System and method for providing golf instruction

Abstract

A system and method for providing customizable golf instruction in a portable form. The system comprises a folio operable to removably hold a changeable set of customizable golf materials formatted to allow a golfer to quickly reference instruction for a particular situation encountered by the golfer.

Description

PRIORITY

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application 60/652,312, filed Feb. 11, 2005, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Golf is a game enjoyed by many but mastered by few. Golfers will often experience ball placements or shot lies with which they have no experience or for which they cannot recall the optimal form and technique for the shot. For this reason, golfers who wish to improve their game often turn to golf aids, instructional videos, instructional books, and practice time on the driving range or putting green so that they are better prepared to play a round of golf. However, all of these various learning aids are only beneficial if the lessons are engrained into the memory or muscular reflexes of the golfer, as these learning aids are not suitable to be used while actually playing a round of golf. Videos typically are impractical to bring onto a course, and finding the exact instruction relating to the specific challenge a golfer is facing on the course would be unwieldy even if the technology allowed video instruction to be carried with a golfer. Books and magazines are similarly bulky and often not organized to allow quick access to a problem that a golfer might require instruction for at any given time. In addition, such books and magazines are not designed so that they can be easily carried with the golfer and easily accessed during a round of golf. Therefore, a golf training aid that is easily accessed and practical to carry with a golfer during a round of golf would be greatly appreciated.

Utilizing the services of a golf professional or professional golf instructor has long been one method of obtaining tailored instruction to help an individual with the various shot choice and stance decisions that face a golfer in an actual round of golf. By using a golf professional during a casual round of golf, the professional can provide instruction regarding only the areas where the golfer is deficient, and may do so in a timely manner when the golfer is approaching a shot or lie that is not a strongpoint of the golfer. The golf professional can give almost instantaneous advice to the golfer as to stance and swing prior to the golfer taking a stroke, and that advice can be tailored to the exact lie of the ball and contour of the ground. However, the hourly fees for a golf professional can range in the hundreds or thousands of dollars, making this option cost prohibitive for all but the most wealthy golfers who would like to improve their golf game. Further, utilizing a golf professional during a round of golf with friends and colleagues would be awkward and socially unacceptable. Therefore, a lower cost means for providing golf instruction tailored to the shot or lie selections and other aspects of a golf game encountered during an actual round of golf would be greatly appreciated.

Other solutions to providing accessible advice regarding a golf game include the use of folded instructions that fold out like a map, or spiral bound notebooks that attempt to cover all aspects of the game in one book. However, these guides are often not sturdy enough to be subjected to prolonged use, may not withstand the elements, and are not able to be modified to address only the areas of an individual's golf game that need work. Thus, these guides can be clumsy and difficult to use as a quick reference on the course, and may be difficult to carry, causing many to forego their use. Therefore, a means for providing readily accessible and well-organized golf advice that is resistant to the elements, easily transported on the course, and readily customized to particular deficiencies of a golfer would be greatly appreciated.

SUMMARY

The present application relates to a customizable apparatus for providing golf instruction, allowing a golfer to carry relevant golf instruction material on the course that is tailored to the golfer's needs. For instance, the customizable apparatus may include a foldable folio that can be placed in an open or closed position and customizable golf instructional material that is sized to fit within the folio and which can be removed, updated, or exchanged to fit the needs of a golfer utilizing the material. In addition, the customizable apparatus optionally comprises an upper portion, a lower portion, an articulating portion, and a closure so that the folio may be opened and closed. The folio optionally includes a marker holder. Further optionally, the folio comprises a game improvement tracker. Further optionally, the folio further comprises a holder operable to hold a game improvement tracker, a scorecard, or marking pad. In one embodiment, the customizable golf instruction material is comprised of weather durable material. Further optionally, the customizable golf instruction material is in digital form.

