GOLF TRAINING DEVICE

Abstract

A golf training device comprising a plastic sheet of material having a first golf ball mounting location surrounded by the plastic sheet and a method of using the same. The plastic sheet is sufficiently dense so that golf clubs skid towards the ball when the golf club hits short of the golf ball during a normal golf swing. The golf balls can also be located in front of an edge of the golf training device a distance selected so that the golf club skids off of the training device when the golf club hits short of the golf club during a normal golf swing. The training device may have a recess that defines a second mounting location for the golf balls.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/829,178 filed May 30, 2013 entitled Golf Training Device which is hereby incorporated by reference in its' entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to golf training devices and methods and, in particular, concerns a training device and method that allows golfers to be less likely to chunk or thin the ball on their swing and create divots.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

To hit a golf ball correctly, the golfer must precisely hit the ball with the center of the club head contacting the ball at substantially the centerline of the ball. If the golfer swings the club head too low, the golf club head may contact the ground in front of the ball. When this happens, much of the energy in the golf swing is absorbed by the ground and less is transferred to the ball. Moreover, the swing of the golf club is disrupted which also leads to reduced accuracy in hitting the ball. This is often referred to as chunking the ball.

A further difficulty that occurs when a golf club head hits the ground in front of the ball during the swing is that a jarring force is transmitted back to the golfer's arms. The ground is relatively rigid and the force of the golf club head hitting the ground can result in the golfer feeling a sudden shock to their arms. This sensation can cause a golfer to unintentionally alter future shots to avoid the sensation. Often, it results in the golfer swinging the golf club head higher that can result in the golf club head hitting the golf ball towards the top of the golf ball that can result in a low shot that is often a slice. This is often referred to as thinning the ball.

A further aspect of golf is that, even after the golfer has mastered the basic stroke in a training environment, such as a driving range etc., the golfer is often intimidated when golfing on an actual golf course in public. This can cause golfers to alter their swing which can result in miss-hit balls, chunking and the like which can affect the golfer's overall confidence and limit their continued desire to play the game. Typically, training devices that may address these issues are not well suited for taking onto courses as they are bulky and harder to transport.

Success in golf requires being able to repetitively hit the ball with the golf club head in the correct position with respect to the ball. There are countless training devices and methods to assist golfers in this process that allows the golfer to develop a good consistent swing. There is, however, a need for a method and a device that allows the golfer to practice their swing in such a way that the fear of chunking a swing does not result in the golfer altering their future swings. Further, there is a need for a training device that is suitable for use not just in a practice setting but is also suitable for use on the golf course itself.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The aforementioned needs are satisfied by the method and device of the present invention. In one specific implementation, the invention comprises a device that is comprised of a planar surface. The planar surface is preferably made of a rigid material, such as plastic, that has relatively low friction such that a golf club that hits the surface skids along the surface. A ball can be placed either on the surface or in front of an edge of the surface such that golf clubs that hit short on the surface skid along the surface and still hit the ball. In this way, the force of the golf club hitting short on the ground is not transmitted to the golfer and the golfer doesn't negatively affect their swing as a result of the greater force of the club hitting short on an absorbing surface.

The planar surface is, in one non-limiting example, rectangular in shape and has dimensions of approximately 19.7 inches by 12 inches and is ⅛ of an inch thick although a person of ordinary skill in the art will realize that these dimensions can vary without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. In another non-limiting example, one edge of the planar surface has a cut-out that receives the ball so that the golfer can transition from hitting off of the planar surface to hitting off of the turf but with the planar surface still providing a level of protection. The edges of the cut-out may provide visual guidance to the golfer during their swing. In one implementation, the planar surface is formed of polycarbonate plastic but the material used to form the planar surface can also vary without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention

The planar surface is designed to have at least two and possibly three regions. There is a larger center region and at least one smaller edge region that are positioned along at least one longitudinal edge of the planar surface. In one implementation, an edge region is formed on both of the longitudinal edges of the planar surface. In one implementation, the center region and the edge regions have different colors to distinguish between the two edges. As discussed above, one edge may also have a cut-out.

In one implementation, an opening that is sized to retain a golf ball from rolling on the planar surface is formed in the edge regions. When a golf ball is positioned in the opening, the edge region and the center region are positioned behind the golf ball. If the golfer swings the golf club in such a manner that the club head would otherwise hit the ground, the planar surface forms a barrier between the ground and the club head.

