GB2525092A

GB2525092A - A golf training device

Info

Publication number: GB2525092A
Application number: GB1504424.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Michael O'meara
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-06-09
Filing date: 2015-03-17
Publication date: 2015-10-14
Anticipated expiration: 2035-03-17
Also published as: GB201410225D0; GB201504424D0; WO2015189765A1; GB2525092B

Abstract

A golf training device comprises: a base 10 having an upper surface 12; a first linear guide means 42 on the upper surface of the base and a guide rail 50 provided on the upper surface 12 of the base 10; a slider 26 engages with the first 42 and second guide means 50 and is movable along the guide means 42, 50; the slider 26 is provided with at least one rest position and a resistance release means 40 bears on the slider 26 when it is in the rest position so as to resist movement of the slider 26 away from the rest position. The resistance means 40 may be a ball which is biased by a spring into contact with a surface of the slider 26 and the force applied by the resistance means 40 may be adjustable. The upper surface 12 of the base 10 preferably includes a putting surface and the guide rail 50 preferably guides a golf club. The mass of the slider 26may be adjustable.

Description

A golf training device

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to golf training devices and in particular to devices to train a golf swing or a putting action.

Background

Numerous designs for golf training aids are known in the prior art. Each is adapted to train a specific aspect of golf, for example swing power, alignment of the club for accuracy, and putting. Each has drawbacks however, for example resulting from lack of similarity of feel and action to a real golf swing striking a ball, or lack of convenience in that the training aid only trains one aspect of the game, the device is large and unwieldy, or difficult to anchor to a surface and to use in a range of training circumstances. A small selection of the large patent literature is outlined below, illustrating a number of approaches to the problem. A common drawback is that the devices need a modified club, or a club attached to the training aid, which is clearly disadvantageous in training to use a golfer's own, free moving, club. The problem of providing an accurate simulation of a golf action, and hence high quality training, remains outstanding. In particular, a real golf ball undergoes compression when hit, and this is an essential part of the feedback from the club to the player that guides the correct swing action. The present invention overcomes drawbacks of the prior art devices by providing a means to provide such feedback during training amongst else.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following: GB 1 472 795 (De Kremer) discloses a golf training device to perfect golf swing comprising a guide track, slide and golf ball connected to the device.

KR20130001573 (leon) discloses a training device for gold swing comprising a main body, rail medium, reconstructions spring and noise damper where the main body has a rectangular shape of cover plate bonded to a top surface of the bottom plate.

US4 423 875 (Miller) discloses a golf training aid having first and second pairs of telescopically extendable rails and a pair of adjustable slide rails.

US5 501 452 (Halvorson) discloses a putting training device and method for training a golfer's muscles comprising a rigid guide rail and a vertical plate wherein the face of the putter head is held against the vertical plate in use.

KR2O1001 34264 discloses a golf putting training device is provided to enable a user to train the putting by linearly moving a putter along a base plate. A golf putting training device includes a putter, a rectangular base plate, a guide unit, a fixing unit, and a handle. A plurality of guide grooves is formed on the upper side of the base plate in a longitudinal direction and guides a putter on the upper side of the base plate.

JP200901 1543 discloses a swing trajectory guide for a training gear for training how to guide to a target trajectory by a backswing when starting to swing, which is the most important matter for an ideal golf swing. A trainee applies a pressure to a guide body while pushing backward with a club head applied to the tip face of the guide element in the backswing, and the both integrally guide the club head to the target trajectory.

JP2004033559 discloses a golf practice machine to enable a user to grasp a method to push in a ball immediately after impact by a club head. When a head collides with a hitting point part, a piston is linearly pushed into a shock absorbing cylinder to compress air in a cylinder corresponding to the stroke.

Sum mary of the Invention According to the present invention there is provided a golf training device comprising: a base having an upper surface, a lower surface, a long axis and a short axis perpendicular to the long axis; a guide rail provided on the upper surface of the base aligned with the long axis; at least one first linear guide means on the upper surface of the base and at least one second guide means on the guide rail; a slider arranged in use to engage with the first and second guide means, the slider configured to be slidably moveable in a direction of movement parallel to the long axis, the device provides at least a first rest position for the slider; and a resistance release means for bearing on the slider when in the rest position, the resistance release means being configured to provide a resistive force to resist movement of the slider away from the rest position.

