Patent Publication Number: US-2005124434-A1

Title: Method of improving and teaching golf swing

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS  
      This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/299,569, filed on Nov. 18, 2002, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/399,107, filed on Jul. 27, 2002. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      1. Field of the Invention  
      The present invention relates to sporting devices and, in particular, to an improved golf swing training device and a method of using the device.  
      2. Description of the Related Art  
      The three biggest barriers to entry in golf have been identified by industry sources as DIFFICULTY, TIME and EXPENSE. A fourth barrier to entry is ACCESSIBILITY or LOCATION. This barrier is huge because millions of people simply do not have easy access to a golf course or driving range. In addition, the same industry sources identify the two biggest reasons that people play golf as: 1) the excitement of hitting a ball and 2) socializing. Nothing else is close. The game of golf has always had its followers, but in recent years, interest in the sport has dramatically increased. The game&#39;s difficulty and expensive equipment, however, represent significant barriers to people&#39;s participation.  
      For decades, if not centuries, golf club manufacturers have focused their technological advances on making the ball go farther and straighter when hit. Club manufacturers know that many golfers will spend thousands of dollars on new advances in equipment. They realize that many players are looking to “buy” skill. However, a golf club will only perform as well as the person swinging it. Unfortunately, these technological advances have done little to make the ball substantially easier to hit. Today&#39;s golfers are using virtually the exact same clubs used by PGA stars. These golfers are expected to go to the golf course, learn the game and perform well. This is unrealistic considering the enormous difficulty of the game as currently played. It is unfair and impractical to expect people who have a minimal amount of time to devote to practice to perform effectively with these clubs.  
      Of golfs DIFFICULTY, TIME, EXPENSE, and ACCESSIBILITY barrier&#39;s to entry, the game&#39;s DIFFICULTY is probably the largest barrier to entry. The golf swing consists of a synchronized motion around the axis of the spine. When a person is standing upright, their head, shoulders, arms, hips, legs and feet are in a relaxed, natural and comfortable position. When a right-handed person is given a golf club and looks down at the ball, the golfer must tilt their spine angle, drop their right shoulder lower, lean forward at the hips and look down at the ball. This tilting, dropping, leaning and looking down disrupts the natural relationship between the head, shoulders, arms, hips, legs and feet. The body now is in an unnatural or “disoriented” position. This creates many problems because each part of the body now becomes “disoriented” and independent relative to the other body parts. When one of those body parts moves independently from the other parts during a golf swing, there is a “disconnection” in the swing. The golfer must re-educate each body part to perform in a synchronized way. This is a reason why the game can be so frustrating and difficult. It is also why the golf swing is so difficult to learn.  
      The seven major problems with a learning a golf swing include: 1) Bending at the waist causes a change in body balance (This creates the environment for reverse pivoting, swaying, arm lifting the club, lifting the head and more); 2) Bending at the waist disrupts normal body alignment (The head, shoulders, waist, and legs are now out of alignment); 3) Bending at the waist causes the eyes&#39; position to change from a normal “stereoscopic” to a “monoscopic” perception; 4) The length of the club; 5) The size of the club face; 6) The ball is as far from eye level as possible; 7) The golf swing requires a “reflex” body action that uses a club to hit a stationary ball to a stationary target. The golfer must create this “reflex” action because the ball is static or not moving. In effect, every new golfer has seven very difficult problems to deal with and master all at the same time. Ball striking and rotation are very difficult concepts from this “traditional” position. The “Swing Problems” listed above and more commence immediately in multiple combinations. Players become so confused that they can&#39;t hit a stationary ball. They become frustrated and humiliated and many eventually quit.  
