Golf alignment device

Abstract

A golf alignment device for use to obtain correct alignment of a golfer's feet with respect to a golf ball and intended target before execution of a golf swing. The golf alignment device (50) is attached to the front (70) of the golfer (100) and is positioned in front of the golfer and an intended target (60). The alignment device comprises: a feet alignment member (12) configured to allow a golfer to align the golfer's feet (56) perpendicular to the length of the member; and a target member (10) configured to be pointed at the target and in a direction different to the feet alignment member in accordance with a deviation angle.

Description

THE FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a golf alignment device for use to obtain correct alignment of a golfer's feet with respect to a golf ball and intended target before execution of a golf swing.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Ideally, to hit a golf ball in the direction of a desired target, the golf ball must be hit along an imaginary straight line (“target line”) between the golf ball and the target. To achieve this shot, the golfer should ideally stand in front of the ball, with the length of a golfers feet aligned perpendicular to this target line. This alignment ensures that an imaginary straight line (“feet line”) which is perpendicular to the center of the length of a golfers feet is aligned parallel to the target line. The feet line and target line are spaced apart by a certain distance (“hitting distance”) resulting from the length of the golf club and length of the golfers arms. This hitting distance is effectively the distance between the feet of the golfer and the golf ball.

However, many golfers, particularly beginner golfers, have difficulties aligning their feet perpendicular to the target line. Experience has shown that this problem results from the erroneous belief that the length of each golfer's feet must be perpendicularly aligned with the direction of the target. This alignment results in the feet line of the golfer intersecting the target. The resulting parallel target line will therefore effectively be positioned at an angle (“deviation angle”) to the required target line between the golf ball and the target. The value of this deviation angle can be calculated using the sine of the length of the hitting distance divided by the distance between the person and the target. Consequently, any resulting straight shot taken by the golfer will result in the ball being hit some deviation to the side of the intended target, the deviation distance being related to the deviation angle.

It would therefore be advantageous to provide a golf alignment device which helps a golfer properly align their feet parallel to the target line, so as to ensure the golfer is correctly aligned with respect to the target and with respect to the golf ball.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a golf alignment device for aligning a golfers feet with respect to a golf ball positioned in front of the golfer and an intended target, the alignment device being attached to the front of the golfer, the alignment device comprising:

• • a feet alignment member configured to allow a golfer to align the golfer's feet perpendicular to the length of the member; and
  • a target member configured to be pointed at the target, the target member pointing in a direction different to the feet alignment member in accordance with a deviation angle;
    wherein the golfer is aligned with respect to the target and golf ball by aiming the target member in the direction of the target and then aligning golfers feet perpendicular to the length of the feet alignment member.

Accordingly, the separate aiming/alignment directions of the target member and feet alignment member ensure that the golfers feet are positioned substantially parallel to an imaginary target line between the golf ball and the target. The golfer is therefore given a visual indication of the compensation needed for the deviation angle between the line between the target and golfers feet and the imaginary feet line the golfers feet are placed, so that the ball can be hit along this target line. It is to be understood however, that the alignment device cannot in any way compensate for deficiencies in a golfers swing or strike technique. Any directional deviations resulting from the golfers swing or strike are the result of imperfections in this aspect of the golfer's game. Nevertheless, the deviation angle could be tailored to compensate for an individuals particular swing or strike technique, if desired.

The angle between the target member and feet alignment members defines the amount of visual compensation given by the golfer in order to correct the deviation caused by aiming the feet line at the desired target. Preferably, the deviation angle between the target member and the feet alignment member is between −10 and +10 degrees. In this respect, the target member can protrude by an angle of 10 degrees in front of or behind the direction the feet alignment member is pointing. More preferably, the deviation angle is between 0 to +5 degrees in the direction from the feet alignment member in a direction away from the golfer when the device is mounted on the golfer, and more preferable between 0 and +1 degrees. Understandably, the angle cannot be 0 degrees as this would lead to the golfer aligning their feet with the target, and result in the aforementioned deviation problems.

Preferably, the angle between the target member and feet alignment member can be adjusted. Preferably, the angle between the target member and alignment member can only be altered between 0 and 5 degrees. In one embodiment of the invention, the target member is movably mounted. Preferably, the target member is pivotably mounted so as to allow the angle between the target member and alignment members to be altered. In another embodiment of the invention, the target member and/or feet alignment member can be interchanged with other target members and/or feet alignment members which have different angles between these members. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the target member is only movable between two angles, a first angle being adapted for putting and a second angle being adapted for driving.

