Abstract:
A novel apparatus and method for controlling and stabilizing the swing mechanics of a golfer is disclosed. More specifically, an apparatus for and method of stabilizing the right knee (the left knee for left handed golfers) of a golfer such that a critical knee flexion angle is maintained throughout the golf swing, the weight of the golfer is properly transferred, and the right hand side (left hand side for left handed golfers) is properly loaded for a reliable, consistent, controlled, and safe golf swing. The apparatus for controlling and stabilizing the swing mechanics of a golfer comprises upper and lower leg support members and an adjustable hinge about the knee flexion axis and that will accommodate variable degrees of flexion depending on golfer specific conditions (e.g. height, arm and leg length, weight, etc.) and environmental conditions (course conditions, ball lie, playing hazards, etc.). The adjustable hinge assembly operates in both a locked position mode that prevents the knee from flexing and an unlocked position mode that permits unrestricted ambulation. The method for controlling and stabilizing the swing mechanics of a golfer comprises selecting an optimum knee flexion angle, locking the knee at the selected angle, approaching the ball in preparation for a golf swing, and swinging the club through all phases of the golf swing (e.g. take-away, impact, and follow-through). The method further comprises unlocking the knee to permit unrestricted ambulation for walking to the next swing position then selecting an additional knee flexion angle (that may be the same or different as the first depending on golfer and environmental conditions) and locking the knee at the selected angle.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to an apparatus and method for controlling and stabilizing the swing mechanics of a golfer. More specifically, this invention relates to an apparatus for and method of stabilizing the right knee (the left knee for left handed golfers) of a golfer such that a critical knee flexion angle is maintained throughout the golf swing, the weight of the golfer is properly transferred, and the right hand side (left hand side for left handed golfers) is properly loaded for reliable, consistent, controlled, and safe golf swings. 
     Although there are variations of swings in professional and successful golfers, all of their swings obey certain principles that allow for consistent ball striking. The golf swing can be broken down into three basic phases: (1) take-away; (2) impact; and (3) follow-through. 
     The objective of the take-away phase is to properly load the right side (or the left side for left hand golfers) and set the club at the top of the swing. In this phase, the golfer moves the club head from left to right (vice-versa for left hand golfers) and shifts weight from left to right. A critical aspect of the take-away phase of the golf swing is the maintenance of the right knee flexion angle which prevents unwanted vertical motion and allows for proper loading of the right side. The impact phase of the golf swing consists of pre-impact portion and an impact portion. A critical aspect of this phase of the golf swing is the transfer of the golfers weight during pre-impact from the right side back to the left side for impact. A proper initial weight shift to the right side and preservation of the right knee flexion angle allow for a successful shift to the left side for impact. 
     Finally, the follow-through phase of the golf swing consists of post-impact and completion of the swing. Proper balance is critical and essential to properly finish the golf swing. Importantly, balance only can be achieved with proper swing mechanics in the first two phases of the swing, i.e. the take-away and impact phases. 
     It is well known in the art that faulty swing mechanics leads to an increase incidence of injury and results in uncontrolled and misdirected golf shots. A common swing fault producing errant shots in golf is produced by allowing the right knee to extend on the take-away and lose its initial knee flexion angle that is present at ball address. This fault causes the golfers weight to remain on the left side (right side for left handed golfer) while the club is at the top of the golf swing. Hence, on the downswing the weight either transfers to the right side or remains on the left causing a variety of errant shots including fat (striking ground first) and thin (striking only ball and no turf) shots. 
     Shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B is a golf swing sequence demonstrating a very common error referred to as “reverse pivot.” As shown in FIG. 1A, the right knee extends causing the golfer to shift weight to the left side (from A to B) on the take-away. As shown in FIG. 1B, this causes a “reverse pivot” forcing the golfer to go to the right side (from B to A) on the downswing making reproducible contact with the ball virtually impossible. In an ideal and controlled swing, the weight should be predominantly on the left side of the golfer (at B) at the midpoint of the downswing. However, as shown in FIG. 1B, because of the flexion of the right knee and concomitant reverse pivot, the majority of the weight is on the right side (at A). 
     Other swing faults include right knee lateral sway, vertical motion, excessive lower body motion in the short game, and extra long swings. Right knee lateral sway, like reverse pivot, is a common fault preventing complete turn and loading of the right side. Vertical motion is the rising “up” on the take-away and dropping “down” on the downswing. This swing fault prevents solid club face-ball contact. A major fault with the “short game,”) i.e. chipping and putting, is excessive lower body motion during the swing. Even professional golfers devote a significant amount of time trying to resolve the motion problems in the short swing. Finally, there is no question that the current trend in professional golf is to shorten and compact the golf swing. In this regard, many golfers improperly overextend their swing resulting in extra long swings that compromise the ball control associated with short and compact swings. 