      Therefore, there exists a need for an improved golf training device and method particularly for a training device and method which effectively and inexpensively trains a player for playing golf with a traditional golf club.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      The golf club and method of the present invention eliminate each of the above-described barriers to entry. The golf club and method are a progressive training aid that allows a fundamentally sound golf swing to be efficiently built in stages from a waist high ball position to the ground. The specially designed golf club and “graduated height tee system” quickly delivers the fun and excitement of hitting a golf ball. The present invention and its&#39; “Top Down” approach yield immediate positive results. The present invention&#39;s functionality and portability has “Universal Reach” and can help golfers of all skill levels from beginner children to PGA tour players. The golf club and method also reinforce the two biggest reasons that people play golf: 1) the excitement of hitting a ball and 2) socializing. The present invention delivers the excitement of hitting a golf ball and the opportunity to socialize while playing golf faster and more efficiently than any golf product in the world. After a “golf swing foundation” is built the player can use the “graduated tee system” to progressively build spine angle into the swing. Each student may advance at their own pace depending on their individual athleticism. Everyone immediately gets the excitement of hitting a golf ball.  
      Each of the main barriers to golf and how the present invention reduces these barriers will now be described. DIFFICULTY: The present invention makes hitting a golf ball easier than ever by: 1) a shorter shaft, 2) a bigger club face and 3) moving the ball closer to eye level. The specialized club and “graduated height tee system” of the present invention rapidly accelerates learning the proper mechanics for the golf swing. The present invention quickly delivers the excitement of hitting a golf ball. The present invention also allows players to progressively add spine angle (bending at the waist). Players do this by using the next lower height tee at their own pace depending on their athleticism. TIME: The present invention rapidly teaches a fundamentally sound golf swing. With the present invention, a wonderfully sound golf swing can be developed in a matter of minutes. The present invention immediately delivers the excitement of hitting a golf ball, rapidly accelerates learning proper swing fundamentals and gives each player a huge dose of confidence and fun. In addition, the number one problem on golf courses is slow play. Five to six hour rounds are common at many courses. This problem “gums up” the works and discourages play. However, this “time” problem will always exist with the games current format. Beginners and lesser skilled players want to learn but cannot hit the ball. These beginners and high handicap players with conventional clubs create extraordinarily long rounds. This “slow play problem” costs the game dearly both financially and by frustrating other players. The present invention accelerates the pace of play on the course because golfers using the present invention can hit the ball consistently. EXPENSE: The equipment of the present invention is inexpensive. The present invention offers a huge financial opportunity to the world of golf. Golf courses can give golfers using the present invention a break on greens fees and have a separate teeing ground for them perhaps at the 150 yard marker. With this format, The present invention offers each facility a “New Market” and revenue stream. The USGA may also offer a special handicap system for the present invention that incorporates existing technology. This will give the USGA a better ROI (Return on Investment). Each course may be “Rated” at 54 for Starters. This format gives everybody the chance to hit the ball, socialize, have fun and compete. It can also generate large revenue and growth for the game. Everybody, especially the game of golf, wins when these golfers graduate to conventional equipment or even if they remain golfers using the present invention. This is also a wonderful way for physically challenged individuals to enjoy golf. Also, Senior Citizens playing golf using the present invention represent a huge potential growth resource for golf. ACCESSIBILITY OR LOCATION: The present invention delivers a constructive and fun golf experience to the neighborhood and inner city. Golf has traditionally been taught at driving ranges and golf courses. The present invention offers a portable and fundamentally sound learning experience that includes these two venues plus everywhere else. The present invention may be used with golf balls and many other ball types in neighborhoods, in the inner city, at parks, schools, on grass, asphalt, backyards and the like. The present invention introduces a new era in golf instruction and playability. This is all accomplished while maintaining the essence, tradition and competitive elements that have made golf one of the world&#39;s most popular sports.  
      In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a golf club is provided. The golf club includes a generally elongated shaft having a longitudinal axis, and a club head having at least one axis, a vertical midpoint, and an enlarged planar hitting surface. In some embodiments, the hitting surface is symmetric about the vertical midpoint, and the axis of the club head is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. In some embodiments, the shaft can be about 12-47 inches in length. In one embodiment, the club is about 34 inches in length. In some embodiments, the club head can have a mass of about 300-600 g. In one embodiment, the club head has a mass of about 335 g. In some embodiments, the club is adapted for both right-handed and left-handed use, or ambidextrous use. The hitting surface can be circular.  
