Abstract: This invention is an apparatus and method for measuring or analyzing a golf swing. Measurement or analysis is made relative to energy generation and transfer through a player's body and club. The measurement or analysis data is principally obtained from the player's ground-reaction forces. Processed signals are analyzed with an artificial intelligence system. Ground-reaction forces relate to reaction forces which occur between a standing surface and the player's feet. The apparatus and method measures or analyses a golf swing in an automatic manner or in an automatic and interactive manner.

Abstract: A method of golf instruction utilizing a schematic represented by a plurality of vertical, diagonal and circular lines which demonstrate a preferred golf swing. A video recorder, processor and monitor can be used to record the golf swing of a student aligned within the schematic. Corrections to the students swing can be made based on the deviation from the schematic. Additionally, the flight path of the ball can be determined based upon the deviation from the schematic and the adjusted flight path can be displayed.

Abstract: A putting aid which includes a base plate, guide rails attached to the base plate, which are spaced apart to form a guide passage for a putting stroke, and markers which are engaged with guide rails, each marker being engageable with the ground at a defined position, wherein the base plate and the guide rails are movable leaving the markers at the defined positions.

Abstract: A golf training apparatus that is capable of operation both indoors and outdoors is described. The apparatus includes a plurality of anchor points, through which there are placed a plurality of anchors, typically comprising golf tees, for anchoring the apparatus outdoors. The apparatus further includes a cleated surface configured to adhere to a carpeted surface for anchoring the apparatus indoors. The apparatus further comprises a guide line retractably coupled to a tensile mechanism, whereby a golf player may, after coupling a golf club or putter to the guide line of the apparatus, determine based upon the motion of the guide line, whether the player's stroke is accurate or requires correction.

Abstract: A golf putter with sighting apparatus which comprises an elongated shaft. A grip is on an upper end of the elongated shaft. The grip is to be grasped by hands of a golfer. A head is transversely positioned on a lower end of the elongated shaft. The head has a face to strike a golf ball. A support assembly is provided. A mirror has a frame carried on the support assembly. A mechanism is for securing the support assembly onto the elongated shaft above the head. The mirror will be inclined to sight a golf cup on a green spaced from the head, so that the golfer can aim the golf ball into the golf cup on the green.

Abstract: A feedback device, for use by a golfer to indicate head movement during a backswing. The device has a base, a forward plate having a transparent portion with a printed horizontal line thereupon, and a parallel mirrored surface located behind the forward plate. A reflected horizontal line is selectively viewed through the transparent portion. When the device is viewed at a first viewing angle, only a single line is visible, such that the reflected horizontal line is blocked from the golfer's view by the printed horizontal line. When the device is viewed at a second viewing angle, both lines are visible. Accordingly vertical head movement during the backswing is immediately apparent to the golfer when both lines become visible during the backswing.

Abstract: A golf swing-measuring system including a computer (16) for capturing a colored moving image obtained by photographing a golfer (11) who swings by gripping a golf club (13). The computer (16) selects and extracts one or more images each showing a swing posture as check-point images such as an address image, a take-back shaft 8 o'clock image, a take-back shaft 9 o'clock image, a take-back unskillful arm horizontal image, a top image, a downswing unskillful arm horizontal image, a downswing shaft 9 o'clock image, an impact image, a follow-through shaft 3 o'clock image, and a finish image and extracts from a large number of still images constituting said color moving image. Thereafter the computer (16) obtains coordinates of positions of attention-focused points that operate in said check-point images when said golfer swings.

Abstract: A golf training device comprises two shatter-resistant mirrors. A striking mirror is held in a horizontal position in the hitting area and is used as a striking mat for hitting golf balls. A second, adjustable mirror is positioned above the striking mirror. The adjustable mirror can be moved relative to the striking mirror and has means for adjusting the tilt angle of the adjustable mirror. Together, the two mirrors can be used to create the effect of a single virtual mirror lying beneath the ground surface so that the golfer can see his swing plane from along the edge of the plane of his swing as he hits the ball.