According to another embodiment, the present application relates to a customizable apparatus for providing golf instruction, with the apparatus comprising a folio having an upper portion, a lower portion, an articulating portion connecting the upper portion and the lower portion, and a closure. The customizable apparatus further comprises customizable golf instruction operable to be removably placed within the folio, and a game improvement tracker. Optionally, the folio further comprises and attachment apparatus that allows the folio to be removably attached to one of many different surfaces, including the golfer, a golf bag, or a golf cart. Further optionally, the attachment apparatus comprises a retractable tether and a retractor portion, or a clip. Another option in this embodiment includes a magnet and another surface which is attracted to the magnet so that the magnetic attachment apparatus is attracted to the magnet. Optionally, the folio is sized to about 7.5 inches long and about 3.5 inches wide when in its closed position. The folio optionally includes a pocket for carrying various articles such as keys, a divot lifter, change, money, etc.

According to another embodiment, a method for providing golf instruction comprises the step of providing a golfer with a folio containing customizable golf instruction selected to address weak areas in the golfer's play, and wherein the customizable golf instruction is operable to be replaced with different customizable golf instruction as the golfer develops. A game improvement tracker is also supplied to the golfer, allowing the golfer to record his statistics for game play, thereby allowing the golfer to identify weak areas in his game. Once the weak areas are identified, the golfer can then select, if necessary, additional or replacement customizable golf instruction to address the topics a golfer may need reference to while on the golf course. Optionally, the customizable golf instruction is tabbed to allow quick access to relevant areas of play. Optionally, the customizable golf instruction is in digital form. Further optionally, the method of providing golf instruction includes the additional step of providing a game improvement tracker to the golfer to allow the golfer to determine improvements and areas that need additional instruction. Further optionally, the folio may contain both the game improvement tracker and the customizable golf instruction. Finally, it is optional that the folio further comprises an attachment apparatus to allow easy attachment and removal of the folio to the golfer, the golfer's bag, or any other item.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of the inside surface of a folio in its extended position according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2A is a top plan view of the outside surface of the folio of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2B is a top plan view of the folio of FIG. 1 in its closed position according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2C is a top plan view of a quick release device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3A is a side plan view of the folio of FIG. 2B in a closed position according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3B is a side perspective view of the folio of FIG. 2B in a closed position according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a folio similar to that of FIG. 1 attached to a retractable tether and retractor portion according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an upper portion of a folio similar to that of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a folio with a computing device and display according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a game improvement tracker according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the inside surface of a folio in its extended position according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the outside surface of the folio of FIG. 8 in its extended position according to one embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to a system and method for providing a golfer with portable instruction regarding his or her golf game.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a folio 10 retains golf instruction material 90 for ready access to a golfer.

Folio

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2A, the folio 10 for transporting a customizable golf advice system according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a folio shell 20 having an inner surface 23 and outer surface 25, an upper portion 30 and lower portion 35, an articulating portion 36, at least one folio holder 40, a marker holder 50, a game improvement tracker holder 55, a pocket 60, a closure 70, and an attachment apparatus 80. In application, folio 10 is designed to store and present customizable golf instruction materials 90, although it will be appreciated that folio 10 can be used for multiple other purposes.

Folio shell 20 takes many different forms and sizes, and comprises various materials. However, according to one embodiment of the present invention, folio shell 20, when in its extended position as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A, comprises a length of about 15.5 inches and width of about 3.5 inches. Conversely, when in its closed position as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, folio shell comprises a length of about 7.5 inches and a width of about 3.5 inches so that folio 10 fits within a pocket or other storage area conveniently. The dimensions of folio 10 vary in different embodiments of the present invention. It will be appreciated that folio shell 20 comprises various different materials such as, for example, fabric, plastic polymers, leather, or metals. In one embodiment of the present invention, folio shell 20 comprises an all-weather fabric such as, for example, a fabric comprising nylon that is weather resistant. In another embodiment, inner surface 23 and outer surface 25 comprise the same material. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that in other embodiments, inner surface 23 comprises a different material than outer surface 25, giving a broad range of custom options. Finally, it should be noted that in another embodiment, outer surface 25 further comprises at least one customizable area 26 where golf promoters or the user can embroider, paint, or otherwise place custom designs.