     The prior art devices and methods related to controlling the swing of a golfer have failed to address and resolve the specific concerns noted above. Moreover, although there are a number of golf training devices purporting to address some issues relating to the golf swing, these prior art devices are often unwieldy and include multi-strap hand/leg braces that are uncomfortable and require an unacceptable amount of time to properly adjust and position. In addition, these prior art devices fail to provide a reliable, accurate, and convenient adjustment mechanism that enables a golfer to set the appropriate angle of knee flexion. The prior art has also failed to provide for a method of controlling the swing of a golfer that can be easily and conveniently employed in a round of golf such that a golfer can adjust the angle of knee flexion throughout a round of golf depending on the characteristics of a particular golfer and environmental conditions. 
     The difficulties and limitations suggested in the preceding are not intended to be exhaustive, but rather are among many which demonstrate that although significant attention has been devoted to controlling the swing of a golfer, the prior art devices and techniques will admit to worthwhile improvement. 
     OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
     It is therefore a general object of the invention to provide a novel apparatus and method which will obviate or minimize difficulties of the type previously described. 
     It is another general object of the invention to provide a novel apparatus and method for controlling and stabilizing the swing mechanics of a golfer in order to ensure a reliable, consistent, controlled, and safe golf swing. 
     It is a specific object of the invention to provide a novel apparatus and method for stabilizing the right knee (the left knee for left handed golfers) of a golfer such that a critical knee flexion angle is maintained throughout the golf swing. 
     It is another specific object of the invention to provide a novel apparatus and method for controlling the swing of a golfer such that the weight of the golfer is properly transferred during the take-away, impact, and follow-through phases of the golf swing. 
     It is yet another specific object of the invention to provide a novel apparatus and method for controlling the swing of a golfer such that the right hand side (left hand side for left handed golfers) of the golfer is properly loaded for impact. 
     It is still another specific object of the invention to provide a novel apparatus and method for controlling the swing of a golfer in order to reduce right knee lateral sway, vertical motion, excess lower body motion during the short game, and extra long swings. 
     It is still yet another specific object of the invention to provide a novel apparatus for controlling and stabilizing the swing of a golfer that can be easily and conveniently adjusted and positioned on the leg of the golfer during a golf training session or a competitive round of golf. 
     It is yet another object of the invention to provide for a novel method of controlling the swing of a golfer that can be easily and conveniently employed in a round of golf such that a golfer can adjust the angle of knee flexion throughout the round depending on the particular characteristics of a golfer and environmental conditions. 
     It is yet another object of the invention to provide for a method of controlling the swing of a golfer that can be easily and conveniently employed in a round of golf such that a golfer can lock his/her knee at a selected and optimum angle of flexion in preparation for a swing and unlock his/her knee to allow unrestricted ambulation for walking to the next swing position. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A novel apparatus and method for controlling and stabilizing the swing mechanics of a golfer is disclosed. More specifically, an apparatus for and method of stabilizing the right knee (the left knee for left handed golfers) of a golfer such that a critical knee flexion angle is maintained throughout the golf swing, the weight of the golfer is properly transferred, and the right hand side (left hand side for left handed golfers) is properly loaded for a reliable, consistent, controlled, and safe golf swing. The apparatus for controlling and stabilizing the swing mechanics of a golfer comprises upper and lower leg support members and an adjustable hinge assembly that is about the knee flexion axis and that will accommodate variable degrees of flexion depending on golfer specific conditions (e.g. height, arm and leg length, weight, etc.) and environmental conditions (course conditions, ball lie, playing hazards, etc.). The adjustable hinge assembly operates in both a locked position mode that prevents the knee from flexing and an unlocked position mode that permits unrestricted ambulation. The method for controlling and stabilizing the swing mechanics of a golfer comprises selecting an optimum knee flexion angle, locking the knee at the selected angle, approaching the ball in preparation for a golf swing, and swinging the club through all phases of the golf swing (e.g. take-away, impact, and follow-through). The method further comprises unlocking the knee to permit unrestricted ambulation for walking to the next swing position then selecting an additional knee flexion angle (that may be the same or different as the first depending on golfer and environmental conditions) and locking the knee at the selected angle. 
    