Preferably, the alignment device is attached on or around the mid rift region of a golfers body. More preferably, the alignment device is attached to the waist of the golfer. Even more preferably, the alignment device is attached to the center of a golfers waist.

In order to attach the alignment device to a golfer's body, the alignment device preferably includes attachment means. The attachment means can comprise any suitable device for attaching the alignment device to a golfer such as a clip, clamp, belt, button, strip, glue, tape, adhesive, pin, staple or the like. In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the attachment means comprises a belt which can be strapped around the golfer, and more preferably strapped around the waist of a golfer. In another embodiment of the present invention, the attachment means comprises a clip biased to a closed position which can be securely clipped to a golfer, and more preferably a belt or trouser top of a golfer. In another embodiment of the present invention, the attachment means comprises a pin which can be pinned to a piece of clothing of the golfer. More preferably, the pin is attached to a piece of clothing located on or around the waist of a golfer.

The feet alignment member is configured to allow a golfer to align the golfers feet perpendicular to the length of the member. As the alignment device is preferably adapted to be attached to a golfer's waist, and in particular the center of a golfers waist, the feet alignment device is preferably configured to extend perpendicular to a centerline corresponding to the center of a golfers waist. This therefore ensures that the feet line of the golfer can be aligned parallel to the feet alignment member.

Typically, the feet alignment member comprises an elongate bar extending symmetrically about a centerline corresponding to the center of a golfer's waist. The bar may be of any shaped cross-section such as circular, rectangular, triangular, star or the like. However, it is preferable that the cross-section has a substantially smaller height than width so as to allow the member to substantially comprise a flat sheet.

It is preferable that the target member comprises an elongate bar extending at an angle to one side of a centerline corresponding to the center of a golfer's waist. The elongate bar comprising the target member may be of any shaped cross-section such as circular, rectangular, triangular, star or the like. However, it is preferable that the cross-section of the target member has a substantially smaller height than width so as to allow the member to substantially comprise a flat sheet.

In order to give a clear indication of the direction the target member is pointing, it is preferable that the target member includes an arrow head indication which clearly points in the direction along the length of the target member. Typically, the arrow head indication is in the form of an insignia, marking, shape or the like. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the target member includes a free end shaped as an arrow head. More preferably, the arrow head comprises a triangular end.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the target member comprises a light emitting device, such as a torch, laser light, light emitting electrode, diode or the like capable to aiming at, pinpointing, marking and/or illuminating the desired target.

The particular side of the centerline the bar extends depends on whether the device is configured to be a left handed swing alignment device or a right handed swing alignment device. For a left handed device the bar extends from the right hand side, for a right handed device the bar extends from the left hand side.

The golf alignment device is preferable easily visible to a golfer when attached to the golfer, and more preferably when attached to a golfer's waist. It is therefore preferable that each of the target member and feet alignment member are elongate. More preferably, the target member and feet alignment member extend at least 10 cm from a centerline defined at the symmetrical center of the golfers waist.

It is also preferable that the centerlines of the feet alignment member and target members lie in the same plane. This therefore allows the golfer to more easily visually align the target, feet and directions of two members. In such configuration, it is also preferable the feet alignment member and target members are mounted onto the golfer's waist substantially perpendicular to the vertical stance of the golfer. This perpendicular mounting allows the golfer to more easily see the members of alignment when looking down.

One preferable embodiment of the present invention allows the target member and feet alignment member to be removed from the path of a golfers swing. Here, the golf alignment device comprises two members, a first member and a second member, movably connected between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position the two members can be placed together in close proximity and in the open position the feet alignment member and the target member can be used to align the target and feet of the golfer in accordance with the invention. Preferably, the first member comprises an attachment means allowing the alignment device to be attached to the center of the waist of the golfer. Preferably, the second member comprises the feet alignment member and the target member. Preferably, the two members move between the open and closed positions about a pivot. Preferably, the two members comprise planar sheets.

The golf alignment device of the present invention can be configured exclusively to aid in the alignment of golfer with a left handed golf swing or a right handed golf swing. As noted previously, this can be achieved by positioning the feet alignment member and target member to point in the appropriate direction when positioned on the alignment device. More preferably, the golf alignment device is configured to allow the device to be configured as both a left handed golf swing or a right handed golf swing alignment device. In this regard, the feet alignment member and target member can be moved to point to the right of the golfer or to the left of the golfer.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the feet alignment member and target member are mounted on a pivot which allows the feet alignment member and target member rotate about the pivot to point to the right of the golfer or to the left of the golfer. In another embodiment of the invention, the feet alignment member and target member are mounted on a detachable member which allows the feet alignment member and target member to be detached and reattached so as to point to the right of the golfer or to the left of the golfer. Other embodiments such as slidable members, detachable members or the like are also envisaged.

