US20060189404A1

US20060189404A1 - Golf putting training device

Info

Publication number: US20060189404A1
Application number: US11/061,713
Authority: US
Inventors: Terry Brayton
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-02-18
Filing date: 2005-02-18
Publication date: 2006-08-24

Abstract

A golf putting training device is described and which includes a pair of elongated rail members each having opposite ends, and defining a channel therebetween; and a bridge releasably mounted to one end of each of the rail members, and wherein the bridge defines, in part, an aperture through which a golf ball may pass.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a golf putting training device, and more specifically to a golf putting training device which can be utilized on a practice golf green, or similar outdoor environment, and which further can be easily disassembled, and carried in the golf bag of a player.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It has been reported by many golf experts that a golfer will typically use his golf putter more than any other golf club in his golf bag when playing a round of golf. Many skilled golfers report that they may employ their putter from anywhere between 30% and 40% of their golf strokes in any given game. It has long been recognized by most players of the game that to improve scores, a focused concentration on putting skills is very important. For example, one of the common mistakes typically committed by many golfers is a failure to keep the face of the putter perpendicular to the line of travel of the putter through the entire stroke. Since putting can-be practiced in relatively small areas, many practice putting units and other assemblies have been developed. For example, in my U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/686,334 and which was filed on Oct. 14, 2003, and which is incorporated by reference herein, I disclose a golf putting training device having an elongated, narrowly rectangular frame having opposite ends and sides and which defines a channel therebetween. A semicircular cavity is defined by each of the opposite end portions, and which simulates in part a cup for receiving a golf ball which is putted by a golf putter. The channel defined between the elongated, narrowly rectangular frame has a width dimension which is less than about twice the length dimension of the face of the golf putter, and the sides of the elongated, narrowly rectangular frame are positioned in closely adjacent, but yet spaced relation relative to the heel and toe of the golf putter. A bridge is provided and which extends between the opposite sides of the elongated, narrowly rectangular frame. The bridge defines, in part, an aperture through which the golf ball may pass. The golfer using the golf putter may alternatively putt the golf ball at the simulated cups which are individually located at the opposite ends of the elongated, narrowly rectangular frame, and in opposite directions through the aperture defined by the bridge. This device allows a golfer to practice putts of various lengths.
Many other golf putting devices and games have been developed through the years, and which are utilized to assist the golfer in improving his game. Attention is directed to U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,827,299; 4,957,288; 1,761,039; and 1,939,819 as examples of prior art references which have been utilized, heretofore, in various ways to either on the one hand entertain, or to improve the golf game of a player. These patents are incorporated by reference herein.
While these various devices, and that assembly disclosed in my previous patent application have worked with a great deal of success, there are shortcomings in each of these devices which have detracted from their respective usefulness.
Among the chief difficulty encountered with such devices is that many of these assemblies provide an elevated hole area so the golf balls that are putted must first strike an elevated region around the hole. Still further, some of these units are bulky, and need some significant assembly to be operational. Yet further, while some of these earlier devices can operate in an outdoor environment, they are often difficult to transport and then assemble where required.
The present invention addresses many of the perceived shortcomings of the prior art devices which have been utilized heretofore.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect of the present invention relates to a golf putting training device which includes a pair of elongated rail members each having opposite ends, and defining a channel therebetween; and a bridge releasably mounted to one end of each of the rail members, and wherein the bridge defines, in part, an aperture through which a golf ball may pass.
Another aspect of the present invention relates to a golf putting training device which includes a bridge defining an aperture through which a golf ball may be putted, and wherein the bridge has opposite first and second ends, and opposite first and second sides; an elongated first rail having a first, and an opposite second end, and wherein the first end of the first rail releasably mates with the first end of the bridge, and extends substantially normally outwardly relative to the first side; and a second elongated rail having a first, and an opposite second end, and wherein the first end of the second rail releasably mates with the second end of the bridge, and further extends substantially normally outwardly relative to the first side, and wherein a channel is defined therebetween the first and second rails and is operable to receive the head of a golf club therebetween, and wherein the respective rails are disposed in closely adjacent spaced relation relative to the golf club head when the golf club head is disposed in a substantially perpendicular relation relative to the respective rails.
Yet further, another aspect of the present invention relates to a golf putting training device for use on the surface of the earth which includes a bridge having a main body defining, at least in part, an aperture which allows the passage of a golf ball therethrough, and wherein the bridge has opposite first and second ends, and wherein a substantially vertically disposed aperture is formed in each of the first and second ends of the bridge; a first rail having opposite first and second ends is provided, and wherein a channel is formed in the first end, and which matingly cooperates with the first end of the bridge, and wherein an aperture is formed in the first end of the first rail and is disposed in substantially coaxially alignment relative to the aperture which is formed in the first end of the bridge; a first golf tee received through each of the coaxially aligned apertures of the first end of the bridge, and the first end of the first rail, and wherein the first golf tee is received in the earth; a second rail having opposite first and second ends, and wherein a channel is formed in the first end of the second rail, and which matingly cooperates with the second end of the bridge, and wherein an aperture is formed in the first end of the second rail and which is substantially coaxially aligned relative to the aperture formed in the second end of the bridge; and a second golf tee received in each of the coaxially aligned apertures of the second end of the bridge, and the first end of the second rail, and wherein the second golf tee is received in the earth, and wherein the first and second rails extend substantially normally outwardly relative to the bridge, and which define, in combination, a channel therebetween, and which is operable to receive the head of a golf club, and wherein the respective first and second rails are oriented in closely spaced relation relative to the head of the golf club head when the golf club head is located in a substantially perpendicular orientation relation relative to the respective first and second rails.
These and other aspects of the present invention will be discussed in greater detail hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the following accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is an environmental, perspective view of the golf putting training device of the present invention and which is illustrated in use with a golf putter and golf ball of conventional design.
FIG. 2 is an exploded, perspective view of the golf putting training device of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is an exploded, partial, perspective, environmental view of the golf putting training device of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is an exploded, side elevation view of the golf putting training device of the present invention with some underlying surfaces shown in phantom lines.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

