PUTTING TRAINER AND EYE ALIGNMENT SYSTEM, APPARATUS, AND METHOD

Abstract

An apparatus and method for training a golfer to decelerate a putter club head through the point of impact with the golf ball. The apparatus controls the position from which the putter club begins its forward motion and controls the final follow-through position. The apparatus comprises elements in form of crossmembers that prevent movement of the putter club head beyond the rearward position in a rearward direction, and prevent movement of the putter club head beyond the final follow-through position in a forward direction. By controlling the distance the putter club head travels from the rearward position to impact the golf ball, and controlling the distance the putter club head travels to the final follow-through position after impacting the golf ball such that the first distance is greater than the second distance, the putter club head is caused to be decelerating when it strikes the golf ball.

Claims

1. A method for training a golfer to putt a golf ball, comprising the steps of: determining, for a desired length of ball rollout, a golf club putter head rear position located a first distance from a golf ball to be putted; determining a putter club head final follow-through position, where the golf club putter head final follow-through position is located a second distance from the point of impact of the golf club putter head on the golf ball to be putted, the second distance defined as distance the golf club putter head travels after impact of the golf club putter head on the golf ball to be putted; wherein the first distance and the second distance are determined so as to cause the golf club putter head to be decelerating at the time of putter head impact on the golf ball to be putted; and motivating the golf club putter head from the rear position to the final follow-through position in a continuous motion, impacting the golf ball to be putted.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first distance is greater than the second distance.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of: for a particular golfer, determining an optimum ratio of first distance to second distance, by: preforming, by the particular golfer, a plurality of putts, wherein, for each putt of the plurality of putts, for a desired rollout distance, determining an optimum first distance that is most likely to achieve the particular desired rollout, and determining an optimum second distance that is most likely to minimize ball skip after impact of the golf club putter head on the golf ball; repeating the step of performing, by the particular golfer, a plurality of putts for a plurality of different desired rollout distances; determining a first distance to second distance ratio for each putt of the plurality of putts; and averaging the first distance to second distance ratios to arrive at an average ratio of first distance to second distance for the particular golfer.

4. The method of claim 3, further comprising the step of determining, for the particular golfer, a relationship of the first distance to a desired distance of ball rollout, wherein the relationship is determined at least in part by the particular golfer's physiologic biomechanics.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the step of determining the relationship of the first distance to a desired distance of ball rollout is achieved by measuring, over a plurality of putting attempts by the particular golfer, the ratio of the ball rollout to the first distance, and averaging the measured ratios, to arrive at an average ball rollout to first distance ratio.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of: providing a putting training apparatus, wherein said putting training apparatus is defined as comprising: a pair of elongate rails, said pair of elongate rails comprising a first rail and a second rail placed apart by a first crossmember and a second crossmember; wherein said first crossmember is slidably engaged with said first rail and said second rail, and said second crossmember is movably engaged with said first rail and said second rail, such that each of said first crossmember and said second crossmember are able to be moved along the length of said first rail and said second rail such that said first crossmember and said second crossmember are able to located at a desired location along said first rail and said second rail; wherein, when said golf ball is placed between said first rail and second rail, said golf club putter head is able to be motivated from said rear position towards said golf ball so as to impact said golf ball, said first crossmember physically preventing movement of the golf club putter head beyond said rear position; and wherein said golf club putter head is able to traverse said second distance to said golf club putter head final follow-through position, said second distance defined as a distance the golf club putter head travels after impact of the golf club putter head on the golf ball, said second crossmember physically preventing movement of the putter club head beyond said final follow-through position.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein said second crossmember is shaped so as to allow said golf ball to pass unimpeded under, through or around said second crossmember after said golf ball has been impacted by said golf club putter head.

8. The method of claim 6, wherein said first distance is greater than said second distance.

9. The method of claim 6, wherein said first distance and said second distance are adjustable such that, when said golf club putter head is motivated from said rear position to said golf club putter head final follow-through position in a continuous motion, the golf club putter head is decelerating as it impacts the golf ball.

10. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of: a. for a particular golfer, determining an optimum time of golf club putter head travel from the rear position to impact position where the golf club putter head impacts golf ball such that ball skip is minimized; and b. training the golfer, by repetitive practice putts, to motivate golf club putter head in the forward direction such that, irrespective of the length of the first distance for a particular desired length of ball roll-out, the time of golf club putter head travel from the rear position to impact position where the golf club putter head impacts golf ball (the metronome time) is the same for all desired lengths of the first distance.

11. A method of putting a golf ball in a controlled manner, comprising the steps of: determining a putter club head rear position located a first distance from a golf ball to be putted; determining a putter club head final follow-through position, where the club head final follow-through position is located a second distance from the point of impact of the putter club head on the golf ball to be putted, the second distance defined as distance the golf putter head travels after impact of the putter club head on the golf ball to be putted; wherein the first distance and the second distance are determined so as to cause the golf putter club head to be decelerating at the time of putter head impact on the golf ball to be putted; and motivating the putter club head from the rear position to the final follow-through position in a continuous motion, impacting the golf ball to be putted.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein said first distance is determined by a desired ball rollout distance.

13. The method of claim 11, further comprising the steps of: a. for a particular golfer, determining an optimum time of putter club head travel from the rear position to impact position where the putter club head impacts golf ball such that ball skip is minimized; and b. training the golfer, by repetitive practice putts, to motivate putter club head in the forward direction such that, irrespective of the length of the first distance for a particular desired length of ball roll-out, the time of putter club head travel from the rear position to impact position where the putter club head impacts golf ball (the metronome time) is the same for all desired lengths of the first distance.