Ideally the rest position is located approximately intermediate on the length of the guide means in order that the slider travels in either direction to allow for left and right handed users. In some embodiments the rest position may be adjustably situated in addition or the alternative.

Ideally the linear guide means provides both a planar face opposing the slider and parallel to the slider's movement axis, and linear guide demarcations.

Advantageously this may provide a useful means of practising putting strokes, wherein a putting stroke requires back and fore movements of equal length, the demarcations aiding this and the planar face guiding a putter head.

The present invention thereby provides a golf trainer device to improve body positioning and swing technique; wherein the problem relates at least in part to effective alignment of a club and body positioning when striking a golf ball is a difficult skill to master and it can be hard to make positive changes to technique. The device of the invention allows for easy alignment to practice the striking contact and to develop the core strength required to drive through a stroke whilst maintaining a balanced stance.

In preferred embodiments there is an adjustable resistance setting to the resistance release means which acts to also achieve better hip/weight position. In this way resistance can be tailored to skill level of a user. For example the resistance may start off low and increase as user drive and stance improves.

According to the preferred embodiments, one or more benefits of the device include: it is easy to use for left and right handed users; It provides a consistent platform to practice in any desired location; there is a putting aid included, which provides forward and back distance markers to perfect the putting motion.

In some embodiments the resistance release means may comprises an adjustable member such as a ball mounted on or held within the guide rail and a recess on the slider configured to receive said adjustable member.

Preferably the adjustable member is connected to a means that are adapted to press the adjustable member into the recess. Typically the means may comprise a spring means, in this way the sprung adjustable member acts to resist movement of the slider from the rest position, in a similar manner to a ball catch in holding a door closed.

By recess herein is meant a depression in a surface of the slider, or a space adjacent to a projection from the surface, such as a tooth or boss, such that the adjustable member contacts the tooth or boss as the slider begins to move from the rest position.

The adjustable member may have a shape, such as a sphere, hemisphere, or a cylinder, or a substantially cylindrical body having an ovoid or pointed cross-sectional shape, or a triangular prism, such that a portion of the adjustable member/ball engages with the recess.

In this way the device provides a golf training action, in which a user may train their swing by contacting the slider on either the first or the second edge, the impact then moving the slider off and away from the resistance release means and along the guide means. The resistance release means simulates the compression of a golf ball when hit, so giving a more realistic sensation of the strike than in prior art training devices.

In order to move the slider away from the rest position the user needs to contact the slider with a force greater than the resistance force. The resistance felt by the user is decreased thereafter, in the same way that would be felt in a real golf situation.

Motion of the slider along the guide means is controlled by friction between the slider and the upper surface of the base. The degree of friction may be determined by the nature of the slide portion of the upper surface on which the slider moves and on the nature of the portion of the lower surface of the slider in contact with it.

In some embodiments the resistance release means may be adjustable to provide an adjustable resistance force. In some embodiments the resistance release means comprises a spring adjustment means to adjust the compression of the spring, so adjusting the force retaining the ball within the recess in the slider when in the rest position.

In some embodiments the resistance release means comprises: a transfer bearing unit; and a compression spring bearing on the transfer bearing unit at its distal end; in which the position of the proximal end of the spring is arranged in use to be adjustable by means of a screw thread mounted on the base.

In this way the screw thread allows the compression of the spring to be adjusted, and hence the resistance force imposed on the slider by the ball in the transfer bearing unit.

In some embodiments the device comprises two rest positions, at opposite ends of the guide means, each provided with a resistance release means. In this way the device is adapted for left and right-handed use.

In some embodiments least one of the first and the second edges comprises an elastomeric material. Such a material may be for example a hard rubber material suitable to receive the impact of a golf club without damaging the club.

In some embodiments one or both of the slide portion(s) of the upper surface and the lower surface of the slider are configured to provide a low friction contact. For example, one or both may comprise a low friction material, such as a low friction coating. Such a coating may comprise a nylon or silicone material. In some embodiments the slider comprises one or more ball bearing supports configured to run on the slide portion. In some embodiments the slider comprises two or more roller bearings provided on its lower surface to provide low friction movement.

In other embodiments the device is configured to provide a chosen degree of friction between the slider and the base once the slider is away from the rest position.

The guide means comprises a slot in the base and the slider comprises one or more guide projections provided on its lower surface adapted to fit into the slot. This serves to ensure linear movement of the slider.

