Abstract: Modifiable platform assemblies are provided that can include at least two frame assemblies configured to reside one above the other and be rotatably connected in relation to one and the other along an axis extending substantially normal to an interface between the two assemblies. These platforms can be used to develop the golf swing. Accordingly, golf ball hitting practice methods are also provided.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer readable media for changing and controlling settings for adjustable golf clubs are described. Such setting adjustment systems may alter one or more of: lie angle, loft angle, face angle, shaft stiffness, shaft kickpoint location, weighting, weight positioning, face flexibility, maximum face flex location, etc. These systems and methods may use various types of information to determine the appropriate settings, such as: ball launch monitor data, swing path data, weather input data, course condition input data for a location of play, course design input data for a location of play, daily course layout input data for a location and a time of play, golfer past performance data (e.g., recent past performance, past performances at the location of play, past performance during an ongoing round of golf (i.e., on earlier played holes), etc.), current adjustable club setting information, and information indicating specific holes to be played.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer readable media for changing and controlling settings for adjustable golf clubs are described. Such setting adjustment systems may alter one or more of: lie angle, loft angle, face angle, shaft stiffness, shaft kickpoint location, weighting, weight positioning, face flexibility, maximum face flex location, etc. These systems and methods may use various types of information to determine the appropriate settings, such as: ball launch monitor data, swing path data, weather input data, course condition input data for a location of play, course design input data for a location of play, daily course layout input data for a location and a time of play, golfer past performance data (e.g., recent past performance, past performances at the location of play, past performance during an ongoing round of golf (i.e., on earlier played holes), etc.), current adjustable club setting information, and information indicating specific holes to be played.

Abstract: A golf analysis system includes a light emitter assembly, including first and second light emitters spaced apart from one another, and a light detector assembly, including first and second sets of light detectors arranged along a surface of a practice area beneath the light emitters. The light emitters emit first and second spreads of non-parallel light rays, received by the light detectors, to form an optical sensor net for capturing relational kinetic information when at least one of a golf ball and a golf club passing through the optical sensor net. The region between the level of the light detectors and the level of the light emitters is substantially free of mechanical structure.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for analyzing a golf swing. In particular, the invention relates to a method and apparatus for analyzing a golf swing utilizing a portable computing device such as a smart phone, wherein a golfer can wear the device and the device uses sensors to monitor swing motion, and more particularly monitor a golfer's hip mechanics during a golf swing.

Abstract: A golf club head with a leading end of a shaft mountable thereon, the golf club head includes: a head main body, formed with a hosel insertion hole; a hosel, formed with a shaft case insertion hole and removably mounted in the hosel insertion hole; and a shaft case, formed with a shaft insertion hole and removably mounted in the shaft case insertion hole.

Abstract: A golf club head can comprise a head body and a protrusion weight coupled thereto. The protrusion weight can protrude from at least the heel portion of the head body. The head center of gravity of the golf club head can be defined by both a mass of the head body and a mass of the protrusion weight. The body center of gravity of the head body can be defined by the mass of the head body independent of the mass of the protrusion weight. A weight center of gravity of the protrusion weight can be defined by the mass of the protrusion weight independent of the mass of the head body, and can be external to a body volume of the head body. The protrusion weight can be at least partially visible from an exterior of the club head. Other embodiments and related methods are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A golf swing training apparatus and method of enhancing muscle tone and improving swing form includes a swing device that guides a user's swing along a predetermined path in a selected swing plane to improve form and enhance muscle memory for a preferred swing. A tensioning device enables the user to adjust the resistance to his or her swing, increasing resistance to strengthen muscles used while executing the preferred swing. The apparatus is adjustable for individuals of varying height, size, strength and ability.

Abstract: A pair of golf training glasses having protruding apertures extending forward from the plane of the normal lens portion of the glasses which are opaque. The protruding apertures are angled on their sides to allow some directed movement of the eyeball to observe other than directly forward when necessary, while at the same time restricting peripheral vision along a line parallel to the line formed between the golfer's head and the ball that is the object of the golf swing.

Abstract: Disclosed are a virtual golf simulation apparatus in which an image of a ball hit by a user using virtual golf simulation, who swings a golf club to hit the ball, is acquired, and the ball is found from the acquired image to calculate the moving trajectory of the ball, thereby realizing a simulation image of the trajectory of the ball, and, particularly, in which the two-dimensional trajectory of ball candidates, determined as a ball, in an image acquired by the camera is analyzed to accurately and rapidly extract the ball, thereby accurately and rapidly calculating information on physical properties of the moving ball even using a camera having a low resolution and velocity, and a sensing device and method used for the same.

