Patent Publication Number: US-11660510-B2

Title: Alignment aid for golf club

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of prior U.S. application Ser. No. 17/243,693, filed Apr. 29, 2021. The &#39;693 application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/019,651, filed May 4, 2020, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/031,908, filed May 29, 2020. The &#39;693, &#39;651, and &#39;908 Applications are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure relates to an alignment aid for a golf club and a corresponding method. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Golf is a sport in which a player uses various clubs to hit a golf ball into a series of holes on a course. Among other things, golfing requires selection of an appropriate golf club for the distance between the golf ball and the target area where the ball is to be hit, proper alignment, and a proper swing of the golf club. Alignment refers to the orientation and relative positioning of the golfer&#39;s body, the golf club, and the golf ball. Most commonly, the term alignment is used to refer to the golfer&#39;s alignment at setup, immediately before the golfer swings the golf club. The golfer&#39;s alignment influences the ability of the golfer to make a proper swing, make solid contact with the ball, direct the ball toward a target area, and achieve a desired ball flight. 
     SUMMARY 
     An alignment aid for a golf club according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a first marking on a hosel of the golf club configured for use by a golfer in achieving a first alignment, and a second marking on the hosel configured for use by the golfer in achieving a second alignment different than the first alignment, wherein, in both the first and second alignments, a club face of the golf club is square to a target. 
     In a further embodiment, the first marking extends along a first line parallel to a central axis of a shaft of the golf club and parallel to a leading edge of the golf club, and the second marking extends along a second line non-parallel to both the first marking and the central axis. 
     In a further embodiment, the second marking is inclined such that the second marking diverges gradually from the first marking in a rearward direction when moving along the hosel in a direction away from the club head. 
     In a further embodiment, the second marking is inclined rearward of the first marking by an angle within range between 5 and 15 degrees. 
     In a further embodiment, the alignment aid includes a third marking on the hosel configured for use by the golfer in achieving a third alignment different than the first and second alignments. In the third alignment, the club face is open to a target. 
     In a further embodiment, the third marking extends along a third line circumferentially spaced-apart from the first marking about the hosel in a forward direction, and the third line extends parallel to both the central axis and the first line. 
     In a further embodiment, the third marking is spaced-apart from the first marking by a circumferential arc length corresponding to an angle of rotation about the central axis within a range between 35 and 45 degrees. 
     In a further embodiment, the first alignment is conducive to hitting a pitch shot, the second alignment is conducive to hitting a chip shot, and the third alignment is conducive to hitting a bunker shot. 
     In a further embodiment, the alignment aid is applied to the golf club by machining the first and second markings into the golf club. 
     In a further embodiment, the first and second markings are provided by a first continuous line and a second continuous line, respectively. 
     In a further embodiment, the first and second markings are provided by a first set of marks and a second set of marks, respectively. 
     In a further embodiment, the golf club exhibits a non-zero bounce angle such that a leading edge of the golf club is spaced-apart above a ground surface when in at least one of the first and second alignments. 
     A further embodiment relates to a method of instructing a golfer to use a golf club including the alignment aid of claim  1 . 
     A golf club according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a shaft having a central axis, a club head including a hosel and a club face. The club face includes a leading edge, and the shaft is connected to the club head via the hosel. The golf club further includes a grip attached to the shaft and located adjacent an end of the shaft generally opposite the club head. The hosel includes a first marking configured for use by a golfer in achieving a first alignment conducive to hitting a pitch shot, the hosel includes a second marking configured for use by the golfer in achieving a second alignment different than the first alignment and conducive to hitting a bunker shot, and the hosel includes a third marking configured for use by the golfer in achieving a third alignment different than the first, second, and third alignments and conducive to hitting a chip shot. When in the first and third alignments, the club face is square to a target and, when in the second alignment, the club face is open to the target. Further, the first marking extends along a first line parallel to the central axis and parallel to the leading edge. The second marking extends along a second line circumferentially spaced-apart from the first marking about the hosel in a forward direction, and the second line extends parallel to both the central axis and the first line. The third marking extends along a third line non-parallel to both the first marking and the central axis. Additionally, the third marking diverges gradually from the first marking in a rearward direction when moving along the hosel in a direction away from the club head. The first, second, and third markings are machined into the hosel, and the golf club exhibits a non-zero bounce angle such that a leading edge of the golf club is spaced-apart above a ground surface when in at least one of the first, second, and third alignments. 
     A method according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, aligning a golf club relative to a golf ball, a target, and a golfer to achieve a first alignment in which a first plane normal to a ground surface passes through an entirety of a first marking on a hosel of the golf club, an entirety of a central axis of a shaft of the golf club, and either a nose or a center of a chest of the golfer. Further, in the first alignment, the golf club is either open or square to the target. 