      In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a golf system is provided. The golf system includes a golf club and a tee. The club can include a club head having an enlarged hitting surface and a short shaft. A golf ball is hit off of the tee using the club. In certain embodiments, the club has a length of about 18-50 inches. In one embodiment, the club is about 34 inches in length. In some embodiments, the hitting surface is circular. In some embodiments, the tee has a height of about 12-60 inches.  
      In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a method of learning golf is provided. The method includes choosing a first tee having a first length, choosing a club, hitting a ball off of the tee using the club, whereby a player learns proper swing mechanics. In some embodiments, the club head has at least one axis, a vertical midpoint, and an enlarged planar hitting surface that is symmetric about the vertical midpoint, the shaft has a longitudinal axis. The at least one axis of the club head can be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft.  
      In some embodiments, the first tee has a height of about 34 inches. These embodiments can also include choosing a second tee having a height of about 24 inches, wherein a player hits the ball off of the second tee. These embodiments can also include a third tee having a height of about 14 inches, wherein a player hits the ball off of the third tee. In some embodiments, the method can include choosing a plurality of tees of varying lengths, and decreasing the tee height as training progresses. In one embodiment, the first tee is telescoping. In some embodiments, the length of the first tee varies. In other embodiments, a plurality of tees of varying lengths can be provided, such that a player learns to play golf by gradually starting with a tee at a height lower than the height of the first tee to a tee at ground level. The tee can be telescoping. In some embodiments, the club can include an enlarged hitting surface, and have a mass of about 300-600 g.  
      In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a method of learning golf is provided. The method includes providing at least a first tee and a club having an enlarged hitting surface, and hitting a ball off of the first tee using the club, whereby a player learns proper swing mechanics.  
      In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a method of playing a game is provided. The method includes placing a tee having a height of about 12-60 inches in the ground, and hitting a ball off of the tee with a club having an elongate shaft having a longitudinal axis and a club head having an axis passing through the center of mass of the club head. In some embodiments, the longitudinal axis of the shaft and the axis of the club head are collinear.  
      In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a golf club having an elongated shaft and a club head is provided. The club head can have an enlarged round hitting surface, and the plane of the hitting surface is parallel with a longitudinal axis passing through the shaft.  
      In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a method of learning golf is provided. The method includes gradually and incrementally decreasing the tee height. The individual may bend more at the waist as the tee height is decreased. The club can be adapted for both right-handed and left-handed use.  
      In accordance with a further embodiment of the invention, a method of improving and teaching a golf swing is provided. The method includes providing an adjustable-length tee with a height of at least 12 inches and a golf ball thereon to be addressed by a golfer; providing a club to be used by the golfer; swinging and hitting the golf ball off of the adjustable-length tee using the club by the golfer; and decreasing tee height of the adjustable-length tee as training progresses.  
      In accordance with a still further embodiment of the invention, an adjustable-length tee for improving and teaching a golf swing is provided. The adjustable-length tee includes more than one length replaceable shaft; and a tee support that slidably receives the replaceable shaft, wherein the adjustable-length tee includes a height of at least 12 inches, and the height of the adjustable-length tee is decreasable as training progresses.  
      For a better understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of an alternative golf club in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention.  
       FIG. 1B  is a perspective view of an alternative golf club in accordance with certain other embodiments of the present invention.  
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the head of the golf club of  FIG. 1A .  
      FIGS.  3 A-B are front views of the head of the club of  FIG. 1A .  
       FIG. 4  is a side view of the head of the club of  FIG. 1A .  
       FIG. 5A  is a side view of adjacent tees of varying heights in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention.  
       FIG. 5B  is a perspective view of a telescoping tee in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention.  
       FIG. 6  is a diagram of a player using the combined golf club and tee system of certain embodiments wherein the tee is at waist level.  
       FIG. 7  is a diagram of a player using the combined golf club and tee system of certain embodiments wherein the tee is at a lower level as skill progresses.  
       FIG. 8  is a diagram of a player using the combined golf club and tee system of certain embodiments wherein the tee is at an even lower level as skill further progresses.  
