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

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Not Applicable. 
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not Applicable. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to the sport of golf. More specifically, it relates to training aids for improving the golfer&#39;s swing by ensuring a consistently correct setup position and by improving the golfer&#39;s fundamentals during the swing. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     It is recognized that one can learn sports by comparing one&#39;s own performance to that of a model performer. In the sport of golf, one can improve one&#39;s own swing by comparing it to a proper swing. The proper swing can be demonstrated for the golfer desiring improvement and the golfer can attempt to mimic it, but certain elements of the proper swing can also be provided to the golfer in the form of reference markings on a training aid. By comparing his swing to the reference markings on the training aid, the golfer can improve his swing. The use of a training aid has the advantage of permanence, whereas a demonstration is fleeting and may be forgotten or incompletely learned. 
     Several existing golf training aids consist of mats marked with foot position, ball position, and/or club position at the start of the swing. These mats assist the golfer in taking a proper setup position, but they do not assist the golfer in performing a proper swing since they do not provide reference markings other than for setup. Other existing aids consist of mirrors or mat/mirror combinations that both indicate setup position and provide simultaneous feedback about the swing to the golfer in the form of a reflected image. Many of these mirrored aids include pictures of proper swings juxtaposed with the golfer&#39;s reflected image that can be used for comparison or reference lines for setup position on the mirrored surface. However, since many of these aids are vertical mirrors the golfer must look up to utilize the aid, thereby destroying correct setup posture with head down and eyes on the ball. Several of the mirrored aids teach a mirror that is angled towards the golfer so that the golfer&#39;s image is visible from knees up, a condition that is not necessary to practicing a proper swing. Furthermore, these aids do not provide positioning information throughout the entire swing, but rather only for setup; any pictures that are present for comparison represent a general, rather than a specific, comparison (that is, the golfer is required to compare appearance to appearance and not position to position). No existing aid provides positioning information throughout the entire swing (setup, backswing, and follow-through) for both club and body while executing a swing with head down and eyes on the ball. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is in view of the above problems that the present invention was developed. The invention is a golf training aid and a method of using the golf training aid. The golf training aid has a mirrored face to provide simultaneous feedback to a golfer throughout the entire swing, and is permanently etched with reference markings indicating proper positioning at several points during the swing. These reference markings indicate proper setup position, proper ball position, and proper club and body position at several points during the swing. The mirrored face of the aid juxtaposes the golfer&#39;s image with the reference markings, allowing for an easy comparison and correction process. If desired, the face of the aid can be marked, either permanently or temporarily, with individualized reference markings for a particular golfer or club. The back of the aid is flat so that the aid will lie flat on a practice surface, thus allowing the golfer to receive the feedback provided by the aid with the golfer&#39;s head down and eyes on the ball, as is proper during a golf swing. The aid is marked for use with all clubs (drivers, irons, and putters), and can be used both indoors and outdoors, with or without a professional instructor. 
     In one embodiment of the invention, the reference markings are a plurality of lines and textual prompts permanently etched into the face of the aid. In another embodiment of the invention, the textual prompts and several of the lines are replaced by icons so that the aid can be understood by very young golfers and golfers with special needs (for example, learning disabled golfers). 
     The golf training aid is used by placing it on a practice surface with one edge parallel to the target line and optionally anchoring it to the practice surface. The golfer then assumes the setup position by comparing his image on the mirrored face of the aid to the permanent reference markings and making any necessary corrections. The golfer then swings, again comparing his image to the reference markings and making any necessary corrections. In addition, skilled golfers can utilize the aid when training on other, more advanced swing factors such as spine angle, posture, and swing plane. 
     It is an object of this invention to provide a golf training aid that provides the golfer with immediate feedback as to the correctness of the setup and entire swing and a simple method of making appropriate corrections based on that feedback. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a golf training aid that provides immediate feedback during a typical golf swing with head down and eyes on the ball. 
     It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a golf training aid that is customizable to individual golfers and specific clubs. 
     It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a training aid that satisfies the special needs of young or disabled golfers. 
     Further objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the description below with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like numbers indicate like elements. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a top plan view of the golf training aid. 
     FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a smaller version of the golf training aid. 
     FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the simplified version of the golf training aid. 
     FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a golfer using the golf training aid. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     As illustrated by FIGS. 1 and 2, a golf training aid  10  of the present invention has the shape of a rectangle of varying dimensions, having long sides along a proximal edge  12  and a distal edge  14  and short sides along a forward edge  16  and a back edge  18 . For one preferred embodiment, suitable for adult male golfers, the dimensions are approximately 32 inches by 12 inches. In a second preferred embodiment, suitable for women and junior golfers, the dimensions are approximately 30 inches by 8 inches. A front surface  20  is mirrored so that the golfer can view his image and position throughout the swing without lifting his head; this allows the golfer to compare himself to several reference markings on front surface  20  before and during the execution of a typical golf swing and make corrections accordingly. Front surface  20  may also be writable so that individualized reference lines may be added using permanent or temporary marker. A back surface  30  is flat, allowing golf training aid  10  to lie flat on the ground. In the preferred embodiments, golf training aid  10  is constructed of ⅛ inch mirrored plexiglass. If desired, golf tees can be placed through several tee holes  35 , one in each corner, in order to anchor golf training aid  10  to the practice surface. 
     Golf training aid  10  provides the golfer with ball and body locating markings in order to assist the golfer in achieving a proper setup position. All of these markings are a permanent part of front surface  20  (for example, they may be etched thereon). Two ball locating markings, a driver marking  40  and an iron marking  42 , located along distal edge  14  assist the golfer in positioning a ball for different types of clubs, with proper ball location moving closer to distal edge  14  and further to the right for higher numbered clubs. Driver marking  40  is 5½ inches from forward edge  16  in the adult male preferred embodiment and 7 inches from forward edge  16  in the women/juniors preferred embodiment; iron marking  42  is 11 inches from forward edge  16  in both preferred embodiments. 
     Several body locating markings assist the golfer in properly positioning his body. Several shoulder alignment lines  44  and several head and eye reference lines  46  help the golfer position the golfer&#39;s upper body, while a front foot locating marking  48  and several rear foot locating markings  50  help the golfer position the golfer&#39;s lower body. Shoulder alignment lines  44  extend 19 inches from forward edge  16  in both preferred embodiments, parallel to proximal edge  12  at 1, 3, and 5 inches therefrom in the adult male preferred embodiment and ¾, 2¾, and 4½ inches therefrom in the women/juniors preferred embodiment. Head and eye reference lines  46  are perpendicular to the most distal of shoulder alignment lines  44 . Head and eye reference lines  46  occur at 8, 14, 15, 16, and 17 inches from forward edge  16  in the adult male preferred embodiment and at 8½, 13½, and 14½ inches in the women/juniors preferred embodiment; the head and eye reference lines  46  closer to back edge  18  position the golfer&#39;s head so that the golfer&#39;s weight is shifted to his rear leg. In both preferred embodiments, rear foot locating markings  50  are based on golfer shoulder width, one indication of which is shirt size (M, L, and XL). Front foot marking  48  is 1¼ inches from forward edge  16  in the adult male preferred embodiment and 2½ inches from forward edge  16  in the women/juniors preferred embodiment. A medium marking  50   a  is 17¼ inches from forward edge  16  in the adult male preferred embodiment; a large marking  50   b  and an extra large marking  50   c  follow in 1¾ inch increments. In the women/juniors preferred embodiment, medium marking  50   a  is 15½ inches from forward edge  16 , with large marking  50   b  and extra large marking  50   c  following in 1½ inch increments. 
     Golf training aid  10  also assists the golfer in performing a proper swing by providing several club reference markings, also permanently placed onto front surface  20 , that take the golfer through an entire swing. An initial point locating marking  52  along proximal edge  12 , 11 inches from forward edge  16  in both preferred embodiments, helps the golfer position the butt of the club prior to starting the golf swing. Several swing reference lines  54  assist the golfer in maintaining proper club orientation during the swing, while a top of swing reference marking  56 , 24½ inches from forward edge  16  in both preferred embodiments, locates the proper point for stopping the backswing and beginning the forward portion of the swing. In both preferred embodiments of the invention, swing reference lines  54  illustrate shaft orientation when the club is in the nine o&#39;clock position (with the shaft of the club parallel to the ground), and top of swing reference marking  56  locates the butt of the club at the top of the swing. Swing reference lines  54  begin 19 inches from forward edge  16  and extend to back edge  18  in both preferred embodiments, running parallel to proximal edge  12  and at the same distances therefrom as shoulder alignment lines  44 . Golf training aid  10  also provides a putter face reference line  58  and a ball icon  59  at the midpoint thereof,  19  inches from and parallel to forward edge  16  in both preferred embodiments, for use when putting. 