Abstract: A golf swing training and exercise system includes an optically reflective device, a golf device, a pair of light source devices, and a resistance device. The golf device has a center section that is placed on the back of a user during a golf swing training and exercise routine, two end sections extending outwardly from the center section, and a pair of intermediate sections that are disposed between and interconnect the center section and the respective end sections to one another and on which the user's hands or forearms are placed during the golf swing training and exercise routine. The light source devices are connected to respective distal ends of the end sections for projecting light beams on a reflective surface of the optically reflective device during a golf swing training and exercise routine. The resistance device is removably connected to the golf device to apply a resistance in at least one direction of movement of the golf device during the golf swing training and exercise routine.

Abstract: A system and method for determining an amount and direction of a golfer's head movement as the golfer executes a golf swing. The system may include at least two light baffles for monitoring the golfer's head movement along a path generally parallel to a target line. The baffles may reflect light into the golfer's eyes when the golfer's head is either outside and to the left of a preset range, or outside and to the right of the preset range. The system may further include at least two additional light baffles for monitoring lunging and bobbing head motion. The additional light baffles may reflect light into the golfer's eyes when the golfer's head lunges or bobs beyond a further preset range. The system includes the additional advantage of repositionable elements to facilitate progression of precise movement control.

Abstract: A golf training device comprises two shatter-resistant mirrors. A striking mirror is held in a horizontal position in the hitting area and is used as a striking mat for hitting golf balls. A second, adjustable mirror is positioned above the striking mirror. The adjustable mirror can be moved relative to the striking mirror and has means for adjusting the tilt angle of the adjustable mirror. Together, the two mirrors can be used to create the effect of a single virtual mirror lying beneath the ground surface so that the golfer can see his swing plane from along the edge of the plane of his swing as he hits the ball.

Abstract: Provided is an indoor golf putting training apparatus, which includes a golf putting pad, a target block, an effective target portion, and a stand-alone erect mirror. The golf putting pad has a flat and extensive surface, which including a first golf putting reference point which is formed at the rear side of a virtual golf putting line in the lengthy direction, a collimating point which is formed on the virtual golf putting line at the front of the first golf putting reference point, a collimating line which connects the first golf putting reference point and the collimating point, and a second golf putting reference point which is formed at the rear side of the first golf putting reference point in order to perform a high-level golf putting operation. The target block made of a hard material is installed at the most leading position of the virtual golf putting line on the golf putting pad.

Abstract: A golf swing training apparatus is intended for use in learning the proper technique of swinging a golf club to hit a golf ball and accelerate the golf ball along an intended path. The training apparatus includes a planar reflective panel, such as a mirror for visually identifying a users swing path. The training apparatus also includes a rigid panel for strengthening and supporting the reflective panel. The reflective panel includes markings that represent a person at the important golf club to golf ball impact stage so that a user may compare the user's positioning to that of the preferred positioning.

Abstract: A golf instructional device is provided for designating proper setup positioning for swinging a golf club and for monitoring the location of a user's eyes while swinging the club, such a mat being customized for an individual golfer. The device comprises a mat for providing a playing surface upon which foot positioning markers, a club positioning marker and a mirror are placed. The markers and mirror are designed to be removably attached to the mat surface to allow a golf instructor to indicate proper location and angle for the user to position themselves and the club which they are swinging. The mirror is of a chosen size such that when attached to the mat at the proper location, the user can observe their eyes while swinging the golf club. A wedge is also provided to be positioned underneath a portion of the user's rearward foot to train the user to maintain a near stationary rear leg during the backswing.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a swing training device for golfers which allows a golfer to receive immediate visual feedback as to his stance, form, and technique. The training device includes a break-resistant mirror and long support legs mounted behind the reflective surface. These legs not only support the mirror in an upright position, but act as shock absorbers so that the golfer can repeatedly hit practice balls or throw a weighted training ball into the mirror. The legs deflect and then spring back, thereby reorienting the mirror back to its original position and allowing the golfer to remain in substantially the same location while training.

Abstract: A golf instructional system and method is provided for learning proper setup for swinging a golf club, such a system being customizable for an individual golfer by a professional golf instructor. Various embodiments utilize positioning markers, a mirror, an arm wedge, a wand, and an instruction manual.