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a tee constructed in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
      Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein like numerals refer to like elements throughout. The terminology used in the description presented herein is not intended to be interpreted in any limited or restrictive manner simply because it is being utilized in conjunction with a detailed description of certain specific embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, embodiments of the invention may include several novel features, no single one of which is solely responsible for its desirable attributes or which is essential to practicing the inventions herein described.  
      Referring to  FIG. 1A , there is illustrated one embodiment of the golf club  100  in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention. Certain embodiments of the present invention relate to a golf training system. However, other embodiments relate to the general sporting and entertainment aspects of golf.  
      The golf training system described herein offers the golfer the opportunity to learn golf from the “top down”. This “top down” approach to teaching the modern swing will yield quicker results and success. Today&#39;s modern swing mechanics require that the golfer keep the club in front of the body. This position keeps the club from getting trapped behind the golfer where all sorts of problems occur. Many of golfs finest instructors accurately describe the golf swing as similar to a baseball swing, but on a different plane. Common swing problems such as: “head lifting”, “hips swaying”, the “reverse pivot”, “arm swing”, “flat swing”, “upright swing” and more, can all be identified and corrected with the present system. For good players, the system will help identify swing flaw tendencies or “disconnections” when things go bad. One “disconnection” occurs when golfers lift their heads when they swing.  
      The present system enables the golfer to quickly feel the benefit of synchronizing the shoulders, hips and legs around the spine axis in developing proper swing mechanics. Concepts such as balance, rotation, connection, keeping the club in front of the player and more are automatically taught by use of the present invention. By placing the ball on an elevated tee closer to eye level, the player may assume a much more natural position and be taught proper swing mechanics in a more relaxed and enjoyable format.  
      In some embodiments, as illustrated in  FIG. 1A , a golf club  100  having a shaft  110 , grip  120  and club head  130  is provided. The golf club  100  can be used as a training device or for playing. The overall club length can be from about 18 inches to 50 inches. In some embodiments, the shaft  110 , grip  120 , and club head  130  all lie along a common longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 1B , the club head  130  can be oriented such that the club head  130  is at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the shaft  110 . The angle can be acute (0-90°), obtuse (90-180°), or reflex (180-360°). In some embodiments, the club maintains vertical symmetry about the longitudinal axis of the shaft  110 .  
      In one embodiment, the shaft  110  of the club is straight and has a circular cross-section. However, other cross-sectional shapes can be used, such as polygonal, elliptical, octagonal and other round shapes. The shaft can be made of a metal, such as steel, but any other materials can be used. Examples of materials that can be used include titanium, graphite, hard plastics, polymers, composites, other metals, or combinations thereof.  
      The grip  120  is similar to a grip used with traditional golf clubs. The grip  120  has a cylindrical shape and includes a tubular opening, having an inner diameter adapted to receive the shaft  110 . In many embodiments, the inner portion of grip  120  is adapted to the shape of shaft  110 . Accordingly, if shaft  110  has a non-circular cross-section, at least the inner tubular portion also has a corresponding or complimentary cross-section. The grip  120  can be molded to the shape of the hands. The grip  120  can be made of rubber, leather, or other materials.  
      With reference to  FIGS. 2-4 , the club head  130  is shown in detail. In the embodiments illustrated by  FIGS. 3A, 3B , and  4 , the club head  130  can have a circular club face  135  and a hemispherical back  140 . The club face  135  can be in a plane that is positioned parallel to the longitudinal axis passing through shaft  110 , grip  120 , and club head  130 . Other shapes can also be used for club face  135 , such as polygonal, elliptical, octagonal and other curved or non-curved shapes.  
      Club head  130  includes a number of axes, X and Y in  FIG. 2 . In some embodiments, at least one axis X of the club face  135  is parallel to the longitudinal axis which passes through shaft  110 . The club face  135  also includes a vertical midpoint. In some embodiments, the club face  135  is symmetrical about the vertical midpoint. In certain embodiments, the club head  130  is symmetrical about the vertical midpoint. In many embodiments, the same club can be used by either left- or right-handed players. In one embodiment, at least one axis Y passes through the center of mass of the club head  130 . In this embodiment, the axis passing through the center of mass of the club head  130  can be collinear with the longitudinal axis of the shaft  110 .  