     In a further embodiment, the method includes aligning the golf club relative to the golf ball, the target, and the golfer to achieve a second alignment in which a second plane normal to a ground surface passes through an entirety of a second marking on the hosel, an entirety of the central axis, and either the nose or the center of the chest of the golfer. Further, the second marking is circumferentially spaced-apart from the first marking about the hosel, an effective loft angle of the golf club in the first alignment is different than the effective loft angle of the golf club in the second alignment, and, in the second alignment, the golf club is either open or square to the target. 
     In a further embodiment, the method includes aligning the golf club relative to the golf ball, the target, and the golfer to achieve a third alignment in which a third plane passes through an entirety of a third marking on the hosel and either the nose or center of the chest of the golfer. Further, the third marking is non-parallel to the first marking, the third plane is transverse to the central axis. Additionally, in the third alignment, the effective loft of the golf club is less than in the first and second alignments, and, in the third alignment, the golf club is square to the target. 
     In a further embodiment, when in the first and second alignments, the golf ball is between a lead foot and a trail foot of the golfer, and, when in the third alignment, the golf ball is closer to the trail foot of the golfer than the lead foot. 
     In a further embodiment, the aligning step is performed with assistance from a golf instructor or an instructional guide. 
     In a further embodiment, the first marking corresponds to a setup position of a famous golfer such that, when in the first alignment, the alignment of the golfer mimics the setup position of the famous golfer. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a face-on view (i.e., normal to the front of the golfer&#39;s body) of a golfer aligned relative to a golf ball. 
         FIG.  2    is a front view of a club head. 
         FIG.  3    is a top view of the club head. 
         FIG.  4    is an end view of the club head relative to a ground surface. 
         FIG.  5    illustrates a first example alignment aid relative to a portion of the golf club. 
         FIG.  6    illustrates a second example alignment aid relative to a portion of the golf club. 
         FIG.  7    is a face-on view of the golfer using the alignment aid to achieve a first alignment. The first alignment is conducive to hitting a pitch shot. 
         FIG.  8    is a close-up view of the encircled area of  FIG.  7   . 
         FIG.  9    is a face-on view of the golfer using the alignment aid to achieve a second alignment. The second alignment is conducive to hitting a bunker shot. 
         FIG.  10    is a close-up view of the encircled area of  FIG.  9   . 
         FIG.  11    is a face-on view of the golfer using the alignment aid to achieve a third alignment. The third alignment is conducive to hitting a chip shot. 
         FIG.  12    is a close-up view of the encircled area of  FIG.  11   . 
         FIG.  13    illustrates a plurality of embodiments of the alignment aid, and in particular illustrates different variations of the alignment aid relative to wedges having different bounces, lofts, and/or grinds. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     This disclosure relates to an alignment aid for a golf club and a corresponding method. The alignment aid provides a golf club with one or more markings on or adjacent the hosel of the golf club, and can be used by the golfer to achieve a proper alignment. In particular, the alignment aid may include at least two markings, each of which can be used by the golfer to assist the golfer in achieving the proper alignment corresponding to a desired type of golf shot. As an example, the golfer may use one marking to achieve a proper alignment for a pitch shot, and the golfer may use another marking to achieve a proper alignment for a bunker shot. This disclosure provides a number of benefits which will be appreciated from the below description. 
       FIG.  1    is a face-on view of a golfer  10  gripping a golf club  12 . The golfer  10  is aligned relative to a golf ball  14 , which lies on a ground surface  16 , and is ready to swing the golf club  12  to hit the golf ball  14  toward a target area, such as a green, in a forward direction. The “forward” and “rearward” directions are labeled in some drawings for ease of reference. The ground surface  16  may be grass or sand, as examples. 
     A typical golf swing includes a backswing in which the golfer  10  moves the golf club  12  rearwardly, a transition when the golfer  10  changes the direction of travel of the golf club  12  from rearward to forward near the end of the backswing, a downswing when the golfer  10  moves the golf club  12  forward toward the golf ball  14 , impact when the golf club  12  strikes the golf ball  14 , and a follow through where the golfer  10  swings the golf club  12  through the ball and to a finish position. In this disclosure, the term alignment is used to refer to the orientation and relative positioning, before beginning the golf swing (i.e., at setup), of the body of the golfer  10 , the golf club  12 , and the golf ball  14 . Alignment has an influence on the ability of the golfer  10  to make a proper, or desired, swing, make solid contact with the golf ball  14 , direct the golf ball  14  toward the target area, and achieve a desired flight of the golf ball  14 . This disclosure assists the golfer  10  in properly setting their alignment, which in turn leads to a more proper golf swing, better contact with the golf ball  14 , and achieving a desired ball flight. 
