Abstract: A putting practice device preferably includes a body and an extension. The body preferably has a concave surface for receiving a forearm or wrist. The extension can be coplanar with the body and extends away from the body. At least one receiving hole is defined by the body or extension. A golf tee partially passes through the receiving hole and is partially inserted into a top end of a putter. The device optionally includes a flange surrounding the periphery of the body and extension and a center section surrounding the receiving holes. The flange and center section can have a thickness greater than the thickness of the body and extension.

Abstract: A device for improving the performance of a golfer, particularly the repetitive correct swinging of the club, is preferably mounted on a standard golf club shaft, in place of a conventional head, but alternatively could be made to be temporarily attached to the head or shaft of any standard golf club. The subject device has a housing containing two directional gyros, a power source, a set of sensors, and a like set of alarms responsive to the sensors to give an audible and/or tactile alarm when the golfer's swing is outside that of each directional gyro's predetermined and set rotating direction.

Abstract: A triangular guide placed horizontally on the ground between a golfer and a golf ball (11), having a base side (1) parallel to the desired trajectory line (14) for the ball, and left and right sides (4, 5) attached to the base side, converging to a front apex (6) pointing toward the ball. A golfer stands with the thighs, shoulders, and hips aligned with the base of the guide. On the back-swing, the golfer aligns the left forearm with the right side of the guide. On the follow-through, the golfer, aligns the right forearm with the left side of the guide. Labels on the guide remind the golfer of the use of the guide, and of certain aspects of the swing. A ball position indicator (20) may be attached to the practice aid to provide practice in ball placement relative to the golfer.

Abstract: A golf ball is provided which changes color or other indicia after significant immersion in water to indicate that the ball has been recovered from a water hazard and may not have predictable flight characteristics which may result in loss of carry and roll. In one embodiment, a microencapsulated dye layer is formed immediately below the final gloss coat, with controlled dye release causing a stained look to the ball after significant immersion in water. In another embodiment, the dye or ink is provided in pelletized form for ease of manufacture.

Abstract: A three-piece solid golf ball having good shot feel and excellent rebound characteristics, while maintaining the characteristics inherent to the solid golf ball, i.e., excellent flight performance and good durability, wherein the gold ball has a core, an intermediate layer formed on the core, and a cover covering the intermediate layer. The core has a diameter of 30 to 36 mm and a specific gravity less than that of the intermediate layer; a ratio of the intermediate layer-covered core deformation amount/the core deformation amount within the range of 0.75 to 1, and a golf ball having a deformation amount of 2.3 to 3.5 mm, all deformations being measured when applying a load of 130 kgf.

Abstract: A golf ball having a plurality of dimples on its surface, the dimples including dimples which are different in diameter and/or depth, the total number of dimples is 392 to 432, and the golf ball has a percent dimple surface area occupation of 77 to 82%, a percent dimple volume occupation of 0.85 to 1.2%, an average dimple diameter of 2.5 to 4.5 mm (0.098 to 0.177 inches), an average dimple depth of 0.12 to 0.18 mm (0.005 to 0.007 inches), an average dimple V.sub.0 value of 0.4 to 0.6, and a dimple edge angle of 4.0 to 17.0 degrees, where CL is a lift coefficient and CD is a drag coefficient, CL is in the range of 0.140 to 0.190, CD is in the range of 0.21 to 0.255, and CL/CD is in the range of 0.640 to 0.730 when the ball is in flight at a velocity of 65 m/s and a spin rate of 42 rps.

Abstract: A golf ball having a cover is provided. The cover is formed of a cover stock comprising a thermoplastic resin or elastomer and fibrous aluminum borate whiskers. The cover is durably resistant to damages by iron shots.

Abstract: A golf ball constructed of a molded outer cover defining an outer diameter of the golf ball of about 1.8 to 2.5 inches, and preferably between 1.8 and 2.2 inches. One or more inner materials within the golf ball is of a sufficient density to allow the golf ball to float in water. The golf ball may comprise an inner core of a light weight material of sufficient density to allow the golf ball to float. The golf ball will have the characteristics and feel of a conventional golf ball while being able to float. The increased size of the golf ball will give the beginning golfer an easier target to strike with the club face thereby improving his or her confidence in ball striking ability. The increased size will also increase the wind resistance and thereby overemphasizing balls hit with improper spin, resulting in quicker learning time. Better golfers can use this feature to practice and perfect cut and draw shots. The golf ball may used during actual rounds of golf or in training on the driving range.

Abstract: Disclosed is a golf training method and apparatus that consists of an anchor tethering straps and waist belt positioned in such fashion so as to train an individual to prevent excess rotation or hip movement during a golf swing. The apparatus is universal having an adjustable strap that fits around the waist including tethering straps that allow for both width and height of adjustment of the individual. The device may be used outdoors by use of a portable anchor or permanent anchor, as well as indoors by use of a standing board allowing an individual to stand on top of a board with an anchor placed at the end of the standing board. The tethering straps are independently fixed during use. One of the tethering straps stretches and permits proper body rotation. The other strap is inelastic and controls body sway.

Abstract: A practice golf club that is short for carrying in luggage, but is weighted to a standard D3 swing weight. It has a shaft with first and second ends, with a first grip on the first end, a second grip on the second end, and a head projecting transversely from the second end for visual alignment of the club. It has a laser beam projecting from the second end of the shaft along the axis of the shaft. The golfer grips the first end of the shaft and swings the practice club, causing the laser to trace a line on the floor that provides feedback about the lower part of the swing. The golfer grips the second end of the shaft and swings the practice club, causing the laser to trace a line on the floor that provides feedback about the upper part of the swing. The golfer places the club horizontally across the thighs and observes the laser dot near a target to square the address stance.