The base comprises a guide rail mounted on its upper surface parallel to the guide means, the guide rail having a front edge, a rear edge and an upper surface. The guide rail may be positioned relative to the rear edge of the slider such that in use the front edge of the guide rail acts to guide the toe of the golf club during the swing.

The guide rail may comprise guide markings, for example a distance scale, to indicate the distance the slider moves.

The guide rail includes a second guide means for receiving a portion of slider.

Advantageously this also serves to aid with linear movement of the slider and also prevents lifting of the slider relative to the base or guide rail during use.

In some embodiments the resistance release means is mounted in the guide rail, for example projecting from the front surface of the guide rail so as to engage a recess provided in the rear surface of the slider. In some embodiments the resistance release means comprises a screw threaded component mounted on the guide rail, adapted to advance the adjustable member such as the ball or hemisphere forward from the front surface of the guide rail, so as to adjust the rest position of the adjustable member and hence the resting compression of the spring holding the adjustable member in place.

In some embodiments the slider accepts a mass to alter the momentum of its movement in response to the swing. For example the slider may comprise a removable component that may be mounted on it, to adjust its mass, for example mounted on its upper surface or located within the slider.

Alternatively sliders of different masses may be provided for use with the device.

In some embodiments the device comprises a golf swing trainer and a putting trainer.

In some embodiments the putting trainer comprises: a putting surface forming part of the upper surface of the base, the guide rail having a rear surface arranged in use to extend at a right angle to the putting surface, and a distance scale provided on the upper surface of the guide rail.

In some embodiments the device comprises extendible side rods mounted on the guide rail and extendible parallel to it. In this way the track of the swing or putt may be guided relative to the side rods.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an exploded view of a preferred embodiment of the golf training device; Figure 2A shows an isometric view of part of the slider; Figure 2B shows a side view of part of the slider; Figure 3 shows an isometric view of a second embodiment of a golf training device; Figure 4 shows a top view of the embodiment in figure 3; Figure 5 shows a bottom view of the embodiment in figure 3; Figure 6 shows a front view of the embodiment in figure 3; Figure 7 shows a rear view of the embodiment in figure 3; Figure 8 shows an end view of the embodiment in figure 3; Figure 9 shows an exploded view of the embodiment in figure 3; Figure 10 shows an exploded view of a slider; Figure 11 shows a partial exploded view of the embodiment in figure 2; Figure 12A shows an overview of an adjustment means; and Figure 12B shows an exploded view of the adjustment means.

Detailed Description of Figures

Referring to Figure 1 a preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a rectangular base 10 with a pair of parallel guide means 42A, 42B and a guide rail 50.

The guide means 42A and 42B are identical, longitudinal recesses provided on an upper face of the base.

The guide means 42 receive a portion 44 of the slider 26 so as to aid with guiding linear movement of the slider to and fro along the length of the guide means 42A, 42 B. The guide rail 50 is substantially cuboid and located on an upper face of the base 10.

Therefore the guide rail 50 is a raised portion atop the base 10.

The slider 26 is arranged in use to be adjacent the base 10 and guide rail 50 wherein the guide rail 50 extends perpendicular to the base 10 therefore creating a right angle between the base 10 and guide rail 50 into which the slider 26 is positioned.

The guide rail 50 includes a second guide means 72, 74 for receiving a portion of the slider 26. Advantageously this prevents lift of the slider 26 during use.

In this way the slider 26 is engaged on the device at two points, the base 10 and the guide rail 50.

The guide rail 50 houses a resistance release means 40 at each end and an adjustment means 60 so as to adjust the resistance release means 40 in order to alter the ease with which the slider 26 can be moved away from the resistance release means 40.

The release means 40 includes an adjustable member 41. The adjustable member engages with the recess 27 on the slider 26. The adjustable member 41 is adjusted by a screw thread 41 so as to change the resistive force applied to the recess 27 by the adjustable member 41. A higher resistive force resulting in the slider 26 being harder to move away from the release means 40.

The screw thread 43 is positioned on an upper face of the guide rail 50 so as to be easily adjusted by a user.

The guide rail 50 has displaceable ends 51 so as to easily locate, repair and remove the release means 40.

The guide rail 50 includes increments.

The base 10 has four feet 112, one arranged at each corner. The feet 112 are removable.

The base also includes holes 114 that are adapted to receive a tee so as to aid with fixing the device in position during use.

The slider 26 is substantially cuboid. A lower face of the slider 26 includes two projections 44A, 44B for engaging with the pair of guide means 42A, 42B.