14. The method of claim 11, further comprising the steps of: determining a desired golf ball rollout distance; determining if the desired rollout distance is between 0-20 feet, 20-40 feet, or 40-60 feet; wherein upon determination that the desired rollout distance is between 0-20 feet, defining the first distance as equaling 1 inch per every foot of desired rollout; wherein upon determination that the desired rollout distance is between 20-40 feet, defining the first distance as equaling inch per every foot of desired rollout for the first 20 feet, plus one-half inch per every foot of desired rollout between 20-40 feet; and wherein upon determination that the desired rollout distance is between 40-60 feet, defining the first distance as equaling inch per every foot of desired rollout for the first 20 feet, plus one-half inch per every foot of desired rollout between 20-40 feet; plus one-quarter inch per every foot of desired rollout between 40-60 feet.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein said first distance is determined through practice to achieve a specific practice golf ball rollout on a level surface having a baseline stimp when the putter club head is motivated towards the practice golf ball and striking the practice golf ball, further comprising the steps of: wherein the value of said first distance is determined through practice to achieve a specific practice golf ball rollout on a level surface having a baseline stimp when the putter club head is motivated towards the practice golf ball and striking the practice golf ball, wherein the putter club head travel after striking the practice golf ball is limited to a second distance that is less than said first distance; determining a desired rollout distance of a play golf ball on a play putting green; modifying said first distance to account for the play putting green's stimp, or speed, in the case in which the play putting green's stimp differs from said baseline stimp; or modifying said first distance to account for the play putting green's slope along the direction of golf ball rollout, in the case in which the play putting green's slope along the direction of golf ball rollout is uphill or downhill; or modifying said first distance to account for the play putting green's stimp, or speed, in the case in which the play putting green's stimp differs from said baseline stimp and further modifying said first distance to account for the play putting green's slope along the direction of golf ball rollout, in the case in which the play putting green's slope along the direction of golf ball rollout is uphill or downhill.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the step of modifying the first distance is further defined as increasing the first distance if the play putting green's stimp is less than the baseline stimp, and decreasing the first distance if the play putting green's stimp is greater than a golfer's baseline stimp.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the step of modifying the first distance is further defined as: wherein when the play putting green surface along the direction of golf ball rollout is uphill, adding 2 feet to the golfer's baseline (practice) ball rollout for every 1 percent of uphill slope for each 10 feet of desired rollout to determine an equivalent rollout distance to arrive at the required first distance for the putt on the play green; or wherein when the play putting green surface along the direction of golf ball rollout is downhill, subtract one (2) feet per 1% grade per 10 feet of desired rollout to determine an equivalent rollout distance to arrive at the required first distance for the putt on the play green.

18. A golf putting training apparatus, comprising: a pair of elongate rails, said pair of elongate rails comprising a first rail and a second rail spaced apart by a first crossmember and a second crossmember; wherein said first crossmember is movably engaged with said first rail and said second rail, and said second crossmember is movably engaged with said first rail and said second rail, such that each of said first crossmember and said second crossmember are able to be located along the length of said first rail and said second rail at any desired position; wherein, when a golf ball is placed between said first rail and second rail, a golf club putter head is able to be motivated from a rear position located a first distance from said golf ball towards said golf ball so as to impact said golf ball, said first crossmember physically preventing movement of the golf club putter head beyond said rear position; and wherein said golf club putter head is able to travers a second distance to a golf club putter head final follow-through position, said second distance defined as a distance the golf club putter head travels after impact of the putter club head on the golf ball, said second crossmember physically preventing movement of the golf club putter head beyond said final follow-through position.

19. The golf putting training apparatus of claim 18, wherein said second crossmember is shaped so as to allow said golf ball to pass unimpeded under, through or around said second crossmember after said golf ball has been impacted by said golf club putter head.

20. The golf putting training apparatus of claim 18, wherein said first distance is adjustable by sliding said first crossmember along said first rail and said second rail.

21. The golf putting training apparatus of claim 18, wherein said second distance is adjustable by sliding said first crossmember along said first rail and said second rail.

22. The golf putting training apparatus of claim 18, wherein said first distance is greater than said second distance.

23. The golf putting training apparatus of claim 18, wherein said first distance and said second distance are adjustable such that, when said golf club putter head is motivated from said rear position to said golf club putter head final follow-through position in a continuous motion, the golf club putter head is in a decelerating state as it impacts the golf ball.

24. The golf putting training apparatus of claim 18, wherein a length of said first distance is determined by a desired length of golf ball rollout, where golf ball rollout is defined as the distance the golf ball rolls after it has been impacted by a golf club putter head that has been motivated along said first distance.

25. The golf putting training apparatus of claim 18, further comprising a vertical alignment feature, said vertical alignment feature, comprising: a vertical component for attaching the eye alignment tool to the golf training apparatus; a horizontal component extending distally away from the vertical component; wherein said horizontal component has an opening at the distal end of the vertical component for allowing a golf ball to be seen through the opening, from above; wherein said vertical component provides the necessary distance of the horizontal component so as to allow a putter head to swing unimpeded under the horizontal component; wherein, the opening is positioned above the golf ball such that, when the golf ball, the opening and an eye of a user's eye are aligned, they are vertically aligned.

26. The golf putting training apparatus of claim 25, wherein said opening is circular in shape and has a diameter larger than the diameter of the golf ball.

27. The golf putting training apparatus of claim 18, further comprising a mat, said mat having an upper surface upon which the first and second rails are disposed, and said matt upper surface being marked with indicia to indicate said first distance and said second distance.

28. An eye alignment apparatus, comprising: a supporting structure; a vertical component for attaching the eye alignment tool to the supporting structure; a horizontal component extending distally away from the vertical component; wherein said horizontal component has an opening at the distal end of the vertical component for allowing a golf ball to be seen through the opening, from above; wherein said vertical component provides the necessary distance of the horizontal component so as to allow a putter head to swing unimpeded under the horizontal component; wherein, the opening is positioned above the golf ball such that, when the golf ball, the opening and an eye of a user's eye are aligned, they are vertically arranged.

29. The eye alignment apparatus of claim 28, wherein said supporting structure is a base or stand.

30. The eye alignment apparatus of claim 28, wherein said supporting structure is an elongate rail of a putting training apparatus.