Abstract: Disclosed are a virtual golf simulation apparatus in which any position of a hitting mat, on which a user places a ball, is recognized to easily and accurately find the position of the ball even when a slope is realized with respect to a swing plate and the swing plate is sloped at a predetermined angle, and it is possible to accurately sense when hitting has been performed by the user using a relatively inexpensive sensing device without an additional trigger sensor, thereby reducing costs and improving sensing accuracy and reliability, and a sensing device and method used for the same.

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: The present invention relates to a smart golf ball comprised of one or more mantle layers juxtaposed between an inner core and outer cover, where the core, the mantle layer(s), and/or the cover are further comprised of a ferrofluid, a magnetorheological fluid, an inverse magnetorheological fluid, and/or a magnetorheological elastomer, in any of its construction. These nano-engineered materials make possible a golf ball with heretofore-unprecedented levels of adaptive play.

Abstract: A method relating to an improved swing characteristic capturing system that can be used for a golf club shaft fitting system is disclosed herein. More specifically, the present invention utilizes specific data gathered from the golfer's golf swing itself to determine the best performing golf club shaft for this particular golf swing. Even more specifically, the present invention relates to the utilization of cameras to record the location data of a plurality of markers located on a golf club shaft throughout a swing. The current inventive fitting methodology is preferred to the archaic fitting method of using data gathered from the result orientated ball flight data together with a tedious process of having to try numerous different shafts.

Abstract: A strap comprised of a flexible soft material has a raised flexible bar across the palm portion, which aligns a sporting apparatus for proper gripping. The strap is worn around the hand, and a visual alignment indicator can direct the user in proper strap placement before affixing the fastener to secure the strap.

Abstract: A user swings a putter head (154) that is connected to a putter shaft (156) about a pivot of a pendulum (24). The putter head includes an opening (190) and a lower marker (186) located beneath the opening and spaced from the opening. The user attempts to maintain the marker within the opening (190) when swinging the club.

Abstract: An ultrasonic trigger for a golf equipment performance monitor is described. In a preferred embodiment, the ultrasonic trigger comprises at least one emitter and receiver. The emitters periodically generate sound waves at an ultrasonic frequency. The sound waves are targeted towards an object or objects within a target area. The sound waves are reflected by the objects within the target area, and are detected by at least one receiver. The receiver may be connected to a computational device to determine the position and/or velocity of the objects within the field of view.

Abstract: A golf ball 2 includes a core 4 and a cover 6 positioned outside the core 4. The cover 6 has a thickness of 0.2 mm or greater and 1.0 mm or less. The cover 6 is formed by injecting a resin composition from an injection molding machine into a mold. The product (M*V*T) of: a melt fluidity M (g/10 min) of the resin composition, which is measured at 190° C.; an injection rate V (cm3/sec) of the injection molding machine; and an injection time T (sec) of the injection molding machine, is equal to or greater than 500 and equal to or less than 1000. Preferably, in the golf ball 2, the melt fluidity M of the resin composition is equal to or greater than 15 g/10 min and equal to or less than 100 g/10 min.

Abstract: A golf club head includes a crown surface extending between the face, the rear, the heel and the toe of the golf club head. A highest point on the surface of the crown defines an apex. The golf club head also includes a plurality of crown turbulators projecting from the surface of the crown. Each adjacent pair of crown turbulators is separate and spaced apart to define a space between the adjacent pair of crown turbulators, and each crown turbulator extends between the heel and the toe to define a width and extending between the face and the rear to define a length, which is substantially greater than the width. At least a portion of at least one crown turbulator is located between the face and the apex. The space between each adjacent pair of crown turbulators is substantially greater than the width of each of the adjacent pair of crown turbulators that define the space.

Abstract: A system and method for calibration of golf shots is provided. Specifically, a tool for providing a reference target superimposed over an image of the cup for calibration purposes is provided. An optical putter calibration tool may include a viewing area and a reference target image. The reference target image may be manufactured within the viewing area or removably affixed to the exterior of the viewing area. The viewing area may be integrated in a shaft of a golf club, such as a putter, for providing a simultaneous view of the cup and the reference target image. Comparison of the reference target image and the view of the cup may provide a determination of a playing surface characteristic.

