Abstract: A swing lag training device having a latching mechanism for reversible attachment to a shaft near a golf club head; a means for allowing a connection point to rotate relative to the attached latching mechanism; an arm band for attachment above an elbow of an arm of a user; a spooling device attached to the arm band with a cord that connects the spooling device to an connection point near the golf club head; the spooling device adapted to: 1) retract cord into the spooling device during a back swing; and 2) provide a set of audible sounds as cord is unwound as the golf club head is moved in a forward swing so that a user can train to concentrate the set of audible sounds in a late portion of in the forward swing and thus maintain swing lag during an early portion of the forward swing.

Abstract: Described herein are platforms, systems, media, and methods for providing golf swing analysis and coaching by receiving a video of an individual performing a golf swing; applying an image processing algorithm to identify a plurality of body nodes of the individual in a plurality of frames of the video and generate a virtual skeleton by connecting the plurality of body nodes in the plurality of frames of the video; identifying a plurality of key frames of the video; applying at least one mathematical swing flaw evaluation to each key frame of the video to identify any swing flaws of the individual; generating a swing score for the individual; and providing access to one or more training modules based at least on any swing flaws of the individual identified and the swing score for the individual.

Abstract: Provided is a virtual golf simulation apparatus including a processor. The processor is connected to an output device and is configured to acquire measurement data obtained by using a measurement device to measure an actual shot performed by a golfer, analyze a shot characteristic of the golfer based on the measurement data, virtually generate a virtual golfer having a shot characteristic corresponding to the shot characteristic of the golfer, receive, from the golfer, an instruction instructing the virtual golfer to perform an action in a virtual space, simulate a shot of the virtual golfer in the virtual space in accordance with the instruction, and output a result of the simulation to the output device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing customized camera views of virtualized environments are provided herein. In one embodiment a method includes detecting a gameplay event of interest within a virtual gaming environment and displaying a customized camera view of the gameplay event of interest based on user input receiving during traversal of a projectile from a weapon to a target. The customized camera view has a focal point of the projectile.

Abstract: A set of golf clubs including golf club heads having improved mass distribution characteristics. The set includes golf club heads having a club head main body including a hitting face, a muscle back shell and a weight insert disposed in the muscle back shell. The golf club heads have relatively low blade length while maintaining high moment of inertia.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing customized camera views of virtualized environments are provided herein. In one embodiment a method includes detecting a gameplay event of interest within a virtual gaming environment and displaying a customized camera view of the gameplay event of interest based on user input receiving during traversal of a projectile from a weapon to a target. The customized camera view has a focal point of the projectile.

Abstract: A putting trainer, as described herein, is used for practicing golfing with a golf club with a head. The putting trainer is for use on a generally smooth putting surface. The putting trainer has a body and at least one obstacle.

Abstract: Golf club heads include white diffusing top surfaces to aid in club head alignment. Wood type club heads also include a dark diffusing club face so that a crown/face border is emphasized. Scorelines in wood type clubs can be provided with an intermediate contrast surface, and can be displaced from club face center to accommodate player perception when confronted with a white diffusing crown. Putter heads can include dark diffusing alignment lines, and iron-type club heads can include white diffusing surfaces at a sole portion of a club face, at a top line, or a top portion of a club face.

Abstract: A system for measuring golf swing parameter data on impact of a club face of a user's golf club with a target surface includes an absorber bag having a front facing surface with target image thereon for receiving an impact of the user's club face therewith, an anchor frame to which the bag is attached thereto, and an electronics module removably attachable to the anchor frame. The system further includes a plurality of shock mounts positioned between the absorber bag and anchor frame, and at least one accelerometer in electrical communication with the electronics module and arranged on a rear surface of the bag that measures acceleration upon impact of the club face with the absorber bag, providing a signal that is converted by the electronics module into golf swing parameter data for display to the user.

Abstract: A putter stroke training device comprising a putter guide apparatus having a shaft clamp configured to removably secure a golf putter shaft, an arm extension comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the shaft clamp may be coupled to the first end of the arm extension and the arm extension may be configured to extend away from the putter shaft, and wherein a rail contact member may be coupled to the second end of the arm extension; and a putter rail apparatus which may comprise a contact rail with a contact surface configured to make contact with the rail contact member of the putter guide apparatus.

Abstract: The combination set of tools comprising a slope reading tool and rotary clip head and angle plate is designed to build putting confidence and shave strokes off every golfer's game. The slope reading tool is a high accuracy “bubble level” device that provides actual slope angle around the golf cup to give golfer a quick and accurate reading of the green's contours. The set of rotary clip head and angle plate which is attached to the putter shaft can be rotated to the angle indicated on the slope reading tool to make the adjustment to achieve a more accurate putting. This combination set is intended to help golfers on putts with subtle or confusing breaks and works best on putts within 12 feet of the hole.