31. The eye alignment apparatus of claim 28, wherein said opening is circular in shape and has a diameter larger than the diameter of the golf ball.

32. A method for putting a golf ball a desired rollout distance, the method comprising: a) determining a putter club head rear position located a first distance from a practice golf ball, wherein the value of said first distance is determined through practice to achieve a specific practice golf ball rollout on a level surface having a baseline stimp when the putter club head is motivated towards the practice golf ball and striking the practice golf ball, wherein the putter club head travel after striking the practice golf ball is limited to a second distance that is less than said first distance; b) determining a desired rollout distance of a play golf ball on a play putting green; c) modifying said first distance to account for the play putting green's stimp, or speed, in the case in which the play putting green's stimp differs from said baseline stimp; or d) modifying said first distance to account for the play putting green's slope along the direction of golf ball rollout, in the case in which the play putting green's slope along the direction of golf ball rollout is uphill or downhill; or e) modifying said first distance to account for the play putting green's stimp, or speed, in the case in which the play putting green's stimp differs from said baseline stimp, and further modifying said first distance to account for the play putting green's slope along the direction of golf ball rollout, in the case in which the play putting green's slope along the direction of golf ball rollout is uphill or downhill.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein the step of modifying the first distance is further defined as increasing the first distance if the play putting green's stimp is less than the baseline stimp, and decreasing the first distance if the play putting green's stimp is greater than a golfer's baseline stimp.

34. The method of claim 32, wherein the step of modifying the first distance is further defined as: wherein when the play putting green surface along the direction of golf ball rollout is uphill, adding 2 feet to the golfer's baseline (practice) ball rollout for every 1 percent of uphill slope for each 10 feet of desired rollout to determine an equivalent rollout distance to arrive at the required first distance for the putt on the play green; and wherein when the play putting green surface along the direction of golf ball rollout is downhill, subtract one (2) feet per 1% grade per 10 feet of desired rollout to determine an equivalent rollout distance to arrive at the required first distance for the putt on the play putting green.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and form a part of the specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. The drawings are only for the purpose of illustrating exemplary embodiments of the invention and are not to be construed as limiting the invention. In the drawings:

[0029] FIG. 1 depicts a side view of an embodiment of the sequence of putter club head positions utilized in the putting training apparatus and method of the invention, depicting the putter club head being motivated from an initial position, through golf ball impact, and finally through the follow-through portion of the putter club head after golf ball impact.

[0030] FIG. 2 depicts a top view of an embodiment of the putting training apparatus of the invention.

[0031] FIG. 3 depicts a cross-section view of an embodiment of the putting training apparatus of the invention.

[0032] FIG. 4 depicts a similar embodiment shown in FIG. 2 with the addition of an eye alignment apparatus.

[0033] FIG. 5 depicts a cross-section view of an embodiment of the putting training apparatus taken down 5 in FIG. 4.

[0034] FIG. 6 depicts a top view of an embodiment of the eye alignment apparatus of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] The following documentation provides a detailed description of the invention.

[0036] Although a detailed description as provided in this application contains many specifics for the purposes of illustration, anyone of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that many variations and alterations to the following details are within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following preferred embodiments of the invention are set forth without any loss of generality to, and without imposing limitations upon, the claimed invention. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by this description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims and their legal equivalents, and not merely by the preferred examples or embodiments given.

[0037] The stimp or stimp rating of a putting green is a numerical value that represents how fast a golf ball rolls on the surface of a putting green. Golfers call this rating the green speed, or stimp. Green speed is often measured with a stimpmeter. The stimpmeter is a device used to measure the speed of a golf course putting green by applying a known velocity to a golf ball, and then and measuring the distance traveled in feet. The stimpmeter may determine that the ball roll resulting by the application of the known velocity is 10 feet; in such a case, the stimp for that green may be determined to be 10. Other systems may be used to determine and communicate green speed; all such methods are included here under the definition of stimp.

[0038] The term backstroke may be used herein to refer to distance B (see FIGS. 1 and 2); however, the use of a backstroke is optional. The method of the invention does not necessarily require a backstroke of the golf putter club head to bring the putter club head to position 100 (see FIGS. 1 and 2).

[0039] Referring now to FIG. 1, a side view of an embodiment of the sequence of putter club head positions utilized in the putting training system, apparatus and method of the invention, depicting the putter club head being motivated from an initial position in a continuous motion, through golf ball impact, and finally through the follow-through portion of the putter club head after golf ball impact. The putting training method may comprise the steps of [0040] 1) determining, for a desired length of ball rollout, a putter club head rear position 100 located a first distance B from a golf ball 002 to be putted; [0041] 2) determining a putter club head final follow-through position 102, where the putter club head final follow-through position 102 is defined as a second distance C from the center point of the golf ball to be putted 002; [0042] 3) wherein the first distance B and the second distance C are determined so as to cause the golf putter club head 001a to be decelerating at the time of putter head impact D on the golf ball to be putted 002; and [0043] 4) motivating the putter club head 001a from the rear position 100 to the final follow-through position 102 in a continuous motion, impacting (i.e. striking) the golf ball to be putted 002 at impact point 101, the impact of the putter club on golf ball 002 sending golf ball 002 rolling in the direction E with minimum ball skip.

[0044] Determination of the putter club head rear position 100 is a critical aspect for achieving the desired result of making a putt. The factors affecting how far a ball will roll after being struck is a function, in part, of a green's speed (also known as the stimp speed or rating) and the green's gradient (i.e. is the putt uphill or downhill). The stimp, stimp speed, or stimp rating of a green is a numerical value that represents how fast a golf ball rolls on the putting surface. The stimp rating of green is given in the form of a number, which can be a single digit or reach into the lower teens. The key concept being that the lower the stimp, the slower the greens and the higher the stimp, the faster the greens.