Further, in one embodiment of the present invention, folio 10 has an upper portion 30 and a lower portion 35 such that when folio 10 is in its extended position as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A and in a vertical position, upper portion 30 is above lower portion 35. Further, folio shell 10 has at least one articulating portion 36 operable to allow folio 10 to take both an extended position as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A and a closed position as shown in FIGS. 2B, 3A, and 3B. When folio 10 is in a closed position, outer surface 25 is displayed to the user while inner surface 23 remains substantially hidden from the user and protected from the elements by outer surface 25. Additionally, in at least one embodiment of the present invention, folio 10 is encouraged to remain in its closed position by a closure 70. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, closure 70 comprises a magnetic snap. However, it will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that in other embodiments closure 70 takes other forms such as, for example, hook and loop (i.e. Velcro® brand fasteners), snaps, magnets, zippers, buttons, and various other closure types known in the art.

Another aspect of folio 10, according to one embodiment of the present invention, includes marker holder 50 and game improvement tracker holder 55. Marker holder 50 comprises a loop, clip, strap, or other structure operable to removably secure a marking device such as, for example, a golf pencil, stylus, or pen to folio 10 so that a marking device 57 can be removed from folio 10 to mark the score on a scorecard or to otherwise place a mark. Game improvement tracker holder 55 comprises a pocket or slot as shown in FIG. 1. In other embodiments, game improvement tracker holder 55 comprises one or more loops of fabric or any other means of removably retaining a game improvement tracker 58 (discussed in further detail below), a scorecard, a pad of scorecards, or other materials well known in the art within folio 10 in a fashion similar to golf instruction material holder 40 as shown in FIG. 5. In one embodiment, game improvement tracker holder 55 maintains game improvement tracker 58 in position by sliding a game improvement tracker backer 59 within a slot 1 to secure the game improvement tracker 58 to folio 10.

As shown in FIG. 7, the game improvement tracker 58 comprises a writing surface such as, for example, a pad of paper for tracking game statistics considered important to a golfer. In one embodiment, game improvement tracker 58 comprises a weather resistant or tear resistant paper. Alternatively, game improvement tracker comprises typical bond paper, fabric, or any printable material known in the art. As shown in FIG. 7, game improvement tracker 58 includes columns 61 to track statistics for each hole (shown in rows 62) in, for example, an 18 hole round of golf for the categories of: number of putts; whether the fairways were hit (intended to be tracked with a yes or no answer for the hole); the number of shots taken from within 100 yards of the hole; whether the golfer made the greens in regulation percentage for that hole; the number of penalty shots assessed; and a space for notes and the total score for each hole. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that these are only representative statistics that are tracked, and that by tracking these statistics or similar statistics tied to key areas related to certain aspects of the game, golfers can track their development in those areas, allowing them to identify weak areas in their game and note improvements. Further, in one embodiment, an area for entering the date and course name is included for future reference, allowing statistics to be compiled for multiple rounds over a period of time on a particular course. Game improvement tracker 58 can be used in addition to or as a scorecard. In yet another embodiment, if game improvement tracker 58 comprises a pad of papers, game improver tracker 58 includes a game improvement tracker backer 59 that is placed within game improvement tracker holder 55 to removably secure game improvement tracker 58 to folio 10.

