GOLF SWING TRAINING DEVICE

Abstract

A device is provided for use in training a golfer to hit swing shots. The device comprises a golf club having a shaft and a handgrip portion. At least two indicators are attached to the shaft or to the handgrip portion. The indicators point along respective lines at respectively predetermined acute angles relative to a longitudinal axis of the shaft on either side respectively of the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The indicators are preferably secured to a particular golf club in a permanent manner wherein they are not intended to be removed therefrom. The indicators may comprise first markings on a plate that is attached to the shaft or they may comprise first markings on a handgrip that is attached to the shaft. The golf club may comprise a practice club.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/481,526, filed on Jun. 9, 2009, and entitled “Golf Swing Training Device”, presently pending.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not applicable.

INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIALS SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates a device for use in training a golfer to hit shots, in particular swing shots, consistently and accurately.

2. Description of Related Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR 1.97 and 37 CFR 1.98.

The game of golf involves a variety of different strokes which are traditionally either swing shots or, when on the green, putts. Swing shots include long shots made with a full swing, for example when driving off or hitting a long shot to a green, shots made with a shorter swing (such as three-quarter swing or half swing), for example when hitting a fairly short shot to a green, and short shots such as chips, bunker shots and pitches that are usually made close to the green. When playing a long shot with a full swing, the club needs to be swung in such a way that it is moving at high speed when it strikes the ball. The path and orientation of the club head also need to be precise. A straight shot requires the path of the club head at impact to be along the intended direction of the shot and the angle of the club face to be at right angles to the intended direction of the shot. Small errors in either the path of the club head or the angle of the club face can cause the shot to miss the intended target by a considerable distance.

Developing an effective swing to hit accurate shots consistently is difficult as it requires the coordination of many body movements. The way the club is moved throughout the swing is very important. Incorrect movements at any point can lead to reduced power, mis-hits, inaccurate shots and inconsistency. As the golfer swings the club many errors can occur and it is difficult for a golfer to identify such errors.

Two of the most critical points in the swing are on the downswing and follow through when, from the viewpoint of an observer face on to the golfer, the club shaft is vertical. FIG. 1 is a representation of a golfer G with a club C held at this downswing point and FIG. 2 is a representation of a golfer G with a club C held at the follow through swing point both figures being drawn from the viewpoint of an observer face on to the golfer. These points in the swing are just before and just after impact with the ball B respectively so that achieving the correct position for the club at these points is important in making an effective swing.

One component of the correct position is the angle of the club shaft from a viewpoint looking along the line of the shot. Ideally the club shaft should be swung between the downswing position of FIG. 1 and the through swing position of FIG. 2 along an imaginary plane. The ideal plane is such that the line of intersection where the plane meets the ground passes through the ball in the intended direction of the shot. Also, the angle of the plane to the ground should be the same as the desired shaft angle of the club at impact. FIG. 3 is a representation of a golfer G with a club C held in the downswing position from the viewpoint of an observer looking along the line of the shot and FIG. 4 is a similar view but showing the follow through position of the club C. The dotted line in both FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 shows the position of the aforesaid plane and therefore the desired angle of the club shaft relative to the vertical when it is held in the correct position on the plane. The angle of the plane varies for different clubs because the lie angles of the clubs are different and because the lengths of the clubs are also different. For example, a driver is much longer than a wedge, and the golfer stands closer to the ball when using a club of shorter length.

A second component of the correct position at a point during the swing is the orientation or alignment of the club face. The alignment of the clubface can be defined by an imaginary line touching the clubface at the intended contact point with the ball, that is tangential to the face of the club and that is horizontal when the club is at the intended impact position. Irons typically have a planar face (whereas the face for woods is usually curved) with grooves that are horizontal when the club is at the intended impact position, in which case the alignment line is parallel to the grooves. In practice, the leading edge of an iron clubface and the top edge of a wood clubface, despite typically having slight curvature, are often used for an approximate visual assessment of the direction of clubface alignment. In the downswing position shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, ideally the club face alignment should be on or parallel to the plane defined by the shaft and the left forearm of the golfer and in the follow through position shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 the club face alignment should be on or parallel to the plane defined by the shaft and the right forearm of the golfer. Whether the alignment is on or parallel to the plane in the correct alignment depends on the design of the club and whether the alignment line crosses a straight line through the shaft or is offset from it.