[0045] Referring now to FIG. 2, an embodiment of a golf putting training apparatus of the invention is depicted. The invention may comprise a pair of elongate rails 003a and 003b, the pair of elongate rails comprising a first rail 003a and a second rail 003b spaced apart by a distance M by a first crossmember 004a and a second crossmember 004b. The first crossmember 004a may be movably engaged with the first rail 003a and the second rail 003b, and the second crossmember 004b may be movably engaged with the first rail 003a and the second rail 003b, such that each of the first crossmember 004a and the second crossmember 004b are able to be moved along the length of the first rail 003a and the second rail 003b, and secured into place at a desired location along the length of the first rail 003a and the second rail 003b.

[0046] Still referring to FIG. 2, in embodiments, a golf ball 002 may be placed between the first rail 003a and second rail 003b. A putter club head 001a is able to be motivated from a rear position 100 located a first distance B from golf ball 002 forward towards golf ball 002 so as to impact, or strike, golf ball 002 at point D (putter club head position 101). First crossmember 004a may be disposed and shaped so as to physically prevent movement of the putter club head 001a beyond said rear position 100 in a rearward direction. After striking the golf ball 002 at point D, putter club head 001a is able to traverse a second distance C to a putter club head final follow-through position 102 (the putter club head follow-through distance). The second distance C (the follow-through distance) may be defined as a distance the golf club putter head is able to travel in a forward direction after impact of the putter club head 001a on the golf ball 002. The forward travel of the putter club head 001a after impacting (i.e. striking) golf ball 002 at point D is constrained by the location of second crossmember 004b along the length of rails 003a and 003b. In other words, after striking golf ball 002, putter club head 001a is physically prevented from further movement of the putter club head 001a in a forward direction beyond final follow-through position 102 by physical interference with second crossmember 004b, when putter head 001a, or putter club shaft 001b, physically impacts crossmember 004b at point 102, physically preventing further movement of putter club head 001a in a forward direction beyond point 102. Thus, the distance C, i.e. the putter club head follow-through distance, is controllable by locating with second crossmember 004b at a desired location along first rail 003a and a second rail 003b.

[0047] Still referring to FIG. 2, in embodiments, the first distance B may be adjustable by moving first crossmember 004a along the length of first rail 003a and second rail 003b on a movable engagement between first crossmember 004a and first rail 003a and second rail 003b at points 005c and 005d, respectively. For example, in an embodiment, first crossmember 004a may be slidably engaged with first rail 003a and second rail 003b at points 005c and 005d, respectively. The sliding engagement may be any type of engagement that allows first crossmember 004a to slide in the directions G along first rail 003a and second rail 003b such that distance B may be set to any distance desired by the user using the method of the invention. The sliding engagement may comprise, for example, low-friction bearing material such as Teflon between sliding surfaces, in order to facilitate movement of first crossmember 004a along first rail 003a and second rail 003b. Such sliding engagement may be implemented in the form of shaped surfaces in first crossmember 004a that are received in a slidable, or sliding, engagement by complementary surfaces in first rail 003a and second rail 003b at points 005c and 005d, respectively. The invention may comprise any form of slidable engagement as forming the movable engagement between first crossmember 004a and first rail 003a and second rail 003b at points 005c and 005d, respectively. In other embodiments, the movement of first crossmember 004a along the length of first rail 003a and second rail 003b may be in discrete fashion in which a series of openings (e.g. holes) 006 are located along the length of first rail 003a and second rail 003b, wherein the openings 006 are adapted to receive pins or other similar structures such as item 007 depicted in FIG. 3. The pins 007 may be pressed into first crossmember 004a. The invention may comprise any form of discretely movable engagement as forming the movable engagement between first crossmember 004a and first rail 003a and second rail 003b at points 005c and 005d, respectively. Thus, in such embodiments, distance B may be adjusted to any distance desired by the user to carry out the method of the invention, in discrete fashion, by lifting up on crossmember 004a to remove the pins from openings 007 in first rail 003a and second rail 003b, moving first crossmember 004a to a desired location along first rail 003a and second rail 003b, and pressing down on first crossmember 004a to engage pins 007 into new opening locations in first rail 003a and second rail 003b.

[0048] Still referring to FIG. 2, in embodiments, the second distance C may be adjustable by moving second crossmember 004b along the length of first rail 003a and second rail 003b on a movable engagement between second crossmember 004b and first rail 003a and second rail 003b at points 005a and 005b, respectively. For example, second crossmember 004b may be slidably engaged with first rail 003a and second rail 003b at points 005a and 005b, respectively. The sliding engagement may be any type of engagement that allows second crossmember 004b to slide in the directions F along first rail 003a and second rail 003b such that distance C may be set to any distance desired by the user using the method of the invention. The sliding engagement may comprise, for example, low-friction bearing material such as Teflon or other low-friction material(s) between sliding surfaces, in order to facilitate movement of second crossmember 004b along first rail 003a and second rail 003b. Such sliding engagement may be implemented in the form of shaped surfaces in second crossmember 004b that are received in a slidable, or sliding, engagement by complementary surfaces in first rail 003a and second rail 003b at points 005a and 005b, respectively. The invention may comprise any form of slidable engagement as forming the movable engagement between second crossmember 004b and first rail 003a and second rail 003b at points 005a and 005b, respectively. In other embodiments, the movement of second crossmember 004b along the length of first rail 003a and second rail 003b may be in discrete fashion in which a series of openings (e.g. holes) 006 are located along the length of first rail 003a and second rail 003b, wherein the openings 006 are adapted to receive pins or other similar structures such as item 007 depicted in FIG. 3. The pins 007 may be pressed into second crossmember 004b. The invention may comprise any form of discretely movable engagement as forming the movable engagement between second crossmember 004b and first rail 003a and second rail 003b at points 005a and 005b, respectively. Thus, in such embodiments, distance C may be adjusted to any distance desired by the user to carry out the method of the invention, in discrete fashion, by lifting up on second crossmember 004b to remove the pins 007 from openings 006 in first rail 003a and second rail 003b, moving second crossmember 004b to a desired location along first rail 003a and second rail 003b, and pressing down on second crossmember 004b to engage pins 007 into new opening locations 006 in first rail 003a and second rail 003b.