This disclosure of the invention is submitted in furtherance of the constitutional purposes of the U.S. Patent Laws “to promote the progress of science and useful arts” (Article 1, Section 8).
A golf putting training device of the present invention is generally indicated by the numeral 10 in FIG. 1 and following. As shown therein, the golf putting training device 10 is utilized typically on the surface of the earth 11. The golf putting training device is of a size whereby it can be easily transported as will be discussed hereinafter, in several pieces and reassembled so that it may rest on and be releasably affixed to the surface of the earth 11. The golf putting training device 10 is utilized in combination with a golf ball 12 of traditional design. The golf ball is typically repeatedly putted along a path of travel 13 such that the golf ball passes through an aperture formed in a bridge and which will be discussed in greater detail hereinafter. This repeated putting of the golf ball in combination with the present invention has the long term benefit of improving a golfer's score during a round of golf. As seen in FIG. 1, the golf putting training device 10 is operable to be utilized with a golf club 14 of traditional design. The golf club has a golf club head 15. The golf club head has a heel 20; an opposite toe 21; and a club face, which is generally indicated by the numeral 22. A hose 23 is affixed to or near the heal 20, and is operable to receive the end of a club shaft 24 therein. The golf club 14 is operable to be moved along a path of travel 25 into contact with the golf ball 12 thereby propelling the golf ball along the path of travel 13. As will be appreciated from a study of FIG. 1, the head of the golf club 15 has a length dimension as determined when measured between the heel 20 and toe 21.
As seen in FIG. 1, and following, the golf putting training device 10 of the present invention includes a first substantially elongated, and rectangular shaped rail member which is generally indicated by the numeral 30. The first rail member 30 has a length dimension of less than about 24 inches and is defined by a main body generally indicated by the numeral 31 (FIG. 2). The first rail member which may be fabricated from a number of lightweight materials such as wood, plastic, aluminum or the like has a first end 32, and an opposite second end 33. Still further, the first rail member has a top surface 34, and a bottom surface 35 which rests on the surface of the earth 11. The first rail member 30 has a height dimension as measured between the top and bottom surfaces 34 and 35, of greater than about 1 inch. Still further, the length dimension of this same rail member is measured between the first and second ends 32 and 33, respectively and is less than about 24 inches. In addition to the foregoing, the main body of the first rail member has an inwardly facing surface 40 and an opposite outwardly facing surface 41. Still further, and as seen by reference to FIG. 2, a substantially vertically oriented channel 42 is formed near or adjacent to the first end 32. The channel has a width dimension which is generally oriented along the major length dimension of the main body 31, and a length dimension which is transversely oriented relative thereto. As best appreciated by a study of FIG. 1, and following, a first aperture 43 is formed in the first end 32 of the main body 31. This first aperture is substantially aligned with the channel 42. Still further, a second aperture 44 (FIG. 2) is formed through the second end 33 as seen. The operation of the first side rail will be discussed in greater detail hereinafter.
The golf putting training device 10 of the present invention further includes a second rail member which is generally indicated by the numeral 50. The second rail member 50 is generally a mirror image of the first rail member 30. It similarly includes a an elongated, and substantially narrowly rectangular main body 51 which has a first end 52, and an opposite second end 53. Still further, the main body 51 has a top surface 54, and a bottom surface 55 which rests on the surface of the earth 11. The main body additionally has an inwardly facing surface 60, and an outwardly facing surface 61. Similar to the first rail member 30, the second rail member 50 has a substantially vertically oriented channel 62 which is positioned adjacent to the first end 52 thereof. This vertically oriented channel has a length and width dimension. In this regard, the width of the channel 62 is measured substantially along the length dimension of the second rail member 50, and further, the length dimension is substantially transversely disposed relative thereto. A first aperture 63 is formed in the first end 52. This first aperture as well as the first aperture 43 formed in the first end of the first rail member each have an inside diametral dimension which will be discussed in greater detail hereinafter. Still further, a second aperture 64 is formed in the second end 53 of the second rail member for the purposes which will be described in greater detail in the paragraphs below.