In addition to the downswing and follow through points previously described, a third important point in the swing is in the backswing when the club shaft, from the viewpoint of an observer face on to the golfer, is vertical. The position of the club at this point should be similar to the downswing position already described and shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 (although the body position may be slightly different). As for the downswing position, the club shaft should be on the plane shown by the dotted line in FIG. 3 and the club face should be aligned so that it is on or parallel to the plane defined by the shaft and the left forearm of the golfer.

The aim of the present invention is to provide a device for use in training a golfer to hit swing shots consistently and accurately. In particular, it is an aim of the invention to provide a device which a golfer can use to determine whether his club is in the correct position at least one of the three points described above on the backswing, the downswing and the follow through.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a device for use in training a golfer to hit swing shots, the device comprising a golf club having a shaft and a handgrip portion; at least two indicators attached to said shaft or said hand grip portion that point along respective lines at respectively predetermined acute angles relative to a longitudinal axis of said shaft on either side respectively of said longitudinal axis of said shaft.

In a first embodiment, the indicators are preferably detachably securable to the shaft or the handgrip portion of the golf club by an attachment means. Preferably also, the indicators are moveable relative to the attachment means and a clamping means is provided which allows movement of each indicator in order that it points along any of a range of acute angles relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft and which is tightenable to clamp the indicator at a selected angle of the range. In this embodiment, the indicators form part of a device that is attachable to any golf club and the indicators are adjustable so that they can be moved to point along particular angles dependent on the particular golf club to which the device is to be attached.

In other embodiments, the indicators are secured to a particular golf club, preferably permanently or in a manner wherein they are not intended to be removed therefrom. The indicators may comprise first markings on a plate that is attached directly to the shaft or to a handgrip portion of the club or they may comprise first markings on a handgrip that is attached to the shaft. In either case the indicators are not moveable relative to the shaft as they have no need to be, the angles of indicators being fixed for the particular golf club that forms a part of the device as a whole.

Preferably also, each first marking comprises a first straight line at a predetermined acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis of said shaft. In addition, each first marking preferably comprises at least one second straight line at a right angle to said first straight line. Advantageously, each indicator comprises a first marking in the form of a letter ‘I’ or ‘T’. Alternatively, the indicators may comprise lines forming a letter ‘V’.

Preferably also, the plate or handgrip carries a second marking aligned with the longitudinal axis of the shaft of the club. Advantageously, the second marking comprises a series of parallel lines that are also parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. Alternatively, the second marking comprises a rectangle with two sides that are also parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft.

In one embodiment, the shaft is a plastics moulding and the plate is integrally formed therewith. Alternatively, in another embodiment the plate is permanently connected to the shaft. For example, the plate may be connected to the shaft or to the handgrip portion by a fastener in the form of a screw, bolt, pin or rivet. Alternatively, the plate is permanently connected to the shaft or the handgrip portion by gluing or welding.

In another embodiment, the golf club is a practice club. Such a club is typically shorter than a standard golf club and is used for practicing a swing shot motion without actually hitting a ball so that it is suitable for use indoors.

In some embodiments, the handgrip is a moulded training grip. This is moulded with grooves or depressions in which the golfer's fingers locate to train him or her to hold the club in a particular manner.

