MOI-Optimized Mallet Putter
A custom mallet-style putter head designed in SolidWorks around a single goal: align the shaft axis as closely as possible through the head's center of mass, using iterative mass-property studies rather than trial-and-error shaping.
- Role
- Design & Manufacturing
- Tools
- SolidWorks, Mass Properties, GD&T
- Materials
- 6061 Aluminum, Brass
- Status
- In Manufacturing
Minimizing Off-Center Torque
Putter performance is sensitive to how mass is distributed around the head. Off-center strikes twist an unbalanced head open or closed at impact, sending the ball offline. The goal of this project was to design a mallet-style head where the shaft axis passes as close as possible through the head's center of mass — a near-zero-torque, face-balanced configuration — so that mis-hits stay truer than they would on a conventional blade or heel-toe design.
Third-Generation Geometry
The head shown here is the third iteration of the design. Earlier concepts were evaluated and set aside in favor of this open, dual-wing mallet form, which gave more usable volume at the perimeter for weighting while keeping a compact footprint behind the ball.
Iterating with SolidWorks Mass Properties
SolidWorks mass-property and mass-distribution tools were used throughout development to track the head's center of mass relative to the shaft axis as the geometry changed. Wing length, cavity depth, and wall thickness were all adjusted in response to these studies rather than by eye.
The target weight for the finished head-and-body assembly is approximately 360 g, in line with typical mallet-putter weighting.
Removable Brass Weights
Two removable brass weights, seated near the heel and toe of the head, allow swing weight to be tuned independently of the aluminum body. Each weight is machined as a separate brass component and secured into the head with a socket flat-head screw, so the final balance can be adjusted without remaking the head itself.
Manufacturing Drawing Package
A complete manufacturing package was produced for the assembly: a toleranced drawing of the 6061-aluminum head, a drawing of the brass weight, and an exploded assembly view with a bill of materials. Click any sheet below to view it full size.
Currently In Progress
The brass weights are being manually machined, and the aluminum head is being prepared for CNC machining. All manufacturing drawings are complete and toleranced to support this stage of production.
Final Result
Machining & final photography coming soon
This section is reserved for photographs of the machined aluminum head, the finished brass weights, final assembly, and video of the putter in use. It will be updated as manufacturing is completed.