Abstract: A golf practice apparatus provides recording and instant playback of video images of a golfer's swing. A plurality of color video cameras are preferably employed to obtain video images of a swing from different angles. A video processing and storage unit digitally stores the images in memory for instant replay. Image processing and recording is automatically initiated when a golf ball is placed on a designated hitting area through the use of an infrared camera and image processing software that detects a golf ball in the IR camera's image. The IR camera is also used in conjunction with an IR flash unit to obtain snapshot images of a club head and ball just before and just after the golf club hits the ball. An optical sensor array is positioned adjacent the hitting area to detect the passage of a golf club toward the ball. The signals generated by the optical sensor array are employed by the image processing and storage unit to both calculate the club speed and control triggering of the flash unit.