    
     DRAWINGS 
     Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
     FIGS. 1A and 1B depict a frontal view of a golf swing sequence demonstrating the common swing fault referred to as reverse pivot. 
     FIG. 2 depicts the apparatus for controlling and stabilizing the swing mechanics of a golfer in accordance with the present invention as worn on the right leg of a golfer. 
     FIGS. 3A and 3B are frontal and side views, respectively, of the upper strut of the apparatus for controlling and stabilizing the swing mechanics of a golfer in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIGS. 4A and 4B are frontal and side views, respectively, of the lower strut of the apparatus for controlling and stabilizing the swing mechanics of a golfer in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIGS. 5A and 5B are frontal and isometric views, respectively, of the femur/thigh support or the lower leg support of the apparatus for controlling and stabilizing the swing mechanics of a golfer in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 6 is a frontal view of the hinge assembly of the apparatus for controlling and stabilizing the swing mechanics of a golfer in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 7A is a frontal view of the outer disc assembly of the hinge assembly of the apparatus for controlling and stabilizing the swing mechanics of a golfer in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 7B is a frontal view of the inner disc assembly of the hinge assembly of the apparatus for controlling and stabilizing the swing mechanics of a golfer in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 7C is an isometric view of the hinge assembly of the apparatus for controlling and stabilizing the swing mechanics of a golfer in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIGS. 8A,  8 B, and  8 C depict a lateral view of a golf swing sequence demonstrating the apparatus and method for controlling and stabilizing the swing mechanics of a golfer in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIGS. 9A,  9 B, and  9 C depict a frontal view of golf swing sequence demonstrating the apparatus and method for controlling and stabilizing the swing mechanics of a golfer in accordance with the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The novel apparatus and method for controlling and stabilizing the swing mechanics of a golfer of the subject invention is now described with reference to FIGS. 2 through 9. Referring to FIG. 2, there is shown an apparatus  10  for controlling and stabilizing the swing mechanics of a golfer in accordance with the present invention as worn on the right leg of a golfer. Only one side of the apparatus is shown in the figure. In the preferred embodiment, the other side contains the same parts and configuration of the side that is shown. It is to be also understood that while the embodiment shown in the figures and described herein is with reference to a right leg of a golfer, i.e. a right handed golfer, the present invention is equally applicable to the left leg of a golfer, i.e. a left handed golfer. 
     The apparatus  10  includes upper struts  12 , lower struts  14 , an upper anterior femur/thigh support member  16 , an upper posterior femur/thigh support member  18 , a lower anterior leg support member  20 , a lower posterior leg support member  22 , and hinge assemblies  24 . The apparatus  10  is generally configured to form a relatively rigid structure about the right knee of the golfer. In this regard, the apparatus  10  stabilizes the right knee and allows the right knee to maintain its critical knee flexion angle throughout the swing. 
     As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the upper strut  12  generally comprises a rigid elongated member having fastening structures at either end. The upper strut  12  is preferably formed from a rigid, light weight material such as aluminum or plastics. An opening  26  is formed in one end of the strut  12  to receive a portion of the upper posterior femur/thigh support member  18 . The strut  12  can include additional openings, such as opening  27 , in order to receive a second upper posterior femur/thigh support member  19 . A pair of locking bolts  28  are shown which are configured to operably attached the upper strut  12  to the upper anterior femur/thigh support member  16 . At the other end of the upper strut  12  there is a cutout  30  to allow for bolting of the strut to the hinge assembly as shown in FIG.  2 . 