Abstract: A training equipment usable to check the quality of the putt stroke comprising a base arrangeable on the ground and adapted to receive a golf ball in a predetermined position, magnetic flux detecting means applied to the base at least in front of and behind said predetermined position and so as to be visible from above the base, of the type adapted to visually show a trace depending on the variation of the pattern of the flux lines of the magnetic field applied to the base even after its removal; and at least a first magnet, preferably a permanent magnet, applied to the head base of a putter in correspondence of a part of the head intended in use to hit the ball, oriented so as to have while performing the putt stroke one of the poles facing the flux detecting means; a second magnet is available towards the flux detecting means with polarity opposite to the first so as to cancel the trace.

Abstract: A putting stroke training system identifies a preferred putting stroke and facilitates training for a golfer to repeat the preferred putting stroke. The training system includes a grid box with a fixed side wall and a movable side wall. The movable side wall is positionable relative to the fixed side wall into alignment with the preferred putting stroke. The training system also includes an alignment sensor attachable to a putter head. In some embodiments, the alignment sensor signals when the putter head deviates from the preferred stroke.

Abstract: An apparatus which uses a club having a head portion and a shaft. Integrated with the head portion is a golf ball holder. The golf ball holder is capable of gripping and holding a golf ball with a predetermined force requirement for release, which requires the user to execute a proper golf swing to release the ball. The predetermined force requirement may be adjustable. The user also may vary the angle of the club face on various planes relative to the shaft, thereby changing the swing required to release the ball.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a golf club head having a multifunctional damping assembly. In certain aspects, the invention provides a damping assembly configured to provide dampening of vibrational response of the club head upon impact of the club face with a golf ball, thereby improving the feel of the club. The damping assembly is further configured to provide information to a golfer in the form of visual and/or audible feedback indicative of one or more characteristics of a golf ball strike with the club face.

Abstract: A calculating unit of a swing analyzer calculates, assuming that a golf club is in a uniform circular motion about a virtual center of rotation O during a swing, a virtual speed Vh at a central point R of a golf club head, based on a distance between first and second acceleration sensors, a distance between the first acceleration sensor and the central point R of a golf club head and outputs from the first and second acceleration sensors, and calculates the speed of central point R of a golf club head utilizing the virtual speed Vh.

Abstract: Described is a golf club swing aid and method of use. The golf club includes an elongated shaft having a handle on a first end, and having a weighted attachment permanently secured to a second end. The weighted attachment is substantially cylindrical in shape and has a hollow bore at least partially therethrough and in which the second end of the elongated shaft is secured. Several golf club swing aids having weighted attachments of different weights can be used to help a golfer increase his or her swing speed. A first weighted attachment is the same weight as a traditional driver, a second weighted attachment is heavier than a traditional driver, and a third weighted attachment is lighter than a traditional driver. In this way, the golfer can practice swinging with golf club swing aids of different weight in order to improve his or her golf club swing speed.

Abstract: A golf club shaft swing training and practice device to impart axial rotation to the user's hand during the length of the stroke by utilizing a fixed upper handgrip and a movable lower handgrip on a support rod. The upper handgrip is fixed on the rod and the lower handgrip is slidably disposed along the rod which is cross-sectionally square with a longitudinal spiral twisted surface to impart lower grip axial rotation as it is moved therealong in increasing distance from the fixed upper handgrip during a practice swing.

Abstract: A golf putter practice device for practicing repetitive ball striking develops consistent contact on an optimal position on the striking surface of a putter. The device includes a body having a top surface, a front surface, and a channel extending through the body. The channel receives a flange of the putter therein whereby the front surface of the body covers a striking surface of the putter. Alignment indicia transverse to the channel is positioned on the top surface of the body. The alignment indicia has a front section abutting and extending rearwardly from a junction of the top surface with the front surface. A fastener is coupled to the body for securing the body on the putter.

Abstract: The invention provides a golf club head having a port for providing a view into the interior cavity of the club head. The club head further includes at least one rib positioned along an internal surface of the club head and adjacent to the port. The at least one rib is configured to provide sound tuning characteristics, increasing the frequency of the port, thereby improving acoustic properties of the club head, particularly the sound produced by the golf club head during ball impact.