Preferably, the golf alignment device can be configured as a left handed golf swing or a right handed golf swing alignment device and also is movable between an open position and a closed position.

Typically, the golf ball is positioned the normal hitting distance away in front the golfer before the alignment device is used. In this respect, the golfer initially stands in front of the golf ball in a position where the golfer normally places the ball when preparing to strike the ball.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of aligning a golfers feet with respect to a golf ball and intended target using an alignment device attached to the front of the golfer, the alignment device comprising a target member pointing a direction different to a feet alignment member in accordance with a deviation angle, the method comprising the golfer:

• • standing in front of a golf ball;
  • aligning the target member of the alignment device with the intended target; and
  • positioning the golfer's feet perpendicular to the length of a feet alignment member of the alignment device;
    thereby positioning the golfers feet in substantially the correct alignment with respect to a golf ball and intended target so as to allow the golf ball to be hit along a straight line to the target.

Preferably, the alignment device is aligned on a golfer's body by:

• • placing a golf club on the ground with the handle touching the tips of both toes of the feet of the golfer.
  • the golfer then faces forward and stands up straight so as to properly align the golfers body in a forward facing position; and
  • the alignment device is positioned on the golfer in an orientation where the feet alignment member is parallel to the length of the handle of the golf club on the ground.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be described with reference to the figures of the accompanying drawings, which illustrate a particular preferred embodiment, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of one preferred embodiment of the alignment device of the present invention showing the relative directions of each of the alignment members.

FIG. 2 is a side elevation of the alignment device shown in FIG. 1 illustrating one form of the waist attachment means.

FIG. 3 is a rear elevation view of alignment device shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 showing the location of the waist attachment means.

FIG. 4 is a front elevation of a further embodiment of the alignment device which can rotate the target member about a pivot in order to adapt the device to be either a left hand swing or a right hand swing alignment device.

FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of alignment device shown in FIG. 4 showing the location of the pivot.

FIG. 6 is perspective illustration of a golfer with the alignment device attached to his waist, showing the golfer having positioned his feet and body in alignment with the relative directions of each of the alignment members of the alignment device.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of FIG. 4 showing the respective alignments of the feet of the golfer, golf ball and target with respect to the relative directions of each of the alignment members of the alignment device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 to 3 illustrate one preferred embodiment of the golf alignment device 50A. The illustrated alignment device comprises two planar sheets 14 and 16 movably connected by a hinge 18 pivoted about pivot point 19. The first alignment sheet 14 includes alignment members 10 and 12 used for alignment purposes with respect to the golf ball 54, target 60 and golfer's feet 56. The second mounting sheet 16 includes two attachment devices 20 which are used to attach the alignment device 50A to the waist 70 of a golfer 100.

The two planar sheets 14 and 16 are movable between an open position where the two planar sheets 14 and 16 form a right angle to one another and a closed position where the two sheets 14 and 16 can be held together in close proximity. Typically, the open position allows the alignment device 50A to be used to be used to align the target 60 and feet 56 of the golfer 100 in accordance with the invention. The closed position, however, is preferably a storage position, where the feet alignment member 12 and target member 10 can be moved or folded to a location close to the body of the golfer 100 so that the feet alignment member 12 and target member 10 do not interfere with a golfers 100 swing.

The illustrated alignment sheet 14 comprises a rectangular flat sheet 15 having a target member 10 and two feet alignment members 12A and 12B projecting out from respective sides. Two rectangular flat bars 12A and 12B provide the feet alignment members for the alignment device 50A. These bars 12A and 12B are comprised of similar flat sheet material as the rectangular sheet 15 and are positioned approximately half way along the length of the rectangular sheet 15. The two feet alignment members 12A and 12B may be separately attached, but are preferably integrally formed with the rectangular sheet 15. The feet alignment bars 12A and 12B are positioned parallel to the length of the second mounting sheet 16. Therefore, when the device is attached to the center of a golfer's waist, as shown in FIG. 6, the bars 12A and 12B lie parallel to the feet line of the golfer F, defined by an imaginary straight line extending perpendicular to the center of the length of a golfers feet 56.

