Abstract:
A golf flog apparatus and associated method for relieving stress and/or frustration, as well as enhancing demeanor and/or play, during die play or contemplation of golf. Included is a handle with a plurality of cords coupled thereto. Further included is a plurality of golf balls each coupled to a corresponding one of the cords.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to golf, and more particularly to relieving stress when playing golf. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Golf has traditionally been considered a very challenging sport. Often, players of the sport encounter situations where, despite their best efforts, a ball is shanked, a hole is missed, etc. In such situations, golf players encounter a high level of frustration and stress. 
     Typically, such frustration and stress are relieved by throwing a golf club or using profanity, etc. Unfortunately, these types of reactions are contrary to good golf etiquette and can lead to damaged golf equipment, damaged golf green, removal from the golf course or club, or, worse yet, injury to the golf players and/or bystanders. 
     There is thus a need for a solution to these and/or other problems. 
     SUMMARY 
     A golf flog apparatus and associated method are provided for relieving stress and/or frustration, as well as enhancing demeanor and/or play, during the play or contemplation of golf. Included is a handle with a plurality of cords coupled thereto. Further included is a plurality of golf balls each coupled along the length and/or to an end of one or more of the cords. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a side view of a golf flog as well as a blown-up view of a terminal end of one of the strands thereof, in accordance with one embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a side view of a golf flog  100  as well as a blown-up view of a terminal end of one of the strands thereof, in accordance with one embodiment. As shown, the golf flog  100  includes a rigid handle  102  with a substantially cylindrical configuration defined by a circular bottom end  104 , a circular top end  106 , and a cylindrical grip integrally formed therebetween. 
     In one embodiment, the handle  102  may be 18 inches in length. Further, in another embodiment, the handle  102  may be 1 and ½ inches in width. Of course, such dimensions are merely illustrative in nature and should not be construed as limiting in any manner whatsoever. The handle could be in the form of a conventional golf club handle used on a typical golf club (e.g. with a polymeric outer surface, etc.). 
     The handle  102  is shown to be manufactured from a leather material. Specifically, the handle  102  is formed of a rigid plastic or metal interior rod (not shown) which defines the cylindrical shape thereof. Further, a plurality of pieces of leather or similar material are stitched together to fit the interior rod. 
     Still yet, the handle  102  includes a plastic sheath  103  circumnavigating an intermediate portion of the grip. Ideally, the plastic sheath  103  is centrally located on the grip and covers about ⅓-½ of the surface area thereof. To this end, the plastic sheath  103  provides a sturdy gripping surface on the handle  102 . In one embodiment, the plastic sheath  103  may be coupled to the handle  102  using at least one string that passes through one or more holes in the plastic sheath  103  while further being wrapped about the handle  102 . 
     With continuing reference to  FIG. 1 , the golf flog  100  further includes a plurality of flexible cords  110 . Nine of such cords  110  are provided to correlate with the number of holes typically played on a nine-hole golf course, but more or fewer cords could be provided. Each of the cords  110  further includes an inboard end coupled to the top end  106  of the handle  102  and an outboard end. 
     In some embodiments, each cord  110  is formed of a plurality of braided leather strands. Strictly as an option, each leather strand may be reinforced with a flexible metallic or polymeric strand situated therein. Further, as an additional option, a length of each strand may be equidistant. Further, such length may range between 100%-150% that of the handle  102 . In one embodiment, each cord  110  may be 24 inches long. Of course, the cords  110  may be manufactured utilizing any desired material (e.g. fiber, plastic, etc.). 
     Next provided are nine rigid miniature golf balls  112  each with a spherical configuration having a dimpled outer surface, so as to mimic that of a real golf ball. Of course, various brand name indicia, etc. may be printed on the golf balls  112  to make the same more realistic. Even still, the golf balls may include instructional-related indicia such as that set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 6,852,039, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. Again, nine of such cords  110  are provided to correlate with the number of holes typically played on a nine-hole golf course, but more or fewer cords could be provided. 
     As shown, each golf ball  112  includes a diametrically disposed bore formed therein for receiving the outboard end of a corresponding one of the cords  110 . As such, a knot  114  may be formed at an end of the corresponding cord  110  for maintaining the golf ball  112  affixed adjacent to the outboard end of the corresponding cord  110 . As an option, while not shown, two knots  114  may be used, one at each diametrically opposed end of the associated golf ball  112 , helping to maintain the same in stationary position with respect to the end of the associated cord  110 . Golf balls could also be attached along the length of each cord. 
     While it is contemplated that it may be feasible to use simulated or real, full-size, functional golf balls in place of the miniature golf balls  112  (which may even be attached/detached in a way that allows the use thereof), such miniature golf balls  112 , in one embodiment, are less than half or even a ¼ of the size of a real, full-size, functional golf ball (or even larger, if desired). In still further embodiments, the miniature golf balls  112  may each be formed from plastic that are blow-molded or otherwise manufactured so as to provide a lightweight hollow configuration, to prevent the chance of injury during use. 
     Regarding use, a golf player may choose to whip, or flog, oneself, when a ball is shanked, a hole is missed, etc. In such situations, the high level of frustration and stress of the golf player may be abated by such use. To this end, the golf flog  100  may thus be used to avoid damaged golf equipment, damaged golf green, removal from the golf course or club, or, worse yet, injury to the golf players and/or bystanders. Of course, it is contemplated that the golf flog  100  may be used without any of the above advantages and, instead, serve as a golf-related novelty for mere amusement purposes. 
     While various embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Thus, the breadth and scope of a preferred embodiment should not be limited by any of the above described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.