Abstract: A golf training device (10) is provided having an elongated housing (20) and a mirror housing (30), with both the elongated housing (20) and mirror housing (30) having indicia (40) imprinted thereon. The elongated housing (20) contains a laser (200) and a mirror assembly (150) for generating a laser beam (80) which is projected in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongated housing (20). The laser beam (80) instructs a user on where to position the heel of his or her leading foot (290) and indicia (40) allow for the proper positioning of the golf ball (240) with respect to a chosen golf club for an optimal swing to reach a designated target.

Abstract: A putting practice device includes first and second members and maintaining, indicating and positioning portions. The first member includes a sliding surface against which a putter blade is slidable according to a vertical pendulum movement. The maintaining portion maintains the sliding surface on a rolling surface for a golf ball, and maintains the sliding surface perpendicular to the rolling surface and parallel to a putting line for the golf ball toward a target. The second member including includes a portion defining a sight including a reflecting surface surrounding the said sight, the reflecting surface being provided on a top portion of the second member. The indicating portion allows indicating the a center of said sight. The positioning portion is for positioning the sight above the putting line and the golf ball.

Abstract: A golf instructional device is provided for designating proper setup positioning for swinging a golf club and for monitoring the location of a user's eyes while swinging the club, such a mat being customized for an individual golfer. The device comprises a mat for providing a playing surface upon which foot positioning markers and a club positioning marker are placed. A mirror is coupled to the mat and is preferably located adjacent to the mat surface. The markers are designed to be removably attached to the mat surface. The markers are adjustable to allow a golf instructor to indicate proper location and angle for the user to position themselves and the club which they are swinging. The mirror is of a chosen size such that when properly angled by the instructor, the user can essentially only observe his or her eyes while swinging the golf club.

Abstract: A training device is provided for teaching the proper technique for the putting of a golf ball. The training device includes a putting surface having contours therein and a cup for receiving a golf ball. A tee box is provided on the putting surface. The tee box has ball placement indicia for placing a golf ball thereon, a length generally equal to a desired length of a stroke of the putter necessary to putt the golf ball from the ball placement indicia into the cup in the putting surface, and a width generally equal to the width of the putter. Roll path indicia on the putting surface identifies a roll path for the golf ball as it travels between the ball placement indicia and the cup in the putting surface.

Abstract: A modular training aid 10 for developing putting skills in the game of golf for use by a right or left handed player. The modular training aid 10 comprises a rigid planar reflecting base 12 having a leading edge 14 from which an imaginary intended straight or curved target line 16 extends, a trailing edge 18, a lower face 20 that is supported on the ground or a floor and an upper smooth surface 24. A raised rail 25 extends above the upper smooth surface 24 for protecting it from abrasion by the underside of the golf club. A first alignment mirror 50 is positioned on the ground or floor. A second alignment mirror 54 has a reflecting surface that is inclined to the ground or floor. A target putting mirror 60 is positioned behind a target or hole in relation to the base so that the reflective surface faces the target or hole. An image including the ball and putter head is reflected back to the player. The invention includes a method for using the modular training aid 10.

Abstract: The invention is a golf training aid and a method of using the golf training aid. The face of the golf training aid is mirrored and permanently etched with several reference markings illustrating proper ball position, proper setup position, and proper club and body position at several points during the swing. The aid is marked for use with woods, irons, and the putter. In one embodiment of the invention, the reference markings include several lines and textual prompts. In another embodiment of the invention, the textual prompts and some of the lines are replaced by icons. The back of the golf training aid is flat, allowing it to sit flush on a practice surface, thus allowing the golfer to practice a golf swing with head down and eyes on the ball while simultaneously viewing his own image juxtaposed with markings for a proper swing. The aid is used by placing it on the practice surface along the target line and optionally securing it in position.

Abstract: The present invention is a golf putter practice apparatus designed and configured to aid and improve a golfer's putting capabilities through repetitious use. The present invention is a frame structure having a lower portion and an upper portion. The lower portion will be located on the desired surface for putting and the upper portion will be elevated from this lower portion. The lower portion acts as a supports and supports the upper portion which includes a horizontal bar member. This horizontal bar member acts as a guide. Thus for utilization, the user places a golf ball in front of the horizontal bar member. The club's head is placed behind the ball and the shaft will rest against the horizontal bar. This will force the shaft to move in a straight and forward position thus improving on the golfer's swing and putting capabilities.