     The golf club  12  includes a grip  18  where the golfer&#39;s hands typically grip the golf club  12 , a shaft  20  extending along a central axis A (e.g.,  FIG.  2   ; herein “axis”), and a club head  22  connected to the shaft  20  generally at an opposite end of the grip  18 . The axis A, and in turn the shaft  20 , follow a straight, non-curved line. The golf club  12  in this example is a wedge, which is a subtype of irons and is configured for use at short distances for achieving a variety of ball flights and shot types. This disclosure extends to other types of golf clubs, such as woods, hybrids, and irons, and is not limited to wedges. 
       FIGS.  2  and  3    illustrate the club head  22  in more detail. The club head  22  may be formed as a single, integral piece of material using a technique such as forging. The club head  22  may be formed using other techniques, however. The club head  22  includes a club face  24  which is configured to strike the golf ball  14 . At a distal (i.e., away from the shaft  20 , and in turn the golfer  10 ) part of the club face  24 , the club face  24  includes a toe section  26  (i.e., the “toe”). Moving proximally (i.e., toward the shaft  20 , and in turn the golfer  10 ), the club face  24  includes a central, grooved section  28  with a plurality of grooves  30 , and a heel section  32  (i.e., the “heel”). The “distal” and “proximal” directions are labeled in some figures for ease of reference. Further, in some embodiments, especially when the golf club  12  is a wedge, the toe and heel sections  26 ,  32  can include grooves. In other embodiments, such as when the golf club  12  is a wood or hybrid, the club face  24  does not include grooves, or includes a different arrangement of grooves than what is shown in  FIGS.  2  and  3   . 
     The heel section  32  is connected directly to a hosel  34 , which is proximal to the heel section  32  and connects the club head  22  to the shaft  20 . The hosel  34  will be described in more detail below. With particular reference to  FIG.  3   , the club face  24  extends in the forward and rearward directions between a leading edge  36  at a forward-most location of the club face  24  and a top edge  38  at a rearward-most location of the club face  24 . The leading edge  36  is parallel to the axis A in this example. In other examples, the leading edge  36  may be slightly curved, but is still substantially parallel to the axis A. In still other examples, a line tangent to the forward-most point of the leading edge  36  is parallel or substantially parallel to the axis A. 
     With reference to  FIG.  4   , adjacent a bottom of the golf club  12 , the club head  22  includes a sole  40  extending between the leading edge  36  and a trailing edge  42 . Again, in this example, the golf club  12  is a wedge. As such, the sole  40  and trailing edge  42  are configured such that, when the trailing edge  42  contacts the ground surface  16  and the shaft  20  is in a neutral position where the axis A is normal to the ground surface  16 , the sole  40  is inclined at an angle B, which is sometimes referred to as a bounce angle or simply the “bounce” of the golf club  12 . In this position, the leading edge  36  is spaced-apart vertically upward of the ground surface  16 , which is useful when the golfer  10  is attempting to hit various shot types. In particular, this arrangement reduces the likelihood that the leading edge  36  will dig into the ground surface  16 . 
     With reference back to  FIGS.  2  and  3   , the hosel  34  has a length L between a first end  44  and a second end  46 , which spaced-apart from the first end  44  along the axis A. The length L is parallel to the axis A of the shaft  20 . The hosel  34  is centered around the axis A in this example. The hosel  34  is circular in cross-section, and in some examples the hosel  34  is substantially cylindrical along the length L. The hosel  34  is hollow and provides a socket for receiving an end of the shaft  20 . Specifically, at the second end  46 , the hosel  34  includes an opening into a socket within the hosel  34 . The shaft  20  is connected to the hosel  34  via a relatively strong adhesive or other bonding agent such as epoxy. In other examples, a fastener, such as a screw, is used to connect the shaft  20  to the hosel  34 . Such fasteners are known in golf clubs with adjustable club heads. 
     The golf club  12  also includes a ferrule  48 , or band, which is in contact with the hosel  34  at the second end  46  and surrounds the shaft  20 . A ferrule  48  is not required in all examples. 
     When a golfer  10  sets up to hit a golf ball  14 , as in  FIG.  1   , the golfer  10  can see the top (i.e., side opposite ground surface  16 ) of the club head  22 . Essentially, at setup, the view of the club head  22  from the perspective of the golfer  10  is similar to that of  FIG.  3   . In this disclosure, an alignment aid is provided on the golf club  12  such that it is visible to the golfer  10  as the golfer  10  sets up to hit the golf ball  14 . 
       FIG.  5    illustrates a first example alignment aid  50 . In  FIG.  5   , the alignment aid  50  is provided on the hosel  34 . The alignment aid  50 , in this example, includes one or more markings, each of which is configured to be used by the golfer  10  to achieve a particular alignment. In this disclosure, the term “marking” refers to a mark or series of marks. 