The various embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a representation of a golfer with a club held at a position during a downswing when the club is vertical from the viewpoint of an observer face on to the golfer;

FIG. 2 is a representation of a golfer with a club held at a position during a through swing when the club is vertical from the viewpoint of an observer face on to the golfer;

FIGS. 3 and 4 are views similar to FIGS. 1 and 2 respectively but from the viewpoint of an observer looking along the line of the shot;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of device according to the present invention shown in a position wherein it is secured to a shaft of a golf club;

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view from the front and one side of the device shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 6 but from the rear and one side;

FIG. 8 is a view to an enlarged scale of the front of the device shown in FIGS. 5 to 7 that a right-handed golfer sees when the device is attached to a club that is in the correct position on the backswing or downswing point shown in FIGS. 1 and 3;

FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 8 but showing the view that a right-handed golfer sees when the club is in the correct position on the through swing position of FIGS. 2 and 4;

FIG. 10 is a front view of a second embodiment of device when fitted around a grip of a golf club;

FIG. 11 is a transverse cross-section along the line XI-XI of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a schematic front view of the device shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 as it can be set up when the golf club is held in a position addressing a ball immediately prior to the taking of a swing shot;

FIG. 13 is a front view of a third embodiment of device in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a view similar to FIG. 13 but of a fourth embodiment;

FIGS. 15, 16 and 17 are cross-sectional views along the line A-A in FIG. 13 but to an enlarged scale and showing three different ways in which a plate forming part of the device may be secured to a golf club forming another part of the device;

FIG. 18 is a side view of a fifth embodiment of device in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a front view of a handgrip forming part of a sixth embodiment; and

FIG. 20 is a front view of a label forming part of a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 5 to 11 show embodiments of devices 1 and 30 which are broadly similar in construction but with minor differences, as indicated in the following description. Both embodiments 1, 30 comprise a plate 2 with a front face 3 that is secured on its rear face 4 to an attachment means for securing the device 1, 30 to a shaft 6 of a golf club either below or, preferably, over a handgrip 31 of the club. In either case the attachment means 5 secures the plate 2 so that it lies in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft 6 of the club. It is therefore intended that the device 1, will be supplied with the plate 2 pre-fitted to the attachment means 5 and it is not intended that the golfer uncouple these elements of the device from one another. In the device 1 the fitment is formed by projections 7 on the attachment means 5 that slide into channels 8 moulded into a housing 9 on the rear face 4 of the plate 2. In the device 30, projections 32 are provided that snap-fit into channels 33 on the rear face 4 of the plate 2. However, it will be appreciated that the plate 2 and the attachment means 5 could be secured together in other ways, for example by screws, adhesive bonding or welding. Alternatively, they could be integrally formed.

The attachment means 5 comprises a pair of jaws 10 which are hinged together as at 11 to close around and clasp the shaft 6 or the handgrip 31. The jaws 10 are held closed by a screw 12 that engages in an aperture formed in the jaws 10 adjacent the hinge 11 and is screwed into a captive nut 13. In the second embodiment of device 30, the screw 12 tightens against the force of a spring 34 that acts to open the jaws 10 as the screw is slackened. The screw 12 is intended to be manually tightened and untightened and its head has wings 14 to facilitate this manipulation. The jaws 10 are curved so that together they can clamp around the shaft 6 or handgrip 31. In order that the device 1 can fit a range of diameters of shaft 6, the jaws 10 may be provided with a cushioning compliance 15, for example of rubber or similar resilient material, which prevents damage to the shaft 6 and which provides a snug-fit to the shaft 6. Alternatively, in the device 30, which is shown attached to the handgrip 31, the jaws 10 are each provided with a pair of spaced ribs 35. The ribs 35 are arranged to run transversely across the jaws 10 so that they lie substantially parallel to the shaft 6 in use and the jaws 10 each define a smaller radius between its pair of the ribs 35 and a larger radius outside the ribs 35 so that a range of diameters of handgrip 31 can be gripped. The ribs 35 compress the handgrip 31 when the screw 12 is tightened and thereby ensure a tight fit.