Abstract: A golf swing training aid intended for practice use by a golfer as a removable attachment to a standard golf club. The training aid comprises a specially adapted clamp assembly for releasable attachment to the grip of the golf club, a handle member projecting rearward from the clamp assembly, and a bowed guide arm member extending forwardly from the clamp assembly and further engaging the grip so that the guide arm projects between the forearms of the golfer when his hands are positioned normally upon the grip. The clamp assembly comprises a deployable crown assembly of flexible finger members mounted in a radial configuration and fitted to move into and from within a collar housing in such a fashion as to selectively engage and release the grip end of the golf club.

Abstract: A housing for a sensor includes the sensor; vertical walls surrounding an aperture containing the sensor; a horizontal floor connected to a bottom of the vertical walls, the floor having the sensor located thereon; and a vertical shaft connected to the bottom of the floor and configured to connect the housing to a grip of a golf club. The shaft and at least the horizontal floor define a continuous air passage to vent air pressure from an inside of the golf club to an outside of the golf club.

Abstract: A method of selecting a preferred golf shaft for a player who uses an existing golf shaft, according to one or more aspects of the present invention, may comprise gathering a plurality of empirical data sets, each data set corresponding to an individual golf shaft selected from a plurality of golf shafts; providing a plurality of specification codes, each associated with an individual empirical data set of the plurality of empirical data sets; from the plurality of specification codes, identifying a first specification code associated with the existing golf shaft; gathering feedback associated with the existing golf shaft from the player; and using the feedback to select, from the plurality of specification codes, a second specification code corresponding to the preferred golf shaft.

Abstract: A method and system for capturing, transmitting, and displaying golf swing data uses data capture elements in golf balls or golf clubs to capture data and transmission elements to transmit the golf swing data to a mobile computing auxiliary device. The mobile computing auxiliary device relays the captured and transmitted golf swing data to a mobile computing device. The mobile computing device transmits the golf swing data to a database. A server associated with the database generates web pages to make the golf swing data available over the internet.

Abstract: A training equipment usable to check the quality of the putt stroke comprising a base arrangeable on the ground and adapted to receive a golf ball in a predetermined position, magnetic flux detecting means applied to the base at least in front of and behind said predetermined position and so as to be visible from above the base, of the type adapted to visually show a trace depending on the variation of the pattern of the flux lines of the magnetic field applied to the base even after its removal; and at least a first magnet, preferably a permanent magnet, applied to the head base of a putter in correspondence of a part of the head intended in use to hit the ball, oriented so as to have while performing the putt stroke one of the poles facing the flux detecting means; a second magnet is available towards the flux detecting means with polarity opposite to the first so as to cancel the trace.

Abstract: A golf swing training device that provides immediate biomechanical feedback by allowing for an uninhibited swing through a channel of detachable components. The apparatus is comprised of channels through which a golf club can travel, along with detachable rods and blocks. When the club is swung properly the apparatus will not be disturbed. However, an improper swing will cause movement or detachment of the rods or blocks. The channel along the X and Y axes of the apparatus are created by blocks that can be comprised by any light-weight materials. The channel along the Z axis of the apparatus is created by a detachable arm that can be comprised by any light-weight material. An additional rod can be fastened to a golf club to further confine the path of a club through the channel.

Abstract: The invention provides a golf club head that includes a weight adjustment system inside of the club head. Preferably, when the club is played, no part of the adjustment system is directly accessible or exposed to an exterior of the club. The club head may include a panel that opens or is removable, or the club head may be disassembled to provide access to the internal weight adjustment system. A weight adjustment system generally includes at least one mechanism by which a mass distribution of the golf club head can be changed.

Abstract: Improved golf swing apparatus and methods that include a short shaft (preferably about 13 inches) training club having a training grip and a club head that gives instant visual feedback on swing alignment to a user during the motion of swinging. A bubble or spirit level and light-emitting end of the shaft provide further feedback on a user's swing alignment in terms of correct wrist and shaft position.

Abstract: Golf club heads include white diffusing top surfaces to aid in club head alignment. Wood type club heads also include a dark diffusing club face so that a crown/face border is emphasized. Scorelines in wood type clubs can be provided with an intermediate contrast surface, and can be displaced from club face center to accommodate player perception when confronted with a white diffusing crown. Putter heads can include dark diffusing alignment lines, and iron-type club heads can include white diffusing surfaces at a sole portion of a club face, at a top line, or a top portion of a club face.

Abstract: A putt break visualization instrument useful for improving putting includes an elongated object such as a crossbar that extends from the shaft of a putter and is normal thereto. The golfer begins by addressing the golf ball. The golfer then holds the putter above the green by the handle in the manner of a plumb line so that the shaft of the putter is vertically oriented and the crossbar is horizontally oriented. The golfer then aligns the shaft with the uphill edge of the golf ball and moves the shaft up or down along the vertical so that the crossbar extends in proximity to the cup. The golfer may use a slider on the crossbar to mark the cup. The golfer may now evaluate how well he or she has addressed the golf ball, and either repeat the process if improvement is needed or make the putt.