     In the example of  FIG.  5   , the alignment aid  50  includes a first marking  52 , a second marking  54 , and a third marking  56 . Each of the markings  52 ,  54 ,  56  is arranged on the hosel  34  such that the golfer  10  can view the markings  52 ,  54 ,  56  and align himself or herself using a particular one of the markings  52 ,  54 ,  56 . As will be explained below, each of the markings  52 ,  54 ,  56  is configured to be used by the golfer to achieve an alignment conducive to hitting a different type of golf shot. While three markings  52 ,  54 ,  56  are illustrated in  FIG.  5   , the alignment aid  50  could include one or more markings. Further, terms such as “first,” “second,” and “third” are not intended to be limiting. As an example, if the golf club  12  includes only two markings, such as the first marking  52  and the third marking  56 , the third marking  56  could be referred to as a “second” marking. 
     The first marking  52  extends along a length between a first end  58  adjacent the first end  44  of the hosel  34  and a second end  60  adjacent the second end  46  of the hosel  34 . In this example, the length of the first marking  52  extends over a majority of the length L of the hosel  34 . The length of the first marking  52  may extend between 20% and 100% of the length L. The first marking  52  extends along a straight line parallel to the axis A and parallel to the leading edge  36 . 
     The second marking  54  is extends along a straight line between a first end  62  adjacent the first end  44  of the hosel  34  and a second end  64  adjacent the second end  46  of the hosel  34 . Specifically, the second marking  54  extends along a straight line parallel to the first marking  52  and having the same or substantially the same length as the first marking  52 . In this example, the second marking  54  is spaced-apart circumferentially in the forward direction from the first marking  52  by a circumferential arc length C corresponding to an angle of rotation about the axis A within a range between 35 to 45 degrees. In a particular example, the second marking  54  is circumferentially spaced-apart from the first marking  52  by an angle within a range of 35 to 42 degrees. In a more particular example, the second marking  54  is circumferentially spaced-apart from the first marking  52  by an angle of 40 degrees. 
     The third marking  56 , in this example, is non-parallel to the first and second markings  52 ,  54 . In particular, when viewed face-on, the third marking  56  extends along a straight line between a first end  66  adjacent the first end  44  of the hosel  34  and a second end  68  adjacent the second end  46  of the hosel  34 . The third marking  56  has the same or substantially the same length as the first and second markings  52 ,  54 . The first end  66  of the third marking  56  is relatively close to the first end  58  of the first marking  52 . In some examples, the first end  66  is provided at the same point as the first end  58 . Moving from the first end  66  to the second end  68 , the third marking  56  diverges, and specifically moves gradually more rearward, from the first marking  52 . Specifically, the third marking  56  is inclined rearwardly relative to the first marking  52  by an angle D. The angle D, in one example, is an acute angle. In a particular example, the angle D is between 5 and 15 degrees. In a particular example, the angle D is 10 degrees. While in this example the third marking  56  is provided by a straight line, in other examples the third marking  56  may have a slight curvature such that it appears straight when applied to the curved hosel  34 . As is readily apparent from at least  FIG.  5   , the entirety of the third marking  56  is rearward of a central plane containing the axis A and extending parallel to the leading edge  36  ( FIG.  4   ). The central plane extends in-and-out of the page with reference to  FIGS.  4  and  5   . Specifically, the central plane extends parallel to a tangent line of a forward-most location of the leading edge  36 , and also extends perpendicular to a target as well as the forward and rearward directions. 
     The first ends  58 ,  62 ,  66  of the markings  52 ,  54 ,  56  may be provided at a common axial location along the length L of the hosel  34 , in an example. Further, in that example, the second ends  60 ,  64 ,  68  of the markings  52 ,  54 ,  56  are provided at a common axial location along the length of the hosel  34 . In other words, from the perspective of the golfer  10 , the markings  52 ,  54 ,  56  begin and end at the same locations along the hosel  34 . 
     The first, second, and third markings  52 ,  54 ,  56  may be machined into the club head  22 . In particular, the first, second, and third markings  52 ,  54 ,  56  may be machined, such as by milling or laser etching, into the hosel  34  after the club head  22  is substantially formed. Alternatively, the first, second, and third markings  52 ,  54 ,  56  may be integrally formed with the club head  22  as the club head is forged or cast, as examples. The first, second, and third markings  52 ,  54 ,  56  may be recessed inward of the remainder of the outer surface of the hosel  34 . Those recesses could be filled, with paint or other filler, such that the first, second, and third markings  52 ,  54 ,  56  sit flush or substantially flush with a remainder of the hosel  34 . The first, second, and third markings  52 ,  54 ,  56 , could be applied to the golf club  12  in another manner, such as by painting, or by a sticker. The first, second, and third markings  52 ,  54 ,  56  may be visually distinguishable from one another. In a particular example, the first, second, and third markings  52 ,  54 ,  56  may be colored differently. 
