Abstract:
A reusable compact device having a T-shaped plate with a tapering end, a cross member end, a central aperture, and a darkened perpendicular line between the aperture and cross member. When the golfer places the plate at ground level, points its tapering end toward the desired flight path of his/her ball, inserts a tee through the aperture and partially into the ground, places a golf ball upon the tee, self-aligns with the plate&#39;s tapering end, aligns the club face with the plate&#39;s cross member, and centers the club face to the exact ball center using the darkened perpendicular line, the golfer does not have to look up, position and stance are not lost during the swing, and the resulting swing is straightened, with improved accuracy and consistency in launching a golf ball along an intended flight path. Optionally, grooved tees are used to adjust ball height according to club type.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This patent application is based upon U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/444,785 filed by the same inventor on Feb. 4, 2003, and claims all priority and benefit available therefrom. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates to golf tee setters and holders, specifically to a simple and compact reusable device having a three-fold purpose, first to align a golfer to the desired flight path of his or her golf ball, second to position the face of the golfer&#39;s club to the intended direction of the ball, and third to enable the golfer to place his/her club head or face at the exact center of the golf ball during club/ball contact. Its use can benefit all golfers by helping them to visualize the position they must take in addressing and striking a golf ball to obtain greater distance and accuracy in launching the ball along a desired flight path. The present invention comprises a substantially T-shaped plate that is used at ground level with its cross member at one of its ends, one centrally located aperture therethrough that is sized and configured for insertion of a golf tee, and the end remote from its cross member having a configuration that tapers to a point. In addition, a darkened substantially perpendicular line extends from the aperture to the center of the cross member, for use by the golfer in positioning his/her club face to the exact center of the golf ball for a center strike of the golf ball at the time of club/ball contact and greater distance and accuracy of the ball once struck. Although not limited thereto, the maximum length and width dimensions of the plate are typically three inches or less. Also, during use the plate is placed on the ground at a spaced-apart distance in front of the golfer&#39;s feet with the central aperture positioned under the anticipated point of contact between the ball and the face of the golfer&#39;s club. Subsequently, the plate is situated into its usable position with its tapered end directed toward the intended flight path of the golf ball ultimately supported thereby, a golf tee is inserted through the plate&#39;s aperture and partially into the ground below the plate, and a golf ball is balanced upon the top surface of the tee at a spaced apart distance above the upper surface of the plate. As the golfer addresses the ball prior to striking it, he or she is positioned to face one of the sides of the plate, not its pointed end or its cross member, with the pointed end of the plate being directed toward the intended flight path of the golf ball and the cross member oriented toward the direction from which the club will be swung so that the golfer can use the cross member to align the face of the golf club prior to the golfer&#39;s swing, with the darkened line extending from the aperture to the center of the cross member giving the golfer exact center of the golf ball as a reference for club face positioning. Thus, once the plate is properly positioned at ground level, the golfer is able to rely on the tapered end, cross member, and the darkened perpendicular line between the aperture and the cross member, for directional assistance in self-alignment relative to the desired flight path of his or her golf ball and positioning of the golfer&#39;s club face to the intended direction of ball movement for accurate launching of the ball along an intended flight path. Since the golfer does not have to look up prior to the swing, the golfer&#39;s position and stance are not compromised during the swing, resulting in a straightened swing that is more consistent in launching a golf ball through the desired flight path. Further, since the present invention is compact in size, typically having length and width dimensions three inches or less, it can easily be stored in a clothing pocket or golf bag between uses. Although standard tees can be used with the present invention and adjusted in height for use with different types of clubs, other tees can also be used, such as a tee having added length dimension that provides more options in ball height adjustment, as well as a tee with several spaced-apart laterally-extending grooves on its shaft that are configured to engage the aperture in the present invention plate and thereby fix the grooved tee at several pre-determined heights, with each groove being designated for ball contact with a different type of club so that a center strike of the launched golf ball can be more consistently achieved, producing more even ball recoil and a more predictable shot. The size of golf tee used is therefore selected according to user preference, however, the suggested minimum size is approximately two-and-one-fourth inches, or fifty-five millimeters. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Good performance in golf demands consistency from the golfer, and many golfers seek aids to improve stance, swing, and ball contact during practice and games. Often, such devices are complex and expensive to use. In contrast, the present invention is simple in design, easy to use, compact, effective, and can be manufactured and sold for a reasonable cost. Further, when not in use, it is small enough to be conveniently stored in a clothing pocket or a golf bag, where it can be readily accessed for immediate use as often as needed. 