[0049] Thus, in embodiments, distances B and C may be independently adjustable by the user to achieve an optimum ratio of distance B to distance C to adapt to a particular golfer's optimum ratio of first distance B to second distance C. In embodiments, the optimum ratio of first distance B to second distance C for a particular golfer may be determined empirically over a plurality of training putts.

[0050] Referring now to FIG. 3, in embodiments, the second crossmember 004b may be shaped so as to allow golf ball 002 to pass unimpeded under, through or around the second crossmember 004b after golf ball 002 has been impacted (i.e. struck) by golf club putter head 001a at point D.

[0051] In embodiments of the system and method of the invention, first distance B is greater than second distance C. In embodiments, it is an object of the invention to select the ratio of distance B to distance C such that the putter club head 001a is decelerating when it strikes golf ball 002 at point 101. The inventor has determined that deceleration of putter club head 001a at the point of impact by putter club head 001a on golf ball 002 at point 101 is desired to reduce ball skip, and therefore to provide a more accurate, predictable and repeatable golf ball rollout after impact of the putter club head.

[0052] In embodiments of the system and method of the invention, when a golf club putter head 001a is motivated from said rear position 100 to said putter club head final follow-through position 102 in a continuous motion, the golf club putter head 001a is decelerating as it impacts the golf ball 002 at impact (or ball strike) position 101, point D.

[0053] In embodiments, an apparatus of the invention may further comprise a mat, the mat having an upper surface upon which first rail 003a and second rail 003b are disposed, and the matt upper surface being marked with incremental indicia, which may act as a ruler, to measure the first distance B and the second distance C. In embodiments, the mat may be of a width less than M (see FIG. 2), such that it sits between first rail 003a and second rail 003b. In other embodiments, first rail 003a and second rail 003b may rest on an upper surface of the mat.

[0054] By controlling first distance B and second distance C using the location of first crossmember 004a and a second crossmember 004b, respectively, along first rail 003a and a second rail 003b, a golfer is trained to smoothly, controllably and repeatably motivate the putter club head 001a from position 100, through position 101 where the golf ball 002 is struck by the putter club head 001a to move to rest at position 102. This smooth, controllable, and repeatable motivation of club head 001 by the golfer is a result of repeated practice use of the system, apparatus and method of the invention by the golfer as described herein, such that the golfer is able to reliably reproduce the smooth, controllable, and repeatable motivation of club head 001a when the trainer is not present. The muscle memory produced in the golfer's putting muscles through repeated use of the system, apparatus and method of the invention by the golfer, such that the golfer is able repeatably putt with reduced or eliminated ball skip and more accurate golf ball striking force, resulting in more control over golf ball direction and rollout distance, resulting in fewer strokes and lower (i.e. better) golf scores. Practice by the golfer (or, in other words, the user) may be on a level putting green with a known stimp for the purpose of determining, through repeated practice putts, expected baseline golf ball rollout distance for various values of distance B.

[0055] In embodiments, and referring to FIGS. 1-3, the invention comprises a method for training a golfer to putt a golf ball 002 so as to avoid, reduce or eliminate ball skip, and in such a way as to control the length of golf ball rollout after a putter club head 001a impacts a golf ball 002 in a putting stroke, comprising the steps of: [0056] determining, for a desired length of ball rollout, a putter club head rear position 100 located a first distance B from a golf ball to be putted 002; [0057] determining a putter club head final follow-through position 102, where the club head final follow-through position is located a second distance C defined as the distance from the center point of the golf ball to be putted 002; [0058] wherein the first distance B and the second distance C are determined so as to cause the golf putter club head 001a to be decelerating at the time of putter head impact on the golf ball to be putted 002; and [0059] motivating the putter club head 001a from the rear position 100 to the final follow-through position 102 in a continuous motion, impacting the golf ball to be putted 002 at point D.

[0060] In embodiments, the first distance B is greater than the second distance C.

[0061] In embodiments of the method of the invention, the method may comprise the steps of: [0062] for a particular golfer, determining an optimum ratio of first distance B to second distance C, such that the putter club head 001a is decelerating when it impacts the golf ball 002, by: [0063] performing, by the particular golfer, a plurality of putts, wherein, for each putt of the plurality of putts, for a desired rollout distance, determining an optimum first distance B that is most likely to achieve the particular desired rollout, and determining an optimum second distance C that causes the putter club head to be decelerating when it impacts the golf ball 002 as the putter club head 001a is continuously motivated forward from the rearward position 100, and is most likely to minimize ball skip after impact of the golf club putter head 001a on the golf ball 002 at point D; [0064] repeating the step of performing, by the particular golfer, a plurality of putts for a plurality of different desired rollout distances; [0065] determining a first distance B to second distance C ratio for each putt of the plurality of putts; and [0066] averaging the first distance B to second distance C ratios to arrive at an average ratio of first distance B to second distance C for the particular golfer.

[0067] In embodiments, the method may further comprise the step of determining, for the particular golfer, a ratio of the first distance to a desired distance of ball rollout, wherein the relationship is determined at least in part by the particular golfer's physiologic biomechanics.

[0068] In embodiments, the step of determining the relationship of the first distance to a desired distance of ball rollout is achieved by measuring, over a plurality of putting attempts by the particular golfer, the ratio of the ball rollout to the first distance, and averaging the measured ratios, to arrive at an average ball rollout to first distance ratio.

[0069] In embodiments of the method of the invention, the method may comprise the steps of determining a cadence, or metronome time, for the time of traversal of the putter club head through the first distance: [0070] for a particular golfer, determining an optimum time of putter club head 001a travel from the rear position 100 to impact position 101 where the putter club head impacts golf ball 002 such that ball skip is minimized; and [0071] training the golfer, by repetitive practice putts, to motivate putter club head 001a in the direction of arrow A (see FIG. 2) such that, irrespective of the distance B for a particular desired length of ball roll-out, the time of putter club head 001a travel from the rear position 100 to impact position 101 where the putter club head impacts golf ball 002 (the metronome time) is the same for all desired lengths of distance B (i.e., training the golfer such that the putter club head 001a travel time from the rear position 100 to impact position 101 where the putter club head impacts golf ball 002 is the same for all desired distances of ball roll-out), and causing the putter club head to be decelerating when it impacts golf ball 002.