     In  FIG.  5   , the alignment aid  50  includes first, second, and third markings  52 ,  54 ,  56  provided by continuous (i.e., unbroken) straight lines between their respective ends. In other words, each marking  52 ,  54 ,  56  is provided by a single, elongated mark. However, the markings  52 ,  54 ,  56  do not need to be provided by continuous lines, and could instead be provided by a series of marks. Further, the markings do not need to be provided by straight lines, and could be provided by one or more types of symbols or shapes.  FIG.  6   , for example, illustrates another example alignment aid  50 ′ in which the first, second, and third markings  52 ′,  54 ′,  56 ′ are each provided by a series of distinct marks. The first marking  52 ′ is oriented substantially similar to the first marking  52 , except the first marking  52 ′ is provided by a series of circular marks. The second marking  54 ′ is oriented substantially similar to the second marking  54 ′, and except the second marking  54 ′ is provided by a series of square marks. The third marking  56 ′ is oriented substantially similar to the third marking  56  except the third marking  56 ′ is provided by a series of star-shaped marks. While circles, squares, and stars are shown, the marks could be provided by different shapes or symbols. 
     As above, the marks providing the first, second, and third markings  52 ′,  54 ′,  56 ′ may be machined into the club head  22 , formed with the club head  22 , or applied via a sticker or paint, as examples. Further, while the marks are differently-shaped between the first, second, and third markings  52 ′,  54 ′,  56 ′, the marks could be shaped similarly (e.g., all the marks could be circles). Further, and especially when the marks are shaped similarly, the marks associated with the first, second, and third markings  52 ′,  54 ′,  56 ′ could be colored differently from one another to assist the golfer  10  with visually differentiating the markings. While two example alignment aids  50 ,  50 ′ are shown in  FIGS.  5  and  6   , this disclosure extends to other examples. 
     An example method of using the golf club  12  with the alignment aid  50  will now be described relative to  FIGS.  7 - 12   . While the alignment aid  50  is shown in  FIGS.  7 - 12   , a golf club having the alignment aid  50 ′ would be used substantially similarly.  FIGS.  1 - 6    will also be referenced below. In  FIGS.  7 - 12   , the particular marking  52 ,  54 ,  56  being used by the golfer  10  is shaded-in for ease of reference. 
       FIG.  7    is a face-on view of the golfer  10  using the golf club  12  which includes the alignment aid  50 . In  FIG.  7   , the golfer  10  is using the alignment aid  50  to assist himself in achieving an alignment conducive to hitting a pitch shot. A pitch shot is a golf shot in which the golfer  10  attempts to hit the golf ball  14  relatively high toward a target area, such as the green, and in particular in which the golf ball  14  flies further in the air than it rolls on the ground surface  16  after landing. 
     As shown in  FIG.  8   , the golfer  10  has aligned the golf club  12  such that the axis A is substantially normal to the ground surface  16 , and the leading edge  36  is extending substantially normal to a target area, which means the club face  24  is “square” to the target area. Further, the golfer  10  is aligned such that the golf ball  14  is between his forward and trail feet  70 ,  72 . The golfer  10  is also aligned such that, when viewed face-on, a plane P 1  normal to the ground surface  16  contains the entire first marking  52  and the entire axis A. The plane P 1  also passes through the nose  74  of the golfer  10 . Further, the plane P 1  extends in-and-out of the page relative to  FIGS.  7  and  8   . 
     When aligned as in  FIGS.  7  and  8   , the golf club  12  is arranged such that a desirable angle B, namely the bounce angle, is achieved, which reduces the likelihood that the leading edge  36  will dig into the ground surface  16  during a golf shot. Without the alignment aid  50 , the golfer  10  may have unintentionally positioned the golf club  12  such that the angle B is reduced by virtue of the grip  18  and shaft  20  of the golf club  12  leaning too far in the forward direction, which is a condition referred to as forward shaft lean, for a pitch shot. Many golfers struggle from excess forward shaft lean when attempting to hit a pitch shot. In addition to reducing the angle B, forward shaft lean also de-lofts the golf club  12 , reducing the effective loft angle between the club face  24  and the ground surface  16 , which may cause the ball to fly lower through the air and roll further along the ground surface  16  once it lands than the golfer  10  had intended. In general, the first marking  52  allows the golfer  10  to achieve an alignment conducive to hitting more consistent pitch shots. 