      The face  135  of the club may also include a surface treatment  145 , which can be decorative and/or functional, as shown in  FIG. 3B . Examples of surface treatments  145  include scoring, cladding, plating and coatings, although other surface treatments can be used as well. The surface treatment  145  can be provided on the club face  135  using any manufacturing techniques available. The surface treatment  145  can be provided on the club face  135  for improved alignment of the club head  130 . Additionally, the surface treatment  145  can be provided on the club face  135  for improved energy transfer to the ball or for improved spin. The club head  130  can be made of a metal, such as, for example, steel, stainless steel, aluminum, titanium or combinations thereof. Examples of other materials include hard plastics, polymers, composites, and combinations thereof, however, other materials can also be used. The materials used to make the club head  130  can be disposed in either a homogeneous or heterogeneous manner throughout. In homogenous embodiments, the club head  130  is made of the same material throughout. In heterogeneous embodiments, a combination of materials can be used to form club head  130  and may be individually and discretely located in the club head  130  to optimize material and mechanical effects of the club head  130 . For example, the club face  135  can be made of one material, while the hemispherical back  140  can be made of another material, or combinations of materials.  
      The diameter of the face  135  can range from about 3-6 inches in some embodiments, and about 4-5 inches in other embodiments. The total volume of the club head  130  can range from about 300-600 cc, and is about 340 cc in one embodiment. The club head  130  has a mass ranging from about 300-600 g in some embodiments, and is about 335 g in one embodiment. The values provided are merely exemplary, however, and the dimensions and mass of the club head  130  can vary significantly to improve the ease of use and stability of the club.  
      The additional weight of the club head and shorter length of the club shaft provide improved stability in many embodiments. By shortening the length and increasing the mass, the club  100  has a lower moment of inertia about the longitudinal axis of the player&#39;s spine. The club  100  is easier to swing because the moment of inertia about the axis passing through the player is lower. The club  100  has a higher moment of inertia about a longitudinal axis passing through the length of the club. The ability of a club head  130  to resist twisting during off-center hits is desirable, especially to recreational golfers, who frequently make contact away from the center of the club face  135 . A club with a low moment of inertia about the axis passing through the club tends to twist open or closed depending on the contact location, and the direction of the shot suffers. A higher moment of inertia makes the club head  130  more resistant to twisting, resulting in a generally straighter shot. The enlarged hitting surface  135  also improves a players ability to hit the ball.  
      The club  100  can be made from any manufacturing methods for producing golf clubs, such as forging, molding, brazing, welding, and/or casting, although other manufacturing techniques can be used as well. Forging involves producing a golf club head from a series of forging dies, and stamping the head to a final shape. Forged heads are typically made of softer metals than cast heads and can require hand finishing and chrome plating. Compression molding is typically used with composite materials. Molding involves layering graphite or other materials and heat curing the layers to create a club head. In some embodiments, the grip  120  can be attached to the shaft  110  using compression fit techniques. In certain embodiments, adhesives can also be used to apply the grip  120  to the shaft  110 . Alternatively, the grip  120  can be formed with the shaft  110 . In one embodiment, the shaft  110  can be removably attached to the club head  130 .  
      With reference to  FIG. 5A , in accordance with certain embodiments, a tee  150  is provided. The tee preferably includes a shaft  152 , tip  154 , and tee top  156 . The tee  150  can come in at least three different sizes: beginner  160 , intermediate  170 , and advanced  180 , but more or fewer sizes can be used, as will be described in detail hereinafter. The terms “beginner”, “intermediate”, and “advanced” are used only for descriptive purposes and are not intended to be limiting. In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 5B , the tee  150  can be telescoping, such that a single tee may provide varying height levels. Any method of producing a telescoping effect for a rod or tube can be used in such embodiments.  