     The device thought to be closest to the present invention is the invention disclosed in U.S. Pat. 5,482,284 to Vandever (1996). The Vandever invention and the present invention are both golf training and practice devices that assist a golfer in more accurately determining the flight path of a golf ball. However, there are important differences between the Vandever invention and the present invention. The Vandever invention comprises two major parts. The first part has four evenly spaced apart pointers extending from a central hub. One of the pointers extends rearwardly toward the golfer. Another pointer extends in the opposite direction toward the ball, and the remaining two pointers extend laterally relative to the golfer, respectively extending in the direction of the intended flight path of the golf ball once it is struck and in the opposed direction from which the golf ball is to be struck. Each of the golfer&#39;s feet are positioned on a different side of the pointer that extends rearwardly toward the golfer, with both feet remaining behind the laterally extending pointers in a position remote from the ball. The second part of the Vandever invention is an alignment member that assists the golfer in angling the face of the club for optimal club/ball contact. The alignment member is attached to the one of the pointers extending toward the ball. In contrast, the present invention is less complex in design and has a unitary construction. No time is required to assemble the present invention prior to use, as it is employed without assembly. Also, when using the Vandever invention, the golf ball to be struck is positioned at the end of a pointer. In contrast, with the present invention, the golf ball to be struck is balanced on a tee above its centrally located aperture. Another difference between the present invention and the Vandever invention is that the portion of the present invention providing flight path directional assistance to a golfer is the end that tapers to a point, while in the Vandever invention the laterally extending pointer is aimed toward the intended flight path of the ball. Also, the alignment portion of the Vandever invention is a separate component that is attached to the forwardly extending pointer and during use is positioned between the ball and the laterally-extending pointer employed as its flight path directional aid. In the present invention the cross member is used for such club face alignment. In addition, the present invention is smaller than the Vandever invention, simpler to use, does not require assembly, and is less expensive to manufacture. No golf tee holder and directional aid is known to have the same structure or all of the advantages of the present invention. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     It is the primary object of this invention to provide a compact and easy-to-use reusable device upon which a golfer can rely for effective directional assistance in striking a golf ball balanced upon a tee. It is also an object of this invention to provide a device which that prevents a golfer from having to look up prior to or during the initial stages of a swing so that his or her position and stance are not lost, and whereby a straightened swing is achieved that is more accurate and consistent in launching a golf ball through an intended flight path. It is a further object of this invention to provide a directional tee apparatus that ensures a steady swing of a golf club prior to club/ball contact and prevents premature wrist hinge. A further object of this invention is to provide a directional tee apparatus that is suitable for use by all golfers. It is also an object of this invention to provide a directional tee apparatus that is able to adjust ball height. It is also an object of this invention to provide a directional tee apparatus that can be used with standard golf tees, tees having added length dimension, as well as grooved tees that are adapted to provide pre-determined increments of ball height adjustment. It is a further object of this invention to provide a directional tee apparatus that is lightweight for easy transport and storage between uses. A further object of this invention is to provide a directional tee apparatus that is made from durable materials and requires little or no maintenance between uses. It is a further object of this invention to provide a directional tee apparatus that is simple in design for cost effective manufacture. 