     In  FIG.  9   , the golfer  10  is using the alignment aid  50  to assist himself in achieving an alignment conducive to hitting a bunker shot, such as a greenside bunker shot. A bunker shot is a shot in which the golf ball  14  is hit out of a bunker so that the golf ball  14  can escape the bunker and land on the target area. For most greenside bunker shots, it is desirable to hit the golf ball  14  out of the bunker on a high, arcing trajectory (i.e., steeply up and steeply down) such that when the golf ball  14  lands on the green it stops relatively quickly with little roll.  FIG.  9    is also representative of an alignment of the golfer  10  when the golfer  10  is attempting to hit a flop shot, sometimes called a lob shot. 
     As shown in  FIG.  10   , the golfer  10  has aligned the golf club  12  such that, when viewed from face-on, the axis A is substantially normal to the ground surface  16  which, in the example of a bunker shot, is sand. Further, the golfer  10  is aligned such that the golf ball  14  is between his forward and trail feet  70 ,  72 . The golfer  10  is also aligned such that, when viewed face-on, a plane P 2  normal to the ground surface  16  contains the entire second marking  54  and the entire axis A. The plane P 2  passes through the nose  74  of the golfer  10  ( FIG.  9   ). Further, the plane P 2  extends in-and-out of the page relative to  FIGS.  9  and  10   . Whereas in  FIGS.  7  and  8    the leading edge  36  was square to the target area, in  FIGS.  9  and  10    the leading edge  36  gradually diverges rearwardly from the plane P 2  when moving distally along the leading edge  36 , meaning the club face  24  is “open” to the target area. With such an alignment, the effective loft angle between the club face  24  and the ground surface  16  is increased. As such, the golfer  10  can strike the golf ball  14  such that it exhibits a high, arcing trajectory. The second marking  54  is arranged such that the effective loft angle is increased by an amount that is greater than, and in some instances significantly greater than, the amount that some golfers would have otherwise achieved. The second marking  54  thus assists some golfers with achieving a proper, and more consistent, setup for a bunker or flop shot than what would otherwise have been intuitive for those golfers. 
     In  FIG.  11   , the golfer  10  is using the alignment aid  50  to assist himself in achieving an alignment conducive to hitting a chip shot, which is sometimes called a bump and run shot. A chip shot is a shot in which the golf ball  14  is hit such that it rolls on the ground surface  16  further than it flies in the air. 
     As shown in  FIG.  12   , the golfer  10  is aligned such that the golf ball  14  is closer to his trail foot  72  than the lead foot  74 . As such, the axis A is inclined at a non-zero angle relative to a plane normal to the ground surface  16 . Further, golfer  10  is aligned such that, when viewed face-on, a plane P 3  contains the entire third marking  56  and passes through the nose  74  of the golfer  10 . Further, the plane P 3  extends in-and-out of the page relative to  FIGS.  11  and  12   . The plane P 3  does not contain the entire axis A. Rather, the plane P 3  and the axis A are transverse to one another and intersect adjacent the first end  66  of the third marking  56 . In  FIGS.  11  and  12   , the leading edge  36  is square to the target, as in  FIGS.  7  and  8   , and the effective loft angle between the club face  24  and the ground surface  16  is decreased by an amount equal to the angle D between the first marking  52  and the third marking  56 . As such, the golfer  10  is aligned in a manner conducive to hitting a chip shot without dramatically reducing the angle B. As such, the golfer  10  can achieve a proper, and consistent setup for chip shots, which assists the golfer in striking the golf ball  14  such that it exhibits a low trajectory without digging the leading edge  36  into the ground surface  16 . 
     The golfer  10  may be instructed on how to use the alignment aid  50  by a golf instructor or an instructional guide, such as a video or written tutorial. In particular, the golfer  10  may be told to position the golf ball  14  in a particular location relative to his feet when using one of the markings  52 ,  54 ,  56 . When using the alignment aid  50 , the golfer  10  may also be told to feel as if a plane containing one of the markings  52 ,  54 ,  56  passes through their nose or the center of their chest, as examples. In this regard, while in  FIGS.  7 - 12    the planes P 1 , P 2 , P 3  pass through the nose  74  of the golfer  10 , the golfer  10  could use the alignment aid  50  to achieve alignments in which planes P 1 , P 2 , P 3  pass through a center of the chest of the golfer  10  as an alternative to or in addition to the nose  74  of the golfer  10 . 
     The alignment aid  50  may be used by golf instructors as a teaching tool when giving golf lessons, for example. Further, a golfer  10  may use the alignment aid  50  during practice on a driving range or a practice area, or while playing golf on a golf course. An alignment aid  50  may be provided on every club in a golfer&#39;s golf bag. Alternatively, the alignment aid  50  is only provided on some clubs, such as the wedges in a golfer&#39;s golf bag. Further, some golf clubs may have different alignment aids. For instance, while a wedge may have an alignment aid with three distinct markings, a driver or iron may have an alignment aid with only one marking. Further still, the markings on the alignment aid may be standardized, such that they broadly apply to most golfers, or the markings could be customized based on the preferences of a particular golfer. 