A single flat arrow shaped target bar 10 provides the target member for the illustrated alignment device 50A. The target bar 10 is comprised of similar flat sheet material as the rectangular sheet 15. The target bar 10 may be separately attached, but are preferably integrally formed with the rectangular sheet 15. The target bar 10, is used to aim the alignment device 50A at the desired target in the distance. Accordingly, the target bar 10 has a free end 11 shaped like an arrow. The illustrated end 11 is in the shape of a triangle. The point located on this end 11 therefore gives an easy visual indication of the direction the target bar 10 should be pointed. This visibility is further aided by the target bar 10 being positioned at the end of the length of the rectangular sheet 15.

The benefits of the target bar 10 is derived from the angle β between the target bar 10 and the length of the feet alignment bars 12A and 12B. This angle β substantially corresponds to the deviation angle α defined by the cosine of length of the hitting distance H and the distance between the golfer 100 and the target 60. Understandably, the exact deviation angle β is dependent on an individual golfers ‘hitting distance’ (i.e. the distance between the golfer and golf ball) and the particular distance the golfer 100 is away from the desired target 60. This could have a large variation depending on an individuals size, strength, golfing ability or the like.

Accordingly, it is preferable that this angle β is in fact a general angle β which gives a general indication of size of the deviation angle α which a golfer 100 needs to compensate for when hitting a ball 54 to a target 60. Given that the ratio between the hitting distance H and the distance between the golfer 100 and the target 60 is typically small, it is preferable that the angle β between the target bar 10 and feet alignment bar 12 is also small. In the illustrated embodiment, the angle β is approximately 1 degree in a direction away from the golfer. However, it is to be understood that the angle β could be any value between 0 and 10 degrees either side of the direction the feet alignment member is pointing, depending on the preferred application—i.e. putting versus driving, and/or the corrective compensation that the device has been configured to attend to. This angle β therefore allows the target member 10 to be positioned on either side of the rectangular sheet 15 and still provide compensation for the deviation angle α for either a left handed or right handed golf swing. The deviation angle in this range also allows for a customised version of the device to be constructed which can be tailored to compensate for an individuals particular swing or strike technique. Understandably, the angle β would typically not be 0 degrees as this would lead to the golfer aligning their feet with the target, and result in the aforementioned deviation problems.

The main purpose of the second mounting sheet 16 is to function as a mounting plate for attaching the device 50A to the front of a golfer 100 and for pivotably mounting the first planar member 14. In this respect, the second mounting sheet 16 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 comprises a rectangular flat sheet having two clips 20 which function as the attachment means used to attach the alignment device 50A to a golfer 100. The clips 20 comprise a simple clamp device having a first member 23 attached to the back surface 26 of the first planar member 16, a second rectangular clamping member 24 which is biased to a closed position using spring 22. The clip 20 can then be opened by pushing on end 25A so as to lever the clamping member 24 to an open position and allow a belt or waist band of a golfers 100 clothing to be inserted between the first 16 and second 24 members of the clip 20.

In the illustrated embodiment, the alignment device 50 is attached to the golfer's waist 70. It has been found that the waist area 70 is preferable as the golfer 100 is unable to substantially rotate the device 50 out of alignment with the golfer's feet 56 during normal movement. For example, if the device 50 is attached to the chest of the golfer 100 or head (on a hat for example), the freedom of movement of the golfers 100 upper torso with respect to the golfers feet 56 makes alignment of the feet 56 with the feet alignment bar 12 difficult if the golfer 100 is in certain positions. The waist area 70 does not have as much freedom of movement with respect to the feet 56 and therefore give the alignment device 50 more ease of use.

A hinge 18 is located near the bottom edge of the mounting sheet 16. The hinge 18 acts as a pivot around which the planar sheets 14 and 16 move between the open and closed positions. As can be seen in FIG. 2, the edge of the second mounting sheet 16 abuts the pivot end of the first alignment sheet 14 thereby preventing the two sheets 14 and 16 from pivoting more than 90 degrees relative to each other. The two planar sheets 14 and 16 can be held together in the closed position using a suitable securing device 17, such as Velcro, a securing clip or the like. It is intended that in use the alignment device 50 is put into the open position is used when using the alignment device 50 to align the golfer 100 with the target 60, and then the alignment device 50 is put into the closed position when taking the shot. This ensures that the projecting members 10 and 12 do not interfere with the golfers 100 and/or club 52 swing.