[0072] In embodiments of a method of the invention, the golfer may train themselves to be able to repeatably reproduce the metronome time as a series of imagined beats, forming a metronome. This training may be used by the golfer as a mental metronome that is imagined by the golfer, the metronome time being the time between beats. In embodiments of the invention, the golfer may identify one or more songs that have a beat timing equal or nearly equal to the metronome time. Then, when putting, the golfer may imagine the song as an aid to time the motivation of the putter club head along the first distance, traversing the first distance in a time equal to the metronome time, to the beat of the song.

[0073] In embodiments of the method of the invention, the method may further comprise the step of providing a putting training apparatus, wherein the putting training apparatus is defined as comprising a pair of elongate rails such as 003a and 003b, the pair of elongate rails comprising a first rail 003a and a second rail 003b placed apart by a first crossmember 004a and a second crossmember 004b; wherein [0074] the first crossmember 004a is movably engaged with the first rail 003a and the second rail 003b, and the second crossmember 003b is movably engaged with the first rail 003a and the second rail 003b, such that each of the first crossmember 004a and the second crossmember 004b are movable along a length of the first rail 003a and the second rail 003b, such that they are able to be moved along the length of said first rail 003a and said second rail 003b such that said first crossmember 004a and said second crossmember 004b are able to located at a desired location along said first rail 003a and said second rail 004b; and [0075] wherein, when said golf ball 002 is placed between said first rail 003a and second rail 003b, the putter club head 001a is able to be motivated by the user, in a putting stroke, from the rear position 100 towards the golf ball 002 traversing first distance B so as to impact the golf ball 002, the first crossmember 004a physically preventing movement of the putter club head rearward beyond the rear position 100; and [0076] wherein the putter club head 001a is able to traverse the second distance C to the putter club head final follow-through position 102, the second distance C defined as a distance the golf club putter head 001a travels after impact of the putter club head 001a on the golf ball 002 in the forward direction, the second crossmember 004b physically preventing forward movement of the putter club head 001a beyond the final follow-through position 102.

[0077] In embodiments, the putting training apparatus second crossmember 004b may be shaped so as to allow the golf ball 002 to pass unimpeded under, through or around the second crossmember 004b after the golf ball 002 has been impacted by the golf club putter head 001a in the putting stroke.

[0078] In embodiments, the first distance B and the second distance C are adjustable such that, when a golf club putter head 001a is motivated by a user, in a putting stroke, from the rear position 100 to the putter club head final follow-through position 102 in a continuous motion, the golf club putter head 001a is in a decelerating state as it impacts the golf ball 002 at point D.

[0079] In embodiments, distance B, the distance of the putter club head rear position 100 from the point of impact 101 of the putter club head 001a on golf ball 002, for a particular desired golf ball rollout distance after impact and green stimp of 9, has been experimentally determined to be, for a particular, exemplary, non-limiting group of users, as follows: [0080] 1.0 inch of distance B for each foot of desired rollout for desired rollout between 0 and 20 feet; [0081] an additional 0.5 inches of distance B for each foot of desired rollout between 20 and 40 feet; and [0082] an additional 0.25 inches of distance B for each foot of desired rollout between 40 and 60 feet

[0083] Thus, in the exemplary, experimental case given above, on a level green, for a desired 10 foot rollout, a distance B of 5.0 inches would be used. For a desired rollout of 25 feet, a distance B of 22.5 inches would be used (20 inches for the first 20 feet, plus 2.5 inches for the additional 5 feet). For a desired rollout of 50 feet, a distance B of 32.5 inches would be used (20 inches for the first 20 feet, plus 10 inches for the next 20 feet, and 2.5 inches for the next 10 feet).

[0084] Adjustments to Distance B. In embodiments, adjustments to distance B in order to achieve a desired rollout in the case in which the putting green surface along the direction of rollout is not level, i.e. is slanted uphill or downhill, may be made using The Grail Code. The Grail Code may account for) whether the putt direction runs uphill or downhill (as opposed being level), and may also account for differences in green speed (stimp) over the golfer's practice baseline stimp, and is used as follows.

[0085] A golfer, being trained by the system, apparatus and/or method of the invention may have developed a repeatable putting stroke consisting of a known distance of B for different baseline practice golf ball rollout distances, for a particular speed, or stimp, of green, and for a level green. However, in actual play, a particular play putting green may be sloped uphill or downhill (i.e. may not be not level) along the direction of play ball rollout; and, further, the play putting green speed, or stimp, may be different than the golfer's training, or practice, green stimp. For the examples given below, it is assumed that the golfer's training using the system, apparatus, and method of the invention has been done on a level practice green having a baseline stimp of 9. I.e., the golfer's baseline stimp is 9. However, this is for explanatory purposes only. The golfer may practice on a practice putting green with any stimp value, and thus may have a baseline stimp of any value.

[0086] Distance B may be increased by a certain percentage in the case in which the run is uphill; and, likewise, distance B may be decreased by a certain percentage in the case in which the run is downhill, in order to account for the uphill or downhill nature of the green, and the effect it may have on the golf ball rollout distance. The percentage of reduction or increase in distance B may be determined by the slope of the play putting green along the golf ball rollout, and may also account for variation in play putting green stimp over a golfer's baseline practice stimp (the stimp for which the golfer has determined distance B for a desired rollout, through practice using the system, apparatus, and method of the invention). For a faster (higher value) stimp of the playing green, distance B is reduced; for slower (lower value) stimp of the playing green, distance B is increased.

