WO2007053166A1

WO2007053166A1 - Method of visualizing golf swing path

Info

Publication number: WO2007053166A1
Application number: PCT/US2006/001902
Authority: WO
Inventors: Duckchan Lee
Original assignee: Duckchan Lee
Priority date: 2005-11-04
Filing date: 2006-01-20
Publication date: 2007-05-10

Abstract

A method for a player (30) visualizing a golf swing includes the steps of providing a golf club (32) including a club head (35) having a sweet spot; applying a visualizer (33) to the club head (35) proximate the sweet spot, the visualizer (33) including a color that contrasts with the color of the club head (35); aligning the club head (35) with a golf ball impact zone such that the sweet spot of the club face is immediately adjacent the golf ball impact zone; conducting a golf swing, initiating with a back swing and continuing with a forward swing; and observing a contrasting visual cue formed by the visualizer (33) on the golf club (32) illustrating a swing path of the club head (35).

Description

METHOD OF VISUALIZING GOLF SWING PATH

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

toooi] This invention relates, in general, to a method of visualizing golf swing path to provide instant feedback to a golfer while the golfer swings a golf club.

Description of Related Art

[ooo2] Many devices and attempts have been made during the years to assist a golfer in improving his or her golf swing. Most attempts have been devices to illustrate where the club head impacts the golf ball. Exemplars of such devices include U.S. Patent No. 6,312,344 to Smith which discloses a golf training aid, U.S. Patent No. 5,830,077 to Yavitz which discloses an impact detector for a golf club, U.S. Patent No. 4,974,851 to Closser et al. which discloses a golf club impact marking device, U.S. Patent No. 3,754,764 to Manheck which discloses a golf club to impact marker, and U.S. Patent No. 2,660,436 to Grossman which discloses an indicating disk for a golf club head. Such devices are static in that they do not provide any real-time feedback for a golfer, they merely provide an indication where the club head impacted the ball.

[0003] Other devices and attempts have been made to provide information about the swing path of the golf club head as opposed to the impact zone of the club head. Exemplars of such devices include U.S. Patent No. 6,139,442 to Wilson which discloses a golf swing learning aid, U.S. Patent No. 4,550,914 to McCallister which discloses a golf club head with visual swing-directing cues. Such devices are undesirable because they require modified golf club heads and cannot be used with a golfer's present equipment. Accordingly, such devices add significant expense and, in the event that the golfer has preferred existing equipment, such devices provide no feedback or any indication as to the golfer's swing of their preferred existing equipment.

[00041 Further devices and attempts have been made to analyze a golfer's swing that are much more complex and expensive than those described above. For example, U.S. Patent No. 6,821,211 to Otten et al. discloses a sport swing analysis system. This system requires a computer device and an array of photodetectors for sensing the motion of reflective material applied to the underside of a club head. Due to its complexity, Otten's system is incapable of providing a golfer with any feedback while golfing on a traditional golf course, while practicing at a traditional driving range, or even while practicing their swing at home, and possibly in their living room. Furthermore, Otten's reflective material is not visible to the golfer as it is applied to the underside of the club head and out of the golfer's view.

What is needed is a golf swing visualizer and method which overcome the above and other disadvantages of known devices. In particular, what is needed is a golf swing visualizer and method which provides real-time feedback for a golfer which can be used on a golfer's present equipment and which does not require expensive and complex analysis systems. In addition, what is needed is a golf swing visualizer which may be used as a golfer swings and actually strikes a golf ball.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] In summary, one aspect of the present invention is directed to a method for a player visualizing a golf swing. The method of visualizing golf swing includes one or more of the following steps: providing a golf club including a club head having a sweet spot; applying a visualizer to the club head proximate the sweet spot, the visualizer including a color that contrasts with the color of the club head; aligning the club head with a golf ball impact zone such that the sweet spot of club face is immediately adjacent the golf ball impact zone; conducting a golf swing, initiating with a back swing and continuing with a forward swing; and observing a contrasting visual cue formed by the visualizer as the golf club moves thereby illustrating a swing path of the club head.

[0006] The providing step may be accomplished by applying two stickers to a club face on either side of the sweet spot. The providing step may be further accomplished by applying the in a substantially vertical orientation, or in an orientation that may be substantially aligned with a player's line of sight. Alternatively, the providing step may be accomplished by applying a sticker to a club face on or above the sweet spot. The providing step may be further accomplished by substantially covering the club face with the sticker.