Preferably, the planar surface is formed of a slick material that causes the club head to skid on the planar surface towards the ball. As the planar surface is preventing the golf club head from impacting into the softer ground, the golfer is largely spared the jarring force on their arms that could otherwise cause the golfer to alter their swing.

The planar surface may also include a line on its centerline that allows the golfer to align the planar surface towards a target. Due to the relatively small size and weight of the golf training device, the device can be used either in practice settings or brought along on the golf course during play.

One method of using the training device is as follows. The board is set on the teeing ground, the golfer then takes a stance so that the green zone is in the center of the stance. The golfer then becomes comfortable striking the board by swinging down the centerline of the board making fairly firm contact with the board in the green zone. The idea is to make contact with the board in the green zone on the target side of the board. Once comfortable striking the board, one is ready to hit balls off the training device.

Golf balls are then placed on the hole in the green zone nearest the target and the golfer is to focus on striking the board in the edge zone. Even if the golfer is hitting the training device in the center zone, a little behind the ball, the club head will skid along the planar surface and still hit the ball well. For beginning golfers, hitting up to 500 balls in this fashion has been demonstrated to facilitate a good swing.

The next step of the process is to place the ball approximately 2 inches in front of the edge zone on the ground with the ball aligned with the centerline of the planar surface of the training device. Alternatively, the user may place the golf-ball into the cut-out in one edge of the planar surface spaced roughly the same 2″ distance from the inner edge of the cut-out. The golfer then aligns themselves with the ball at the centerline of their stance. In this step, the golfer is trying to miss the edge zone of the training device with their swing and make a divot less than two inches in front of the edge zone. It is very difficult to virtually impossible to make a divot less than two inches in front of the board. If the club head were to strike the ground behind the ball, the club would hit the edge zone and cause the divot to begin at least approximately 2 inches in front of the edge zone. This also eliminates the chunk shot and provides the golfer with greater confidence to strike the turf making a divot while striking the ball first. For beginning golfers hitting up to 500 balls in this fashion has been demonstrated to facilitate a good swing.

The last step is to proceed to golfing on the course without the training device. The golfer is to try to strike the ground in front of the ball so that contact is first made with the golf ball. The training device can be taken with the golfer on a few initial rounds of golf so that the golfer has greater confidence when playing courses as opposed to practice.

Alternatively, the golfer can take the training device onto the golf course and use it during a round of golf at any level of play. Golfers can either place the ball directly onto the training device or can position the training device such that the ball lying on the ground is positioned in front of an edge of the training device so as to be separated from the edge of the training device by a distance that is selected to inhibit the golfer from hitting the turf short of the ball with a miss-swung ball. If the golfer does miss-swing, the club skids off of the training device and still delivers most of the power to the ball which results in more accurate and longer strokes that can improve the golfer's overall play on the course. This can also result in more enjoyment for the golfer playing on a course as they will have an improved score and performance. Further, the physical discomfort associated with chunking is also reduced.

Another aspect of this invention is the inclusion of foam swing path aids that attach to the hole in the centerline on the non-target side of the planar surface. The swing path aids are preferably positioned and spaced so as to induce the golfer to swing along a desired swing path that reduces the risk of slicing or hooking the ball.

The aforementioned objects and advantages of the various embodiments of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top side view of a first embodiment of a golf training device;

FIG. 2 is a top side view of a second embodiment of a golf training device;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are perspective views illustrating the use of the embodiments of the golf training devices of FIGS. 1 and 2.

DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made to the drawings, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout. Referring initially to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a first embodiment of a practice device 100 is shown. As shown, the practice device 100 defines a planar surface 102 that is divided into regions 104 and 106a, 106b. The central region 104 is preferably a different color than the end regions 106a, 106b. The planar surface 102 includes a centerline 110 that assists the golfer with their swing in the manner that will be described in greater detail below.

The surface 102 preferably includes two ball mounting openings or locations 112a 112b at the interface between the end regions 106a, 106b and the central region 104. The ball mounting locations 112a, 112b can include a partial opening sized so as to receive a golf ball to inhibit the golf ball from rolling off of the planar surface 102. Alternatively, the ball mounting locations 112a, 112b can include larger openings or places to receive tees. The end regions 106a, 106b define end edges 114a, 114b which facilitate the training of the golfer in the manner that will be described in greater detail below.