     Several textual prompts, also permanently placed onto front surface  20 , serve to remind the golfer of the functions of the various reference lines and markings. For example, the word “butt” serves to locate top of swing reference marking  56 , and further acts as a reminder that, at the top of the swing, the butt of the club should appear at that point on front surface  20 . In addition to the permanently placed body, ball, and club reference lines described above, front surface  20  may also be writeable so that personalized reference or other markings or may be made. 
     As shown in FIG. 3, golf training aid  10  may also be simplified by the use of icons instead of lines and textual prompts. This simplified golf training aid  10  particularly benefits very young golfers or special needs golfers (for example, those that are learning impaired). A front footprint icon  49  and a rear footprint icon  51  replace front foot locating marking  48  and rear foot locating markings  50  along proximal edge  12  to assist the golfer in positioning the golfer&#39;s feet. Head and eye reference lines  46  are replaced by a head and eye reference icon  47 , and only one shoulder alignment line  44  is provided parallel to proximal edge  12 . Additional icons may be provided, for example a club head icon for the end of the swing or a toe icon for the nine o&#39;clock position. Also, additional footprint icons may be included to accommodate varying sizes of golfers, with different colors used to differentiate between the icons. 
     The present invention also includes a method of using the golf training aid. Referring to FIG. 4, golf training aid  10  is first secured to a practice surface  60  with distal edge  14  parallel to a target line  62 . If desired, golf training aid  10  can be anchored by placing golf tees through tee holes  35  and into practice surface  60  or by taping golf training aid  10  directly onto practice surface  60 ; the choice will depend on the nature of practice surface  60  (e.g. hard or soft, even or uneven), with the ultimate goal of having golf training aid  10  substantially flat on practice surface  60 . Flat back surface  30  supports mirrored front surface  20  and maintains golf training aid  10  in a position substantially parallel to practice surface  60 . 
     Once golf training aid  10  is positioned and secured, a ball  64  can be placed according to driver marking  40  for practice swings with a driver or according to iron marking  42  for practice swings with an iron. Ball  64  will move towards distal edge  14  and back edge  18  as club length decreases; if so desired, a club specific marking can be placed onto front surface  20  indicating the proper distance from forward edge  16  for ball  64 . Alternatively, no ball needs to be placed if a golfer  66  wishes only to practice his swing. 
     After placing ball  64  (if desired) and taking proper grip on a club  70 , golfer  66  then takes up proper position. Golfer  66  places his left foot one inch from proximal edge  12  at front foot locating marking  48  and his right foot one inch from proximal edge  12  at the appropriate rear foot locating marking  50  based on shoulder width, one indication of which is shirt size (M, L, or XL). The golfer&#39;s feet are therefore positioned at shoulder width with the toes defining a line parallel to and one inch from proximal edge  12 . Golfer  66  then bows to the ball, positioning his shoulders parallel to shoulder alignment lines  44  and his head in the center of head and eye reference lines  46  or slightly to the right thereof if golfer  66  wishes to start with more of his weight shifted to his right leg. If desired, golfer  66  can use the most distal of shoulder alignment lines  44  to ensure that his eyes are parallel to his shoulders. Golfer  66  should slightly flex his knees over the balls of his feet, but his knees should not be visible on front surface  20 ; if the knees are visible on front surface  20 , golfer  66  should straighten up until the knees disappear. At this point, the butt  72  of club  70  should appear on front surface  20  at initial point locating marking  52 . By examining the juxtaposition of his own image with the various reference markings described above, golfer  66  can make the corrections required to conform to the reference markings, thus improving his setup position. If desired, individualized reference markings may be drawn directly on front surface  20 . For example, a professional instructor could draw and label personalized eye, shoulder, or hand reference lines as well as a line indicating the position of the shaft of the club prior to the swing by tracing the desired reference on front surface  20  with either a permanent or temporary marker. 