      The shaft  152  of the tee is generally straight and can have a circular cross-section. However, other cross-sectional shapes can be used, such as such as polygonal, elliptical, octagonal and other curved or non-curved shapes. In some embodiments, the shaft  152  can be curved. The cross-sectional diameter can vary as well, such that the diameter is greater at the tip  154  and smaller at the tee top  156 , or vice versa. In certain embodiments, the shaft  152  is made of a metal, such as steel or titanium, but other materials, such as graphite, composites, polymers, hard plastics, or combinations thereof can be used. The length of shaft  152  is variable as described below.  
      Tip  154  is located at the bottom end of shaft  152 . Tip  154  can include a base  158  and an extension  159 . The base  158  can be circular and can have a wider diameter than both the extension  159  and the shaft  152 . Any other shape that provides stability can be used. The base  158  provides structural support to the tee  150 , such that the tee  150  has stability when placed in the ground. The extension  159  can be tapered at its bottom-most portion, such that the tip easily enters the ground and is of adequate length to provide stability and remain in the ground. In use, the extension  159  is within the ground, while the base  158  is just above the ground, resting on the surface.  
      Tee top  156  can be a tubular member which fits over the top end of shaft  152 . In many embodiments, the tee top  156  is a resilient material, such as rubber. Tee top  156  provides flexibility to the tee  150 , such that there is minimal movement of the shaft  152  and tip  154  when the club  100  hits a ball and, possibly, the tee  150 .  
      In certain embodiments, each part of the tee  150  is formed separately, and assembled using compression fit techniques. The shaft  152  and tip  154  can be manufactured as an integral unit, with the tee top  156  assembled using compression fit techniques. Other methods, such as, for example, welding, brazing, and adhesives can be used to secure the shaft  152 , tip  154 , and tee top  156  together.  
      In one embodiment, the beginner tee  160  is about waist high. In certain embodiments as illustrated in  FIG. 5A , the tee is about 34 inches in length, shown by height C. The beginner tee  160  is designed to get the golfer acclimated to hitting the ball in a more natural “hit zone.” In one embodiment, the second or intermediate tee  170  is about 24 inches in length, shown by height B. The intermediate tee  170  allows the golfer to hit the ball with more power as a more vertical swing develops. The golfer should try to hit the ball on a slight upswing. In one embodiment, the third or advanced tee  180  is about 14 inches in length, shown by height A. The advanced tee  180  allows the golfer to hit the ball with power as the swing advances to a more vertical attack. In many embodiments the tees  150  vary in height from about 12-60 inches.  
      By providing a number of tees  160 ,  170 , and  180  of varying lengths, a player is able to gradually adjust their swing level as their skills progress. The player may start at the beginner tee  160 , and work down to the intermediate tee  170 , and then to the advanced tee  180 , such that proper swing mechanics are developed gradually, however, any number of different heights can be used. The gradual variation in tee height allows a player to adjust from a first swing, which is similar to a baseball swing, to a traditional golf swing.  
      Referring to  FIGS. 6-8 , the method of using the club  100  and tee system  150  are shown. The height of the tee, and thus the ball level is shown gradually and incrementally lowering in  FIGS. 6-8 . By gradually reducing the height of the tee from the beginning tee  160 , to the intermediate tee  170 , to the advanced tee  180 , the player gradually steps down from a first swing, which is similar to baseball and comes more naturally to players, to a golf swing.  
       FIG. 6  shows a player  185  using the club  100  and a beginner tee  160  to hit a ball  190 .  FIG. 7  shows a player  185  using the club  100  and an intermediate tee  170  to hit the ball  190 .  FIG. 8  shows a player  185  using the club  100  and an advanced tee  180  to hit the ball  190 .  
      The length of the club  100  can also be adjusted. The club length can be adjusted simultaneously with the adjustment of the tee height. Alternatively, a player can adjust between tees  160 ,  170 , and  180  using the same length club  100 , and subsequently increase the length of club  100 .  
      The tee  150  should be firmly implanted into the ground, unless other methods of supporting the tee  150  are provided. In some embodiments, which are not shown, the tee  150  includes a tip  154  which permits the tee  150  to support itself on the ground without being implanted.  