     Similarly, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the lower strut  14  generally comprises a rigid elongated member having fastening structures at either end. Like the upper strut  12 , the lower strut  14  is preferably formed from a rigid, light weight material such as aluminum or plastics. An opening  32  is formed in one end of the strut  14  to receive a portion of the lower posterior leg support member  22 . The strut  14  can include additional openings, such as opening  33 , in order to receive another lower posterior leg support member  23 . A pair of locking bolts  34  are shown which are configured to operably attached the lower strut  14  to the lower anterior leg support member  20 . At the other end of the lower strut  14  there is a flange  36  with bolts  35  to allow for bolting of the strut to the hinge assembly  24  as shown in FIG.  2 . 
     Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, there is shown frontal and isometric views, respectively, of the upper anterior femur/thigh support structure  16  and the lower anterior leg support structure  20 . These structure are generally configured in the same shape as shown, although their respective dimensions may differ to accommodate the differing structures of the thigh and calf area. The support structures  16 ,  20  comprise an outer body  38  preferably formed from a rigid, light weight material such as aluminum or plastics. The support structures  16 ,  20  also include an inner fabric or cushion lining (such as, for example, felt) to increase comfort and wearability of the apparatus  10 . 
     The upper posterior femur/thigh support member  18  and the lower posterior leg support member  22  (as well as the optional members  19  and  23 ) are preferably straps formed from a fabric material that can wrap around the golfers leg and pass through the respective openings  26 ,  32  of the upper  12  and lower  14  struts. The support members  18 ,  22  also preferably include a hook and loop fastener, such as VELCRO brand, such that the strap members  18 ,  22  can wrap around the golfers leg and pass through the respective openings  26 ,  32  of the upper  12  and lower  14  struts and be secured upon itself in a manner known in the art. Preferably, additional strut openings  27 ,  33  are formed in the struts  12 ,  14  to accept additional straps  19  and  23  as shown in FIG.  2 . 
     In an alternative embodiment, the upper anterior femur/thigh support member  16  and the upper posterior femur/thigh support member  18  comprise a single member formed of a rigid material, such as aluminum or plastic, that is secured to the upper strut  12 . Similarly, the lower anterior leg support member  20  and lower posterior leg support member  22  may comprise a single member formed of a rigid material, such as aluminum or plastic, that is secured to the lower strut  14 . These singular members would include buckle type fasteners to lock the respective support members to the thigh and calf area of a golfer&#39;s leg. 
     Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown the hinge assembly  24  of the apparatus for controlling and stabilizing the swing mechanics of a golfer in accordance with the present invention. In the preferred embodiment, there are two hinge assemblies  24  in the apparatus  10 ; one hinge assembly on each side of the apparatus  10 . In an alternative embodiment, the apparatus is configured to have only one hinge assembly  24 . The hinge assembly is configured to allow for and permit the golfer to easily adjust for different right knee flexion angles. That is, depending on the golfers individual set up or particular type of shot being played, different flexion angles will be provided through the hinge assemblies  24 . Each hinge assembly  24  is positioned on either side of the golfer&#39;s knee as shown in FIG. 2 such that, with the struts  12 ,  14  and upper and lower supports  16 ,  18 ,  20 ,  22 , a rigid structure is provided that locks the knee at the appropriate flexion angle. At the same time, the unique configuration allows the golfer to adjust the locked position of the hinge assembly so that the knee flexion angle can be modified depending on the type of shot, the type of course or weather conditions, or the particular set up characteristics of the golfer. 