[ooo7] The providing step may be accomplished by applying the visualizer to a top of the club head. The providing step may be further accomplished by applying a sticker that may be longitudinally aligned with the sweet spot, or by applying two stickers that are substantially aligned with either side of the sweet spot.

[ooo8] The observing step may be accomplished by observing the contrasting visual cue during the forward swing. The visualizer may be fluorescently colored, wherein the observing step may be accomplished by observing a fluorescently colored visual cue during the forward swing. Alternatively, the visualizer may be reflective, wherein the observing step may be accomplished by observing a reflective visual cue during the forward swing.

[0009] The visualizer may include an adhesive layer, wherein the applying step may be accomplished by adhering the visualizer to the club head. Alternatively, the visualizer may include a magnetic layer, wherein the applying step may be accomplished by magnetically affixing the visualizer to the club head.

[ooio] Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a golf swing visualizing assembly including a golf club having a club head with a sweet spot and a visualizer mounted on the club head proximate the sweet spot. The visualizer may have an outer layer having three-dimensional refractive elements, a reflective intermediate layer, and an underlying protective layer having an adhesive for mounting the visualizer to the club head. Preferably, the visualizer is dimensioned and configured to provide a contrasting visual cue formed by the visualizer as the golf club illustrating a swing path of the club head.

[ooii] Preferably, the refractive elements are selected from the group consisting of convex lens, hexa-cones, microprisms and glass beads. The refractive elements may be microscopic. The adhesive may be a pressure sensitive adhesive. The refractive elements may be PVC. The refractive elements may be glass. The refractive elements may be fluorescently colored.

[ooni In one embodiment, two visualizers are mounted on the club face on either side of the sweet spot. In another embodiment, the visualizer is mounted on the top of the club head.

[ooi3] Yet another aspect of the present invention is directed to a golf swing a visualizer for mounting on a golf club head proximate a sweet spot thereof. The visualizer includes an outer layer having three-dimensional refractive elements, a reflective intermediate layer, and an underlying protective layer having an adhesive for mounting the visualizer to the club head. Preferably, the visualizer is dimensioned and configured to provide a contrasting visual cue formed by the visualizer as the golf club illustrating a swing path of the club head.

[0014] The refractive elements may be selected from the group consisting of convex lens, hexa-cones, microprisms and glass beads. The refractive elements may be microscopic. The refractive elements may be fluorescently colored.

iooi S] The method of visualizing golf swing of the present invention has other features and advantages which will be apparent from or are set forth in more detail in the accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, and the following Detailed Description of the Invention, which together serve to explain the principles of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a golfer swinging a golf club that has a golf swing visualizer mounted thereon in accordance with the present invention.

[ooi7] FIG. 2 is a front elevation of a golf club head with the swing visualizer FIG. 1 mounted thereon in accordance with the present invention

[0018] FIG. 3 is a front elevation of a golf club head with another swing visualizer, similar to that shown in FIG. 1 , mounted thereon in accordance with the present invention.

[ooi9] FIG. 4 is a front elevation of a golf club head with another swing visualizer, similar to that shown in FIG. 1, mounted thereon in accordance with the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 5 is a front elevation of a golf club head with another swing visualizer, similar to that shown in FIG. 1, mounted thereon in accordance with the present invention.

[002i] FIG. 6 is a front elevation of a golf club head with another swing visualizer, similar to that shown in FIG. 1, mounted thereon in accordance with the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 7 is a top plan view of another golf club head with another swing visualizer, similar to that shown in FIG. 1, mounted thereon in accordance with the present invention. [0023] FIG. 8 is a top plan view of another golf club head with another swing visualizer, similar to that shown in FIG. 1, mounted thereon in accordance with the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 9 is a top plan view of another golf club head with another swing visualizer, similar to that shown in FIG. 1, mounted thereon in accordance with the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 1OA and 1OB are schematic and isometric views, respectively, a swing visualizer configuration in accordance with the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 1 IA and 1 IB are schematic and isometric views, respectively, a swing visualizer configuration in accordance with the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 12A and 12B are schematic and isometric views, respectively, a swing visualizer configuration in accordance with the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 13 A and 13B are schematic and isometric views, respectively, a swing visualizer configuration in accordance with the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 14A, 14B, 14C and 14D are schematic illustrations of incorrect golf swings as visualized using the swing visualizer of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 15A and 15B are schematic illustrations of correct golf swings as visualized using the swing visualizer of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in conjunction with the preferred embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the invention to those embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which maybe included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0032] Hitting balls straight along a target trajectory with controlled distance is the main purpose of the golf swing practice. Whether driving down the fairway or shooting for the pin, a golfer wants to be able to hit a golf ball consistently straight and at a controlled distance, preferably at a maximum distance. Regardless of the golfer's swing, two elements are key in achieving these goals. First, the club head of the golf club should travel straight through toward the target line at impact. Second, the golf club should connect the ball within the sweet spot of the club head. In other words, club head should be traveling straight through and toward the target trajectory when the club head hits the ball, and the club head should impact the ball within the sweet spot of the club head. Provided the club head impacts the ball straight-on within the sweet spot, the ball should fly straight and the desired distance should be obtained for that swing speed.