     As described herein, properly manufactured, and used at ground level to position a golf ball relative to a golfer, prior to club/ball contact and ball launch into a desired flight path, the present invention provides golfers with a means for straightening their swings when striking the ball, and assistance in positioning their club faces directly in the exact center of the golf ball during club/ball contact that results in a more predictable shot. The present invention can be repeatedly used during practice or during a game, and can provide assistance to golfers of all experience and skill levels by helping them to visualize the position they must take in addressing and striking a ball to obtain an intended flight path of the struck ball with greater accuracy. Further, by channeling the forward motion of the club, it corrects inaccuracies in a golfer&#39;s swing. Since the present invention is compact and placed at ground level under the ball, with the outer vertical surface of the cross member being used to align the face of the golfer&#39;s club, the perpendicular line between the central aperture cross member being used to place the club face in the direct center of the golf ball during club/face contact, and the pointed end providing directional assistance to the golfer for self-alignment, with the pointed end, perpendicular line, and cross member all being in close visual proximity to the ball and the adjacent club head prior to the swing, the golfer can concentrate on his/her swing without having to look up, allowing the golfer&#39;s position and stance to remain uncompromised during the swing and resulting in a straightened swing that is more consistent in launching a golf ball through a desired flight path. During use, the present invention always stays at ground level, with the ball to be struck balanced on a tee inserted through its plate&#39;s central aperture and into the ground. Further, the present invention is simple and efficient to use, since it has a unitary construction and there is no complex set-up prior to use or dismantling between uses. The simple configuration also makes it cost effective to manufacture. Ease in transport between uses is facilitated by its small size, typically having maximum length and width dimensions that are three inches or less, as well as the capability of the present invention to be manufactured from lightweight materials such as plastic. Further, the materials from which it is made are preferably durable for repeated reuse and selected so that little or no maintenance is required between uses. Before the present invention is employed with a golf ball in play, the golfer needs to determine the desired flight path for the ball and select an appropriate ground location relative to that flight path for placing the present invention. The plate&#39;s aperture is centered upon the selected location and the pointed end of the plate is then aimed in the direction of the desired flight path. A tee is then inserted through the central aperture of the plate and partially into the ground, after which the golf ball to be launched is balanced upon the top surface of the tee. Any type of tee can be used, including those with grooves for ball height adjustment at pre-determined increments and those having a longer shaft than standard size tees. However, a tee that having a length of at least two-and-one-fourth inches is preferred. Use of the cross member of the present invention to align the golfer&#39;s club ensures a confident and steady swing, and prevents premature wrist hinge. The darkened perpendicular line on the surface of the T-shaped plate between the aperture and the cross member can then be used to position the club face to the exact center of the golf ball. Informational markings in the form of instructions for present invention use may also assist the golfer in orientation of the present invention device, as well as orientation of the golf club face with the cross member for assistance in obtaining a center strike of the intended golf ball when the golf club is ultimately swung. 
     While the description herein provides preferred embodiments of the present invention, it should not be used to limit its scope. For example, variations of the present invention, while not shown and described herein, can also be considered within the scope of the present invention, such as variations in the length and width dimensions of the main body of the plate between its pointed end and the cross member, the length and width dimensions of the cross member, the thickness dimension of the plate, the size of the acute angle created by the pointed end, and the number and type of informational markings used, if any. Thus, the scope of the present invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than being limited to the examples given. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a top view of the most preferred embodiment of the present invention having a substantially planar plate with a substantially T-shaped configuration, an aperture centrally though the plate, the cross member of the T-shaped configuration on one of the ends of the plate, the pointed end of the plate in a position opposed to its cross member, and a darkened perpendicular line extending between the aperture and the cross member. 
     FIG. 2 is an elevational view of the pointed end of the most preferred embodiment of the present invention, with the cross member visible laterally behind the pointed end. 
     FIG. 3 is an elevational view of the end of the most preferred embodiment of the present invention having the cross member. 
     FIG. 4 is a side view of a golf tee with horizontally-extending grooves on its shaft that can be used with the plate of the most preferred embodiment of the present invention for ball height adjustment at pre-determined intervals according to the type of golf club selected for contact with the ball, the suggested size of which is a minimum of approximately two-and-one-fourth inches, or fifty-five millimeters. 
     FIG. 5 is a top view of a second preferred embodiment of the present invention having an aperture extending through a central location on its plate, a pointed end that is more narrowly tapered than the pointed end of the first preferred embodiment, the cross member of the T-shaped configuration on one of the ends of the plate, the pointed end of the plate in a position opposed to its cross member, a darkened perpendicular line extending between the aperture and the cross member to indicate the exact center of the golf ball to the golfer for club face alignment prior to club/ball contact, and informational markings on the upper surface of the plate. 
     FIG. 6 is a top view of the most preferred embodiment of the present invention positioned beneath a golf ball supported by a hidden golf tee within a central aperture through its plate, a golf club aligned with the cross member prior to club/ball engagement, and a darkened line perpendicular to the cross member extending to the golf ball that gives the golfer the perfect/exact center of ball as a club face alignment reference. 
     FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the most preferred embodiment of the present invention with a golf tee inserted through a central aperture in its plate and extending upwardly beyond the upper surface of the plate, a golf ball balanced upon the top surface of the golf tee, and a darkened line extending between the cross member and the aperture that is substantially perpendicular to the cross member. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     FIG. 1 shows the most preferred embodiment of the present invention having a plate  2  with substantially planar and T-shaped configurations. Plate  2  is used at ground level. Its main body  4  is adjacent to a cross member  8  that creates the T-shaped configuration at one of plate  2 , with a pointed end  12  adjacent to a tapered area  10  and in a position opposed from cross member  8 . FIG. 1 shows main body  4 , cross member  8 , and tapered area  10  all having a unitary construction, with cross member  8  and tapered area  10  each seamlessly depending from main body  4 . A unitary molded construction is preferred, although not critical. Further, it is contemplated for plate  2  to be sufficiently small that a golfer (not shown) can easily hold it in one hand, with the dimensions of plate  2  also allowing for easy transport of plate  2  in a clothing pocket or golf bag (not shown) when it is not being used. One example of size dimensions that would allow such ease in manipulation of the present invention, although not limited thereto, would be when its preferred length dimension is approximately two-and-three-fourths inches, its preferred width dimension is approximately three inches (with main body  4  having a width dimension of approximately one inch and each end of cross member  8  extending approximately  8  one inch beyond main body  4 ), and its preferred thickness dimension is approximately one-fourth of an inch. Also, for durability and practically maintenance-free use, although not limited thereto, it is preferred for plate  2  to be made from virtually unbreakable plastic materials. FIG. 1 further shows a central aperture  6  laterally centered through main body  4  between pointed end  12  and cross member  8 . Aperture  6  would be a snug fit to any golf tee used, such as but not limited to a standard golf tee or the spaced groove snap golf tee  16  shown in FIG.  4 . Although FIG. 1 shows aperture  6  as being substantially round for ease in insertion and removal of the substantially shaft of the golf tee  16  shown in FIG. 4, or other standard golf tee used, the round configuration is not critical, and should golf tee shafts having other configurations ever be made, main bodies  4  could also be made with aperture  6  configurations adapted for use therewith. As shown in FIG. 7, during use of plate  2  the upper portion of tee  16  remains raised above the top surface of main body  4 . For better support of a golf ball, such as golf ball  24  shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, at the moment of club/ball impact it is preferred that aperture  6  be substantially centered laterally within main body  4 . However, the distance between aperture  6  and pointed end  12  could be varied, as long as aperture  6  is not positioned so close to pointed end  12  that would cause a golf ball  20  balanced upon the tee  16  within aperture  6  to obscure the directional aid provided by pointed end  12 . In using the length and width dimensions for plate  2  provided above of approximately two-and-three-fourths inches and approximately three inches, respectively, FIG. 1 shows the center of aperture  6  being positioned approximately one-and-eleven-sixteenth inches from pointed end  12 . Further, it is contemplated for the diameter of aperture  6  to be sufficiently large for easy insertion of a golf tee  16  therethrough, but at the same time allowing a minimum of lateral movement for tee  16  when it is in its usable position within aperture  6  and ready for support of a golf ball  24 . FIG. 1 also shows tapered area  10  and pointed end  12  having the configuration of an isosceles triangle. Although such a symmetrical configuration and lateral centering of aperture  16  within main body  4  are not critical, they are preferred for best visual reference by a golfer in accurately aiming pointed end  12  toward the flight path desired for golf ball  20 . In addition, FIG. 1 shows a darkened perpendicular line  14  extending between aperture  6  and cross member  8  that gives the golfer the exact center of the golf ball  24  for club face  26  alignment prior to club/ball contact. Line  14  can also be distinguished by color, or a combination of several easily visible colors. In the alternative, darkened perpendicular line  14  can be marked only on the upper surface of main body  4 , or extend downwardly across the vertical face of cross member  8 . 
     FIGS. 2 and 3 show the thickness dimension of plate  2  being substantially uniform throughout. FIG. 2 shows plate  2  viewed from its pointed end  12 , while FIG. 3 shows the end of plate  2  having cross member  8 . For durability and ease of use, the approximate one-fourth of an inch thickness dimension cited for plate  2  in the example given above is preferred for most embodiments of the present invention, even when the length and width dimensions of plate  2  respectively exceed the above-identified two-and-three-fourths and three inches. Further, FIG. 2 shows cross member  8  extending laterally beyond the sides of main body  4  in opposite directions and the opposing extensions of cross member  8  to be substantially uniform in length. Although such uniformity is preferred, the symmetrical configuration shown is not critical to the present invention as long as the golfer using it is provided with a visual reference for proper of alignment of a golf club (such as club  28  in FIG. 6) and the darkened perpendicular line  14  shown in extending between aperture  6  and cross member  8  that gives the golfer the exact center of the golf ball  24  for club face  26  alignment to achieve a center strike of golf ball  24  at the time of club/ball contact, whereby the golfer can concentrate on position and stance instead of whether a center strike will be made with golf ball  24 , resulting in a straightened swing, more accurate launching of ball  24  along a desired flight path, increased distance, and fewer strokes. 