As best seen to reference to FIG. 1, and following, the golf putting training device of the present invention 10 includes a bridge which is generally indicated by the numeral 70. The bridge has a main body 71 which has a first end portion 72, and a second end portion 73 (FIG. 2). Further, the bridge has opposite first and second faces 74 and 75, respectively. As seen by reference to FIG. 1, and following, the respective first and second rail members 30 and 50 each extend substantially normally outwardly relative to one of the first or second faces 72 and 73, respectively when appropriately affixed to the bridge 70 as will be discussed hereinafter. Still further, formed substantially centrally relative to the first and second end portions 72 and 73, is an aperture 76 through which a golf ball 12 may be putted appropriately by a golf club 14 as will be described, below. The bridge 70 has a length dimension, as measured between the first and second end portions 72 and 73, and further has a thickness dimension as measured between the opposite first and second faces or sides 74 and 75, respectively.
Referring now to FIG. 2, it will be seen that the bridge 70 and more specifically the first and second end portions thereof, 72 and 73, each have a vertically disposed aperture formed therein, here indicated as a first vertically disposed aperture 81 which is formed in the first end portion 72, and a second vertically disposed aperture 82 formed in the second end portion 73. As seen by reference to FIG. 2, 3 and 4, the first and second rail members 30 and 50 are operable to matingly cooperate with the first and second end portions 72 and 73 so as to orient the first and second vertically disposed apertures 81 and 82 in substantially coaxial alignment relative to each of the first apertures 43 and 63, respectively and which are formed in each of the first and second rail members 30 and 50. When substantially coaxially oriented, the coaxially aligned apertures are operable to receive individual first and second golf tees 91 and 92 respectively. Still further, a third golf tee, and a fourth golf tee 93 and 94, respectively, are individually received in each of the second apertures 44 and 64, respectively of the first and second rail members 30 and 50, respectively. Each of the respective golf tees 91-94 have a main body 95 having a first, somewhat enlarged first end 96, and a second end 97, which is thrust or otherwise received in the surface of the earth 11, as shown most clearly by reference to FIG. 1. It will be understood that the first, second, third and fourth golf tees 91-94, are each operable to substantially affix the golf putting training device 10 on the surface of the earth 11, and in a fashion whereby the first and second rail members 30 and 50 respectively, in combination with the bridge 70, form a channel 100 therebetween (FIG. 3). The channel 100, which is defined between the inwardly facing surfaces 40 and 60, provides a convenient means whereby the golf ball 12 may be confined, as it is being putted along the path of travel 13 (FIG. 1). Still further, the channel 100 has a width dimension, which is just slightly greater than the length dimension of the head of the golf club 15, when the golf club head 15 is appropriately positioned, that is, it is disposed in a substantially perpendicular relationship relative to the respective first and second rail members 30 and 50, respectively. As seen in FIG. 1, the individual rail members 20 and 50 are disposed in closely spaced relation relative thereto when the golf club head is in an appropriate orientation to strike the golf ball. This relationship also allows the golfer to have a visual queue with respect to whether the face 22 of the golf club head 15 is oriented in a substantially perpendicular relation relative to the golf ball 12. This insures that the golf club 14 can be moved along the path of travel 25 and in an appropriate fashion so as to strike the golf ball 12 so it may travel along the path of travel 13, and through the aperture 76 which is defined by the bridge. By repeatedly putting the golf ball in this fashion, a golfer will experience increased accuracy in his putts and an improved golf game.