Further, according to another aspect of the present invention, folio 10 comprises one or more golf instruction material holders 40 that operate to removably retain golf instruction material 90 within folio 10, as shown in FIG. 5. According to one embodiment of the present invention, golf instruction material holders 40 take the form of slots, pockets, or loops in which an instruction packet 91 is removably placed. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, a backer card 92 of an instruction packet 91 is inserted into instruction material holder 40 such that instruction packet 91 is secured to folio 10 for quick access when folio 10 is in its extended position. In one embodiment, backer card 92 is comprised of pressboard. Alternately, backer card 92 comprises any material from which golf instruction packets 91 are comprised, including, for example, paper, high gloss paper, weather resistant paper, laminated stock, fabric, or any other printable material well known in the art. It will be appreciated that other embodiments of instruction material holder 40 exist to secure other forms of golf instruction material 90, such as, for example, elastic loops or hook and loop fastening to attach a computing device 95 and display 96 (such as a personal digital assistant), as explained in greater detail below.

Further, according to another embodiment of the present invention, folio 10 comprises an attachment apparatus 80 so that folio 10 can be attached to another surface such as, for example, a golf bag or golf cart. As shown in the embodiment set forth in FIGS. 2A and 2B, attachment apparatus 80 comprises a clip 86 attached to outer surface 25 of folio 10 by webbing 87. Clip 86 comprises a clip or other securing structure such as, for example, a snap, hook and loop, loop, or magnetic assembly. Clip 86 can be removably attached to a towel ring or other protuberance of, for example, a golf bag, cart, or other structure so that folio 10 suspends from the golf bag, cart, or other structure for ready access to the contents of folio 10. Further, as shown in the embodiment set forth in FIG. 2C, attachment apparatus 80 further comprises a quick release 85 that allows for easy removal and replacement of folio 10 from the golf bag, cart, or other structure while clip 86 remains thereon. While FIG. 2C shows quick release 85 to be a squeeze buckle, it will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that quick release 85 can be a snap, magnets, hook and loop, or any other quick release fastener known in the art. Referring now to FIGS. 2A and 2B, according to one embodiment of the present invention, attachment apparatus 80 is oriented so that when folio 10 is in a closed position and clip 86 is secured so that folio 10 is suspended from a golf bag, cart, or other structure, folio 10 is oriented such that articulating area 36 is oriented in a downward position, as shown in FIG. 2B. Further, when placed in its extended position, folio 10 is oriented such that inner surface 23 is facing the user with the upper portion 30 oriented above the lower portion 35, presenting golf instruction material 90 to a user. It will be appreciated that this orientation of attachment apparatus 80 provides the user with quick access to golf instruction material 90, and allows access to the marking device 57 and game improvement tracker 58. Therefore, it will be appreciated that folio 10, when attached to another structure by attachment apparatus 80 allows easy access to golf instruction materials 90 and game improvement tracker 58 with one hand simply by pulling closure 70 to place folio 10 in extended position.

Turning now to FIGS. 3A and 3B, folio 10 is shown in its closed position, according to one embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen, folio 10 folds at articulating portion 36 so that upper portion 30 overlaps lower portion 35, protecting the contents stored on and in inner surface 23. Further, it will be appreciated that when folio 10 is attached to a structure by attachment apparatus 80, folio 10 is suspended such that clip 86 will be at the top, with articulating portion 36 at the bottom, thereby allowing a user with easy access to golf instruction material 90. Further, it will be appreciated that customizable area 26 is readily viewable when folio 10 is in its closed position, allowing for display of any logo placed thereon.