[0087] Adjusting Distance B to account for differences in stimp between the play putting green and the golfer's baseline practice stimp as determined on the practice green. For example, and not by way of limitation, distance B may be decreased or increased by 10% for each change in stimp of 1 over or under the golfer's baseline (practice) stimp. In this exemplary case, with a baseline stimp of 9, distance B would be reduced by 10% if the stimp of the play green is 10 (faster play green); likewise, distance B would be increased by 10% if the stimp of the play putting green is 8 (slower play green). And so on.

[0088] Adjusting Distance B to account for uphill or downhill (i.e. sloping) green along the direction of golf ball rollout. For example, and not by way of limitation, distance B may be adjusted to account for an uphill or downhill slope of a play green along the direction of ball rollout by 1) for an uphill run, adding 2 feet to the golfer's baseline (practice) ball rollout for every 1 percent of uphill slope for each 10 feet of desired rollout to determine an equivalent rollout distance to arrive at the required distance B for the play putt on the play green; and 2) for a downhill run, subtracting 1 foot from the golfer's baseline (practice) ball rollout distance for a for every 1 percent of downhill slope for each 10 feet of desired rollout distance to determine an equivalent rollout distance to arrive at the required distance B for the play putt on the play green. Thus, if a golfer has determined, through practice using the invention on a level practice putting green, baseline distances B of: 9 inches for a 9 foot putt on a level (practice) green, 10 inches for a 10 foot putt on a level (practice) green and distance B of 12 inches for a 12 foot putt on a level (practice) putting green, then, in the case of a 10 foot putt on a 1% uphill slope along the direction of ball rollout on the actual play putting green, the golfer will need to adjust distance B by adding 2 feet to their baseline rollout distance to arrive at a needed distance B of 12 inches for the 10 foot putt uphill play putt. Said another way, the golfer will use a distance which, for them, on a level green, would produce a 12 foot golf ball rollout distance, in order to account for the 1% slope of the play green over 10 feet. Likewise, if the play green has a 1% downhill slope, the golfer will need to adjust distance B by subtracting 1 foot from their baseline rollout distance to arrive at a needed distance B of 9 inches for the 10 foot putt downhill play putt. In this example, a distance B of 9 inches, would, on a level green, produce 9 feet of rollout, but due to the 1% downhill slope of the play putting green, a distance B of nine inches will produce a 10 foot rollout on the play putting green. And so on. The values given here of 1) for an uphill run, adding 2 feet from the golfer's baseline (practice) ball rollout for every 1 percent of uphill slope for each 10 feet of desired rollout to determine an equivalent rollout distance; and 2) for a downhill run, subtracting 1 foot from the golfer's baseline (practice) ball rollout distance for a for every 1 percent of downhill slope for each 10 feet of desired rollout distance to determine an equivalent rollout distance are exemplary and non-limiting.

[0089] Thus, in embodiments of the Grail Code, distance B may be decreased or increased to account for uphill or downhill run of the ball along the rollout distance, and, independently, distance B may be decreased or increased to account for stimp along the rollout distance that is different from the player's baseline stimp.

[0090] In yet another exemplary use of the Grail code, the following method, comprising Steps 1, 2, and 3, may be used for determining the putter club head rear position 100 using the Grail Code (based on a green having an exemplary stimp speed of 9, for explanatory purpose only). [0091] Step 1 of The Grail Code is to determine the distance a user desires the ball to travel after being struck by the putter club head (rollout). On a level and flat green, that distance is simply the distance from the ball's resting position to the cup (or hole). However, sometimes a green may have gradients that require the ball to traverse uphill or downhill on the way to the hole after being struck by the putter club head at position 101. The golf ball 002 traversing the green uphill or downhill during rollout affects the total distance a ball will rollout, so the gradient(s) must be taken into account in order to achieve accurate distance of a putt. Step 1, described below, of The Grail Code is used to determine the desired distance a user wishes the ball to travel (rollout) after being struck by a putter club head.

[0092] Determining the desired rollout distance of the ball is performed at Step 1: [0093] Determine distance between ball's initial resting position 101 and the cup (or hole). [0094] If the putt is level in the desired direction of rollout (i.e., is not uphill, and is not downhill, in the desired direction of rollout.fwdarw.the desired ball rollout is simply the distance between the ball's resting position and the cup (or hole). [0095] If the putt direction is downhill.fwdarw.subtract two (2) feet per percent grade per 10 feet on downhill putts. [0096] For example, a distance of 10 feet between the ball and the cup (or hole) with a 1 percent downhill gradient would require a desired ball rollout of 8 feet. [0097] If the putt is uphill.fwdarw.add one (1) foot per percent grade per 10 feet on uphill putts. [0098] For example, a distance of 10 feet between the ball and the hole with a 1 percent uphill gradient would require a desired ball rollout of 11 feet.

[0099] Determining the length (in inches) of the distance B backstroke to achieve the desired rollout distance is performed at step 2: [0100] Desired roll out between 0-20 feet.fwdarw.Take the club head 1 inch back per every foot of desired rollout. [0101] For example, 5 foot putt requires 5 inch of distance B backstroke; 10 foot putt requires 10 inches of backstroke; 15 foot putt requires 15 inches of backstroke. [0102] Desired roll out between 20-40 feet.fwdarw.Add inch distance B backstroke for every foot of desired rollout over 20 feet. [0103] For example, 26 foot putt requires 23 inches of distance B backstroke; 30 foot putt requires 25 inches of backstroke; 40 foot putt requires 30 inches of backstroke. [0104] Desired roll out between 40-60 feet.fwdarw.Add inch distance B backstroke for every foot of desired rollout over 40 feet. [0105] For example, 44 foot putt requires 31 inches of distance B backstroke; 52 foot putt requires 33 inches of distance B backstroke; 60 foot putt requires 35 inches of backstroke.