      With reference to  FIG. 9 , a tee  250  constructed in accordance with a further embodiment of will be described. The tee  250  preferably includes a replaceable shaft  252 , a tee support  254 , tightening mechanism  255 , and tee top  256 . The shaft  252  comes in at least three different lengths (beginner  260 , intermediate  270 , and advanced  280 ) so that the tee  250  can be configured to come in at least three different respective sizes: beginner  260 , intermediate  270 , and advanced  280 , but more or fewer sizes can be used. The terms “beginner”, “intermediate”, and “advanced” are used only for descriptive purposes and are not intended to be limiting.  
      The shafts  252  are generally straight and can have a circular cross-section. However, other cross-sectional shapes can be used, such as such as polygonal, elliptical, octagonal and other curved or non-curved shapes. In some embodiments, the shafts  252  can be curved. The cross-sectional diameter can vary as well, such that the diameter is greater near a bottom of the shaft  252  and smaller at the tee top  256 , or vice versa. The shafts  252  may be made out of a hard plastic material, or, in other embodiments, the shafts  252  is made of a metal, such as steel or titanium, or other materials, such as, but not limited to, graphite, composites, polymers, hard plastics, or combinations thereof can be used. As indicated above, the removable shafts  252  come in different lengths (beginner  260 , intermediate  270 , and advanced  280 ). For example, someone just starting off with the golf club  100  may use the beginner shaft  260  with the tee support  254 . Someone of intermediate level may use the intermediate shaft  270  with the tee support  254 . Someone of advanced level may use the advanced shaft  280  with the tee support  254 . By incorporating different-length shafts  252 , only one tee  250  is needed for different skill levels.  
      The tee support  254  is located at the bottom end of shaft  252 . The tee support  254  includes a frusto-conical base  258  and a hollow neck  259 . Although the base  258  is described as being frusto-conical, in alternative embodiments, the base  258  may have other configurations (e.g., rectangulary block-shaped, triangular block-shaped). The base  258  is made of a hard rubber material, and includes a ballast therein to provide structural support to the tee  250 , such that the tee  250  has stability when placed on the ground. The hollow neck  259  slidably receives the shaft  252 . The tightening mechanism  255  can be loosened to facilitate removal of and insertion of the shaft  252 , and tightened to retain the shaft  252  in the neck  259 . In the embodiment shown, the tightening mechanism  255  is a metal collar with a tightening key that is rotated to tighten and loosen the collar around the neck  259 . In other embodiments, other tightening mechanisms may be used.  
      The tee top  256  can be a tubular member which fits over the top end of shaft  252 . In many embodiments, the tee top  256  is a resilient material, such as rubber. Tee top  256  adds flexibility to the tee  250 .  
      In certain embodiments, each part of the tee  250  is formed separately, and the shaft  252  and the tee top  256  are assembled using compression fit techniques. Other methods, such as, for example, welding, brazing, and adhesives can be used to secure the shaft  252  and the tee top  256  together.  
      The height of the tee  252  with the shafts  252  (beginner  260 , intermediate  270 , and advanced  280 ) correspond to those described above with respect to  FIG. 5A .  
      In use, the tee  252  is placed on a flat surface, and the appropriate-length shaft  250  is provided with the tee support  258 . A user places a golf ball on the tee top  256 , and swings at the golf ball with the golf club  100 . If the club head  130  hits too low on the tee top  256 /shaft  250 , the tee  250  will topple over, instead of being knocked too far from the user. The weighted nature of the tee support  258  causes the tee  250  to topple over when the club head  130  hits too low on the tee top  256 /shaft  250 , preventing the tee support  258  from moving too far from its original position. This prevents the tee  250  from being knocked too far from the user. By providing a single tee  252  with varying lengths, players are able to gradually adjust their swing level as their skills progress. The player may start the tee  252  at the beginner length  260 , and work down to the intermediate length  270 , and then to the advanced length  280 , such that proper swing mechanics are developed gradually. The gradual variation in tee height allows a player to adjust from a first swing, which is similar to a baseball swing, to a traditional golf swing.  