The distance the feet alignment bar 12 and target bar 12 extends from the waist 70 of a golfer 100 is limited by the size of the alignment members 10 and 12 which the golfer 100 can acceptably see when bending their head (as illustrated in FIG. 6) and the size of these members which could interfere with the golfers 100 swing. In this respect, if the alignment device 50 is too small, the golfer cannot readily examine the target bar 10 or feet alignment bar 12 in order to align these bars 10 and 12 with the target and feet line. Furthermore, if the alignment device 50 is too large, the device 50, in particular the alignment sheet 14 will impede the golfer's 100 swing.

Therefore, the size of the mounting sheet 16 is limited by the size of sheet 16 which would impede movement of the golfer 100. It has been found that the maximum height W of the sheet 16 when attached to a golfers waist is around 65 cm. Any height W greater than 65 cm impedes bending movement of the golfer 100 about the waist 70 and therefore affects the golfers 100 game while the device 50 is attached to the golfers 100 waist 70.

Furthermore, as the device 50 is typically put into the closed position when the shot is taken, the combined maximum height Y of the alignment sheet 14 and/or members 10 and 12 must be substantially the same as the height W of the mounting sheet 16, else the alignment sheet 14 would similarly impede bending movement of the golfer 100 about the waist 70.

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the alignment device 50B which allows the alignment sheet 14 to be laterally rotated about a second pivot point 30 with respect to the second mounting sheet 16. Apart from the presence of this second pivot point 30, the configuration of this embodiment of the alignment device 50B is the same as the embodiment 50A illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3.

The inclusion of the pivot 30 allows the target bar 12 to be rotated from one side of the alignment device 50B to another side. The illustrated pivot 30 is a simple cylindrical rod 31 secured within a bore hole 33. This arrangement allows this embodiment of the golf alignment device 50B to be adapted for either a left handed golf swing or a right handed golf swing. In this regard, the alignment sheet 14 can be rotated so as to point the target bar 10 to the right of the golfer 100 to accommodate a left hand swing or rotated so as to point the target bar 10 to the left of the golfer 100 to accommodate a right hand swing.

This embodiment of the golf alignment device 50B also includes a projection and recess securing devices 29 which secure the alignment sheet 14 into position when the alignment bar 10 is rotated from a first position to a second position. In this respect, the projections 29A are formed of a deformable material, such as hard rubber, which can be forced into a recess 29B (not illustrated) contained in the inner side 29 of the alignment member 14. The deformable material is rigid enough to hold the sheet 14 in place until excessive force is used to deform the projections 29A enough to remove them from the recesses 29B.

In use, as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, a golfer 100 attaches the alignment device 50 to a belt, trouser top, the bottom of a shirt or the like at or around the center of the waist 70.

The alignment device 50 is attached to a golfer's 100 body perpendicular to the length of the golfers 100 feet 56. This can be done by placing a golf club on the ground with the handle touching the tips of both toes of the feet 56 of the golfer 100, the golfer then faces forward and stands up straight so as to properly align the golfers body in a forward facing position; and then the orientates the alignment device 50 so that the feet alignment bar 12 is parallel to the length of the handle of the golf club on the ground.

In order to align the golfer's feet 56 with the target 60, the alignment device 50 is opened to the open position, so as to form a right angle between the two planar sheets 14 and 16, thereby allowing the golfer 100 to examine the target and feet alignment bars 10 and 12. The golfer 100 then positions themselves directly in front of the golf ball 54 with the usual hitting distance H between the ball 54 and the golfer 100. In this position, the golf ball 54 is ideally the normal hitting distance away from the golfer 100 directly in front of the alignment device 50. Once in position in front of the golf ball 54, the alignment device 50 can be used to aim the target bar 10 to the target 60 along straight line T2. This forms a fixed reference point by which the golfer 100 should be orientated. Without altering the orientation of the alignment device 50, the golfer 100 then positions their feet 56 so that the feet line F lies parallel with the feet alignment bars 12. As shown in FIG. 7, this alignment therefore ensures that the feet line F that the golfer 100 adopts is substantially parallel to the golf ball 54 must be hit along a imaginary target line T1 between the golf ball 54 and the target 60. Therefore, when the golfer 100 hits the golf ball 54, the golf ball 54 should be hit in a direction along this imaginary target line T1 towards the target 60.

Again, it is noted that this is an alignment device and does not correct for any deviations in the direction of the ball caused by the golfer's swing or hitting technique. Nevertheless, it is to be understood that the deviation angle could be tailored to compensate for any constant or repeatable defect in an individuals particular swing or strike technique which consistently creates a deviation in the direction the ball is hit. In this respect, the deviation angle β of the device can be modified to correct this deviation.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is understood that the invention includes all such variations and modifications which fall within the spirit and scope.