     While above the alignment aid  50  is described as being machined-into or formed with the hosel  34  of the club head  22 , the alignment aid  50  could be provided, partially or entirely, on the ferrule  48  and/or the heel section  32 . Further, as mentioned above, the alignment aid  50  could be provided by a sticker including the markings. In that example, the sticker may be wrapped around a traditional hosel  34 . The sticker may be transparent with the exception of the markings, in some examples. 
     The alignment aid described herein assists golfers align themselves in a manner conducive to hitting various different shot types (e.g., pitch, bunker, flop, and chip shots). The alignment aid also helps golfers achieve greater consistency in their setup positions with all types of golf clubs, leading to more consistent golf shots. Among other things, the alignment aid provides feedback to golfers regarding the orientation of various body parts at setup, such as relative hand position, head position, arm position, ball position, etc. In turn, the alignment aid provides golfers with confidence that they are achieving a consistent and/or desired alignment, and ultimately such that they are properly aligned to increase their chances of hitting a particular type of golf shot. 
     As mentioned above, this disclosure is not limited to the particular alignment aid illustrated in  FIG.  5   , for example. Indeed, this disclosure extends to alignment aids with a different number and/or arrangement of markings. For instance, the alignment aid of this disclosure can be modified such that it is particularly suited for a particular type of wedge. Wedges are versatile golf clubs and, depending on a number of factors such as loft, bounce, and grind, a particular type of wedge may be more suited for hitting certain types of shots than others.  FIG.  13    illustrates a plurality of embodiments of the alignment aid, and in particular illustrates different variations of the alignment aid as applied to different types of wedges, each having different lofts, bounces, and/or grinds. The embodiments of the alignment aid in  FIG.  13    are intended to provide a wedge that is suited to hitting a particular type of shot with an alignment aid having a marking that allows a golfer to properly set up to hit that shot. 
       FIG.  13    includes six headings labeled by grind category. The grind categories mentioned herein are those advertised and marketed on Vokey wedges, sold commercially by The Acushnet Holdings Company under their Titleist brand. Vokey grinds are referenced herein because they are well known in the golfing industry. However, Vokey grinds are mentioned only for ease of reference and explanation of the various embodiments of the alignment aid. This disclosure is not limited to use with Vokey wedges or Vokey grinds. 
     In general, wedge grind is the manipulation and/or removal of material from the sole of the club. Certain types of grinds make a wedge better suited for some conditions than others, and enable a golfer to hit certain shots more easily than others. Example alignment aids will be discussed with reference to the particular headings, grouped by Vokey grind type, in  FIG.  13   . 
     L Grind. An L Grind wedge is defined and advertised by Vokey as a low bounce grind providing heel, toe, and trailing edge relief to allow for maximum greenside versatility. The L Grind is advertised as being suited for firm conditions and designed for precise golfers looking for maximum shot-making versatility. In the example shown, the wedge has an L Grind and exhibits 60 degrees of loft. Further, the wedge includes an alignment aid that exhibits all three markings  52 ,  54 ,  56  shown in  FIG.  5    (the markings of the alignment aid are shown, but not labeled in  FIG.  13   ). Specifically, the wedge includes markings that can be used for hitting a standard pitch shot, a bunker shot, and a chip shot, respectively. In this example, while a wedge having 60 degrees of loft is typically not used for chip shots, the L Grind is designed for advanced and/or highly skilled golfers who may feel comfortable hitting chip shots with a high lofted wedge. 
     F Grind. The F Grind is defined and advertised by Vokey as an all-purpose grind that is particularly suited for full shots and shots hit with a square face. In  FIG.  13   , two wedges are shown under the F Grind heading. The first (left-hand) wedge exhibits between 46-52 degrees of loft and includes a single marking, similar to the marking  52 . In this example, however, the marking may be inclined slightly rearwardly relative to the marking  52 , such that when a golfer sets up such that the marking passes through their nose (in the manner discussed above) the shaft of the wedge will lean slightly forward. A golfer will not typically attempt to hit a chip shot or a bunker shot with a low-lofted, F Grind wedge. Thus, in this example, the alignment aid includes only a single marking. In the second wedge (the right-hand wedge), the wedge exhibits between 54-56 degrees of loft and includes three markings, substantially similar to the markings  52 ,  54 ,  56 , with the exception of the marking  54 . In this example, the marking  54  is circumferentially spaced-apart from the marking  52  by an angle slightly less than the angle A discussed above. Since the F Grind is suited for square-faced shots, a golfer will not typically use an F Grind wedge to open the face and attempt to hit as high of a bunker shot or a flop shot as that corresponding to the marking  54  in  FIG.  5   . 