[0033] One method of practicing the above elements in accordance with the present invention is visualizing the swing path of the club head as the golf club is swung by the golfer or player. This provides real-time feedback which allows the player to see how his or her swing path actually travels toward the ball, and simultaneously feel how he or she actually moves while the golf club is swung. Such real-time feedback allows the player to align the visualized swing path with the ball in order to immediately correct the trajectory of the swinging club head, or accumulatively promote muscle memory and eye/club coordination over time. Moreover, with such visualization, the player may continuously monitor his or her swing and may spontaneously find a more efficient golf swing. In addition, such visualization may be used not only to correct one's swing, but also to facilitate one in finding a swing that is comfortable to the person's physical condition.

10034] Turning now to the drawings, wherein like components are designated by like reference numerals throughout the various figures, attention is directed to FIG. 1 which illustrates a user practicing a method of visualizing golf swing in accordance with the present invention. The user, in this case, a player generally designated by the numeral 30, is practicing with a golf club 32 having a golf swing visualizer 33 attached to a club head 35 of the golf club. As the player swings the golf club, the swing visualizer provides a visible trace of a swing path 37 of the club head, even as the club head approaches a golf ball 39 during the player's forward swing.

100351 The swing visualizer is provided with a bright, conspicuous appearance to allow the player to visualize the swing path of the club head under high velocity as the player swings the golf club. In particular, the swing visualizer may be provided with a bright or vivid color that contrasts with the club head as well as the usual surroundings in which golf club is used. For example, the color of the swing visualizer will contrast not only with the metallic and/or wood-like colors of the club head but also with the various green colors associated with golf tee boxes, fairways and putting greens, whether natural or synthetic. In addition, the color of the swing visualizer will contrast with other practice mats, whether colored green or with other suitable colors.

{0036] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the swing visualizer has a colored layer 40 which contrasts with the club head and the surroundings. One will appreciate that other suitable colors may be utilized. Preferably, the color is a fluorescent one which vividly contrasts with the colors of the club head and the usual surroundings in order to maximize visibility of the swing path. Also, the colored layer is preferably reflective in order to further promote contrast with the club head and the surroundings. One will appreciate that the layer may be either fluorescent or reflective, or both fluorescent and reflective. One will further appreciate that other suitable colors may be utilized that are neither fluorescent or reflective provided that they suitably contrast with the club head and the surroundings.

[0037] Preferably, the visualizer is configured such that it may be readily attached to a preexisting golf club. For example, a player may attached visualizer 33 to the club head of one of his or her favorite clubs. Accordingly, the player need not invest in or use specially modified golf clubs, which most likely will have a different "feel" and performance characteristics than their favorite clubs.

[0038] In some embodiments, the swing visualizer is configured such that it may be readily attached to a club head. Preferably the visualizer includes an adhesive layer 42 for adhering the visualizer to the club head. Alternatively, the visualizer may include a magnetic layer for removable attachment to the club head. One will appreciate that other suitable means may be utilized for attaching the visualizer to the club head including, but not limited to, elastic bands, clips and/or other suitable means, hi other embodiments, the colored and adhesive layers may be combined in the form of a paint or other substance that can be applied directly to the club head and which substance is of a color that provides sufficient contrast with the club head and surroundings. In still further embodiments, the club head may be manufactured to incorporate the swing visualizer of the present invention as an integral part of the golf club, as is discussed in further detail below.

[0039] In such embodiments, the visualizer is configured to be attached or applied to a preexisting golf club in such a manner that that it does not substantially alter the performance characteristics of the golf club. Preferably, the visualizer does not significantly alter the swing weight of the golf club, nor affect the club head/golf ball contact. Accordingly, the visualizer of the present invention allows the player to visualizer the swing path of his or her favorite clubs without damaging or irrevocably altering the performance of their favorite clubs.