The planar surface 102 of the golf training device 100 is, in one non-limiting example, rectangular in shape and has dimensions of approximately 19.7 inches by 12 inches and is ⅛ of an inch thick although a person of ordinary skill in the art will realize that these dimensions can vary without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. In one implementation, the planar surface is formed of polycarbonate plastic but the material used to form the planar surface can also vary without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention.

Preferably, the material is selected to be relatively hard and slippery or slick such that a club that hits the planar surface 102 in front of the ball as the ball is being swung towards the ball, bounces off of the planar surface 102 or skids off of the planar surface 102 such that the club head is redirected towards the ball with less of the force of impact being transmitted up through the club head and club shaft to the golfer's arms. In this way, golfers are less inclined to alter their swings as a result of repeatedly experiencing discomfort upon hitting short on a ball. However, due to the relative rigidity of the planar surface 102, the golfer can hear the club hitting the planar surface 102 so as to provide feedback for the golfer to adjust their shot without their adjustment being subjected to possible over adjustment stemming from an uncomfortable shock as a result of the golfer hitting a relatively absorbing surface such as the turf or a practice mat that seeks to emulate the feeling of turf.

As will be described in greater detail below, the golfer uses the device 100 as a training device in the following manner. The golfer 100 initially positions the ball in the locations 112a or 112b so as to be spaced form the turf by the end portion 106a, 106b and so that the central portion 104 is positioned to allow the golf club to skid in the event of the golfer hitting short. The golfer preferably hits a number of balls, e.g., 500, with the ball positioned in this location.

Subsequently, the golfer then begins to position the golf balls approximately 2 inches in front of the edge 114a, 114b. By placing the ball in front of the planar surface 102 a distance of approximately 2 inches, if the golfer hits short, the golfer will generally hit the planar surface 102 and the club will skid thereby ameliorating the effect of the golfer hitting short on the arms of the golfer. However, the golfer can gain experience in hitting the balls off of the natural surface. Preferably, the golfer practices this shot a number of times, e.g., 500, in a practice setting and then the golfer can then bring the training device 100 onto an actual golf course to use in more realistic situations. Eventually, the golfer has preferably improve his or her swing sufficiently that the training device 100 isn't generally needed. In each application or use of the training device 100, the centerline 110 provides a visual reference for the golfer to denote the desired path of swing of the club as the face of the club head should be travelling perpendicular to the centerline as it hits the ball to avoid hooking or slicing the ball.

FIG. 2 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the training device 100′. In this implementation, at least one of the edges 114b has been cut out so as to device a recess 120. In one implementation, the recess is approximately 4.75 inches wide and is 2″ inches deep. Preferably, the golfer places the ball roughly adjacent the outer edge 114b of the planar surface 102 after having hit the golf ball a number of times off of the location 112a or roughly 2 inches in front of an inner edge 122 of the training device 100′. The side portions 124a, 124b provide visual cues to the golfer to facilitate the golfer is swinging straight through the ball. In use, the training device 100′ functions similar to the training device 100 described above except that the ball is placed closer to the edge 114b of the training device 100′ so that the side portions 124a, 124b can provide the aforementioned visual cues.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate the various uses of the training devices 100 and 100′. In FIG. 3A, the ball 130 is positioned on the mounting location 112a that is located between the central region 104 and the end region 106a. The golfer then practices hitting balls off of this location until the golfer is generally hitting balls without hitting the central region 104 of the training device 100′. As shown, the ball 130 is preferably located approximately at the centerline of the golfer, however, a person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the golfer can adjust the position of the ball relative to the golfer's body to a desired position by moving with respect to the training device 100′.

Once the golfer has mastered hitting the ball 130 off of the mounting location 112a that is surrounded by the training device 100′, the golfer can then reposition the ball 130 so that the ball 130 is positioned in front of an edge of the training device 100, 100′. In one implementation, the ball 130 is positioned in front of the edge 114a, 114b in the manner described in conjunction with the device 100 of FIG. 1. Alternatively, the ball 130 can be positioned in front of the edge 122 of the recess 120 of the device 100′ in the manner described in conjunction with FIG. 2. In one embodiment, the golfer will hit a number of balls from each location before transitioning to not using the training device.

