Abstract: A swing analysis system includes a housing having an upper surface and a ball support mounted to the upper surface. A first array of optical sensors is mounted in the upper surface on a first side of the ball support, and a second array of optical sensors is mounted in the upper surface on a second side of the ball support, opposite the first array of sensors. A third array of optical sensors in mounted in the upper surface, with the sensors positioned around the ball support. A controller is coupled to each sensor of the three arrays of sensors for receiving output signals therefrom. The controller monitors the output signals for change in state events and creates data files containing a sequence of events with associated timestamps. The computer is programmed to use the data files to calculate swing path angle, club head speed, club head angle, club head lateral alignment with respect to the ball support, and club head height of an implement (e.g., a golf club) swung over the housing.

Abstract: A device for retrieving golf balls consists of a pair of discs rotatably mounted upon a plastic body. The shaft used to rotatably support the discs also serves to maintain the prongs of the body in a spaced relationship in which they develop an optimal amount of force upon the discs. The head assembly consists of only a few parts, and no supplemental means is necessary to secure them.