Operation

The operation of the described embodiment of the present invention is believed to be readily apparent and is briefly summarized at this point.
The golf putting training device 10 of the present invention can be utilized in a remote outdoor location such as a practice putting green or the like and mounted on the surface of the earth 11 so that a golfer may use a golf club 14 to practice putts which will improve their golf game. The golf putting training device 10 is releasably mounted on the surface of the earth 11 by employing a plurality of golf tees 91-94, respectively. As seen by reference to FIGS. 1 and following, the golf putting training device 10 includes a pair of elongated rail members 30 and 50 respectively, each having opposite ends, and defining a channel 100 therebetween. In its broadest aspect, the golf putting training device 10 includes a bridge 70 which is releasably mounted to one end of each of the rail members 30 and 50, respectively. The bridge 70 defines, in part, an aperture 76 through which a golf ball 12 may pass. As seen in FIG. 4, the respective rail members 30 and 50 have a height dimension of greater than about 50% of the diametral dimension of a golf ball 12 which is utilized with same. Still further, the respective rail members have a length dimension of less than about 24 inches. This length dimension insures that the present golf putting training device may be easily disassembled and carried in a golf bag, or the like so it may be used by a golfer at remote outdoor putting sites. Each rail member 30 and 50 has a first end 32 and 52, respectively, and which is releasably mounted to the bridge 70, and an opposite or distal second end 33 and 53. Still further, individual substantially vertically oriented passageways 43 and 63 and 44 and 64 are formed in each of the opposite first and second ends of the respective rail members 30 and 50. Each of the passageways have a given inside diametral dimension, which is greater than the outside diametral dimension of a shaft of a golf tee 91-94 which is received in each of the respective passageways. This is seen most clearly by reference to FIGS. 1-4, respectively.
The respective rail members 30 and 50 rest on the surface of the earth 11. Still further, the respective shafts of the individual golf tees 91-94 extend through the respective rails, and are received in the underlying earth 11 to releasably affix the respective rail members in a given position relative to the surface of the earth 11. As seen in the drawings, the bridge 70 has opposite first and second end portions 72 and 73. Still further, a substantially vertically disposed passageway 81 and 82 is formed in each of the opposite first and second ends of the bridge 70. Each of the passageways 43 and 63, which are formed in the first and second end portions of the respective rail members are substantially coaxially aligned with one of the passageways 81 and 82, which are formed in the opposite ends of the bridge. Still further, a golf tee 91-94 is received through the coaxially aligned apertures and is received, at least in part, in the surface of the earth 11.
As seen in FIG. 1, the bridge 70 has opposite sides or faces 74 and 75, respectively. Still further, the respective rail members 30 and 50, each extend substantially normally outwardly from the same side of the bridge 70, and define the channel 100 therebetween. In the arrangement as shown, the bridge 70 has a first, and an opposite or second end portion 72 and 73, respectively. Each of the first and second end portions have a height dimension as seen in FIG. 4, and wherein the respective rails 30 and 50 each have a height dimension which is greater than the height dimension of the opposite first and second end portions of the bridge 70. As seen in FIG. 4, the height dimension of the respective portions 72 and 73 is less than about the length dimension of the respective channels 42 and 62 respectively. Moreover, the thickness dimension of the bridge 70, as measured at the first and second portions is less than about the length dimension of the respective channels 42 and 62.
As seen in the drawings, the respective rail members 30 and 50 have opposite first and second ends, and wherein the first end of each of the respective rail members 30 and 50 cooperates with one of the first or second end portions 72 or 73 of the bridge 70. As seen by reference to FIG. 1, the bridge has a length dimension which is less than about twice the length dimension of an average face 22 of a golf club head 15. Still further, the respective rails 30 and 50 are positioned in closely spaced relation relative to the head of a golf club 15 when the golf club head is positioned in the channel 100 and oriented substantially perpendicular relative to the respective rails 30 and 50, respectively. As seen by reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, each of the respective first and second end portions 72 and 73 of the bridge 70 has a width and length dimension. Still further, the first end of each rail defines a substantially vertically disposed channel 42 and 62, respectively, which has a length dimension which is greater than about the width dimension of the first or second end portions of bridge, and a width dimension which is less than about the length dimension of the first or second end portions of the bridge. As seen in FIG. 4, at least a portion of the first and second ends of the bridge 70 are individually received in each of the respective channels which are defined by the respective rails.