Abstract: A putting-practicing apparatus in which a mirror (2) and a level (3) are installed on abase plate (1) at required positions thereof; the base plate (1) is installed on a holding tool (5) through an angle-adjusting device (4); and a space allowing a putter to be stroked is provided below the mirror (2).

Abstract: A golf instructional device is provided for designating proper setup positioning for swinging a golf club and for monitoring the location of a user's eyes while swinging the club, such a mat being customized for an individual golfer. The device comprises a mat for providing a playing surface upon which foot positioning markers and a club positioning marker are placed. A mirror is coupled to the mat and is preferably located adjacent to the mat surface. The markers are designed to be removably attached to the mat surface. The markers are adjustable to allow a golf instructor to indicate proper location and angle for the user to position themselves and the club which they are swinging. The mirror is of a chosen size such that when properly angled by the instructor, the user can essentially only observe his or her eyes while swinging the golf club.

Abstract: A golf swing training and exercise system for improving the golf swing of a golfer. The system includes a mat with an optically reflective surface, an elongated golf device having three sections and two lasers. Each laser attaches to one end of the golf device and projects a laser beam onto a mat.

Abstract: A laser aiming system and method is provided for determining the aiming tendencies of an individual golfer during putting. The system consists of two main parts. One of these parts is a housing with a laser in it for directing a beam of light parallel to the putting surface and at right angles to an imaginary line between a ball to be putted and a target hole. A mirror attached to the toe of the putter head is oriented perpendicular to the ball-striking surface of the putter head. The location of the laser beam is such that when the putter is in position to strike the ball, the projected beam of light is reflected from the mirror on the putter head back to the housing from which the laser beam is projected. The reflected beam strikes a 45° inclined mirror in the housing and reflects upwardly to an opaque indicating window, where the reflected laser beam spot is visible to the golfer. When the putter is correctly aimed, the spot is in the center of the window.

Abstract: A device that provides feedback to a golfer on the characteristics of their swing of a golf club. The device can be mounted to or incorporated into the head of the golf club and includes a first light source and at least a second light source. The first and second light sources are aligned such that an imaginary line bisecting the first and second light sources passes through the sweet spot of the ball-striking face. When the club head is at the address position, the imaginary line lies in a horizontal plane and is further preferably at right angles to the ball-striking face in that plane. The first and second light sources are visible to the golfer when using the golf club at least at the time when the club head is striking the ball. The first light source has a first turn on/turn off cycle pattern and the second light source has a second turn on/turn off cycle pattern that is different to that of the first light source.

Abstract: A device for teaching correct putting that can be attached to the shaft of a putter. A mirror is pivotally attached to an arm which extends behind and is parallel to the face of the putter such that the center of gravity for the mirror is between the pivot point and the face of the putter. The mirror is oriented at such an angle that a golf ball and a target cup can be viewed simultaneously by a golfer using a putter to which the device has been attached. Rotation of the mirror caused by the relative position of the pivot point and the center of gravity for the mirror will, under the influence of gravity, maintain this desired visual image in the mirror throughout the putting stroke. A straight line is placed on the reflecting surface of said mirror in such an orientation that the plane which contains the visible line and which is perpendicular to the reflecting surface of said mirror is perpendicular to the face of the putter and aligned with the desired point of impact on the face of the putter.

Abstract: A golf putting aid device for practicing putting golf balls. The golf putting aid device includes a base plate and a pair of elongated members positioned on the base plate in parallel alignment for guiding a head of a golf putter along a linear path and wherein a cut out is formed in a periphery of the base plate, centrally of said elongated members, for resting a golf ball on a ground surface on which the base plate is adapted to be positioned. Each of the elongated members has a uniform L-shaped cross-section along a length thereof. Each angled member has a substantially planar rectangular bottom extent. The bottom extent of each elongate member is selectively adjustable along an axis perpendicular with the path to accommodate golf heads of varying widths. In an embodiment the base plate includes a plurality of slots for permitting adjustment of the elongate members.