     Golfer  66  then initiates his backswing by rotating his shoulders and torso to correct takeaway position. The golfer&#39;s hands should remain within shoulder alignment lines  44  until they reach rear foot locating marking  50 . At the nine o&#39;clock position, the shaft  74  of club  70  should be parallel to swing reference lines  54  with the toe  76  of club  70  pointed directly upwards, and the shoulders of golfer  66  should be at a 45 degree angle to shoulder alignment lines  44 . At the top of the swing, butt  72  of club  70  should appear on front surface  20  at top of swing reference marking  56  with the shoulders nearly perpendicular to shoulder alignment lines  44 ; the club head  78  should not be visible on front surface  20 . Again, golfer  66  can compare his image on front surface  20  with the various reference markings thereon engraved and make the corrections necessary to conform to those markings. Golfer  66  can then complete his swing. If desired, individualized reference markings may be drawn directly on front surface  20  at selected points during the swing. For example, a professional instructor could draw a line indicating the proper starting position for shaft  74  and a line indicating the position of shaft  74  when club  70  is in the nine o&#39;clock position. 
     When putting, golfer  66  starts with the putter head between the most distal and the most proximal of swing reference lines  54  with the putter face parallel and adjacent to putter face reference line  58  as if preparing to strike ball icon  59 . The golfer&#39;s feet will not be aligned according to front foot locating marking  48  and rear foot locating marking  50 ; however, the process by which golfer  66  assumes setup position will otherwise be similar to that described above. Golfer  66  then putts, attempting to keep the putter toe on the most distal of swing reference lines  54 , the putter heel on the most proximal of swing reference lines  54 , and putter face parallel to putter face reference line  58 . In this manner, the swing reference lines are used for a golfer&#39;s putting stroke. 
     The method of using the simplified version of the golf training aid is generally similar to the method described above, with the principal difference that the reference lines and textual prompts described above have been replaced by icons. For example, instead of the process described above, golfer  66  positions his left foot according to front footprint icon  49 , his right foot according to rear footprint icon  51 , and his head and eyes according to head and eye icon  47 . Golfer  66  will still position his shoulders parallel to shoulder alignment line  44 . 
     Skilled golfers will also benefit from the golf training aid when it is utilized for more advanced functions. By placing golf training aid  10  squarely and vertically on one of the shorter edges, forward edge  16  or back edge  18 , golfer  66  can check for proper posture. Shoulder alignment lines  44  should begin at the balls of the feet, continue vertically through the front of the kneecap, the rear of the right elbow, and into the rear portion of the right shoulder. In addition, golfer  66  can examine front surface  20  for a straight vertical line from the top of his right rear pant pocket to the heel of his right shoe indicating proper posterior position. 
     Golf training aid  10  can also be placed vertically on one of the shorter edges to check for proper swing plane. Golfer  66  takes his setup position with his toes appearing on front surface  20 . Club  70  is then moved to the nine o&#39;clock position with toe  76  pointed straight up or slightly closed. If shaft  74  of club  70  appears on a vertical line with the toes, judged by comparison to shoulder alignment lines  44 , golfer  66  has achieved a proper takeaway position. 
     Golf training aid  10  also helps golfers to achieve proper spine angle when placed vertically and square on one of the shorter edges. Golfer  66  can check to see if there is a straight, vertical line from his right toe to his right ear by comparing his position to one or more of the reference lines parallel to proximal edge  12 . If his right ear is to the right of the line, golfer  66  has broken spine angle by lifting up; if his right ear is to the left of the line, spine angle has been broken by dipping towards the ball. 
     In view of the foregoing, it will be seen that the several advantages of the invention are achieved and attained. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. 
     As various modifications could be made in the constructions and methods herein described and illustrated without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the foregoing description or shown in the accompanying drawing shall be interpreted as illustrative rather than limiting. For example, although the drawings illustrate the golf training aid for right-handed golfers, it will be obvious to one skilled in the art that a mirror-image of the markings could be used for a left-handed golfer. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims appended hereto and their equivalents.