     FIG. 4 shows an optional golf tee  16  that can be used with plate  2  as a part of the present invention for adjustment of golf ball  24  to an optimum height for a center strike with golf club  28 , more even recoil, and a more accurate launch of golf ball  24  along a desired flight path. FIG. 4 shows golf tee  16  having three spaced-apart grooves  18 , with the distance between the uppermost groove  18  and the middle groove  14  being greater that the distance between the middle groove  18  and the lowest groove  18 . Each groove  18  is configured to firmly snap into main body  4  as golf tee  16  is inserted through central aperture  6  in main body  4  and into the ground (not shown). However, the firmness with which each groove  18  is retained by main body  4  should not prevent tee  16  from being further inserted through main body  4  with relative ease to engage the next higher groove  18 , when desired. Further, the grooves  18  shown in FIG. 4 are positioned at various heights for use with selected golf clubs  28 . Although not limited thereto for every golfer, when the tee  16  used is approximately two-and-one-fourth inches in length (or approximately fifty-five millimeters), the preferred minimum length for tee  16 , it is generally preferred for the uppermost groove  18  to be centered approximately nine-sixteenths of an inch from the top of golf tee  16  for use with 3-wood clubs and irons. Similarly, it is preferred for the middle groove  18  to be centered approximately one inch from the top of golf tee  16  for use with 1-wood clubs. Further, it is preferred for the lowest groove  18  to be centered approximately one-and-one-fourth inches from the top of golf tee  16  for use with jumbo clubs. The diameter of the grooved golf tee  16  shown in FIG. 4 should be configured for a snug fit within aperture  6 , with little lateral movement while being used. However, the diameter of the grooved golf tee  16  shown in FIG. 4 should also be sufficiently small to allow for its easy insertion into and removal from aperture  6 . 
     FIG. 5 shows a second embodiment  20  of the present invention with a tapered area  10  that has an extended and more narrowed configuration than is shown in FIG.  1 . FIG. 5 also shows aperture  6  laterally centered through main body  4 , and informational markings  22  on the upper surface of main body  4 , tapered area  10 , and cross member  8 . Although not limited thereto, informational markings  22  can include arrows, circles, lines, numbers, words, instructions for use, company logos, patent and trademark information, and the like. Color enhancement can be used for informational markings  22  to provide distinctiveness where appropriate or desired. Informational markings  22  can also include images. Although not shown, information markings  22  can also be placed on the reverse side of plate  2  to provide additional company information, information related to a special promotion or cause, or for any other purpose desired by the manufacturer or distributor. 
     FIGS. 6 and 7 show the most preferred embodiment of the present invention, previously shown in FIG. 1, with darkened perpendicular line  14  on its upper surface between aperture  6  and cross member  8 . Although not shown in FIG. 7, it is contemplated for line  14  to be optionally extended down the vertical face of cross member  8 . FIG. 6 shows the face  26  of a golf club  28  aligned with cross member  8  and a golf ball  24  balanced upon the top surface of hidden golf tee  16 , which is laterally centered within main body  4  in aperture  6 , with the darkened substantially perpendicular line  14  shown extending between aperture  6  and cross member  8  giving the golfer the exact center of golf ball  24  for club face alignment and an enhanced opportunity for a center strike of golf ball  24  when club/ball contact occurs. As can be seen in FIG. 6, the most preferred embodiment has length and width dimensions that are approximately double the diameter of golf ball  24 , with golf tee  16  being positioned so that golf ball  24  extends beyond the sides of main body  4  without obscuring cross member  8 , tapered area  10 , pointed end  12 , or line  14 . In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 6, tapered area  10  creates an approximately 90° angle at pointed end  12 . In contrast, the longer and more narrowly configured tapered area  10  shown in FIG. 5 creates an angle at pointed end  12  that is visibly less than 90°. The perpendicular orientation of line  14  relative to cross member  8  is critical. However, line  14  does not need to extend completely between aperture  6  and cross member  8 , as long as a sufficient amount of line  14  is near to or in contact with cross member  8 , and visible when viewed from above once golf ball  24  is placed upon tee  16  for use in prompt golfer identification of the exact center of golf ball  24 . FIG. 7 shows golf ball  24  being positioned upon a tee  16  that is inserted through plate  2  between cross member  8  and tapered area  10 . It is assumed that pointed end  12  is aimed at