Referring now to FIG. 4, another embodiment of the present invention involves attachment apparatus 80 comprising a retractable tether 88 and a retractor portion 89. In the embodiment as shown in FIG. 4, retractable tether 88 is attached to clip 86 so that retractable tether 88 is removably secured to a golf bag, golf cart, belt, pant loop, or other structure. In another embodiment, retractable tether 88 is secured to folio 10 while retractor portion 88 is secured to clip 86. When a user wishes to access folio 10, the user simply grasps folio 10 and pulls, causing retractor portion 89 to spool out a portion of retractable tether 88 so that the user brings folio 10 into a position for easy reference. Upon release of folio 10 by user, retractor portion 89 reels in retractable tether 88 so that folio 10 is drawn back into position near clip 86 and folio 10 is secured closely to the structure upon which clip 86 is attached. In one embodiment, retractor portion 89 comprises a spring loaded spool such as those employed for retractable key chains. Alternatively, retractor portion 89 comprises any structure capable of allowing tether 88 to be spooled and unspooled. In further embodiments, attachment apparatus 80 simply employs two magnets of sufficient strength to secure folio 10 to clip 86 or another structure, allowing folio 10 to be removed from clip 86 (and attached structure) simply by grasping folio 10 and pulling a first magnet away from a second magnet or metallic surface. Thereafter, folio 10 is reattached to clip 86 by simply placing the first magnet on folio 10 in proximity to the second magnet or metallic structure near clip 86.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention folio 10 further comprises a pocket 60. Pocket 60 comprises fabric, mesh, or any other material, and is operable to be closed by an elastic strip, zipper, snap, hook and loop, button, or other closing structure. In one embodiment, pocket 60 is sized to retain items typically used during a round of golf such as, for example, a divot lifter, extra tees, money or credit cards, membership cards, and/or keys.

Further, another embodiment of folio 10 is shown in FIG. 8. In this embodiment, comprises folio 10 is in a substantially horizontal orientation such that articulating portion 36 allows folio 10 to open horizontally, displaying a left portion 37 and a right portion 38. Thus, in the horizontal embodiment of folio 10, a plurality of golf instruction material holders 40 are oriented such that packets 91 (discussed further below) do not overlap, but are placed beside one another. However, in yet another embodiment, golf instruction material holders 40 are oriented such that packets 91 are both beside one another and overlapping additional packets 91 vertically as well. The substantially horizontal orientation allows folio 10 to be attached to a golf hand cart or the steering wheel of a motorized golf cart via a clip, elastic loops, hook and loop, snaps, adhesive, or any other fastening means known in the art, thereby allowing folio 10 to be opened like a book.

Additionally, FIG. 9 shows another embodiment of the present invention wherein an exterior holder 75 is attached to outer surface 25, thus allowing scorecard 56, game improvement tracker 58, or other object to be held securely without access to inner surface 23. In one embodiment, exterior holder 75 comprises a spring loaded clip such as those used on a clipboard wherein a spring urges clip against outer surface 25, keeping scorecard 56 or game improvement tracker 58 in place. In alternate embodiments, exterior holder 75 takes the form of two magnets or a magnet and a ferrous metal, wherein the magnetic attraction between the two portions keeps scorecard 56 in place when positioned between them. Further, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that in alternative embodiments of the present invention, exterior holder 75 takes the form of a pocket, loop, strap, elastic band, or other structure known in the art according to other embodiments of the present invention.

The above description of folio 10 describes several embodiments thereof, but other versions are possible. For example, folio 10 has various permutations and combinations of the features and structures listed above, and some embodiments of folio 10 does not comprise all of the features and structuring discussed above. Further, folio 10 having only an upper portion could be used to simply transport golf instruction material 90.

Golf Instruction Material

According to one aspect of the present invention, a system for providing golf instruction to a golfer includes golf instruction material 90 that is customizable to the level of play of the individual golfer. As shown in the embodiment set forth in FIG. 5, golf instruction material 90 comprises at least one instruction packets 91 having a backer 92 and color coded tabs 93, with backer 92 capable of being inserted into golf instruction material holder 40 of folio 10, allowing quick access to the information contained in golf instruction material 90. According to one embodiment of the present invention, different instruction packets 91 comprise instruction on different aspects of the game of golf, allowing a golfer to select instruction packets 91 tailored to an aspect of golf with which the golfer struggles.