Referring again to FIGS. 1-4, a golf putting training device of the present invention 10 is useful and can be placed on the surface of the earth 11, and further includes a bridge 70 having a main body 71 defining, at least in part, an aperture 76 which allows the passage of a golf ball 12 therethrough. The bridge has opposite first and second end portions 72 and 73, respectively, and wherein substantially vertically disposed apertures 81 and 82 are individually formed in each of the first and second end portions of the bridge. A first railing or rail member 30 is provided and which has opposite first and second ends 32 and 33, respectively. Still further, a channel 42 is formed in the first end and which matingly cooperates with the first end portion 72 of the bridge 70. An aperture 43 is formed in the first end of the first rail 30 and is disposed in substantially coaxial alignment relative to the aperture 81 which is formed in the first end portion of the bridge 70. A first golf tee 91 is received through each of the coaxially aligned apertures of the first end of the bridge, and the first end of the first rail. The first golf tee 91 is received in the surface of the earth 11. A second rail or rail member 50 having opposite first and second ends 52 and 53 is provided. A channel 62 is formed in the first end of the second rail and which matingly cooperates with the second end portion 73 of the bridge 70. An aperture 63 is formed in the first end of the second rail member 50. This aperture 63 is substantially coaxially aligned relative to the aperture 82 and which is formed in the second end portion 73 of the bridge 70. Still further, the golf putting training device 10 includes a second golf tee 92 which is received in and extends through each of the coaxially aligned apertures formed in the second end of the bridge, and the first end of the second rail. The second golf tee 92 is received in the surface of the earth 11 as illustrated in FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 1, the first and second rails 30 and 50 extend substantially normally outwardly relative to the bridge, and define a channel 100 therebetween (FIG. 3). The channel 100 is operable to receive the head 15 of a golf club 14. The respective first and second rails 30 and 50 are disposed in closely spaced relation relative to the head 15 of the golf club 14, when the golf club head 15 is oriented in a substantially perpendicular orientation relative to the respective first and second rails 30 and 50 and when appropriately oriented in the channel 100. As earlier discussed, this orientation of the respective rails relative to the golf club head 15 provides a convenient means whereby the golfer can orient the club 14 in an appropriate position so as to strike the golf ball 12 in order to execute an accurate putt. As seen in FIG. 1, apertures 44 and 64 are formed in the second end of each of the first and second rails 30 and 50, respectively. Still further, a third golf tee 93, and a fourth golf tee 94 are received through these respective apertures formed in the first and second rails, and into the earth 11 thereby releasably affixing the first and second rails in a fixed location relative to the surface of the earth.
It is conceivable that a golfer may employ the present invention in a fashion whereby the respective rail members 30 and 50 are not releasably mounted to the opposite ends of the bridge 70. In this arrangement, not shown, the bridge would be secured to the surface of the earth with the use of golf tees 92 and 93 in the fashion as earlier disclosed. Further, the respective rail members 30 and 50 would be also secured to the surface of the earth 11 by employing an extra pair of golf tees which would be individually received in the passages 43 and 63, respectively. The respective rail 30 and 50 would, in this arrangement, be disposed in spaced relation relative to the opposite ends of the bridge. Further, the bridge would be disposed in a blocking position relative to the channel 100. This arrangement would allow the golfer to employ the invention in those situations where the head of the golf club head 15 is longer than the channel 100, or where the golfer has a preference for a channel 100 having a width which is wider than that which is afforded by the present invention.
Therefore it will be seen that the present golf putting training device provides a convenient means whereby a golfer can position a golf putting training device on various outdoor putting greens, and practice putts of various lengths in a fashion not possible heretofore. The present golf putting training device may be easily disassembled and carried in a golf club bag, and can be rapidly assembled so that a golfer may receive the benefits of the golf putting training device when utilizing it at various golf courses.
In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific as to structural and methodical features. It is to be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific features shown and described, since the means herein disclosed comprise preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted in accordance with the doctrine of equivalents.