the flight path desired for golf ball  24  after being struck by a golf club, such as golf club  28  in FIG. 6, when the golf club is aligned with cross member  8  prior to club/ball contact. It is not revealed in FIG. 7 whether golf tee  16  has any grooves  18 . However, if the golf tee  16  shown in FIG. 7 has multiple grooves  18 , it would be the uppermost groove  18  that is seen having a snap-fit engagement with main body  4 . Although not shown in FIG. 6 or  7  and even if only for aesthetic appeal, it is also considered to be within the scope of the present invention for line  14  to be extended all or part of the distance between pointed end  12  and aperture  6 . Line  14  in any embodiment of the present invention may also be embellished over the simple darkened configuration shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, such as being configured as two or more closely spaced-apart lines, having one or more lines of similar or different color or lines each comprised of multiple colors, or made from one or more broken lines or a aligned sequence of other objects, such as but not limited to dots, small squares, small triangles, miniature golf tees, miniature golf balls, miniature company logos, and the like. Line  14 , with or without any design or color embellishments, assists a golfer in aligning the face  26  of golf club  28  along cross member  8 , or in achieving any off-center position desired for golf club  28  relative to cross member  8  to correct for inaccuracies in the golfer&#39;s swing. 
     To use the present invention, a golfer first needs to determine the desired flight path for golf ball  24  and select an appropriate ground location relative to that flight path for placing plate  2 . The golfer then centers aperture  6  at ground level upon the selected location and aims pointed end  12  in the direction of the desired flight path. The golfer then inserts a golf tee  16  through aperture  6  and into the ground (not shown) below plate  2 , after which the golf ball  24  to be launched is balanced upon tee  16 . Thereafter, the golfer uses the pointed end  12  for self-alignment to the desired flight path of golf ball  24  and stands at the appropriate distance from plate  2 , with golf club  28  in hand, and further uses cross member  8  and the darkened line  14  extending between aperture  6  and cross member  8 , which gives the golfer the exact center of golf ball  24 , to align the face of golf club  26  for a center strike with golf ball  24 , whereafter the golfer can concentrate on a confident and steady swing instead of club/ball alignment. Being able to concentrate on a confident and steady swing is very important in golf. When the golfer&#39;s swing is straightened prior to striking golf ball  24 , premature wrist hinge is avoided and the resulting shot is more predictable. During use, plate  2  always stays at ground level. Through the optional use of golf tees  16  having several spaced-apart grooves  14 , the height of golf ball  24  can be adjusted for optimum advantage when different types of golf clubs  28  are employed to strike it. 
     Plate  2  can be repeatedly used during practice or during a game, and can provide assistance to golfer&#39;s of all experience and skill levels by helping them to visualize the position they must take in addressing and striking golf ball  24  to obtain greater distance and accuracy in launching ball  24  along a desired flight path. Further, by channeling the forward motion of golf club  24 , the present invention corrects inaccuracies in the golfer&#39;s swing. Since the present invention is compact and placed under golf ball  24 , with the outer surface of cross member  8  being used to align the face of golf club  24  and pointed end  12  providing directional assistance to the golfer for self-alignment, and the pointed end  12 , cross member  8 , and darkened perpendicular line  14 , being in close visual proximity to golf ball  24 , the golfer can concentrate on his or her swing without having to look up prior to making the swing, allowing the golfer&#39;s position and stance to remain uncompromised during the swing and resulting in a straightened swing that is more consistent in launching golf ball  24  through a desired flight path. Not having to look up prior to making a swing is very important to most golfers for preserving proper stance. Since it has a unitary construction and there is no complex set-up prior to use or dismantling between uses, the present invention is simple and efficient to use. The simple configuration also makes it cost effective to manufacture. Ease in transport between uses is facilitated by the small size of plate  2 , typically having maximum length and width dimensions of approximately three inches, as well as its ability to be manufactured from lightweight materials such as plastic. Further the materials from which plate  2  is made are rugged, durable, unaffected by contact with moisture and vegetation, and require little or no maintenance between uses other than cleaning when ground surfaces are damp for reuse or storage in a golf bag or pocket.