For example, according to one embodiment of the present invention, one instruction packet 91 includes instruction regarding technique and positioning for shots that a golfer is likely to encounter in every round of golf, with each encounter being color tabbed and labeled. Those encounters, instruction, and techniques address such shots as a clean lie in the rough, a buried lie in the rough, a knockdown/punch shot, how to best approach a difficult lie, how to shoot off of hard pan, how to shoot from a fairway bunker, how to shoot out of a divot, how to shoot off a bed of leaves, the appropriate stance and technique for an uphill lie, the appropriate stance and technique for a downhill lie, the appropriate stance and technique for a sidehill lie where the ball is above your feet, the appropriate stance and technique for a sidehill lie where the ball is below your feet, and how to handle blended or uneven lies. This instruction packet, if the golfer deems it to be instruction that is needed by the golfer, is placed in folio 10 by placing backer 92 into one of the golf instruction material holders 40 in folio 10 for easy access when playing a round of golf as shown in FIG. 5. Thereafter, if the golfer encountered one of the shots described above, the golfer would receive instruction on how to approach that situation by simply opening folio 10 and selecting the titled and color coded tab 93 of packet 91 that corresponds to the shot. On that page, a quick reference picture and instruction of technique and stance gives the golfer instruction on how to best approach that shot. For example, in one embodiment, instructional tips are focused on the set-up components of a particular shot, thereby providing the foundation required to properly execute a given shot. In further embodiments, instruction on other aspects of the game is included, such as, for example, swing components, strategy, or a myriad of other instruction components.

Additional instruction packets 91 include instructions such as, for example, for shots encountered around the green, which would include color coded tabs and pages related to:

general short game tips;

basic chip shot;

basic pitch shot;

basic lob/flop shot;

up a greenside slope;

down a greenside slope;

the very basics of bunker shots;

basic bunker shot;

uphill bunker lie;

downhill bunker lie;

putting from off the green; and/or

off-green putting with an iron.

Another instruction packet 91 might include advice related to, for example, advanced short game shots with color coded tabs 93 and pages addressing:

short game goals and considerations;

pitch and run;

pitch and walk;

pitch and sit;

pitch from a bad lie;

pitch from a divot;

pitch over hazard to a tight pin;

• • fix short game shanks;

3-wood chip;

30-foot putt; and/or

putt up against lip of green.

Another instruction packet 91 might include advice related to, for example, advanced bunker play shots which would include color coded tabs 93 and pages addressing:

“fried egg”—the buried ball;

buried lie;

hard pan bunker;

wet bunker;

unbalanced, front foot out of bunker;

ball buried under lip;

bad downhill lie; and/or

long greenside bunker shot.

Another instruction packet 91 might include advice related to, for example, making recovery shots which would include color coded tabs 93 and pages addressing:

out of really long grass;

off of sandy soil;

from under a tree;

forward swing restriction;

hook around a tree;

slice around a tree;

over a tree or obstruction; and/or

out of water.

Another instruction packet 91 might include advice related to, for example, making on-course corrections shots which would include color coded tabs 93 and pages addressing:

fixing a slice;

fixing a hook;

fix for thin shots;

fix for fat shots;

fix for pushes;

fix for pulls;

fix for the shanks;

fix for driving pop-ups;

yearn for more distance; and/or

Making On-course Corrections.

The above topics and specific color coded tab 93 pages and instruction packets represent only an example of the content and organization of instruction that is included in various embodiments of the present invention. As previously noted, different topic instructional packets 91 selected by a golfer are combined into a single folio 10, allowing the golfer to choose instruction related to specific aspects of his or her game and/or the golf course he or she is playing. By allowing the golfer to select only the topics in which the golfer is interested, the information presented is not voluminous, and is more easily and quickly accessed during a round of golf, thereby enhancing play and increasing the value of the information to the golfer. Further, color coded tabs 93 allow quick access to instruction related to a particular subject, as a golfer simply looks to color coded tab 93 labeled with the corresponding shot that the golfer is approaching (i.e. the “basic pitch shot”). Thereafter, the golfer places his or her finger on the color coded tab 93 labeled with that shot (i.e. the “basic pitch shot”), and folds back instructional packet 91 to display the page and instruction related to that shot.