Abstract: A golf club head is provided and includes a club head body, a club head face connected to a front portion of the club head body, wherein the club head face includes a club face surface having a plurality of face cavities arranged across the club face surface and a plurality of protrusion posts, wherein each of the plurality of protrusion posts includes a post body having a post base and a post head, wherein the plurality of protrusion posts is associated with the club face to extend away from the club face surface such that the post base of each of the plurality posts is located in separate cavities of the plurality of face cavities.

Abstract: A golf club including a swing analyzer includes an accelerometer that measures acceleration in three directions, a magnetometer/gyroscope unit, a processor unit that converts the measured acceleration and golf club movement during a non-ball-striking or ball-striking swing into an estimated carrying distance of a golf ball when struck by the golf club based on swing position and a type of the golf club, and a display that displays the estimated carrying distance as a function of swing position to the golfer. The accelerometer, magnetometer/gyroscope unit, and processor unit may be mounted in a handle at a grip end of the golf club. The estimated carrying distance calculation may be performed at a unit separate from the golf club and capable of performing this calculation for several golf clubs with which it communicates via cooperating communications unit.

Abstract: A golf swing training device for achieving a proper overall address position and for executing a proper golf swing, including setting the proper deviation of the wrists, setting the angular orientation between the shaft longitudinal axis and spine longitudinal axis as viewed from the side of the golfer, and for maintaining this deviation and angular orientation during the first part of the backswing. Held in fixed relation to the grip of the club is a member connected to a second flexible member that contacts the underside of the leading forearm when the golfer achieves a predetermined deviation of the wrist in the address position and during the first part of the backswing.

Abstract: The invention relates to golf club heads with improved mass distribution provided by novel cellular features. Because a club head can have very low mass density in certain parts, the club head can have much more mass in other parts, while keeping the overall club head mass equal to the mass of prior art club heads. A club head can be provided with optimized MOI and CG. The novel cellular structures of invention provide extensible functionality in the form of pockets, recesses, and windows and provide materials with excellent strength and restitution properties.

Abstract: A golf club training aid for improving a golf swing, with the golf club including a club head, a club shaft attached to the club head that rotates within the club head, a stop that limits the rotational range of the club shaft in respect to the club head, and a tension actuator that attaches to the club shaft and club head and provides tension against the rotation of the club head about the club shaft. The tension provided by the tension actuator is overcome when the club shaft is rotated, by proper hand rotation, during a club swing to create a rotational force greater than the tension force, whereby the club head rotates to a rest position—the end of the rotational range of the stop—and the club face makes solid contact with a golf ball. If proper hand rotation does not occur during a swing, the club head and stop will remain in an open position upon contact with a golf ball and the club head will, at that point of contact, move backward and result in angled contact with a golf ball during the golf swing.

Abstract: A putting stroke sensor assembly is cooperable with a putter head. The putting stroke sensor assembly includes a processor, a memory storing a preferred putting path, and an accelerometer configured to measure characteristics of a putting stroke. The processor is programmed to compare the characteristics of the putting stroke with the preferred putting path and to generate an output indicative of the comparison.

Abstract: A device for improving a golf stance and swing has a clip, an arm, a mount, and an indicator block. The clip allows the device to be secured to a golf club, while the arm allows the mount and connected indicator block to be centered with respect to the golf club. The mount has a carriage which slides along a corresponding track on the arm, and a perpendicular rod about which the indicator block can rotate. The indicator block has three faces, two lateral faces and a top face. When the indicator block is centered on a head of a golf club, it can be used to gauge the correct distance from the ball a golfer should stand. Only the top face of the indicator block will be visible when standing the correct distance from the ball. The faces of the indicator block are color coded to increase usability.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for displaying a practice swing ball flight to a user in a virtual golf game. The practice swing ball flight illustrates to the user a ball flight resulting from a practice swing, had the practice swing instead been an actual swing intended to strike a virtual golf ball.

Abstract: A putting stroke training system identifies a preferred putting stroke and facilitates training for a golfer to repeat the preferred putting stroke. The training system includes a grid box with a fixed side wall and a movable side wall. The movable side wall is positionable relative to the fixed side wall into alignment with the preferred putting stroke. The training system also includes an alignment sensor attachable to a putter head. In some embodiments, the alignment sensor signals when the putter head deviates from the preferred stroke.