[0040] Preferably, the visualizer is affixed on the club head proximate to the desired impact area or sweet spot of the club head 35. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 2, the visualizer includes two substantially rectangular stickers 44 positioned adjacent the toe and heel of a club face 46 of an iron. In this embodiment, the sticker measures approximately 1 1/4" by 1/2", however, the actual size and shape of the stickers may vary. [0041] The stickers may be placed in a substantially vertical orientation as shown in FIG. 2, or they may be placed in an orientation such that they are substantially aligned with the player's eyes as shown in FIG. 3. In both cases, the player will see two parallel fluorescent swing paths 37 tracing the overall path of club head 35 as the player swings the golf club. The swing paths provide real-time feed back to the player, especially while the player is following through on his or her forward swing. As such, the player will see the parallel fluorescent swing paths passing through the impact area of the golf ball. Alternatively, a single sticker may be positioned above the sweet spot as illustrated in FIG. 4.

[0042] The swing visualizer thus allows the player to see the precise alignment of the club head with the golf ball as the club head approaches the golf ball, provides realtime feedback that allows the player to determine whether the sweet spot of the club head is properly positioned at the moment of impact. Since the swing visualizer provides real-time feed back during the player's forward swing, the swing visualizer may also allow the player to alter his or her swing and properly align the club head with the golf ball.

[00431 In operation and use, the player applies visualizer 33 to a golf club proximate the sweet spot of club face 46. For example, the player may apply two stickers 44 to either side of the sweet spot of club head 35, in a substantially vertical orientation as shown in FIG. 2, or in an orientation substantially aligned with the players sight lines as shown in FIG. 3. Next, the player addresses the ball, that is, aligns club head 35 with golf ball 39 such that the sweet spot of club face 46 is immediately adjacent the golf ball. Then, the player initiates his or her swing beginning with back swing and following through with their forward swing. As the player swings the golf club, the visualizer provides a visible trace of the path of the club head 35, during both the back swing and the forward swing, as illustrated by parallel swing path lines 37 in FIG. 1. As the visualizer of the present invention allows the player to visualize and observe their forward swing, the player may observe the position of the club head and the relative orientation of the sweet spot with the golf ball as the club head strikes the golf ball. [0044] Advantageously, the visualizer of the present invention instantly shows the swing path of the club head at the moment of impact with the golf ball. Unlike prior devices and methods, the visualizer of the present invention provides real-time feedback that instantly provides a visual representation of the golf club swing path directly to the player. Such a configuration provides visual conformation of the movement of golf club head at impact zone as the player swings the golf club and allows the player to fix or otherwise adjust their swing path instantly and during their swing. Furthermore, the swing visualizer of the present invention may help a player find their most comfortable body posture with a finely aligned swing.

[0045] In another embodiment of the present invention, visualizer 33 a is similar to visualizer 33 described above but includes a single strip 44a running down the center of club face 46a, as shown in FIG. 5. In still another embodiment, visualizer 33b is also similar to visualizer 33 described above but includes a single area 44b substantially covering club face 46b, as shown in FIG. 6. One will appreciate that visualizers 33a and 33b may be in the form of stickers applied to the club head in an after-market manner, or may be incorporated into the club head as it is manufactured. In operation and use, visualizers 33a and 33b are used in substantially the same manner as visualizer 33 discussed above.

[0046] In another embodiment of the present invention, visualizer 33c is similar to the visualizers described above but includes a single strip 44a running down the center of the top 47 of club head 35c of a wood, as shown in FIG. 7. In still another embodiment, visualizer 33d includes four stickers 44c substantially aligned with the outer boundaries of the sweet spot of club face 46c, as shown in FIG. 8. In still a further embodiment, visualizer 33 e includes a single strip running down the club face. Again, one will appreciate that visualizers 33c, 33d and 33e maybe in the form of stickers applied to the club head in an after-market manner, or may be incorporated into the club head as it is manufactured. In operation and use, visualizers 33c, 33d and 33e are used in substantially the same manner as the visualizers discussed above. [0047] In accordance with the present invention, the visualizers may be specially configured to provide increased reflectance such that a player may see the visualized swing path irrespective of where the club head is positioned along the swing path. Turning now to FIG. 1OA, visualizer 33f includes refractive elements in the form of a plurality of microscopic convex lenses 49 which reflect light from any direction. One will appreciate that macroscopic lenses may also be used instead of, or in addition to the microscopic convex lenses. One will also appreciate that concave lenses may be utilized instead of, or in addition to the convex lenses. An isometric view of the layer of convex lenses is illustrated in FIG. 1OB.