A side face of the slider 26 that is adjacent the guide rail 50 in use also includes a projection 44C for engaging with the second guide means 72, 74.

Therefore the slider is engaged with the device on two faces. This ensures linear movement of the slider relative the base 10 and guide rail 50.

The slider 26 is free moving in the guide means 42A, 42B.

The mass of the slider 26 can be altered by addition of weights (not shown) to the slider 26 in order to increase overall mass of the slider 26. This causes friction of the slider whilst moving in the guide means 42A, 42B to increase due to the slider being heavier. This is serves to represent a user training with a heavier ball.

Figures 2A and 2B show a portion of the slider 26 having a recess 27 arranged on an outer wall for receiving the adjustable member (not shown).

Referring to figures 3 to 9 show a second embodiment of a device according to the present invention comprising: a base 10 having an upper surface 12, a lower surface 14, a front edge 16 and a rear edge 18, a long axis 20 and a short axis 22 perpendicular to the long axis, and a linear guide means 42 provided on the upper surface aligned with the long axis.

A slider 26 adapted to slide guided by the guide means, the slider comprising a body 28 having an upper surface 30, a lower surface 32, a first edge 34, a second edge 36 and a rear edge 37.

The slider 26 is mounted on the upper surface 30 of the base and configured to slide along it guided by the guide means in a direction of movement parallel to the long axis, the first and second edges being substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement.

At least one of the first and the second edges comprising an elastomeric material, Wherein the device provides a first rest position 38 for the slider and a resistance release means 40 mounted on the base and bearing on the slider when in the rest position, the resistance release means being configured to provide a resistance force to resist movement of the slider away from the rest position.

In this embodiment the guide means comprises a slot 42 in the base and the slider comprises one or more guide projections 44 provided on its lower surface adapted to fit into the slot.

In this embodiment the base comprises a guide rail 50 mounted on its upper surface parallel to the guide means, the guide rail having a front edge 52, a rear edge 54 and an upper surface 56. The guide rail is positioned relative to the rear edge of the slider such that in use the front edge of the guide rail acts to guide the toe of the golf club during the swing. The guide rail comprises guide markings, for example a distance scale, to indicate the distance the slider moves.

In this embodiment the resistance release means 40 comprises a ball mounted on the base and a recess on the slider configured to receive the ball, and spring means adapted to press the ball into the recess. In this way the sprung ball acts to resist movement of the slider from the rest position, in a similar manner to a ball catch in holding a door closed.

In this embodiment the resistance release means 40 is mounted in the guide rail 50, projecting from the front surface 52 of the guide rail so as to engage a recess provided in the rear surface of the slider. In this embodiment the resistance release means comprises a threaded component 60 mounted on the guide rail, adapted to advance the ball forward from the front surface of the guide rail, so as to adjust the rest position of the ball and hence the resting compression of the spring holding the ball in place.

In this embodiment the resistance release means 40 comprises: a transfer bearing unit 62, a compression spring bearing on the transfer bearing unit at its distal end, the position of the proximal end of the spring being adjustable by means of a screw threaded unit 60 mounted on the base.

In this embodiment the device comprises a first rest position 38 and a second rest position 68, at opposite ends of the guide means, each provided with a resistance release means 40. In this way the device is adapted for left and right-handed use.

In this embodiment the lower surface of the slider 26 (Figure 10) is configured to provide a low friction contact and comprises a low friction material 70 such as nylon.

In this embodiment also the device comprises a second guide means 72 in the form of a slot 74 in the front face of the guide rail, and the slider comprises second projections 76 on its rear edge 37 to interfit with the slot 74. In this way the slider has two orthogonal guide means to provide a solid and robust sliding movement in response to the strike.

In this embodiment the slider comprises a removable component 78 that may be mounted on it, to adjust its mass, for example mounted on its upper surface, and a first 80 and second 82 edge components that interfit with the body of the slider to provide a striking surface for the club. Preferably the edge components are removable from the slider body to allow them to be replaced. As shown in figure 10 in this embodiment the edge components comprise a profile that may be slotted into a matching retaining recess on the slider body, in this case a T-profile.

In this embodiment the device comprises a golf swing trainer portion as described above, indicated as 90 in figure 3, and a putting trainer portion generally disposed on the base at the opposing side of the guide rail from the swing trainer and indicated as in figure 3.