     Referring to FIGS.  6  and  7 A- 7 C, the hinge assembly  24  comprises an outer disc  42  and an inner disc  44  that are operably and rotatably attached by a center bolt  46 . Preferably, the center of rotation of the hinges align with the central rotational axis of the knee as shown. The inner disc  44  is received within a circular cutout formed in the outer disc  42  as shown in FIG.  6 . This cutout provides for a bearing surface  47  upon which the inner disc  44  can easily and smoothly be rotated to set varying flexion angles. The hinge assembly includes a locking pin  48  with lever  50  that slides within a cutout  52  of the inner disc  44 . A compression spring  54  is secured to the center bolt  46  and is biased so as to provide a radially outward force against the locking pin  48 . The outer disc  42  includes receiving holes  56  that accept an end of the locking pin  48  which is biased into the holes by the spring  54 . The receiving holes are formed around an inner parameter of the outer disc  42  as shown in FIG.  7 C. The receiving holes are formed at specified angles from the vertical axis, such as, for example, every 10 degrees off the vertical as shown. Corresponding flexion angle identification markings are formed about the parameter of the outer disc  42  and are preferably formed so as to easily and conveniently be seen by a golfer when the apparatus  10  is worn. 
     As shown in FIG. 2, the outer disc  42  is operably connected to the lower strut  14  such that the lower strut  14  lies along the vertical axis at the zero degree marking. Similarly, inner disc  44  is operably connected to the upper strut  12  such that the upper strut  12  lies along the vertical axis at the zero degree marking. 
     In use, the golfer can easily and reliably adjust the knee flexion angle of the hinges  24  of the apparatus  10  be simply pushing down on the lever  50  to remove the locking pin from the receiving holes  56  formed in the outer disc  42 . The golfer then rotates the outer disc  42  with respect to the inner disc  44  about the bolt or pin  46  to the desired knee flexion angle as indicated by the markings formed on the surface of the outer disc  42 . The compression spring  54  will then force the pin  46  into the corresponding hole formed in the outer disc  42  to lock the hinge at the selected flexion angle. 
     If a golfer desires to maintain the hinge assemble in an unlocked position in order to permit unrestricted ambulation, then the golfer slides the pin  46  into the cutout  53  such that the pin  46  will be prevented from sliding into a receiving hole  56 . This will permit the golfer to walk freely to another swing position at which time the golfer can select a new flexion angle. This novel configuration enables the golfer to rapidly, reliably, and easily adjust the knee flexion angle when necessary to accommodate different playing conditions or swing types. For example, when a golfer is at the tee preparing to hit a drive, the knee flexion angle is preferably set at 30 degrees. However, when the golfer is hitting a chip shot, the golfer can walk freely to a new position and another knee flexion angle that is more appropriate may be selected. The inventive method and apparatus disclosed and claimed may also be effectively employed in training sessions on a golf driving range whereby a golfer can practice a variety of different swing sequences. More particularly, a golfer can practice the swing at one flexion angle (e.g. at an angle effective for drives) and easily change the flexion angle setting to practice the swing at another flexion angle (e.g. at an angle effective for chip shots). 