Secured to the front face 3 of the plate 2 by means of a clamping means 16 is an indicator in the form of a needle 17 that can be moved over the plate 2 and used to point along a line parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft 6 or along a line at a selected acute angle relative to the shaft 6 when the device 1, 30 is secured to the shaft 6. To assist in the selection of a particular angle, at least one scale 18 is marked on the front face 3 of the plate 2 over which the needle 17 can be moved and which indicates a range of acute angles on at least one and preferably both sides of the shaft. In the illustrated embodiments, the scale 18 will show the angle of the shaft 6 to the horizontal when attached to a club held in the positions described below with references to FIGS. 8 and 9. The scale 18 therefore shows a range of acute angles, between 45° and 75° in device 1 and between 40° and 75° in device 30, on both sides of the longitudinal axis of the shaft on the front face 3 of the plate 2. The plate 2 is, therefore, of a sufficient size to accommodate such a scale 18, preferably by being made in the shape of a circular segment. In both embodiments two needles 17 are provided so that angles on both sides of the longitudinal axis of the shaft 6 can be indicated. It will be appreciated that the scale 18 could show other ranges of angles or the plate 2 could be provided with other appropriate markings. More needles, possibly made in different colors to facilitate differentiation, could also be provided.

The clamping means 16 enables the needles 17 to be individually clamped at their selected angle and comprises a screw-fastener which passes through eyes 19 formed in the ends of the needles 17 and which has an enlarged, knurled head 20 that clamps the needles 17 in the desired position when the screw-fastener is tightened in a nut 21. The nut 21 is retained against rotation in a housing 22 on the rear face 4 of the plate 2. Washers 23 are positioned between the needles 17 and between the needles 17 and the plate 2 to provide grip.

The front face 3 of the plate 2 is also provided with at least one, and possibly two, additional markings 24 that are capable of alignment with the longitudinal axis of the shaft 6 of the club when the device 1, 30 is secured to the club. It is intended that these markings 24 will be used to show whether the club face alignment is correct. In the device 1 two markings 24 are provided in the form of rectangles, one of which is located centrally of the scale 18 and the other of which is located in alignment with it at the apex of the plate 2. The width of the rectangular markings 24, namely the distance between opposite sides 25 and 26 (see FIGS. 8 and 9), depends on the distance of the plate 2 from the center of the shaft 6, i.e. the longitudinal axis of the shaft 6, when secured thereto or to the handgrip 31 and therefore varies dependent of the type of attachment means 5. The width of the rectangular markings 24 must therefore be determined individually for each design or size of device 1. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 10, device 30 has only one marking 24 that takes the form of three parallel lines. The outer two lines 36 act in the same way as the sides 25 and 26 of the rectangular marking so that the middle of these lines align with the middle of the grip 31 in the backswing and downswing positions (see FIGS. 8 and 9). The middle line 37 is used to line up the device 30 correctly when it is secured to a club.

In use, the device 1, 30 is intended to provide feedback on whether the club is in the correct position at one or more points during a swing and can therefore assist the golfer to improve his swing and to play better golf. The device 1, 30 can also assist a coach when teaching a golfer. To this end, when using the device 1, 30 the golfer first moves the indicator needles 17 to the desired predetermined angles and clamps them in position using the clamping means 16 which stops the needles 17 moving when the club is swung. Preferably, both needles 17 are set to the same angle but on either side of the center of the scale. This angle is preferably the desired shaft angle at impact for the club being used. Typical angles for different clubs could be specified in the instructions for the device 1, 30. Alternatively, the golfer could choose the angle or angles required according to the specification of his clubs or to suit his own preference, for example after advice from a coach. Some golfers or coaches may have alternative theories on the ideal plane angle and may even prefer different angles at the three different points in the swing mentioned above. The two needles could therefore be set to two of these angles and in a modified arrangement a third needle could also be provided to enable different angles to be indicated for all three points.

The golfer then attaches the device 1, 30 to the golf club using the attachment means 5. The jaws 10 need to be closed sufficiently tightly to prevent the device 1 from moving when the golfer swings the club. The device 1, 30 should be attached to the club either just below the handgrip or, preferably, to the handgrip 31, as shown in the address position in FIG. 12, and should be aligned so that at the address position the plate 2 lies generally in a plane parallel to the intended line of shot and, from the golfer's viewpoint vertically above the shaft 6, the center of the shaft 6 along its longitudinal axis is aligned with the centers of the rectangular markings 24 or with the line 37.