The putting trainer 100 comprises: a putting surface 102 forming part of the upper surface of the base, the guide rail 50 having a rear surface 54 at a right angle to the putting surface, and a distance scale 104 provided on the upper surface of the guide rail.

In this embodiment the distance scale comprises a datum or zero point substantially at the midpoint of the guide rail and a scale in inches or centimetres extending both sides of the datum.

To practice putting, the distance scale on top face of the guide rails shows distances for the back and forward swing and allow the putter to be aligned perfectly horizontal to where the ball contact would be.

In this embodiment the device comprises extendible side 110 mounted on the guide rail and extendible parallel to it. In this way the track of the swing or putt may be guided relative to the side rods.

Referring in particular to figures 9 and 11, the present embodiment comprises: a base 10 comprising a planar sheet 111 for example formed from a metal such as aluminium.

Four feet 112 are provided to support the base on a solid surface, the feet being optionally removable for use on grass fixing through holes 114 to receive a golf tee 116 to fix the base to grass.

A slot 42 in the sheet 111 forms the guide means for the slider 26.

A guide rail 50 as described above fixed to the sheet 111, the guide rail having a slot 72 formed in its front face to form the second guide means. The guide rail may be formed from a metal extrusion, such as aluminium, having the slot formed as a recess in its front side.

The guide rail has holes 118 to mount the resistance release means 40 and holes to house golf tees when not in use to fix the base to grass, shown in this storage position as 122.

The guide rail is capped by end pieces 124, for example formed from moulded polymer, that also support and provide a retractable mounting for side rods 110.

Figures 12A and 12B show an adjustment means 41. The adjustment means 41 includes a housing 45 for housing a ball bearing 46. The ball bearing 46 is held in the housing 45 by means of a spring 47 arranged within in a spring spacer 47A.

A support 48 receives and adjustment assembly 49 and attaches it to the housing 45.

The adjustment assembly includes a finger wheel 49A that is exposed in use and can be turned by a user to adjust force applied to the spring 47 and thereby the ball bearing 46 against the slider 26.

In use the embodiment provides a Golf Training Aid that concentrates on 3 main actions of the Golf swing at impact.

1: Impact Position -The edge of the slider is aligned at a 90 degree angle to the guide rail and will therefore ensure the correct impact position and target line. By visually positioning the club face not to be open or closed with the edge of the slider the club will be in the correct impact position.

2: Pressure / Compression -To assist the golfer to achieve the correct hip position and weight distribution at the compression of the ball. This is simulated by an adjustable pressure control in the form of the adjustable resistance release means which loads the slider to put resistance on the slider to its being released to slide along the guide means. As a user develops their training the resistance release force can be increased, representing an increased compression on the ball therefore simulating a greater travel distance for the ball on the course.

3. Release Position -After Compression the slider is released and slides down the guide means coming to a stop at the end of the user's swing. The club toe is guided by the front face of the guide rail giving the user the correct line of release and with the side rods extended the golfer is enabled to practise their position for the correct release and direction of the ball.

Additional Uses: With the side rods extended the device assists the user to line-up their shoulders and hips parallel to the putt. The top face of the guide rail comprises a line numbering system which can be used to practise and equalise the putting stroke, as a user guides their putter along the rear face of the guide rail enabling a user to develop a straight back and thorough technique with a controlled length of swing.

The device can be used either indoors or outside on the training ground.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention. Firstly it will be understood that any features described in relation to any particular embodiment may be featured in combinations with other embodiments.

With respect to the specification therefore, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention, with variation and implementation obvious and clear on the basis of either common general knowledge or of expert knowledge in the field concerned. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as set out in the accompanying claims.