     The particular flexion angle selected by the golfer will depend on a variety of factors including a golfer&#39;s physical makeup. For example, the flexion angle will depend on a golfer&#39;s height, body-to-leg ratio, and arm length. Generally, sand or flop shots will require greater knee flexion angles because a golfer will take a more shallow approach to the ball. However, the flexion angle for a drive or teed-up shot will generally require a lesser knee flexion angle. 
     Referring now to FIGS. 8A to  8 C (lateral view) and FIGS. 9A to  9 C (frontal view), there is shown a view of a golf swing sequence demonstrating the apparatus and method for controlling and stabilizing the swing mechanics of a golfer in accordance with the present invention. More particularly, there is shown a swing sequence of a right handed golfer with a right knee stabilizer of the present invention in place. Note in comparison to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the golfer&#39;s right knee flexion angle present at the ball address position (FIGS. 8A and  9 A) is maintained throughout the entire swing sequence (FIGS. 8A-8C and  9 A- 9 C). This permits the golfers weight to be transferred and allows for proper loading of the right side. It is well known that a proper backswing tremendously increases your chances for a successful downswing, and with a proper loaded right side at the top the swing the knee stabilizer of the present invention will allow for a proper downswing sequence. Thus, the golfer&#39;s swing is controlled and stabilized allowing for a much improved golf game. 
     Furthermore, other swing faults are addressed and resolved with the apparatus and method of the instant invention. Specifically, right knee lateral sway is minimized because the apparatus and method of the present invention will not allow the knee to breakdown and cause a lateral sway. Also, vertical motion is prevented because the apparatus and method of the present invention will keep the right knee secured at a constant angle thus precluding any “up and down” motion. Moreover, the excessive lower body motion associated with the short game is minimized because the apparatus and method of the present invention will provide a solid base for both chipping and putting and prevent the subtle movements that can destroy an effective short game. In addition, the apparatus and method of the present invention will produce a shorten and compact golf swing. Specifically, by stabilizing the right knee in the manner of the invention, an extra long swing will be prevented because the truncal/lower extremity musculature of the golfer will be maximally stretched much earlier than if the golfer were to sway or extend the right leg. The inventive knee stabilizer also provides a positive kinesthetic sense of lower body support. 
     The inventive method and apparatus has been shown to significantly improve the golf mechanics and improved ball striking ability of golfers. A study was conducted using the method and apparatus of the invention whereby a total of ten golfers—nine right-handed and one left-handed golfers—(9 male, 1 female) were analyzed with two plane video analysis for the purposes of evaluating the benefits of a right knee (left knee for left hand golfers) stabilizer in the golf swing. All players used a 5-Iron. Right knee flexion angles were recorded utilizing interactive systems computer software at the address, transition, and impact positions. Players were analyzed before (data set A below), during (data set B below), and after (data set C below) wearing a right knee stabilizer apparatus of the invention during a single trial. At all stages of the trial each golfer made several swings prior to data collection. Subjective ball striking was recorded as a thin, heavy, or sold shot. 
     The results of the study demonstrate that significant improvements can be achieved with the instant invention. The results of the study are shown in Table 1 below. 
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Knee Stabilizer Data 
               