When the golfer swings the club, he can check the position of the club at the backswing, downswing and follow through points shown in FIGS. 1 to 4. The golfer can do this by stopping the club at these points and using the device 1, 30 to check whether the club is in the correct position. FIG. 8 shows a right-handed golfer's view of the device 1 when the club is in the correct position on the backswing or downswing point of FIGS. 1 and 3. The left-hand needle 17 of the device 1, as shown in the drawing, is used to show whether the plane angle of the club is correct. The angle is correct when this needle 17 is vertical. The markings 24 are used to show whether the club face alignment is correct. The club face is correctly aligned when the top left edges 25 of the rectangular markings 24 appear in the middle of the shaft 6. FIG. 9 shows a right-handed golfer's view of the device 1 when the club is in the correct position on the through swing position of FIGS. 2 and 4. In this position, the right-hand needle 17 of the device, as shown in the drawing, is used to show whether the plane angle of the club is correct. The angle is correct when this needle 17 is vertical. The markings 24 are again used to show whether the club face alignment is correct. The club face is correctly aligned this time when the top right edges 26 of the rectangular markings 24 appear in the middle of the shaft 6.

As indicated, the above description applies for right-handed golfers but the device 1, 30 can be used in the same way for left-handed golfers. In this case, the view of a left-handed golfer on the backswing or downswing would be that shown in FIG. 9 and the view on the through swing would be that shown in FIG. 8.

The device 1, 30 can be attached to any club used to make full swings and there are various ways in which it can be used. In one example, the golfer swings the club slowly without using a ball and stops the swing at the backswing, downswing and through swing points previously described to check whether the club is in the correct position. By using the visual feedback from the device 1, 30 the golfer can learn to swing the club to achieve the correct positions. Repeated practice using the device 1, 30 can train the golfer to swing the club in a better way. This training should enable the golfer to swing in the same way when hitting the ball on the golf course.

A golfer could also hit shots with the device 1, 30 attached to the club. The golfer could make a practice backswing and stop the swing at the points shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. He can then use the device 1, 30 to check whether the club is in the correct position. The golfer can then take a real shot trying to repeat the same movements as on the practice swing. The golfer could also use a shortened swing that finishes at the point in the swing shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, and then use the device to check if the club is in the correct position at this point. The golfer could also start the swing from the position shown in FIGS. 1 and 3.

The device 1, 30 can also be used at other points during a swing. For example, when the club shaft is parallel to the ground and approximately at waist height in the backswing, downswing or through swing, the club face alignment should be in a vertical plane and the rectangular markings 24 should be in the middle of the shaft from the viewpoint of the golfer.

The device 1, 30 could also be attached to a shaft 6 in a different way if the golfer wishes to hit a fade or a draw rather than a straight shot. To learn a swing to hit a draw, the golfer should secure the device 1, 30 to the shaft 6 so that at address the center of the rectangular markings 24 or the middle line 37 is to the right of the center of the shaft 6 from the golfer's point of view. To learn a swing to hit a fade, the golfer should secure the device 1, 30 to the shaft 6 so that at address the center of the rectangular markings 24 or the middle line 37 are to the left of the center of the shaft 6 from the golfer's point of view. The golfer then uses the device 1, 30 as previously described.

The device 1, 30 can also be used in the same way as described above for shorter pitch shots and bunker shots.

FIG. 13 shows another embodiment of device 40 wherein indicators 41 are marked on a plate 42 that is secured to a shaft 43 of a particular golf club 44 in a permanent or semi-permanent manner wherein the plate 42 and therefore the indicators are not intended to be removed from the club 44. There is therefore no need for the indicators 41 to be moveable relative to the plate 42. In view of this, each indicator comprises a first straight line 45 at a predetermined acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis 46 of the shaft 43. In addition, each indicator comprises at least one and preferably two second straight lines 47 at a right angle to said first straight line 45. Each indicator 41 may therefore comprise a marking in the form of a letter “I” (as shown) or a “T”. The lines 45 of the indicators 41 are arranged on either side of the longitudinal axis 46 of the shaft 43 respectively with the angle of the lines set according to the desired shaft angle of the club 44 at impact. The lines 47 are provided to assist the golfer as an additional aid. As indicated above, when the golfer swings the club 44, he can check the position of the club at the backswing, downswing and follow through points shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 by stopping the club 44 at these points and by checking whether the club 44 is in the correct position. It will be appreciated from the foregoing that the golfer must check whether the appropriate one of the lines 45 is vertical, in a similar way to the needles 17 in the embodiment described above with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. When this occurs, the corresponding lines 47 will be horizontal. Some golfers find it easier to judge whether a line is horizontal rather than vertical, often dependent on the background scene, so that the lines 47 form an additional aid to assist the golfer.