Further, in one embodiment of the present invention, each instructional packet 91 is sized and shaped to fit neatly within folio 10 for convenient transportation and storage of multiple instruction packets 91. Additionally, in one embodiment the pages of instruction packet 91 comprise a weather durable and/or paper rip-proof material. Alternately, instruction packet 91 comprises bond paper, fabric, or any other printable material known in the art. In yet another embodiment, instruction packet comprises laminated paper or laminated stock. Further, the number of instructional packets 91 contained within folio 10 is limited only by the number of golf instruction material holders 40. It will be appreciated that a plurality of golf instruction material holders 40 is distanced from one another vertically as shown in FIG. 5 such that if multiple instruction packets 91 are housed within folio 10, instruction packets 91 overlap each other but still allow each color coded tab 93 to be revealed for easy access. This allows maximum space saving for convenient carrying while still providing quick reference and access to any one of the particular shot selections within folio 10.

In addition to golf instruction packets 91, in another embodiment of the present invention golf instruction material 90 takes the form of digital instruction 95 displayed on a display screen 96 of a computing device 95, such as, for example, a personal digital assistant, as shown in FIG. 6. In one embodiment, the golf instruction material 90 contained therein is on similar topics and shots as noted in the abovementioned instruction packets 91; however, in other embodiments the digital instruction 95 comprises different topics and shots. However, golf instruction material 90 is displayed on display screen 96 in much the same manner as it is displayed upon the individual pages of instruction packets 91. In another embodiment, golf instruction material 90 takes the form of multimedia video and/or audio instruction. Further, golf instruction material alternatively includes multimedia video and/or audio instruction as well as photos and text similar to that provided in the individual pages of instruction packets 91.

In yet another embodiment, computing device 95 has access to not only golf instruction material 90, but also to tips or instruction specifically related to the course upon which the golfer is currently playing. Several alternatives exist for customizing tips or instructions for a particular course to the level of play or specific weaknesses of the golfer. In one embodiment, such course-specific tips or instruction are customized to a golfer's level of play by relating certain course-specific instruction to the types of golf instruction material 90 the golfer has chosen to install on the computing device. Another method of customizing the tips or instruction includes pre-set preferences selected by the golfer to display tips or instruction related to a particular topic. Finally, customizing the tips and instruction presented or available to the golfer is accomplished by using the golfer's statistics in the current game or the golfer's statistics for the current course to identify weaknesses in the golfer's game, and presenting information to the golfer related to those weaknesses. Further, with the addition of a global positioning device or other geographic positioning system, computing device 95 displays golf instruction material 90 or tips or instruction directly related to the golfer's current position on the course. Additional information, such as, for example, a golfer's current distance and bearing from the hole, the current weather (including wind speed and direction) for the area, or other information selected by the golfer can also be included on computing device 95. Thus, it will be appreciated that the use of computing device 95 allows a great deal of interactivity and customizability of the present system of providing golf instruction to a golfer.

Additionally, in another embodiment of the present invention, computing device 95 allows game improvement tracker 58 or a scorecard (or an electronic version thereof) to interact with a database or other software to constantly upload statistics from a particular course. These ongoing statistics are used as the basis for an ongoing, automatically customized set of golf instruction materials 90 as discussed above. Further, the statistics are automatically stored on computing device 95 to create a spreadsheet or other graphic display of the golfer's progress over time in particular areas or on a particular course, thereby allowing the golfer to more easily track his or her development in specific areas or for specific courses, or both.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will further appreciate that computing device 95 allows connectivity to a network by way of a wireless communication system, such as, for example, cellular, WiFi, infrared, satellite, or other wireless communication systems known in the art. Thus, through the wireless communication system, computing device 95 allows access to additional golf instruction material 90 (including course-specific tips or instruction), course maps and information, and weather information related to the course. The wireless communication system allows connectivity to a network such as, for example, the Internet, and allows the golfer to upload information from computing device 95 to, for example, a website or network server. Thus, in one embodiment of the present invention, the golfer continuously uploads his or her statistics through computing device 95, updating the golfer's ongoing statistics on the network. Based upon those constantly updated statistics, computing device 95 customizes the golf instruction material 90 displayed to the golfer, and/or downloads additional golf instruction material 90 from the network. Further, in one embodiment, all golf instruction material 90 resides on the network, to be displayed to the golfer through computing device 95 by way of the wireless network.

Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain exemplary embodiments thereof, such description is offered as non-limiting examples of the present invention as many other versions of the present invention are possible. It is anticipated that a variety of modifications and changes will be apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art and that such modifications and changes are intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by any later appended claims.

Claims

1. A customizable apparatus for providing golf instruction, the apparatus comprising:

a. a foldable folio that can be folded between an open and closed position;

b. customizable golf instructional material, and

c. wherein in the customizable golf instruction material is sized to fit within the folio, and said folio is operable to be folded from a closed position to an open position to allow said customizable golf instruction material to be used, removed, updated, or exchanged to fit the needs of a golfer utilizing the material.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the folio comprises an upper portion, a lower portion, an articulating portion connecting said upper portion and lower portion, and a closure operable to retain said upper portion and lower portion together when placed in the closed position.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the folio further comprises a marker holder operable to retain a marking device to the folio.

4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the apparatus further comprises a game improvement tracker sized to fit within the folio when in a closed position.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the folio further comprises a holder operable to hold a game improvement tracker, a scorecard, or marking pad.

6. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the customizable golf instruction material is comprised of weather durable material.

7. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the customizable golf instruction material is in digital form.

8. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the folio further comprises a folio shell covering an exterior portion of the folio.

9. A customizable apparatus for providing golf instruction, the apparatus comprising:

a. a foldable folio comprising: (i) an upper portion; (ii) a lower portion; (iii) an articulating portion connecting said upper portion and lower portions such that articulating portion allows said upper portion and said lower portion to be folded between an open and a closed position; and (iv) a closure that disengageably engages said upper portion to said lower portion when said portions are in the closed position;

b. customizable golf instruction sized to fit within the folio and operable to be removably placed within the folio; and

c. a game improvement tracker.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the folio further comprises an attachment apparatus positioned upon the folio and operable to removably attach the folio to a golfer, a golf bag, or a golf cart.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the attachment apparatus comprises a retractable tether and a retractor portion.

12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the attachment apparatus comprises a clip.

13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the attachment apparatus comprises a first magnet and a second surface operable to be attracted to the magnet.

14. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the folio is sized to be approximately 7.5 inches long and about 3.5 inches wide when in its closed position.

15. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the folio further comprises a pocket.

16. A method for providing golf instruction comprising the steps of:

a. providing a golfer with a folio containing a first set of customizable golf instruction selected from a library of customizable golf material sized to fit within the folio, and wherein the customizable golf instruction is operable to be replaced with different sets of customizable golf instruction as the golfer develops;

b. providing a golfer with a game improvement tracker operable to allow the golfer to record the golfer's statistics for evaluating aspects of the golfer's game and operable to allow the golfer to determine the customizable golf instruction needed to improve the golfer's game; and

c. selecting a second set of customizable golf instruction needed for improving the golfer's game from a library of customizable golf instruction materials based upon the results of the recorded statistics; and

d. replacing the first set of customizable golf material in the folio with the second set of customizable golf instruction.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the customizable golf instruction material is tabbed to allow quick access to relevant areas of play.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein the customizable golf instruction is in digital form.

19. The method of claim 16, further including the step of providing a game improvement tracker to the golfer.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein the folio contains both the game improvement tracker and customizable golf instruction.