As described above, the golfer can practice hitting golf balls either on the device 100, 100′ via the mounting locations 112a, 112b or off of the device 100, 100′ to be able to practice correct swings without short hits or chunks transmitting as much force to the arms of the golfer. This facilitates the golfer in learning the correct swing and can lead to a better golf swing. Various other implements, such as the side portions 124a, 124b and other blocks and the like can also be used to facilitate the golfer swinging directly down the centerline 110 of the training device to address issues of slicing and hooking. As the training device is formed of a relatively thin plastic, the device can preferably be rolled up and easily carried in a golf bag to allow the golfer to use the device on the course for more realistic training.

Alternatively, the golfer can also use the training device, at any level of their training while golfing on a course. The golfer simply positions the training device on the course and then either places the ball on the training device or positions the training device next to the golf ball lying on the course so that the ball is positioned adjacent an edge of the training device so that the training device provides protection against chunking and so that swings that contact the training device are still directed towards the ball which results in better hit balls on the course.

Although the foregoing has shown, illustrated and described the present invention and the uses thereof, persons of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that various changes, modifications, and substitutions to the form of the invention and the uses thereof may be made without departing from either the spirit or scope of the present invention. Hence, the present invention should not be limited to the foregoing discussion but should be defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A golf training device comprising a solid sheet of plastic material that defines a first mounting location surrounded by the solid sheet of plastic material for receiving a golf ball, wherein the material forming the golf training device is sufficiently dense so that a golf club skids over the surface towards the golf ball when the golf club hits the surface prior to impacting the golf ball.

2. The golf training device of claim 1, wherein the golf training device is formed of polycarbonate plastic.

3. The golf training device of claim 1, wherein the golf training device defines a central region and at least one outer region with visual marking delineating between the regions and wherein the first mounting location is positioned at an interface between the central region and the at least one outer region.

4. The golf training device of claim 3, wherein the outer region extends inward approximately 4 inches from an outer edge of the golf training device.

5. The golf training device of claim 4 wherein the golf training device is approximately 19 inches long and 12 inches wide.

6. The golf training device of claim 5, wherein the golf training device is approximately ⅛ of an inch thick.

7. The golf training device of claim 3, wherein a centerline intersects the first mounting location and at least two edges of the golf training device.

8. The golf training device of claim 3, wherein the golf training device comprises a first and a second outer region and wherein the first outer region includes a cut-out that exposes a surface underlying the golf training device to permit the golf ball to be positioned on the surface in front of the golf training device.

9. The golf training device of claim 8, wherein the cut out is approximately 2 inches deep such that positioning the golf ball at the intersection of the cut out and the outer edge results in the golf ball being two inches in front of an inner edge of the golf training device.

10. A method of training golfers, the method comprising:

positioning a first plurality of balls on a first mounting location on a golf training device comprised of a plastic material sufficiently dense so that the plurality of balls are surrounded by the golf training device, wherein the plastic material is selected so that golf clubs that hit the surface of the golf training device prior to hitting the ball during a normal swing skid toward the golf ball;

hitting the plurality of golf balls from the first mounting location;

positioning a second plurality of balls at a second mounting location that is selected to be off of the golf training device but sufficiently close to an edge of the golf training device that a golf club that hits short of the golf ball during a normal swing skids towards the ball mounted off of the golf training device;

hitting the plurality of golf balls from the second mounting location.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the golf training device is formed of plastic.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the golf training device is formed of polycarbonate plastic and is approximately 19 inches by 12 inches by ⅛ of an inch thick.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein mounting the first plurality of golf balls comprises mounting the golf balls at a first location that is recessed approximately 4 inches from an edge of the golf training device.

14. The method of claim 10, wherein mounting the second plurality of golf balls comprises mounting the golf balls at least 2 inches in front of an outer edge of the golf training device.

15. The method of claim 10, wherein mounting the second plurality of golf balls comprises mounting the golf balls in front of an inner edge of a golf training device.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein mounting the second plurality of golf balls comprises mounting the golf balls approximately least two inches in front of the inner edge of recess that extends inward approximately two inches from the outer edge of the golf training device.

17. The method of claim 10, further comprising positioning the training device on a golf course and hitting the first plurality or second plurality of balls during play of a golf game.