[0048] The convex lenses form an outer layer and may formed of a clear or colored transparent material, a clear or colored translucent material, or other suitable materials including, but not limited to, PVC. In addition, visualizer 33f may include an additional colored reflective layer 51, which may be magnified by the outer layer of convex lenses. In addition, a protective layer 53 having an adhesive layer 42f are provided for mounting the layer of lenses and the colored layer to the club head. Preferably, the adhesive layer is a pressure sensitive adhesive.

[0049] In operation and use, visualizer 33 f is used in substantially the same manner as the visualizers discussed above. Advantageously, the layer of convex lenses may provide moderate reflection so as to no disturb a player's sight.

[0050] With reference to FIG. 1 IA, visualizer 33g includes a plurality of microscopic hexa-cones 54 which substantially reflect light from six directions. An isometric view of the layer of hexa-cones is illustrated in FIG. 1 IB. Similar to the convex lenses described above, the hexa-cones also form an outer layer and may formed of a clear or colored transparent material, a clear or colored translucent material, or other suitable materials. An additional colored reflective layer 5 Ig may be provided along with a protective layer 53g having an adhesive layer 42g.

[0051] In operation and use, visualizer 33g is used in substantially the same manner as the visualizers discussed above. Advantageously, the layer of hexa-cones covers the reflective layer so as to avoid strong reflection and thus minimize disturbing a player's sight.

[0052] Turning now to FIG. 12A, visualizer 33h includes a plurality of microprisms 56 which substantially reflect light from four directions. An isometric view of the layer of microprisms is illustrated in FIG. 12B. Similar to the embodiments described above, the microprisms also form an outer layer and may formed of a clear or colored transparent material, a clear or colored translucent material, or other suitable materials. An additional protective layer 53h having an adhesive layer 42h may be provided in a manner similar to that described above.

[0053] In operation and use, visualizer 33h is used in substantially the same manner as the visualizers discussed above. Advantageously, the layer of microprisms covers the reflective layer such that strong reflection will not disturb the color as viewed by a player.

[0054] With reference to FIG. 13, visualizer 33i includes a plurality of microscopic glass beads 58 which substantially reflect light from any direction. An isometric view of the layer of glass beads is illustrated in FIG. 13B. Similar to the embodiments described above, the microscopic beads also form an outer layer and may formed of a clear or colored transparent material, a clear or colored translucent material, or other suitable materials including, but not limited to, glass. An additional colored reflective layer 5 Ii may be provided along with a resin layer 60 for mounting the glass beads to a protective layer 53i, which in turn has an adhesive layer 42i for mounting to the club head.

[0055] In operation and use, visualizer 33i is used in substantially the same manner as the visualizers discussed above. Advantageously, the layer of microscopic beads reflects light in any direction.

[0056] Turning now to FIG. 14A-D, the visualizer of the present invention may be utilized to facilitate a player in seeing incorrect swings in which the club face does not properly address the ball. For example, FIG. 14A schematically illustrates an inside- out swing having an open-club-face, that is, the club face angles away from the player instead of being square or perpendicular with the intended flight or trajectory path 61 of the ball as the club head passes the ball position 63. FIG. 14B, on the other hand, schematically illustrates an outside-in swing having a closed-club-face, that is, the club face angles toward the payer as it passes the ball position. Such improper swings are easily seen by the player as the swing path 37 is clearly seen as an angled path and not parallel with the flight path 61 as the club head 35 passes the ball position 63. In either case, since the swing path 37 does not follow the flight path 61 at the point of impact (e.g., ball position 63), the ball most likely will not go straight.

[0057] FIG. 14C and FIG. 14D are further examples of improper swings which may visualized in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 14C illustrates the case in which the club head is misaligned such that the toe of the club strikes the ball instead of the sweet spot. FIG. 14D shows club head misalignment such that the heel strikes the ball instead of the sweet spot.

[0058] FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B, on the other hand, are examples of the visualization of a proper swing path 37 in which the club face properly addresses the ball square (i.e., perpendicular to the flight path) at the point of impact, and properly aligned with the flight path at the point of impact.

[0059] In many respects the modifications of the various figures resemble those of preceding modifications and the same reference numerals followed by subscripts "a" through "i" designate corresponding parts.