      An example of how to play on a golf course using the equipment described herein will now be explained.  
      In certain embodiments, the player tees off using their club  100  with the tee  150 ,  250 . Subsequent shots can be played by placing the tee  150  in the general vicinity where the ball lies, such as directly behind, in front of, on the side of the ball, or any other desirable location. The player can use the tee  150  anywhere on the course, including bunkers and hazards. The ball can be lifted and placed on the tee  150 ,  250  and hit again, until the green is reached. In some embodiments, when on the green, the player uses the club  100  as a traditional putter, without the tee. However, the club  100  can be used without a tee  150 ,  250  at any other location as well.  
      In certain embodiments, the beginner tee  160 ,  260  can be used for shots around the green. The player can choke up on the club  100  and open the face  135  towards the sky to decrease the distance the ball travels. In this position, the ball can be hit high and soft for improved control. In some embodiments, the golfer can try to hit “line drives” that fly straight off the tee  150 ,  250 .  
      The club  100  helps golfers focus on developing proper swing fundamentals and eye-hand coordination. The club design of some embodiments more than doubles the club face hitting area of the club  100  compared to that of existing club face hitting areas. Also, the club  100  has a decreased shaft length, which reduces the “swing arc” and makes the club  100  easier to control. Furthermore, the tees  150 ,  250  put the ball in a more natural position to be hit with a swing similar to baseball or tennis. By placing the ball closer to eye level, the player&#39;s eye-hand coordination is improved. The benefits of these advances can be immediate and enormous. The ball is more easily hit, thereby enhancing the individual&#39;s experience, making the game more enjoyable.  
      Embodiments of the club  100  and tees  150 ,  250  also make the game less frustrating and physically demanding. The system accelerates the pace of the game, while maintaining the essence, tradition and competitive elements that have made golf one of the country&#39;s most popular sports.  
      With the system described herein, the golfer learns to keep their eyes on the ball. Another example of a common “disconnection” would be the “swaying” of one&#39;s hips. This is a major flaw for many amateurs. By swinging embodiments of the club  100  as described herein, a player is able to identify and correct flaws in his swing mechanics. With the systems and methods as described herein, a player cannot sway off the ball without feeling the problem. After a short time, the lower body should reconnect to the normal swing and swing mechanics should return to normal. The training system enables golfers to quickly re-center their swing around the “spine” axis of the spine.  
      The golf training system described herein: (1) places the ball closer to eye level in a more natural position to be hit with a swing similar to that used in baseball or tennis; (2) more than doubles the club face hitting area; and, (3) decreases the length of the club  100 , which reduces the “swing arc”, making the club easier to control. By gradually reducing the height of the ball on the tee, the player is able to comfortably step down to a traditional golf swing.  
      The game of golf has never been taught with this type of specialized equipment using a “top down” approach. Golf has been taught for centuries with a ball on the ground position. The club design and graduated (progressive) tee system are industry breakthroughs and completely unique. The golf training system described herein provides many advantages, some of which are described below. The golf training system makes the ball easier to hit and accelerates playing time, which results in more time spent socially with family and friends. The golf training system also reduces anxiety, humiliation, fear, and intimidation. The system provides a great teaching aid by accelerating and encouraging players to learn proper swing mechanics. The club also provides for better ball control. The same club can be used by both right and left handed players. Many embodiments of the club may be used for all shots including putts, so that only one club is required during an entire game, although more than one club can be used. Existing golfers may use the system to work on their mechanics. The system can also result in an expansion of the golfing public, because of the reduced cost, reduced frustration and improved efficiency. Furthermore, older or injured players will be able to prolong their golfing careers or even learn the game for the first time.  
      The foregoing description details certain embodiments of the invention. It will be appreciated, however, that no matter how detailed the foregoing appears in text, the invention can be practiced in many ways. As is also stated above, it should be noted that the use of particular terminology when describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being re-defined herein to be restricted to including any specific characteristics of the features or aspects of the invention with which that terminology is associated. The scope of the invention should therefore be construed in accordance with the appended claims and any equivalents thereof.