Short game golf training mat
A golf training mat for practicing short game shots includes a ball striking surface having markings associated with foot and ball positioning. The mat also includes a first position marking having a front foot marking, a tear foot marking and a ball marking. The front foot marking and the rear foot marking are positioned along an alignment axis, wherein the ball marking is positioned substantially between the front foot marking and the rear foot marking along a line substantially perpendicular to the alignment axis. The golf training mat also includes a second position marking having a front foot marking, a rear foot marking and a ball marking. The front foot marking and the rear foot marking are positioned along an alignment axis, wherein the ball marking is positioned substantially in line with the front foot marking along a line substantially perpendicular to the alignment axis. The golf training mat also includes a third position marking having a front foot marking, a rear foot marking and a ball marking. The front foot marking and the rear foot marking are positioned along an alignment axis, wherein the ball marking is positioned substantially in line with the rear foot marking along a line substantially perpendicular to the alignment axis.
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to golf training mat. More particularly, the invention relates to a golf training mat specifically adapted for practicing shots associated with a golfer's short game, that is, a wedge swing, a sand swing and a chip swing.
2. Description of the Prior Art
There are a wide variety of prior art golf practice mats designed to enable a golfer to practice his swing and to simulate various playing situations and conditions encountered on a golf course during the playing of a game of golf.
Specific examples of prior art golf ball hitting mats are disclosed in a variety of U.S. patents. For example, U.S. Pat. No. D335,696 to Byers et al., D472,288 to Grabowski, U.S. Pat. No. 2,707,638 to Manley, U.S. Pat. No. 4,000,905 to Shirhall, U.S. Pat. No. 4,023,810 to Lorang, U.S. Pat. No. 4,164,352 to O'Brien, U.S. Pat. No. 4,194,735 to Wilson, U.S. Pat. No. 4,248,431 to Burnes, U.S. Pat. No. 4,915,387 to Baxstrom, U.S. Pat. No. 5,035,433 to Durso, U.S. Pat. No. 5,163,686 to Bergman, U.S. Pat. No. 5,306,011 to Perry, U.S. Pat. No. 6,050,902 to McCrink Jr., U.S. Pat. No. 6,077,169 to Florian, U.S. Pat. No. 6,086,483 to Brown, U.S. Pat. No. 6,396,041 to Vock et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,482,102 to Grabowski, U.S. Pat. No. 6,592,376 to Carpenter, U.S. Pat. No. 6,723,004 to Florian, U.S. Pat. No. 6,743,111 to Mindlin and U.S. Pat. No. 6,821,210 to Kallage, Jr.
While a variety of golf training devices are disclosed above, a need continues to exist for improved training devices. The present invention provides such an improved training device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIt is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a golf training mat for practicing short game shots. The golf training mat includes a ball striking surface having markings associated with foot and ball positioning. The mat also includes a first position marking having a front foot marking, a rear foot marking and a ball marking. The front foot marking and the rear foot marking are positioned along an alignment axis, wherein the ball marking is positioned substantially between the front foot marking and the rear foot marking along a line substantially perpendicular to the alignment axis. The golf training mat also includes a second position marking having a front foot marking, a rear foot marking and a ball marking. The front foot marking and the rear foot marking are positioned along an alignment axis, wherein the ball marking is positioned substantially in line with the front foot marking along a line substantially perpendicular to the alignment axis. The golf training mat also includes a third position marking having a front foot marking, a rear foot marking and a ball marking. The front foot marking and the rear foot marking are positioned along an alignment axis, wherein the ball marking is positioned substantially in line with the rear foot marking along a line substantially perpendicular to the alignment axis.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide a golf training mat wherein the first, second and third position markings are oriented 90 degrees relative to each other.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a golf training mat wherein the first, second and third position markings each include at least one squared foot position marking.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a golf training mat wherein the front foot marking of the first position marking includes a squared foot position marking.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide a golf training mat wherein the front foot marking of the second position marking includes a square foot position marking.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a golf training mat wherein the front foot marking and the rear foot marking of the third position marking include respective squared foot position markings.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a golf training mat including swing guide markings associated with, and in alignment with, the ball markings of the first, second and third position markings.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide a golf training mat wherein each of the swing guide markings includes first and second parallel lines which are substantially parallel to the alignment axis.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a golf training mat wherein the ball markings of the first, second and third position markings are located along the first and second parallel lines, defining a range of locations along which a ball may be positioned.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide a golf training mat wherein the ball markings of the first, second and third position markings each include first and second ball marks respectively positioned in line with the first and second parallel lines of the swing guide markings.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description when viewed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which set forth certain embodiments of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The detailed embodiment of the present invention is disclosed herein. It should be understood, however, that the disclosed embodiment is merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, the details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limited, but merely as the basis for the claims and as a basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to make and/or use the invention.
With reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, a golf training mat 10 for practicing short game shots is disclosed. The golf training mat 10 is particularly adapted for practicing a wedge swing, sand swing and chip swing. With this in mind, the golf training mat 10 is provided with a plurality of markings associated with optimized foot and ball positioning. The markings are oriented 90 degrees relative to each other such that you need only rotate upon the same mat to practice three different shots. The plurality of markings are also color coded to allow for ease of use.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the golf training mat 10 includes a ball striking surface 12 having markings associated with foot and ball positioning associated with a wedge swing, a sand swing and a chip swing. The ball striking surface 12 is preferably a synthetic grass-like material commonly utilized as a practice mat within the golf industry. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that other ball striking surfaces may be used without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
With regard to the markings, a first position marking 100 for practicing a wedge swing is provided, a second position marking 200 associated with practicing a sand swing is provided and a third position marking 300 for practicing a chip swing is provided.
The first position marking 100 includes a front foot marking 102, a rear foot marking 104 and a ball marking 106. The front foot marking 102 and the rear foot marking 104 are positioned along an alignment axis 108 such that a golfer is positioned for striking a golf ball and hitting it along, and substantially parallel to, the alignment axis 108. The first position marking 100 also includes a squared foot position marking 110 associated with the front foot marking 102.
The ball marking 106 is positioned substantially between the front foot marking 102 and the rear foot marking 104 along a line substantially perpendicular to the alignment axis 108. The ball marking 106 includes first and second ball marks 112, 114 respectively positioned for allowing a golfer to position a ball along a range of locations to accommodate differing arm lengths and body sizes.
The squared foot position marking 110 is used in conjunction with the front and rear foot markings 102, 104 to assist golfers in achieving proper alignment with the ball. In particular, it has been found that golfers have difficulty in achieving proper alignment when their front foot is flaired outwardly (see front foot marking 102) as the ball position no longer appears to be between the front and rear feet of the golfer when the front foot is flaired outwardly. As such, the present training mat 10 provides a squared foot position marking 110 that allows the golfer to properly position his or her feet relative to the ball while the front and rear feet of the golfer are square to the ball, and then flair the front foot outwardly before swinging the club.
In addition to the front foot marking 102, the rear foot marking 104 and the ball marking 106, the first position marking 100 is provided with a swing guide marking 116 including first and second parallel lines 118, 120 (broken up by the ball marking 106 positioned therealong). The first and second parallel lines 118, 120 are substantially parallel to the alignment axis 108 and define a path through which the club head should be swung as a golfer practices his or her wedge swing. The first and second ball marks 112, 114 are positioned along the first and second parallel lines 118, 120 such that a golfer is directed to position a ball within the space defined by the first and second parallel lines 118, 120 and between the first and second ball marks 112, 114. As such, the swing guide marking 116 defines a swing path allowing for ready identification when a golfer's swing moved out of the desired swing path.
The second position marking 200 includes a front foot marking 202, a rear foot marking 204 and a ball marking 206. The front foot marking 202 and the rear foot marking 204 are positioned along an alignment axis 208 such that a golfer is positioned for striking a golf ball and hitting it along, and substantially parallel to, the alignment axis 208. The second position marking 200 also includes a squared foot position marking 210 associated with the front foot marking 202 to accommodate different golfing preferences.
The ball marking 206 is positioned substantially in line with the front foot marking 202 along a line substantially perpendicular to the alignment axis 208. More particularly, the ball marking 206 is positioned substantially in line with the inner heel 211 of the front foot marking 202 along a line substantially perpendicular to the alignment axis 208. The ball marking 206 includes first and second ball marks 212, 214 respectively positioned for allowing a golfer to position a ball along a range of locations to accommodate differing arm lengths and body sizes.
As with the first position marking 100, the squared foot position marking 210 is used in conjunction with the front and rear foot markings 202, 204 to assist golfers in achieving proper alignment with the ball. In particular, it has been found that golfers have difficulty in achieving proper alignment when their front foot is flaired outwardly (see front foot marking 202) as the ball position no longer appears to be in alignment with inside of the front foot when the front foot is flaired outwardly. As such, the present training mat 10 provides a squared foot position marking 210 that allows the golfer to properly position his or her feet relative to the ball while the front and rear feet of the golfer are square to the ball, and then flair the front foot outwardly before swinging the club.
In addition to the front foot marking 202, the rear foot marking 204 and the ball marking 206, the second position marking 200 is provided with a swing guide marking 216 including first and second parallel lines 218, 220 (broken up by the ball marking 206 positioned therealong). The first and second parallel lines 218, 220 are substantially parallel to the alignment axis 208 and provide a path through which the club head should be swung as a golfer practices his or her wedge swing. The first and second ball marks 212, 214 are positioned along the first and second parallel lines 218, 220 such that a golfer is directed to position a ball within the space defined by the first and second parallel lines 218, 220 and between the first and second ball marks 212, 214.