Claims

1. A golf putting training device, comprising:

a pair of elongated rail members each having opposite ends, and defining a channel therebetween; and

a bridge releasably mounted to one end of each of the rail members, and wherein the bridge defines, in part, an aperture through which a golf ball may pass.

2. A golf putting training device as claimed in claim 1, and wherein the respective rail members have a height dimension of greater than about 50% of a diametral dimension of a golf ball.

3. A golf putting training device as claimed in claim 1, and wherein the respective rail members have a length dimension of less than about 24 inches.

4. A golf putting training device as claimed in claim 1, and wherein each rail member has a first end which is releasably mounted to the bridge, and an opposite distal second end, and wherein individual substantially vertically oriented passageways are formed in each of the opposite first and second ends, and wherein each of the passageways have a given inside diametral dimension, and wherein a shaft of a golf tee is received in each of the respective passageways.

5. A golf putting training device as claimed in claim 4, and wherein the respective rails rest on the surface of the earth, and wherein the respective shafts of the individual golf tees extend through the respective rails, and are received in the underlying earth to releasably affix the respective rails in a given position relative to the surface of the earth.

6. A golf putting training device as claimed in claim 5, and wherein the bridge has opposite first and second ends, and wherein a substantially vertically disposed passageway is formed in each of the opposite first and second ends of the bridge, and wherein each of the passageways formed in the first end of the respective rails are substantially coaxially aligned with one of the passageways formed in the opposite ends of the bridge, and wherein a golf tee is received through the coaxially aligned apertures and is received, at least in part, in the surface of the earth.

7. A golf putting training device as claimed in claim 1, and wherein the bridge has opposite sides, and wherein the respective rail members each extend substantially normally outwardly from the same side of the bridge, and define the channel therebetween.

8. A golf putting training device as claimed in claim 1, and wherein the bridge has a first and an opposite second end, and wherein each end has a height dimension, and wherein the respective rail members each have a height dimension which is greater than the height dimension of the opposite first and second ends of the bridge.

9. A golf putting training device as claimed in claim 8, and wherein the respective rail members have opposite first and second ends, and wherein the first end of each rail member matingly cooperates with one of the first or second ends of the bridge, and wherein the respective rail members extend substantially normally outwardly relative to the first and second ends of the bridge.

10. A golf putting training device as claimed in claim 8, and wherein the bridge has a length dimension which is less than about twice the length dimension of an average face of a golf putter.

11. A golf putting training device as claimed in claim 8, and wherein the respective rail members are positioned in closely spaced relation relative to a head of a golf club when it is positioned in the channel, and oriented substantially perpendicular relative to the respective rail members.

12. A golf putting training device as claimed in claim 9, and wherein each of the respective first and second ends of the bridge has a width and height dimension, and wherein the first end of each of the rail members define a substantially vertically disposed channel which has a length dimension which is greater than about the width dimension of the first or second ends of bridge, and a width dimension which is greater than about the height dimension of the bridge when measured at the first or second ends thereof, and wherein at least a portion of the first and second ends of the bridge are individually received in each of the respective channels defined by the respective rail members.

13. A golf putting training device, comprising:

a bridge defining an aperture through which a golf ball may be putted, and wherein the bridge has opposite first and second ends, and opposite first and second sides;

an elongated first rail member having a first, and an opposite second end, and wherein the first end of the first rail member releasably mates with the first end of the bridge, and extends substantially normally outwardly relative to the first side; and

a second elongated rail member having a first and an opposite second end, and wherein the first end of the second rail member releasably mates with the second end of the bridge, and further extends substantially normally outwardly relative to the first side, and wherein a channel is defined therebetween the first and second rail members and is operable to receive the head of a golf club therebetween, and wherein the respective rail members are disposed in closely adjacent, spaced relation relative to the golf club head when the golf club head is disposed in a substantially perpendicular orientation relative to the respective rail members.

14. A golf putting training device as claimed in claim 13, and further comprising:

a first golf tee which is received through each of the first end of the bridge and first end of the first rail member; and

a second golf tee which is received through each of the second end of the bridge, and first end of the second rail member.