Abstract: In general, aspects of this invention relate to golf clubs or golf club components incorporating adjustment members that permit ready adjustability of golf club parameters and/or interchangeability of golf club components to change a golf club configuration, and methods for providing golf clubs. According to aspects of this invention, an adjustment member may be utilized to allow the adjustability of a golf club parameter to change a golf club configuration, while ensuring there is substantially no change to other club or club head variables, parameters or characteristics. According to another aspect of this invention, an adjustment member may be utilized to allow the adjustability of two golf club parameters independently to change a golf club configuration, while ensuring there is substantially no change to other club or club head variables, parameters or characteristics.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to golf clubs with adjustable mass properties. In certain aspects, the invention provides methods and mechanisms for adjusting a club head center of gravity in a vertical direction. Changing a center of gravity in the vertical direction can be done without substantially changing the center of a gravity in other directions.

Abstract: A holder for golf accessories. The holder has a mounting platform with front and back surfaces, two side edges and top and bottom edges and a platform that is detachably attachable to a golf shoe. The top edge defines an opening for receiving a divot repair tool. A bottom edge defines an attachment region to which a ball marker can be detachably secured. The front face supports multiple tees and a ball marker. The back face is secured to a support surface, such as a shoe, a belt, or a waistband.

Abstract: In accordance with the preferred embodiment and alternative embodiments described are embodiments of a system and method that automatically grading a golf swing, by grading components of a golf swing, relative to a perfect swing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method using the apparatus to simulate a golf game using a driving range and a putting green. A course card having a pictorial schematic representation of a hole of a golf course is used to plan and record strokes made at the driving range. The golfer estimates the distance and direction from the marked position on the course card to the cup, chooses a club, and then drives a ball in a desired direction and with a selected force towards the green and cup. Each stroke taken by the golfer is recorded on the course card and marks the landing location of the ball from the stroke on the course card. This process continues until the golfer deems that his/her ball would be on the green of the hole being simulated. The hole may then be putted at a putting green.

Abstract: Described is a golf putting training device and a corresponding method to use the device to teach sound putting skills The device includes a length of flexible material having a center marker attached at or near its center. A least three pairs of corresponding markers, each pair made up of a first marker and a second marker. The first marker of each pair is attached to the flexible material at a different point between the center point and the first end of the flexible material, and the second marker of each pair is attached to the flexible material at a different point between the center point and the second end of the flexible material.

Abstract: Embodiments of golf fitting systems are disclosed herein. Other examples, devices, and related methods are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: In view of the foregoing, an embodiment herein provides an improved putter which is especially suited for single handed putting. Accordingly, the golf putter includes a putter head, a shaft and a grip, wherein hitting surface of the putter head and flat surface of the grip are parallel and facing the hole while executing the putting stroke. The golf putter can also be used in a conventional manner by holding it with both hands. The line of vision of the golfer is not distorted while employing the instant putting technique and the new putting technique gives excellent directional control to the golfer.

Abstract: A golf system that includes a tee or other area for striking a golf ball; and a golf green having a concave surface with a ball receptacle located at the lowest point in the surface so that a ball landing and remaining on the green will roll into the ball receptacle. The green includes a resiliently compressible layer coinciding with the concave surface. The resiliently compressible surface may include at least one layer of corrugated plastic material and may be covered with an artificial turf surface. The golf system may be used to play a unique game, wherein a plurality of balls are rolled on the green and travel in a spiral manner into the ball receptacle. The golf green may be mounted on a portable frame.

Abstract: A fitting method includes steps of preparing a relationship C of a shaft flex point Y and a face angle X before impact or at impact; measuring a subject's face angle X before impact or at impact by using a test club; and selecting a shaft fitted to the subject on the basis of the measured face angle X and the relationship C. The relationship C is created by using correlation R of the face angle before impact or at impact and a hitting result. The correlation R is based on hitting results of a plurality of golf clubs having different shaft flex point rates. Preferably, the relationship C is a relational expression F1.

Abstract: A device and method for viewing and analyzing the surface of a putting green. The device includes an image capturing device and a display device attached to opposite ends of a shaft. The shaft may include telescoping sections which permit the shaft to be collapsed for storage, extended for use, and adjusted to suit the height of the golfer. A golfer places the image capturing device on or close to the ground to obtain an image of the surface of the green. The golfer adjusts the length of the shaft using the telescoping sections so the display is positioned at a convenient height. The image is transmitted via cable or wirelessly to the display. The golfer views the image of the putting surface on the display and visually determines the breaks and imperfections of the putting surface between the ball and the cup.