Claims

Claims 1. A golf training device comprising: a base having an upper surface, a lower surface, a long axis and a short axis perpendicular to the long axis; a guide rail provided on the upper surface of the base aligned with the long axis; at least one first linear guide means on the upper surface of the base and at least one second guide means on the guide rail; a slider arranged in use to engage with the first and second guide means, the slider configured to be slidably moveable in a direction of movement parallel to the long axis, the device provides at least a first rest position for the slider; and a resistance release means for bearing on the slider when in the rest position, the resistance release means being configured to provide a resistive force to resist movement of the slider away from the rest position.
2. A golf training device according to claim 1 wherein the resistance release means comprises a recess arranged on the slider for receiving an adjustable member arranged on the guide rail.
3. A golf training device according to claim 1 wherein the resistance release means comprises a recess arranged on the base for receiving an adjustable member arranged on the base.
4. A device according to claim 2 or 3 wherein the adjustable member comprises a ball mounted on the guide rail or base and a means adapted to press the ball into the recess.
5. A device according to claim any preceding claim wherein the resistance release means is adjustable to provide an adjustable resistance force.
6. A device according to claim 5 wherein the resistance release means comprises a spring adjustment means to adjust the compression of the spring, so adjusting the force retaining the ball within the recess in the slider when in the rest position.
7. A device according to claim 5 wherein the resistance release means comprises: a transfer bearing unit; and a compression spring arranged in use to bear on the transfer bearing unit at its distal end; in which the position of the proximal end of the spring is arranged in use to be adjustable by means of a screw thread mounted on the base.
8. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the guide means comprises a slot in the base and the slider comprises one or more guide projections provided on its lower surface adapted to fit into the slot.
9. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the base comprises a guide rail mounted on its upper surface parallel to the guide means, the guide rail having a front edge, a rear edge and an upper surface.
10. A device according to claim 7 wherein guide rail is be positioned relative to the rear edge of the slider such that in use the front edge of the guide rail acts to guide the toe of the golf club during the swing.
11. A device according to claim 7 or claim 8 wherein the resistance release means is mounted in the guide rail, projecting from the front surface of the guide rail so as to engage a recess provided in the rear surface of the slider.
12. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the slider comprises a removable component that may be mounted on it to adjust its mass.
13. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the device comprises a golf swing trainer and a putting trainer comprising: a putting surface forming part of the upper surface of the base, in which the putting surface is arranged in use such that the guide rail provides a rear surface extending at a right angle to the putting surface, and a distance scale provided on the upper surface of the guide rail.
14. A device according to any of claims 7 to 11 comprising extendible side rods mounted on the guide rail and extendible parallel to it.
15. A golf training device comprising a base with a slider slidably moveable within a guide means from a rest position, wherein movement from said rest position is resisted.Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows: Claims 1. A golf training device comprising: a base having an upper surface, a lower surface, a long axis and a short axis perpendicular to the long axis; a guide rail provided on the upper surface of the base aligned with the long axis; at least one first linear guide means on the upper surface of the base and at least one second guide means on the guide rail; a slider arranged in use to engage with the first and second guide means, the slider configured to be slidably moveable in a direction of movement parallel to the long axis, the device provides at least a first rest position for the slider; and a resistance release means for bearing on the slider when in the rest position, the resistance release means being configured to provide a resistive force to resist movement of the slider away from the rest position.2. A golf training device according to claim 1 wherein the resistance release means comprises a recess arranged on the slider for receiving an adjustable LI') member arranged on the guide rail.(3 3. A golf training device according to claim 1 wherein the resistance release 0 20 means comprises a recess arranged on the base for receiving an adjustable 0 member arranged on the base. r4. A device according to claim 2 or 3 wherein the adjustable member comprises a ball mounted on the guide rail or base and a means adapted to press the ball into the recess.5. A device according to claim any preceding claim wherein the resistance release means is adjustable to provide an adjustable resistance force.6. A device according to claim 4 wherein the resistance release means comprises a spring adjustment means to adjust the compression of the spring, so adjusting the force retaining the ball within the recess in the slider when in the rest position.7. A device according to claim 5 wherein the resistance release means comprises: a transfer bearing unit; and a compression spring arranged in use to bear on the transfer bearing unit at its distal end; in which the position of the proximal end of the spring is arranged in use to be adjustable by means of a screw thread mounted on the base.8. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the guide means comprises a slot in the base and the slider comprises one or more guide projections provided on its lower surface adapted to fit into the slot.9. A device according to claim 7 or claim 8 wherein the resistance release means is mounted in the guide rail. projecting from a surface of the guide rail so as to engage a recess provided on a surface of the slider.10. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the slider comprises a removable component that may be mounted on it to adjust its mass. IC)11. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the device comprises a (3 golf swing trainer and a putting trainer comprising: a putting surface forming 0 20 part of the upper surface of the base, in which the putting surface is arranged 0 in use such that the guide rail provides a rear surface extending at a right angle to the putting surface, and a distance scale provided on the upper surface of the guide rail.12. A device according to any of claims 7 to 11 comprising extendible side rods mounted on the guide rail and extendible parallel to it.13. A golf training as substantially herein described with reference to the figures.