15. A golf putting training device as claimed in claim 14, and wherein a substantially vertically disposed aperture is defined by each of the first and second ends of the bridge, and the first end of each of the first and second rail members, and wherein the apertures defined by the first end of the bridge, and the first end of the first rail member are substantially coaxially aligned, and wherein the first golf tee is received, at least in part, through the coaxially aligned apertures of the first end of the bridge, and the first end of the first rail member, and wherein the aperture formed in the second end of the bridge is substantially coaxially aligned with the aperture formed in the first end of the second rail member, and wherein the second golf tee is received, at least in part, through the coaxially aligned apertures which are defined by the second end of the bridge, and the first end of the second rail member.

16. A golf putting training device as claimed in claim 15, and wherein a second substantially vertically disposed aperture is formed in the second end of each of the first and second rail members, and wherein the golf putting training device further comprises:

a third golf tee received, at least in part, in the second aperture formed in the first rail member; and

a fourth golf tee received, at least in part, in the second aperture formed in the second rail member.

17. A golf putting training device as claimed in claim 16, and wherein the bridge, and the first and second rail members rest on the face of the earth, and wherein the first, second, third and fourth golf tees extend, at least in part, into the surface of the earth to secure the bridge, and first and second rails, in a substantially fixed location relative to the surface of the earth.

18. A golf putting training device as claimed in claim 17, and wherein a channel is formed in the first end of each of the first and second rail members, and wherein the first and second ends of the bridge are individually received, at least in part, in one of each of the respective channels.

19. A golf putting training device as claimed in claim 18, and wherein the first and second ends of the bridge, and each of the first and second rail members each have a height dimension, and wherein the height dimension of the respective rail members is greater than the height dimension of the first and second ends of the bridge.

20. A golf putting training device as claimed in claim 17, and wherein the bridge has a length dimension of less than about 8 inches, and the respective first and second rails have a length dimension of less than about 24 inches.

21. A golf putting training device for use on the surface of the earth, comprising:

a bridge having a main body defining, at least in part, an aperture which allows the passage of a golf ball therethrough, and wherein the bridge has opposite first and second ends, and wherein a substantially vertically disposed aperture is formed in each of the first and second ends of the bridge;

a first rail member having opposite first and second ends, and wherein a channel is formed in the first end, and which matingly cooperates with the first end of the bridge, and wherein an aperture is formed in the first end of the first rail member and is disposed in substantially coaxially alignment relative to the aperture which is formed in the first end of the bridge;

a first golf tee received through each of the coaxially aligned apertures which are defined by the first end of the bridge, and the first end of the first rail member, and wherein the first golf tee is received in the earth;

a second rail member having opposite first and second ends, and wherein a channel is formed in the first end of the second rail member, and which matingly cooperates with the second end of the bridge, and wherein an aperture is formed in the first end of the second rail member and which is substantially coaxially aligned relative to the aperture formed in the second end of the bridge; and

a second golf tee received in each of the coaxially aligned apertures which are defined by the second end of the bridge, and the first end of the second rail member, and wherein the second golf tee is received in the earth, and wherein the first and second rail members extend substantially normally outwardly relative to the bridge, and further defines a channel therebetween, and which is operable to receive the head of a golf club, and wherein the respective first and second rail members are oriented in closely spaced relation relative to the head of the golf club head when the golf club head is located in a substantially perpendicular orientation relative to the respective first and second rail members.

22. A golf putting training device as claimed in claim 21, and wherein the bridge has opposite sides, and the respective first and second rail members extend substantially normally outwardly relative to the same side.

23. A golf putting training device as claimed in claim 22, and wherein an aperture is formed in the second end of each of the first and second rail members, and wherein the golf putting training device further comprises:

a third golf tee received through the second aperture formed in the first rail member, and wherein the third golf tee is received in the earth; and

a fourth golf tee received through the second aperture formed in the second rail member, and wherein the fourth golf tee is received in the earth.

24. A golf putting training device as claimed in claim 23, and wherein the bridge has a length dimension of about 8 inches, and the respective first and second rail member have a length dimension of less than about 24 inches.

25. A golf putting training device as claimed in claim 24, and wherein the respective first and second rail member have a height dimension of greater than about 1 inch.

26. A golf putting training device, comprising:

a pair of elongated rail members each having opposite ends, and which are each releasably attached to the surface of the earth, and which further define a channel therebetween; and

a bridge disposed in a blocking position relative to the channel and which is disposed in spaced relation onto the ends of the respective rail member, and wherein, the bridge defines an aperture through which a golf ball may pass.