Abstract: Fixed markings 20 are a teaching aid made by permanent placing of marks on another teaching aid. Golf lessons are frequently given with the assistance of teaching aids. Teaching aids are used by the golf professional 30 to point out to the golfer 26 many of the factors and positions involved with the golf swing. One of these teaching aids is a full length mirror 10 used to visualize the golfer 26. The mirror is held in a frame 12. The other teaching aid is reference lines 16. Reference lines 16 are best described as cords by which the professional is able to locate different positions of the golfer on the mirror. Reference lines 16 are held in place over the mirror by clips 18 on the ends of the reference lines 16. The clips 18 are attached to the mirror frame 12 over or in between the fixed markings 20. Fixed markings have been permanently placed around the front of the entire perimeter of the mirror frame 12. Fixed markings can be numbers and letters.

Abstract: A golf putting vertical alignment and training aid comprising a reflective material (22) adapted to be positioned remote from a golf ball, a golf putter club, and a golfer standing in a putting position, and comprising an elongated material (30) adapted to be positioned overtop of a target line in a manner such that when viewed from above, the elongated material's longitudinal axis appears to be parallel to the target line (68), the target line being defined by the path that a golfer would like a golf ball to follow, and the elongated material being of a minimum length that extends from the golf ball to the reflective material, and the putting aid comprising a suspending means for positioning the elongated material above the reflecting surface of the reflective material, in a manner such that a reflection (60) of a portion of the elongated material can be seen within the reflecting surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and method for assisting a person in achieving proper alignment. The device and method are particularly useful for achieving proper alignment for a golf stroke in which a golf ball is struck to move towards a target. In one embodiment, the device comprises a support member to be worn by the person. A light source is attached to the support member. The light source is adapted to generate a generally linear, visible alignment beam of light on the ground in front of the person when the person is in position to perform a task. The alignment beam is generally parallel to an alignment of the portion of the person's body upon which the support member is worn and, thus, provides an indication of such alignment readily visible to the user in real time.

Abstract: A practice sight (20) for a putter (26) is shown. The sight is attached to the top (60) and hosel (80) of the head (22). The sight has a planar mirror (44) at a 45.degree. angle to the face (30) of the putter. Front and rear sight pins 46 and 48 attached to the base (52) of the sight in front of the mirror provide a reference for adjusting the attitude of the head. The golfer looks down at the mirror and sees the sight pins, a golf ball (26), and a golf ball hole (34) or flag. He lines up the putter head with the hole by rotating the head of the putter until the front sight pin disappears behind the rear sight pin while keeping the golf ball and hole in view in the mirror and centered on the center line of the mirror.

Abstract: A golf stroke alignment tool for aligning a golfer with a golf ball is disclosed herein. The alignment tool includes two members. In operation, the first member extends perpendicularly from the golfer's stance, thereby aligning the position of the golf ball with respect to the golfer's stance. The second member extends in parallel with respect to a target line for the ball, thereby indicating an alignment for the golfer's stance with respect to the target line. The second member also includes additional alignment devices, such as measurement markings for directing the exact location for the golfer's feet, and two rotatably adjustable mirrors parallel to the target line to allow the golfer to view his alignment with respect to the target line. In storage, the first and second members can be rotated so that they easily fit inside a golf bag.

Abstract: A golf club putter is provided with a laser generator positioned in the shaft of the club. The laser generator is activated when a push button is depressed, and emits a beam of light downward, reflecting off a mirror positioned near the clubface and exits through an aperture to illuminate a target spot, thus indicating the direction in which the golf ball will travel. In another embodiment, a light beam splitter is provided to reflect a first portion of the light beam in a horizontal plane to illuminate a target spot, and a second portion of the light beam coaxially of the shaft in a selected pattern that is projected on the ground. The golfer may use this putter both on a practice green or in actual play to improve the alignment of his putter with the hole or other target.

Abstract: A golf putter club having a stationary grip portion hingedly mounted to a swingable shaft portion. A head mounted at its center of gravity to the remote end of the shaft. An alignment mark visible to the user engraved on the top surface of the head perpendicular to the face of the head. A sighting device is mounted on the stationary grip whereby, upon placing the face next to the ball, the user may align a preselected target with said alignment mark assuring the face to be perpendicular to the target. While holding the stationary portion, thereby keeping the face aligned, the user may move the swingable shaft portion to impart a pendulum action force to the ball to drive the ball toward the target.