The plate 42 also bears second markings 48, for example in the form of two or a series of parallel lines which align with the longitudinal axis 46 of the shaft 43 of the club 44. The position of the lines 48 is designed so that one appears in the middle of the shaft 43 if the club face is in the correct alignment in the backswing or downswing checkpoint (FIGS. 1 and 3) and the other one appears in the middle of the shaft 43 if the club face is in the correct alignment in the follow through checkpoint (FIGS. 2 and 4). This is similar to the edges 25 and 26 in FIGS. 8 and 9. Alternatively, the position of the lines 48 may be designed so that one aligns with a marking 49, as shown in FIG. 14, on the handgrip 50 of the club 44 if the club face is in the correct alignment in the backswing or downswing checkpoint (FIGS. 1 and 3) and the other aligns with the marking 49 if the club face is in the correct alignment in the follow through checkpoint (FIGS. 2 and 4). In this embodiment, the plate 42 overlaps the handgrip 50 and the lines 48 are located at the upper part of the plate 42 as shown in FIG. 14. A rectangle could be used instead of the lines 49 in a similar way to rectangle 24 in FIG. 5. A golfer may also wish to use a training grip that is moulded with grooves or depressions in which the golfer's fingers locate to train him or her to hold the club in a particular fashion along with the present invention. Such a grip must be aligned correctly with the rest of the club 44 and the markings 48, 49 facilitate this. In this embodiment, the plate 42 may be located so that it overlaps the handgrip 50.

The line markings 45, 47 and 48 may be simply painted on to the surface of the plate 42. However, the plate 42 is preferably a plastics moulding and may be moulded with ridges or troughs that comprise the line markings 45, 47 and 48. These may then be delineated with paint or other marking material and colored differently to facilitate their use.

The plate 42 may be secured to the shaft 43 in several different ways but it is not expected that the plate 42 will be removed from the shaft 43. The club 44 may therefore be supplied to the user with the plate 42 already attached ready for use. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 15, the back side 51 of the plate is provided with a part-circular clip 52 that fits around the shaft 43. The plate 42 may then be connected to the shaft by a fastener 53 in the form of a screw, bolt, pin or rivet. The embodiment shown in FIG. 15 shows the fastener 53 in the form of a screw that locates through a portion of the clip 52 into a depression formed in the shaft 43. The embodiment shown in FIG. 16 also uses a screw fastener 53 but this time it locates through the shaft 43 at a location on the opposite side of the shaft from the plate 42 and then is screwed into a connecting piece 54 that projects from the back side 51 of the plate 42. The plate 42, the connecting piece 54 and/or the clip 52 may comprise a one-piece plastics moulding or the plate 42 may be connected to the connecting piece 54 or directly to the clip 52 by welding or gluing, screwing, a snap-fit connection or other equivalent connection means.

In a modified arrangement the connecting piece 54 abuts the handgrip 50 and the fastener 53 extends through both the handgrip 50, the underlying shaft 43 and into the connecting piece 54 as shown in FIG. 18.

In yet further alternative embodiments, the plate 42 is permanently connected to the shaft 43 or to the handgrip 50 by gluing or welding, for example via the clip 52 or the connecting piece 54.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 17, the shaft 43 is a plastics moulding and the plate 42 is integrally formed therewith. The club 44 of this embodiment is preferably a practice club. As explained above, such a club 44 is shorter than a standard golf club and is used for practicing a swing shot motion without actually hitting a ball so that it is suitable for use indoors. It is not necessary for this club 44 to exhibit the strength and flexibility of an actual golf club and it can therefore be made wholly or partially of plastics materials. However, it could also be similar to a conventional golf club but with a shorter metal shaft.