Abstract: Illumination apparatus for attachment to a golf club and containing a light source which directs a light beam toward the eyes of the golfer. The apparatus includes a housing selectively attachable to the shaft of a golf club and having at least one light source. The light source may be mounted in a turret optionally retractable within a recess of the housing. The light source, which may be two in number, are settable in selected angular positions for proper adjustment of the light beam.

Abstract: A posture correction and stroke sense development apparatus for golf rectilinear putting practice mechanism, includes: a rectangular frame; a mat mounted on the frame, which serves the function for grassing use; a hole; and ball supply means (not shown) for providing the balls which are holed out, for putting them, wherein brackets project from a base of the frame on the opposite side of the hole, and are connected to a rectilinear guide over which a putting guide is provided to make a putter rectilinear, freely providing a rise and fall motion and a rotational motion about the rectilinear guide, and an angular motion in the forward and backward direction.

Abstract: A golf ball having a diameter and comprising a fluid mass at the center of the ball, a first, solid, non-wound layer surrounding the fluid mass comprised of a non-elastic polymer material selected from the group of thermoplastic material, metal, and plastic, and having an inner diameter in the range of 30 to 70% of the ball diameter; a second, solid, non-wound layer surrounding the first mantle layer comprising an elastomeric polymer material selected from the group of thermoset rubber material and thermoplastic clastomeric material having an outer diameter in the range of 80 to 98% of the ball diameter, a hardness of less than about 65 Shore D, and a compression of about 80 or greater; and a cover surrounding the second layer.

Abstract: A training aid for developing a golfer's swing which comprises a swing assembly having reference markings disposed thereon which define a desired swing path for a golf club relative to the reference markings. The training aid further comprises a light source which continually casts at least a portion of a golfer's shadow and a shadow of the golf club onto the swing assembly in general relation to the markings allowing the golfer to readily visualize and compare his/her swing path with an "ideal" swing path during a golfer's swing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a golf ball, particularly a solid golf ball having good shot feel and excellent controllability at approach shot, while keeping the characteristics inherent to the solid golf ball, i.e. excellent flight performance and excellent durability. The present invention relates to a solid golf ball comprising a core and a cover formed on the core, wherein the cover has a two-layer structure consisting of an inner cover and an outer cover formed on the inner cover, and the core is formed from a rubber composition comprising 0.05 to 5 parts by weight of an organic sulfide compound, based on 100 parts by weight of a base rubber.

Abstract: A flat horizontal platform (2) mounted on a base (1) by a central board (4) between the two. The central board (4) is attached to the platform, and is bracketed by retainer boards (3a, 3b) attached to the base. A golfer stands on the platform addressing a ball in front of the platform. The platform tilts left or right about the respective left or right side of the center board if the golfer's center of weight shifts beyond the respective left or right side of the enter board. A clicker between the base and platform on the back-swing side, alerts the golfer to an improper weight shift toward the back-swing, providing feedback during training to eliminate this stroke motion error.

Abstract: A golf swing training device for developing the memory of a proper golf swing for every golf club a golfer uses in their game so that each swing is naturally and consistently repeated when they engage in actual play. The golf swing training device includes a base for receiving a golfer's front foot, at least one pivot arm having a first end pivotally mounted to the base and a second end opposite the first end, a biasing means for biasing the pivot arm to a first position with respect to vertical, and an engagement member disposed on the second end of the pivot arm for engaging the golfer's hip area when they position their front foot on the base to address the golf ball. Engagement of the engagement member displaces the pivot arm to a second position with respect to vertical and creates a constant pressure force against the golfer's hip area which ingrains the golfer's mind with the memory of the proper pace and body position for performing each golf swing.

Abstract: A golf ball defines a dimple spherical surface having a diameter of not greater than 42.66 mm and formed with a plurality of protrusions. The ball is unable to pass through a ring gage having an inner diameter of 42.67 mm.

Abstract: A golf putting vertical alignment and training aid comprising a reflective material (22) adapted to be positioned remote from a golf ball, a golf putter club, and a golfer standing in a putting position, and comprising an elongated material (30) adapted to be positioned overtop of a target line in a manner such that when viewed from above, the elongated material's longitudinal axis appears to be parallel to the target line (68), the target line being defined by the path that a golfer would like a golf ball to follow, and the elongated material being of a minimum length that extends from the golf ball to the reflective material, and the putting aid comprising a suspending means for positioning the elongated material above the reflecting surface of the reflective material, in a manner such that a reflection (60) of a portion of the elongated material can be seen within the reflecting surface.

Abstract: There is disclosed a golf ball including a layer made of a shape memory alloy. For example, fine thread of a shape memory alloy is wound around a core so as to provide a shape memory alloy layer between the core and a cover of the golf ball. In this structure, the shape memory alloy layer provides an effect of tightening the core, thus improving the golf ball's resiliency, resulting an increased travel distance. Moreover, since the shape memory alloy layer has a high specific gravity, the moment of inertia of the golf ball increases, so that the spin and roll performances of the golf ball are improved. Furthermore, the shape memory alloy layer having higher strength and hardness functions as a reinforcement layer of the cover, thereby improving cut resistance and impact durability of the cover.