Abstract: This fitting method includes, for example, the following steps A1 to E1: (A1) a step of measuring a plurality of impact conditions using a reference club; (B1) a step of obtaining hit ball arrival point data; (C1) a step of selecting two or more of the plurality of impact conditions as explanation variables and performing multiple linear regression analysis with the hit ball arrival point data as an objective variable; (D1) a step of selecting a specific explanation variable from the two or more explanation variables based on a result of the multiple linear regression analysis; and (E1) a step of determining a recommended club including a specification capable of suppressing variation in the specific explanation variable.

Abstract: A golf putting aid comprises first and second substantially vertically extending members and a substantially horizontally extending member attached between the first and second vertically extending members. The horizontally extending member and the vertically extending members cooperatively define a first at least partially enclosed space beneath the horizontally extending member through which a golf ball may be putted and a second at least partially enclosed space above the horizontally extending member through which a golfer may align a target for the golf ball.

Abstract: A golf swing training device and method. First and second tension members, such as tension cords, have first ends respectively attached to opposite sides of the upper body of a golfer and opposite ends attached to anchor points. The first tension member extends in a substantially rearward direction and the second tension member extends in a substantially forward direction from a shoulder line of the golfer when the golfer is in a ball address position. The tension members provide equal resistance to rotation of the shoulders and torso of the golfer throughout the backswing, and also provide an equal release of the resistance through the downward swing, thereby encouraging consistent and fluid golf swing mechanics.

Abstract: The method according to the present invention includes a step of dividing a golfer's golf swing into three golf swing trajectories, namely a backswing, downswing, and follow through, and allocating each golf swing trajectory to a 2D coordinate system formed by a horizontal axis and a vertical axis with a given point among the golf swing trajectories as the origin; a step of establishing, for each of the three golf swing trajectories, a line connecting the origin and a point selected in the golf swing trajectory and calculating an angle enclosed between each established line and the horizontal axis; and a step of calculating an angular difference between any two angles among the calculated angles, plotting the angular difference on a 2D map, and classifying the golf swing.

Abstract: A handheld apparatus comprising: a computing device; a location measuring device connected to the computing device that generates measured location information corresponding to a location of the handheld apparatus; a display connected to the computing device, wherein the measured location information is used to display a representation of an object on that display, as viewed from above the object, and the representation automatically rotates to orient the representation to coincide with the handheld apparatus' line of sight to the object.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring golf ball striking information includes a floor sensor array for detecting the space velocity and position of a golf ball or detecting the speed of a club head and the trajectory of a circle drawn by the club head; a floor light source emission array for emitting a light source to the floor sensor array from a position corresponding to the floor sensor array; a horizontal sensor array for detecting the entry angle and speed of the club head by left-handed hitting or right-handed hitting; and a horizontal light source emission array for emitting a light source to the horizontal floor sensor array from a position corresponding to the horizontal sensor array.

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: Wood-type golf club heads include: (a) a club head body including heel, toe, crown, sole, and weighted rear portions; and (b) a variable thickness ball striking face. The club head body parts and weighted portion(s) may be arranged such that the club head has a moment of inertia about a vertical axis passing through the club head center of gravity of at least 5000 g-cm2. Such club heads may include: (a) a cup face member including a ball striking face portion and a return portion; (b) sole and crown portions engaged with the return portion; (c) a rear body member engaged with the crown and/or sole portions; (d) a weight member at the club head rear; and/or (e) a hosel member engaged with the cup face member, the crown portion, and/or the sole portion. Methods of making such club heads also are described.

Abstract: A customizable golf club head is disclosed herein. The customizable golf club head includes a body comprising a crown and a sole and a removable skid plate attached to the sole, wherein the removable skid plate affects the face angle of the golf club head at address. The face angle of the golf club can be further altered by removing the first skid plate and replacing it with a second skid plate having a structure that, when the second skid plate is affixed to the golf club head, causes the golf club head to have a different face angle at address.

Abstract: Systems and methods for evaluating a golf ball design are disclosed. In one implementation, a method for evaluating a golf ball design may comprise designing a proposed golf ball having a size and dimple design; determining a specific gravity of the proposed golf ball; selecting a material for a test golf ball that will mimic the specific gravity of the proposed golf ball when the material is formed into a test golf ball having substantially the same size, shape, and dimple pattern as the proposed golf ball, but having a predetermined construction differing from the proposed golf ball; forming the selected material into the size and dimple design of the proposed golf ball to form the test golf ball; and testing the test golf ball to evaluate the golf ball design.