In another embodiment as shown in FIG. 19, the indicators comprise first markings on a handgrip 55 that is attached to a shaft 56 of a club 57. In this case, each of the indicators comprise the lines 58 that may form a letter ‘V’ as shown. Alternatively, each first marking may be similar to the markings 45 and 47, that is straight lines which are perpendicular to one another, such as an “I” or “T”. Second markings in the form of lines 59 similar to lines 48 may also be provided. They are closer together than the lines 48 because the distance to the longitudinal axis of the shaft 56 is shorter. In such an arrangement it is important for the handgrip 55 to be located on the shaft 56 in the correct position and for this purpose, the shaft 56 of the club may be provided with a line or marking (not shown) to facilitate this. As with the embodiments described above, the lines 58 and 59 may be formed by moulded ridges or grooves in the surface of the handgrip 55 that may be delineated by brightly colored paint or other marking material.

Alternatively, the indicators may be printed on a self-adhesive label 60, as shown in FIG. 20, that is capable of being adhered to the handgrip 55. As the handgrip 55 has a curved surface, the lines 58 forming the letter ‘V’ are also preferably curved, as shown in FIG. 20, so that once applied to the handgrip 55 they appear straight when viewed by the golfer in use of the device. As it would be difficult to choose the correct curvature of the lines 58, they could be made straight and they would then appear slightly curved when on the handgrip 55. In addition, second markings in the form of the lines 59 are also provided. The lines 59 may also be used to assist in the correct positioning of the label on the handgrip 55 and preferably align with a suitable marking on the handgrip 55 to ensure that the label is correctly located.

Claims

1. A device for use in training a golfer to hit swing shots, the device comprising a golf club having a shaft and a handgrip portion; at least two indicators attached to said shaft or said hand grip portion that point along respective lines at respectively predetermined acute angles relative to a longitudinal axis of said shaft on either side respectively of said longitudinal axis of said shaft.

2. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a plate is attached to the shaft or the handgrip portion and wherein the indicators comprise first markings on the plate.

3. A device as claimed in claim 2, wherein each first marking comprises a first straight line at a predetermined acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis of said shaft.

4. A device as claimed in claim 3, wherein each first marking comprises at least one second straight line at a right angle to said first straight line.

5. A device as claimed in claim 2, wherein each indicator comprises a first marking in the form of a letter ‘I’ or ‘T’.

6. A device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the plate carries a second marking aligned with the longitudinal axis of the shaft of the club.

7. A device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the second marking comprises a series of parallel lines that are also parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft.

8. A device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the second marking comprises a rectangle with two sides that are also parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft.

9. A device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the second marking comprises at least one line and the handgrip portion also comprises a marking aligned with the longitudinal axis of the shaft of the club with which the line of the second marking appears to align if a face of the club is in a correct alignment at a checkpoint during a backswing or a downswing or a follow through.

10. A device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the shaft is a plastics moulding and the plate is integrally formed therewith.

11. A device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the plate is connected to the shaft or handgrip portion by a fastener in the form of a screw, bolt, pin or rivet.

12. A device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the plate is connected to the shaft or handgrip portion by gluing or welding.

13. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the indicators comprise first markings on the handgrip portion, each marking comprising a straight line at a predetermined acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis of said shaft.

14. A device as claimed in claim 13, wherein each first marking comprises at least one second straight line at a right angle to said first straight line.

15. A device as claimed in claim 13, wherein the first markings comprise lines forming a letter ‘V’.

16. A device as claimed in claim 13, wherein the indicators are printed on a label that is adhered to the handgrip portion.

17. A device as claimed in claim 13, wherein the indicators are first markings comprising curved lines that appear straight when viewed from one side of the golf club in use.

18. A device as claimed in claim 13, wherein the handgrip carries a second marking aligned with the longitudinal axis of the shaft of the club.

19. A device as claimed in claim 18, wherein the second marking comprises a series of parallel lines that are parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft.

20. A device as claimed in claim 18, wherein the second marking is printed on a label that is adhered to the handgrip portion.

21. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the golf club is a practice club.