Abstract: A golf training apparatus includes a head supporting stand having a supporting frame with a base and a vertically extending post which telescopes to different heights extending from the base. A head positioning arm extends from the vertical post. The head positioning arm can be a telescoping member and may have a bendable end pipe member with means for attaching to a person's head. A hook and loop fastener material may be used to removably attach a cap or visor or headband to a person's head. A mirror is supported in a frame adjacent the head support stand and has player positioning markings on the surface thereof. A player swing position guide includes a frame and is positioned a predetermined distance from the head support stand for positioning a golf player's feet and legs for a practice swing in front of the mirror with the head supported by the head support stand head support member.

Abstract: A golf swing training aid for a golfer having an elongated stance positioning member and a plurality of discrete placement indicators having a size generally equal to the size of a standard golf ball extending along the general length of the stance positioning member. A golf ball positioner carried by the stance positioner member extends generally perpendicularly away from the stance positioning member when positioned at a respective placement indicator for positioning a golf ball at a prescribed location within the golf stance of the golfer. The discrete placement indicators assist the golfer in ascertaining the correct heel placement for properly positioning the golf ball within his or her stance relative to the positioning of the golf ball positioner.

Abstract: The golf training device fits onto a golf glove at a location where the golfer can look at its mirrored surface to see the head of his golf club at address. The device has a wedge shape to permit rotation of the device and thereby vary the angle of reflection afforded on its mirrored top surface. This provides the golfer with a consistent view of the golf club head at address provided that he uses a consistent grip on the club shaft with his gloved hand.

Abstract: A device which monitors the head turn movement of a golfer during a golf swing. It gives the golfer instantaneous feedback by informing him whether his head turned prior to or after the golf club struck the ball. This feedback is done in the form of a digital LCD display of the time difference in milliseconds and also in the form of audible beeps. From this information, the golfer can make the necessary adjustments and corrections in the execution of his swing. The device is compact and portable. It is placed near the golf ball such that the ball lies directly between the golfer and the device. After the information is displayed, the device automatically resets and readies itself to monitor the next golf swing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for assisting a golfer in achieving proper alignment for a golf stroke in which a golf ball is struck to move towards a target. In one embodiment, the device generally comprises a frame member to be worn by the golfer. An alignment member comprising a planar mirrored surface thereon is hingedly or rotatably attached to the frame member to enable adjustable positioning of the mirrored surface such that a reflection of the target may be viewed by the eye of the golfer closest to the target. The device also preferably comprises a level means attached to a distal end of the alignment member for determining whether the alignment member is being held level with respect to the horizontal plane.

Abstract: A golf swing correcting health apparatus is disclosed, in which, when a golfer performs a swing within a room, the head-up movement is prevented, further the apparatus can be adjusted in accordance with the physical conditions of the golfer in an accurate manner, and further, the force of the golf club can be adjusted, so that not only the swinging posture can be corrected, but also the athletic exercising effect can be maximized.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for use by a golfer for simulating a golf swing. The apparatus comprises a platform for the golfer to stand on, a handle for gripping by the golfer when simulating the golf swing, and two resistance cords extending between the handle and the platform for providing a first and second resistance during performance of the golf swing by the golfer. The method comprises the steps of standing on the platform in a golf stance, gripping the handle using a golf grip, and then performing the golf swing. The method may also be performed using a simplified apparatus which does not include the platform, as long as the spacial relationship amongst the handle, the resistance cords and the golfer which is provided by the platform is maintained during performance of the method while using the simplified apparatus.

Abstract: A method for improving the alignment and stance of a golfer who is addressing the golf ball immediately prior to hitting a golf ball. The present method uses a single mirrored device that has indicia imprinted thereon which helps the golfer coordinate the proper head, hand, and eye position with the proper club position, and further coordinates these factors with the desired destination of the ball. The golfer places the mirrored device between his feet, and uses the device to align his feet with the desired target, such as the pin or a chosen spot on the fairway. The mirrored device helps the golfer to position his body the proper distance from the golf ball, and helps the golfer to properly position his head and hands relative to each other and to the ball. Then, using the indicia on the mirrored device, the golfer is able to correctly align his hands on the club shaft and also is able to correctly align the club face with the ball in order to ensure the proper angle of contact.