The second position marking 200 may be enhanced during use by placing a small pile of sand directly on the mat 10 under the ball. The golfer is then instructed to hit the sand shot as if they were truly in a sand trap. While use of the sand is disclosed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, those skilled in the art will certainly appreciate that the second position marking may be used without sand while still remaining within the spirit of the present invention.
The third position marking 300 includes a front foot marking 302, a rear foot marking 304 and a ball marking 306. The front foot marking 302 and the rear foot marking 304 are positioned along an alignment axis 308 such that a golfer is positioned for striking a golf ball and hitting it along, and substantially parallel to, the alignment axis 308. The third position marking 300 also includes squared foot position markings 310, 311 associated with the front foot marking 302 and the rear foot marking 304 to accommodate different golfing preferences.
The ball marking 306 is positioned substantially in line with the rear foot marking 304 along a line substantially perpendicular to the alignment axis 308. More particularly, the ball marking 306 is positioned substantially in line with the heel 313 of the rear foot 304 marking along a line substantially perpendicular to the alignment axis 308. The ball marking 306 includes first and second ball 312, 314 marks respectively positioned for allowing a golfer to position a ball along a range of locations to accommodate differing arm lengths and body sizes.
As with the first position marking 100 and the second position marking 200, the squared foot position markings 310, 311 are used in conjunction with the front and rear foot markings 102, 104 to assist golfers in achieving proper alignment with the ball. The present training mat 10 provides squared foot position markings 310, 311 that allow the golfer to properly position his or her feet relative to the ball while the front and rear feet of the golfer are square to the ball, and then flair the front and rear feet forward before swinging the club.
In addition to the front foot marking 302, the rear foot marking 304 and the ball marking 306, the third position marking 300 is provided with a swing guide marking 316 including first and second parallel lines 318, 320 (broken up by the ball marking 306 positioned therealong). The first and second parallel lines 318, 320 are substantially parallel to the alignment axis 308 and provide a path through which the club head should be swung as a golfer practices his or her wedge swing. The first and second ball marks 312, 314 are positioned along the first and second parallel lines 318, 320 such that a golfer is directed to position a ball within the space defined by the first and second parallel lines 318, 320 and between the first and second ball marks 312, 314.
Although the golf training mat described above is set up for right handed golfers, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the same principles applied to the present mat could be readily adapted to a golf mat for left handed golfers without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
While the preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be understood that there is no intent to limit the invention by such disclosure, but rather, is intended to cover all modifications and alternate constructions falling within the spirit and scope of the invention.
Claims
1. A golf training mat for practicing short game shots including a wedge swing, a sand swing and a chip swing, consisting essentially of:
- a ball striking surface including markings associated with foot and ball positioning:
- a first position marking including a front foot marking, a rear foot marking and a ball marking, the front foot marking and the rear foot marking being positioned along an alignment axis, wherein the ball marking is positioned substantially between the front foot marking and the rear foot marking along a line substantially perpendicular to the alignment axis;
- a second position marking including a front foot marking, a rear foot marking and a ball marking, the front foot marking and the rear foot marking being positioned along an alignment axis, wherein the ball marking is positioned substantially in line with the front foot marking along a line substantially perpendicular to the alignment axis;
- a third position marking including a front foot marking, a rear foot marking and a ball marking, the front foot marking and the rear foot marking being positioned along an alignment axis, wherein the ball marking is positioned substantially in line with the rear foot marking along a line substantially perpendicular to the alignment axis.
2. The golf training mat according to claim 1, wherein the first, second and third position markings are oriented 90 degrees relative to each other.
3. The golf training mat according to claim 1, wherein the first, second and third position markings each include at least one squared foot position marking.
4. The golf training mat according to claim 3, wherein the front foot marking of the first position marking includes a squared foot position marking.
5. The golf training mat according to claim 3, wherein the front foot marking of the second position marking includes a squared foot position marking.
6. The golf training mat according to claim 3, wherein the front foot marking and the rear foot marking of the third position marking include respective squared foot position markings.
7. The golf training mat according to claim 1, further including swing guide markings associated with, and in alignment with, the ball markings of the first, second and third position markings.
8. The golf training mat according to claim 7, wherein each of the swing guide marking includes first and second parallel lines which are substantially parallel to the alignment axis.
9. The golf training mat according to claim 8, wherein the ball markings of the first, second and third position markings are located along the first and second parallel lines, defining a range of locations along which a ball may be positioned.
10. The golf training mat according to claim 9, wherein the ball markings of the first, second and third position markings each include first and second ball marks respectively positioned in line with the first and second parallel lines of the swing guide markings.
Type: Application
Filed: Feb 28, 2005
Publication Date: Aug 31, 2006
Inventor: David Pelz (Austin, TX)
Application Number: 11/066,554
International Classification: A63B 69/36 (20060101);
