head (non-removable) and in other embodiments the e-ink display may be user removable, or whatever the e-ink display attaches to may be removable for repair, charging, upgrades, and or replacement of the display.

shows an exemplary golf club headhaving an adjustable toplinegenerated by an e-ink displayon the crown or crown-face junction. The angle of the generated toplinerelative to the plane of the facecan be adjusted to cause a golfer to close or open the faceon a swing for a desired effect.

shows an exemplary golf club headhaving an adjustable alignment aidon the crownthat is generated by an e-ink displayon the crown. In this example, the alignment aidis an arrow displayed by the e-ink display. The direction/orientation of the displayed arrow relative to the facecan be adjusted as needed to generate the desired effect. For instance in one embodiment the longitudinal axis of the displayed arrow is user adjustable by at least 2° relative to a default alignment corresponding to being parallel to the origin y-axis, and in further embodiments at least 4°, 6°, 8°, or 10°. Further, any of the disclosed adjustability ranges and features described with respect to a single embodiment apply equally to any of the disclosed alignment aides, crown alignment features, simulated toplines, topline alignment features, visual cues, or topline.

shows an exemplary golf club headhaving a variable image logodisplayed on the crownby an e-ink display. The position of the image logorelative to the facecan be adjusted, such as in the heel-toe direction.

shows an exemplary golf club headhaving an e-ink displayon the crownthat displays various messagesthat can be helpful to a golfer, such as situational information about the layout of the current hole. Such messages can change from shot to shot.

shows an exemplary golf club headhaving an e-ink displayon the crownthat displays swing-thought messagesthat can be helpful to a golfer, such as to remind the golfer of certain mental cues for making a good golf swing.

show an exemplary golf club headhaving an e-ink displayat the front of the crownor crown/face juncturethat can display a variable topline. In, the displayed toplineis generally neutral, parallel with the face plane. In, the displayed toplineis more open than the face plane, which can cause a golfer to tend to close the facemore. In, the displayed toplineis more closed, which can cause a golfer to tend to open the facemore. The golfer can select a topline orientation that best suits their personal needs by adjusting the variable topline display.