Abstract: Systems and methods for evaluating a golf ball design are disclosed. In one implementation, a method for evaluating a golf ball design may comprise designing a proposed golf ball having a size and dimple design; determining a specific gravity of the proposed golf ball; selecting a material for a test golf ball that will mimic the specific gravity of the proposed golf ball when the material is formed into a test golf ball having substantially the same size, shape, and dimple pattern as the proposed golf ball, but having a predetermined construction differing from the proposed golf ball; forming the selected material into the size and dimple design of the proposed golf ball to form the test golf ball; and testing the test golf ball to evaluate the golf ball design.

Abstract: A valuation method of the present invention quantitatively estimates hit feeling of a sport hitting tool. The evaluation method includes: a first step of using a measuring means M1 capable of measuring forces F acting between a swing subject and the sport hitting tool or specific directional components F1 thereof to obtain values of the forces F or the components F1 at times after impact; and a second step of deciding the hit feeling based on the value of the force F or the component F1 at at least one of the times. Preferably, the values of the forces F or the components F1 in a specified period Z12 between a time T1 and a time T2 after the impact are obtained in time series in the first step. Preferably, the hit feeling is evaluated based on an integrated value Sf of the forces F or the components F1 in the specified period Z12 in the second step.

Abstract: A method and system of subjective evaluation of golf ball performance for golf ball fitting analysis to match a golf ball to a golfer's subjective preferences is described. A golfer subjectively evaluates the performance of one or more golf balls against different subjective criteria. Analysis of the subjective evaluation is used to determine a golf ball that maximizes or most closely conforms to the golfer's subjective preferences. A kit of parts is provided to allow a golfer to subjectively evaluate multiple golf balls to each other to determine a golfer's preference or to recommend another golf ball. The kit includes different types of golf balls and a fitting tool that is used by the golfer to evaluate his or her subjective preferences. The fitting tool can be calibrated to the specific subjective perceptions of a golfer. The fitting tool can also be customized to a specific course.

Abstract: A fitting method of a shaft of a golf club for selecting a shaft matching a golfer based on a swing of the golfer. The method includes the steps of obtaining measurement values from a sensor attached to a grip of a golf club; determining address, top, and impact of a swing from the measurement values; and selecting a shaft that matches a golfer through a usage of the swing characteristic amounts and values.

Abstract: A method relating to an improved fitting system for a golf club shaft is disclosed herein. More specifically, the present invention utilizes specific data gathered from the golfer's golf swing itself to determine the best performing golf club shaft for this particular golf swing. Even more specifically, the present invention relates to the utilization of infrared motion capturing cameras to record the location data of a golf club shaft throughout a swing. Based on the location data captured, one or more dynamic behavioral characteristics can be calculated to determine one or more preferred shaft characteristics. Using the preferred shaft characteristics, a shaft can be recommended for the golfer having this particular golf swing. The current inventive fitting methodology is preferred to the archaic fitting method of using data gathered from the result orientated ball flight data together with a tedious process of having to try numerous different shafts.

Abstract: Methods for selecting golf balls based on environmental factors are provided. Such methods involve indicating a golfing environment and establishing one or more corresponding environmental factors. Such methods may include ascertaining one or more trajectory components that are dependent upon the environmental factors. One or more aspects of golf ball construction may pertinent to the environmental factors, or to the trajectory components, may then be determined. Upon identifying a plurality of golf balls and a selection criteria related to the golf ball construction aspects, a golf ball may be selected.

Abstract: The Golf Swing Caddie is a synthetic artificial turf that is very durable golf training equipment. It is completely portable device that can be used indoors and outdoors to enable golfer's ball striking abilities to help golfers be able to strike the golf ball with confidence. The Golf Swing Caddie is an artificial golf turf with a rubber ball attached by bungee cord for golf training equipment. This gives the golfer the ability to hit the ball and see the line with the artificial turf and delivery accurate ball strikes and see the line the ball goes down and coming back along the same line.

Abstract: Disclosed in certain embodiments is a golf training aid comprising a spheroid segment comprising a dimpled outer circumferential surface, a first substantially flat base surface, and a second substantially flat base surface, wherein the first substantially flat base surface and the second substantially flat base surface are substantially parallel to each other and are substantially equal in size.

Abstract: A ball striking device, such as a golf club head, includes a head that includes a face having an outer surface located at a front of the head, a body connected to the face and extending rearward from the face, and a face mask connected to the outer surface of the face, the face mask having a first surface configured for forming at least a portion of a ball striking surface of the head configured for striking a ball, a second surface opposite the first surface and confronting the outer surface of the face, and a plurality of elongated slots extending completely through the face mask, from the first surface to the second surface. The slots combine with the outer surface of the face to form a plurality of face grooves on the ball striking surface.