Abstract: A device for improving a golf stance and swing has a clip, an arm, a mount, and an indicator block. The clip allows the device to be secured to a golf club, while the arm allows the mount and connected indicator block to be centered with respect to the golf club. The mount has a carriage which slides along a corresponding track on the arm, and a perpendicular rod about which the indicator block can rotate. The indicator block has three faces, two lateral faces and a top face. When the indicator block is centered on a head of a golf club, it can be used to gauge the correct distance from the ball a golfer should stand. Only the top face of the indicator block will be visible when standing the correct distance from the ball. The faces of the indicator block are color coded to increase usability.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and to a corresponding method for practicing the golf swing with a guide (10) along which a golf club can be guided on a specified path. In order to allow the specification of a golf club path without unnecessarily limiting the freedom of movement of the golf player, the guide (10) has at least one subsection (15) which lies in the specified path in a first position and deviates from the specified path in a second position. Furthermore, a device (16, 17) is provided which can bring the subsection (15) from the first position into the second position.

Abstract: A golf club having at least one directional based graphic on the golf club it disclosed. More specifically, the golf club in accordance with the present invention will have at least one directional based graphic that will only be visible when the golf club is oriented in a desirable direction while staying invisible in all other undesirable directions.

Abstract: The self-attaching golf putter aid includes an upper grip joined at a pivot point with a bottom bracket such that the upper grip can rotate about a vertical axis with the bottom bracket. The bottom bracket is designed to attach onto the handle of a putter via an adjustable strap. The aid is used by grabbing the upper grip with a first hand while grabbing the bottom bracket and handle of the putter with a second hand, and wherein the end user holds the upper grip stationary while swinging the putter to form a true and smooth pendulum golf putting stroke that is ideal when putting.

Abstract: A golf club sleeve for use with various golf club structures is presented. The golf club sleeve may have an airfoil shaped cross section and may extend over at least a portion of the shaft of the golf club to reduce drag associated with the shaft during a golf swing, thereby increasing swing speed. The golf club sleeve may be rotatable relative to the shaft of the golf club to orient itself during a swing in order to improve air flow over the sleeve.

Abstract: Golf instructional aid to help players feel and understand proper swing path, improve technique, and provide a variety of other drills to improve performance, all accomplished with a single training aid.

Abstract: A blade assembly for a golf putter includes an outer body, a pin, and a blade. The outer body is sized to fit partially within the putter shaft. The pin has a pin shaft and a pin head, each of which have a diameter, and the diameter of the pin head is greater than the diameter of the pin shaft. The blade has a channel sized to receive the pin head. In a first position, the blade extends into the outer body and the putter shaft, substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the putter shaft. In a second position, the outer body and pin support the blade at an angle between 15 and 165 degrees to the longitudinal axis of the putter shaft. A golfer can thus use the putter and extended blade as a pendulum and angle finder to read the break of a green.

Abstract: A golf club head has a body defining a ball striking face. The body further has a first leg extending away from the ball striking face and a second leg extending away from the ball striking face wherein a void is defined between the first leg and the second leg. The body further defines a cover that extends over the void. The golf club head may further have support structures and adjustable weight members.

Abstract: A golf club training aid for improving a golf swing, with the golf club including a club head, a club shaft attached to the club head that rotates within the club head, a stop that limits the rotational range of the club shaft in respect to the club head, and a tension actuator that attaches to the club shaft and club head and provides tension against the rotation of the club head about the club shaft. The tension provided by the tension actuator is overcome when the club shaft is rotated, by proper hand rotation, during a club swing to create a rotational force greater than the tension force, whereby the club head rotates to a rest position—the end of the rotational range of the stop—and the club face makes solid contact with a golf ball. If proper hand rotation does not occur during a swing, the club head and stop will remain in an open position upon contact with a golf ball and the club head will, at that point of contact, move backward and result in angled contact with a golf ball during the golf swing.

Abstract: A golf training tool includes a boot having a first open end to be fitted over a grip of a golf club, and a rod projecting from a second end of the boot opposed to the first open end and which rod extends into the boot.

Abstract: Wireless golf club shot count system configured to obtain spatial data from at least one sensor that is coupled with a microcontroller wherein the apparatus fits into a golf club handle or weight port or otherwise couples to a golf club. The apparatus may send a unique identifier and spatial data over a self-contained radio and antenna wirelessly to an external system that may analyze and display the spatial data in a user-friendly manner. The unique identifier and/or radio through use of non-interfering communications mechanisms allows for multiple clubs one or more players to be within range of a wireless receiver and not interfere. Adapters that may be specific to each golf club manufacture allow for coupling the apparatus to any type of golf club.