[0106] The examples given in Steps 1 and 2 of The Grail Code, described above, are exemplary only, and are based on a green stimp speed, for example, of 9. If the green stimp speed is different than 9, then The Grail Code can be modified to account for the speed of the green by applying Step 3, as follows: [0107] First, calculate the total inches of distance B backstroke needed according to Step 2; [0108] If stimp reading is less than 9.fwdarw.add 10% to the total inches of distance B backstroke for every number lower than 9 on the stimp reading; [0109] If stimp reading is greater than 9.fwdarw.subtract 10% to the total inches of distance B backstroke for every number over 9 on the stimp reading.

[0110] For example, a 30 foot putt on a level and flat green with a stimp reading of 9 would require 25 inches of distance B backstroke. If the stimp reading was 7, then that same 30 foot putt would require adding 20% to the 25 inches of distance B backstrokemaking the new distance B backstroke 30 inches.

[0111] Alternatively, if the stimp reading was 11, then that same 30 foot putt would require subtracting 20% to the 25 inches of backstrokemaking the new distance B backstroke 20 inches.

[0112] Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, an embodiment of the putting training apparatus is shown with an optional eye alignment tool 400. In embodiments, the eye alignment tool comprises a vertical component 502 attachable to a supporting structure. For example, and not meant to be limiting, a vertical component 502 may be attachable to a structure such as a base or stand for holding the eye alignment tool upright, in the position shown in the figures.

[0113] In an exemplary embodiment, the eye alignment tool 400 is attachable (via a vertical component 502) to a structure, which may be either the first elongate rail 003a or second elongate rail 003b. The eye alignment tool 400 position is adjustable by moving the eye alignment tool 400 along the length of either first rail 003a or second rail 003b on a movable engagement between the eye alignment tool 400 and either first rail 003a or second rail 003b. For example, in an embodiment, eye alignment tool 400 may be slidably engaged with first rail 003a or second rail 003b at point 401. The sliding engagement may be any type of engagement that allows tool 400 to slide in the longitudinally (e.g. directions G & F) directions along either first rail 003a or second rail 003b such that the tool sits above the ground or a mat by some distance K. Point 401 may be set to anywhere on either first rail 003a or second rail 003b. The sliding engagement may comprise, for example, low-friction bearing material such as Teflon between sliding surfaces, in order to facilitate movement of the eye alignment tool 400 along either first rail 003a or second rail 003b. Such sliding engagement may be implemented in the form of shaped surfaces of the eye alignment tool 400 that are received in a slidable, or sliding, engagement by complementary surfaces in first rail 003a and second rail 003b. The invention may comprise any form of slidable engagement as forming the movable engagement between the eye alignment tool 400 and first rail 003a or second rail 003b. In other embodiments, the movement of the eye alignment tool 400 along the length of either first rail 003a or second rail 003b may be in discrete fashion in which a series of openings (e.g. holes) 006 are located along the length of first rail 003a and second rail 003b, wherein the openings 006 are adapted to receive pins or other similarly shaped structures forming part of the tool 400.

[0114] For example, shown in FIG. 5 is a cross section of an embodiment of the eye alignment tool 400, having a circular opening 500 of diameter d, a horizontal component 501, and a vertical component 502. The horizontal component 501 has a critical distance K from the surface or mat the golf ball is resting on. Distance K, although it may vary in the several embodiments, is critical for ensuring proper operation and use of the invention. The variance of distance K among the several embodiments may be due to the variety of different sized and shaped putter heads available on the market. The important thing to note is that distance K must have a distance at least greater than the maximum height of the putter head being used with the system. That is to say, the distance must be great enough to allow a putter head to swing under the horizontal component 501 unimpeded, in the course of striking the golf ball during a putting stroke.

[0115] As discussed above, the vertical component 502 may comprise any form of slidable engagement as forming the movable engagement between the eye alignment tool 400 and first rail 003a or second rail 003b. In other embodiments, the vertical component 502 may be appropriately sized and shaped so as to be able to securely recess in any one of the plurality of holes 006 along first rail 003a and second rail 003b. Still in further embodiments, the eye alignment tool 400 may be connectable to first rail 003a or second rail 003b through the use of pins 007, as discussed above.

[0116] Referring now to FIG. 6, a top view of an embodiment of the eye alignment tool 400. As discussed above, in embodiments the tool 400 is connected to a rail (003a or 003b) at a location along the rail so that the opening 500 of the horizontal component 501 is positioned above the golf ball. Although a circular opening is shown 500, that is not meant to be limiting. In other embodiments, the opening 500 may be in the shape of a cross, star, hexagon, etc. Notwithstanding the shape of opening 500, the purpose is to provide immediate visual feedback to a golfer about whether their head vertically aligned over the ball, and is steady or moving during a putting stroke. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the opening has a diameter d larger, and in embodiments, just slightly larger, than the diameter of a golf ball 002 so as to provide visual feedback that the golfer's eyes, center of opening 500, and the golf ball are all aligned vertically, resulting in a small ring 600 to appear between the outer circumference of the golf ball and the inner circumference of the opening 500. In use, a golfer would stand in position to make a putting stroke while looking vertically down at the tool 400 (and golf ball thereunder) while making minor adjustments between either one or both of their stance/position and the golf ball until the ring 600 appears. The opening 500 is positioned above the golf ball 002 such that, when the golf ball 002, the opening 500 and an eye of a user's eye are aligned, the golfer is ready to putt. At that point, the golfer can then make a putting stroke. During the putting stroke, any movement of the putter club head may disrupt/shift the sight alignment and break the ring 600, which will be immediately apparent to the golfer. Through consistent, repeated practice using the system, apparatus and method of the invention, and by receiving the visual feedback in the sight picture through the opening 501 during this repeated use, a golfer's muscles and mind will be trained to adjust their stance, grip, putting technique, and even breathing to enhance stability of their head, consistency, repeatability and accuracy of their putts.

[0117] While specific embodiments of the invention are depicted in the drawings and described in the written description, these are exemplary in nature. The scope of the invention is intended to cover not only all shown and described embodiments but all equivalents as well. Embodiments of the invention may comprise one or more of any of the described features, elements and/or functions, in any order, and in any combination.