               
                 All numbers are in degrees unless otherwise stated 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Player 
                 ball contact Pre-Knee stabilizer 
                 Ball contact Knees Stabilizer applied 
                 ball contact Post-Knee Stabilizer 
               
             
          
           
               
                 (hcp.) 
                 address 
                 transition 
                 impact 
                 address 
                 transition 
                 impact 
                 address 
                 transition 
                 impact 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 1(12) 
                 34 
                 23 
                 26 solid 
                 35 
                 33 
                 34 solid 
                 32 
                 31 
                 30 heavy 
               
               
                 2(22) 
                 20 
                 11 
                 10 thin 
                 25 
                 23 
                 24 solid 
                 22 
                 19 
                 23 solid 
               
               
                 3(27) 
                 38 
                 48 
                 30 thin 
                 35 
                 36 
                 33 solid 
                 36 
                 40 
                 30 heavy 
               
               
                 4(3)  
                 28 
                 23 
                 22 heavy 
                 30 
                 29 
                 27 thin 
                 26 
                 24 
                 27 solid 
               
               
                 5(11) 
                 35 
                 18 
                 24 solid 
                 35 
                 31 
                 31 thin 
                 38 
                 34 
                 32 solid 
               
               
                 6(19) 
                 18 
                 27 
                 24 solid 
                 20 
                 24 
                 24 heavy 
                 15 
                 15 
                 16 solid 
               
               
                 7(8)  
                 27 
                 28 
                 29 solid 
                 30 
                 31 
                 29 solid 
                 30 
                 33 
                 30 solid 
               
               
                 8(16) 
                 32 
                 21 
                 23 thin 
                 30 
                 25 
                 26 solid 
                 28 
                 21 
                 21 thin 
               
               
                 9(11) 
                 17 
                 11 
                 19 thin 
                 25 
                 22 
                 20 solid 
                 20 
                 16 
                 16 heavy 
               
               
                 10(31)  
                 40 
                 33 
                 30 solid 
                 35 
                 31 
                 34 thin 
                 36 
                 38 
                 34 solid 
               
               
                 Average 
                 26.8 
                 24.3 
                 23.8 
                 30 
                 25.6 
                 26.2 
                 28 
                 27.1 
                 25.9 
               
               
                 SD 
                 7.882401 
                 9.859813 
                 6.679028 
                 5 
                 4.4777226 
                 4.5583143 
                 7.28011 
                 8.746868 
                 6.187691 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Player 
                 A: Total Degree Change 
                 B: Total Degree Change 
                 C: Total Degree Change 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 1 
                 13 
                 3 
                 2 
               
               
                 2 
                 10 
                 3 
                 7 
               
               
                 3 
                 24 
                 4 
                 14 
               
               
                 4 
                 7 
                 4 
                 4 
               
               
                 5 
                 21 
                 4 
                 5 
               
               
                 6 
                 12 
                 4 
                 1 
               
               
                 7 
                 2 
                 3 
                 8 
               
               
                 8 
                 13 
                 8 
                 5 
               
               
                 9 
                 14 
                 3 
                 4 
               
               
                 10 
                 10 
                 7 
                 6 
               
               
                 Average 
                 12.6 
                 4.1 
                 5.5 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 T-Test  
               
               
                 P-Values  
               
               
                 Two tailed  
               
               
                 A vs B 0.002304  
               
               
                 A vs C 0.002895  
               
               
                 B vs C 0.260592  
               
             
          
         
       
     
     The average total degree change of the right knee flexion angle in data set A was 12.6; the average total degree change of the right knee flexion angle in data set B was 4.1; and the average total degree change of the right knee flexion angle in data set C was 5.5. The data was analyzed utilizing paired students T-test. Statistical significance was set at p&lt;0.05. There was a highly significant difference (p&lt;0.002) in knee flexion change when comparing golf swings before and while wearing the knee stabilizer apparatus. Additionally, the total knee flexion angle change before and after wearing the knee stabilizer apparatus was highly significant (p&lt;0.002). Finally, there was no statistical difference in knee flexion angle while wearing the knee stabilizer apparatus and after wearing the knee stabilizer apparatus. Subjectively, 80% of the players felt that the apparatus of the instant invention definitely improved their ball striking. The study has shown that maintaining a relative constant right knee flexion angle during the golf swing can be been achieved with the novel apparatus and method of the invention and a significant improvement in ball striking ability of most players. 
     With the novel apparatus and method for controlling and stabilizing the swing mechanics of a golfer, the majority of the swing faults that have heretofore plagued the recreational golfer are addressed and resolved. The apparatus and method of the present invention stabilizes the right knee (the left knee for left handed golfers) of a golfer such that a critical knee flexion angle is maintained throughout the golf swing, the weight of the golfer is properly transferred, and the right hand side (left hand side for left handed golfers) is properly loaded. This ensures that the golfer&#39;s swing is reliable, consistent, controlled, and safe. 
     In describing the invention, reference has been made to a preferred embodiment and illustrative advantages of the invention. Those skilled in the art, however, and familiar with the instant disclosure of the subject invention, may recognize additions, deletions, modifications, substitutions and other changes which fall within the purview of the subject invention.