     M Grind. The M grind is advertised by Vokey as being designed for golfers that like to rotate the club face open and closed to hit various types of shots around the green, and for golfers with a shallower, more sweeping swing type who play shots from a variety of clubface positions. There are two wedges illustrated under the M Grind heading. The first, left-hand wedge exhibits a loft between 56-58 degrees and exhibits the three markings  52 ,  54 ,  56 . The second, right-hand wedge exhibits a higher loft between 60-62 degrees and only exhibits the markings  52 ,  54 , since the higher lofted wedge with the M Grind is less suited for chip shots. The right-hand wedge could include another line forward of the marking  52 , either between the markings  52 ,  54  or forward of the marking  54 , to be utilized for hitting shots lower or higher than those corresponding to the marking  54 , respectively. 
     S Grind. The S Grind is defined and advertised by Vokey as being suited for square faced shots with slightly more versatility than the F grind. Two wedges are shown in  FIG.  13    under the S Grind heading. In the left-hand wedge, which exhibits between 54-56 degrees of loft, all three markings  52 ,  54 ,  56  are present on the wedge. In the right-hand wedge, which exhibits between 58-60 degrees of loft, only the markings  52 ,  54  are present as the higher-lofted club with the S Grind is not particularly suited for chip shots. 
     D Grind. The D grind is advertised by Vokey as providing a high, measured bounce and being suited for golfers with a steeper angle of attack who play shots from a variety of clubface positions. The first, left-hand wedge exhibits a loft between 54-56 degrees and exhibits all three markings  52 ,  54 ,  56 . The second, right-hand wedge exhibits a higher loft between 58-60 degrees and only exhibits the markings  52 ,  54 , since the higher lofted wedge is less suited for chip shots. The right-hand wedge could include another line forward of the marking  52 , either between the markings  52 ,  54  or forward of the marking  54 , to be utilized for hitting shots lower or higher than those corresponding to the marking  54 , respectively. 
     K Grind. The K Grind is advertised by Vokey as providing a wide, full sole and being forgiving in a variety of sand and turf conditions. The illustrated wedge exhibits a loft between 58-60 degrees and only exhibits the markings  52 ,  54 , since the wedge is less suited for chip shots and is particularly suited for pitch shots and bunker shots. 
     Again, while a number of specific configurations of the alignment aid are shown in  FIG.  13   , these configurations are exemplary. This disclosure extends to other configurations of the alignment aid. 
     Another aspect of this disclosure relates to customization of the alignment aid. In this respect, the alignment aid could feature markings that can be used to enable a golfer to mimic the setup position of a famous golfer. For instance, with reference again to Vokey wedges, one of the most recognizable professional golfers today playing such wedges is Justin Thomas. Other examples include Jordan Spieth, Adam Scott, and Steve Stricker, among many others. The alignment aid of this disclosure could include markings that can be used by a golfer to mimic the setup position of these famous golfers for various shots. As a particular example, one could study the manner in which Justin Thomas typically sets up when hitting a bunker shot, and the alignment aid could be designed to include a marking which can be utilized by another golfer to set up in the same way. With the alignment aid configured in this manner, an amateur golfer, for example, can set up to a bunker shot and gain confidence knowing they are aligned in the same or similar manner as a famous golfer like Justin Thomas. Further, Justin Thomas himself can use the alignment aid to increase his own consistency. While a handful of famous golfers have been listed above, the alignment aid could also feature markings corresponding to the setup of other professional golfers, including touring professionals and/or teaching professionals, or famous personalities. The alignment aid could also feature markings corresponding to the manner in which one would set up to hit a specialty shot or a trick shot. 
     It should be understood that directional terms such as “forward,” “rearward,” “distal,” “proximal,” “axial,” “radial,” and “circumferential” are used above consistent with their known meanings and relative to the attitude of a golf club during normal use. Further, these terms have been used herein for purposes of explanation, and should not be considered otherwise limiting. Terms such as “generally,” “substantially,” and “about” are not intended to be boundaryless terms, and should be interpreted consistent with the way one skilled in the art would interpret those terms. 
     Although the different examples have the specific components shown in the illustrations, embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to those particular combinations. It is possible to use some of the components or features from one of the examples in combination with features or components from another one of the examples. In addition, the various figures accompanying this disclosure are not necessarily to scale, and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show certain details of a particular component or arrangement. 
     One of ordinary skill in this art would understand that the above-described embodiments are exemplary and non-limiting. That is, modifications of this disclosure would come within the scope of the claims. Accordingly, the following claims should be studied to determine their true scope and content.