For example, it is to be understood that the relative distances hit during putting and driving are significantly different, it is preferable that two different devices be used for each of these different situations. Therefore, in an alternative embodiment of the invention there is provided a first alignment device with a first angle between the feet alignment member and target member for driving, and a second alignment device with a second angle between the feet alignment member and target member for putting. It is possible however, that a single alignment device be used having at least two different interchangeable positions for the target member by which the angle between the feet alignment member and target member are suitably adapted for either putting and driving. This could be achieved mounting the target member on a pivot device or the like.

It will be clearly understood that, although a number of prior art publications are referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or in any other country.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

Claims

1. A golf alignment device for aligning a golfers feet with respect to a golf ball positioned in front of the golfer and an intended target, the alignment device being attached to the front of the golfer, the alignment device comprising: wherein the golfer is aligned with respect to the target and golf ball by aiming the target member in the direction of the target and then aligning golfers feet perpendicular to the length of the feet alignment member.

a feet alignment member configured to allow a golfer to align the golfer's feet perpendicular to the length of the member; and

a target member configured to be pointed at the target, the target member pointing in a direction different to the feet alignment member in accordance with a deviation angle;

2. A golf alignment device according to claim 1, in which the deviation angle between the target member and the feet alignment member is between −10 and +10 degrees relative to the feet alignment member.

3. A golf alignment device according to claim 1, in which the deviation angle between the target member and the feet alignment member is between 0 to +5 degrees relative to the feet alignment member, in a direction pointed away from the golfer when the device is mounted on the golfer.

4. A golf alignment device according to claim 1, in which the deviation angle is between 0 and +1 degrees.

5. A golf alignment device according to claim 1, in which the angle between the target member and feet alignment member is adjustable.

6. A golf alignment device according to claim 5, in which the target member is movably mounted to allow the angle between the target member and alignment members to be altered.

7. A golf alignment device according to claim 5, in which the target member is movable between two angles, a first angle being adapted for putting and a second angle being adapted for driving.

8. A golf alignment device according to claim 1, in which the alignment device is attached to the waist of the golfer using an attachment means.

9. A golf alignment device according to claim 8, in which the attachment means comprises a clip, clamp, belt, button, strip, glue, tape, adhesive, pin, staple or combination thereof.

10. A golf alignment device according to claim 1, in which the feet alignment member comprises an elongate bar extending symmetrically about a centerline corresponding to the center of a golfer's waist.

11. A golf alignment device according to claim 1, in which the target member comprises an elongate bar extending at an angle to one side of a centerline corresponding to the center of a golfer's waist.

12. A golf alignment device according to claim 1, in which the target member includes an arrow head indication which points in the direction along the length of the target member.

13. A golf alignment device according to claim 1, in which the target member comprises a light emitting device capable to aiming at, pinpointing and/or illuminating the desired target.

14. A golf alignment device according to claim 1, in which the target member and feet alignment member are configured to extend at least 10 cm from a centerline defined at the symmetrical center of the golfers waist.

15. A golf alignment device according to claim 1, in which the feet alignment member and target members are mounted onto the golfer's waist substantially perpendicular to the vertical stance of the golfer.

16. A golf alignment device according to claim 1, in which the golf alignment device comprises two members, a first member and a second member, movably connected between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the closed position the first and second members can be placed together in close proximity and in the open position the feet alignment member and the target member can be used to align the target and feet of the golfer.

17. A golf alignment device according to claim 16, in which the first and second members move between the open and closed positions about a pivot.

18. A golf alignment device according to claim 1, in which the feet alignment member and target member can be moved to point to the right of the golfer or to the left of the golfer allowing the golfer to configure the device as either a left handed golf alignment device or a right handed golf alignment device.

19. A golf alignment device according to claim 16, in which the feet alignment member and target member are mounted on a pivot which allows the feet alignment member and target member rotate about the pivot to point to the right of the golfer or to the left of the golfer.

20. A method of aligning a golfers feet with respect to a golf ball and intended target using an alignment device attached to the front of the golfer, the alignment device comprising a target member pointing a direction different to a feet alignment member in accordance with a deviation angle, the method comprising the golfer: thereby positioning the golfers feet in substantially the correct alignment with respect to a golf ball and intended target so as to allow the golf ball to be hit along a straight line to the target.

standing in front of a golf ball;

aligning the target member of the alignment device with the intended target; and

positioning the golfer's feet perpendicular to the length of a feet alignment member of the alignment device;

21. (canceled)