[0060] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the Claims appended hereto and their equivalents.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A method for a player visualizing a golf swing, said method of visualizing golf swing comprising: providing a golf club including a club head having a sweet spot; applying a visualizer to the club head proximate the sweet spot, the visualizer including a color that contrasts with the color of the club head; aligning the club head with a golf ball impact zone such that the sweet spot of club face is immediately adjacent the golf ball impact zone; conducting a golf swing, initiating with aback swing and continuing with a forward swing; and observing a contrasting visual cue formed by the visualizer as the golf club moves thereby illustrating a swing path of the club head.

2. A method of visualizing a golf swing according to claim 1, wherein the providing step is accomplished by applying two stickers to a club face on either side of the sweet spot.

3. A method of visualizing a golf swing according to claim 2, wherein the providing step is further accomplished by applying the sticker in a substantially vertical orientation.

4. A method of visualizing a golf swing according to claim 2, wherein the providing step is further accomplished by applying the stickers in an orientation that- is substantially aligned with a player's line of sight.

5. A method of visualizing a golf swing according to claim 1 , wherein the providing step is accomplished by applying a sticker to a club face on the sweet spot.

6. A method of visualizing a golf swing according to claim 5, wherein the providing step is further accomplished by substantially covering the club face with the sticker.

7. A method of visualizing a golf swing according to claim 1 , wherein the providing step is accomplished by applying the visualizer to a top of the club head.

8. A method of visualizing a golf swing according to claim 7, wherein the providing step is further accomplished by applying a sticker that is longitudinally aligned with the sweet spot.

9. A method of visualizing a golf swing according to claim 7, wherein the providing step is further accomplished by applying two stickers that are substantially aligned with either side of the sweet spot.

10. A method of visualizing a golf swing according to claim 1 , wherein the observing step is accomplished by observing the contrasting visual cue during the forward swing.

11. A method of visualizing a golf swing according to claim 1 , wherein the visualizer is fluorescently colored, wherein the observing step is accomplished by observing a fluorescently colored visual cue during the forward swing.

12. A method of visualizing a golf swing according to claim 1, wherein the visualizer is reflective, wherein the observing step is accomplished by observing a reflective visual cue during the forward swing.

13. A method of visualizing a golf swing according to claim 1, wherein the visualizer includes an adhesive layer, wherein the applying step is accomplished by adhering the visualizer to the club head.

14. A method of visualizing a golf swing according to claim 1, wherein the visualizer includes a magnetic layer, wherein the applying step is accomplished by magnetically affixing the visualizer to the club head.

15. A golf swing visualizing assembly comprising: a golf club including a club head having a sweet spot; and a visualizer mounted on the club head proximate the sweet spot, the visualizer including an outer layer having three-dimensional refractive elements, a reflective intermediate layer, and an underlying protective layer having an adhesive for mounting the visualizer to the club head; wherein the visualizer is dimensioned and configured to provide a contrasting visual cue formed by the visualizer as the golf club moves thereby illustrating a swing path of the club head.

16. A golf swing visualizing assembly according to claim 15, wherein the refractive elements are selected from the group consisting of convex lens, hexa-cones, microprisms and glass beads.

17. A golf swing visualizing assembly according to claim 16, wherein the refractive elements are microscopic.

18. A golf swing visualizing assembly according to claim 15, wherein the adhesive is a pressure sensitive adhesive.

19. A golf swing visualizing assembly according to claim 15, wherein the refractive elements are PVC.

20. A golf swing visualizing assembly according to claim 15, wherein the refractive elements are glass.

21. A golf swing visualizing assembly according to claim 15 , wherein the refractive elements are fluorescently colored.

22. A golf swing visualizing assembly according to claim 15 wherein two visualizers are mounted on the club face on either side of the sweet spot.

23. A golf swing visualizing assembly according to claim 15 wherein the visualizer is mounted on the top of the club head.

24. A golf swing visualizer for mounting on a golf club head proximate a sweet spot thereof, the visualizer comprising: an outer layer having three-dimensional refractive elements; a reflective intermediate layer; and an underlying protective layer having an adhesive for mounting the visualizer to the club head; wherein the visualizer is dimensioned and configured to provide a contrasting visual cue formed by the visualizer as the golf club illustrating a swing path of the club head.

25. A golf swing visualizer according to claim 24, wherein the refractive elements are selected from the group consisting of convex lens, hexa-cones, microprisms and glass beads.

26. A golf swing visualizer according to claim 24, wherein the refractive elements are microscopic.

27. A golf swing visualizing assembly according to claim 24, wherein the refractive elements are fluorescently colored.