US20190217180A1

US20190217180A1 - Putting trainer system and methods of use

Info

Publication number: US20190217180A1
Application number: US16/013,427
Authority: US
Inventors: Kenneth E. Collins
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2018-01-12
Filing date: 2018-06-20
Publication date: 2019-07-18
Also published as: US20210093938A1

Abstract

A putting trainer system to assist a golfer in repetitive drills to improve the skills necessary to strike a golf ball in a straight manner at the appropriate rise angle to set the speed and drop the ball into the hole on a putting green. The putting trainer system further comprises training equipment to be used in repetitive drills to prevent twisting of the wrists and arms to improve a golfer's putting stroke.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/616,698 filed Jan. 12, 2018 entitled PUTTING TRAINER AND METHODS OF USE which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a putting trainer system to assist a golfer in repetitive drills to improve the skills necessary to strike a golf ball in a straight manner at the appropriate rise angle to set the speed and drop the ball into the hole on a putting green. The putting trainer system further comprises training equipment to be used in repetitive drills to prevent twisting of the wrists and arms to improve a golfer's putting stroke.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In playing golf the ability of a player to reliably putt is paramount to winning the game. While stance, grip and balance are important fundamentals, the stroke and mechanics of hitting the ball with the face of the putter to give the proper direction, angle and speed must be repeatably practiced. Many devices have been developed to reinforce proper skills and improve a golfer's performance. Some having elaborate mechanisms to for example restrict body movement, position the ball or club in proper alignment or use lasers or other electronics to attempt to provide effective methods to train and repetitively drill the golfer in proper technique. What is not known in the prior art is repetitive drill training system that 1) strengthens skills in alignment of the body over the ball; 2) restricts twisting of the arms and wrists; and 3) teaches striking of the ball with the face of the club at the “sweet spot” to squarely hit the ball with the proper rise angle to have the ball roll at the necessary speed to reach and drop into the hole on the putting green. The prior art further fails to disclose a putting trainer system that is of a small enough size that the components may be easily carried and provide for use both indoors and out.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object and advantage of the present invention to provide a putting trainer system that provides a number of different training routines to strengthen putting skills for a golfer.
It is a further object and advantage of the present invention to provide a putting trainer system that has components of a small portable size so that they can be carried and used both indoors and outdoors.
It is another object and advantage of the present invention to provide a putting trainer system having components of a positioning plate and a shoulder rotation clip that may be used separately or together to improve specific skills of alignment and stroke as desired by the golfer.
It is an object and advantage of the present invention that the positioning plate has a cutout or pocket to provide for a golfer to place the positioning plate on the ground or other flat surface and place a golf ball within the pocket to have the golfer putting the ball along the ground or flat surface not the surface of the positioning plate which is very different from putting trainers of the prior art that have the golf ball putted along the surface of the positioning plate.
It is an object and advantage of the present invention that the cutout of the positioning plate has a dimension that is only slightly wider than a golf ball and that the thickness of the positioning plate is thin enough to have the golf ball be supported on the ground or other flat surface within the cutout or pocket with the rounded surface of the ball from the ground to its full diameter extended over the edges of the cutout.
It is an object and advantage of the present invention that the cutout has guidelines along each edge of the cutout with the distance between each guideline equal to the diameter of a golf ball to provide for the guidelines to be fully or partially covered by the extended portion of the golf ball over the cutout to indicate to a golfer the alignment of their eye over the golf ball and thereby make adjustments as needed to have the proper stance for putting.
It is an object and advantage of the present invention that the positioning plate have at least one slot to place two tees or two posts at a distance from one another to match a width that is slightly larger than that of the putter head forming a gate to improve the centerness of impact by swinging the putter head through the gate to strike the golf ball with the “sweet spot” of the face of the putter to hit the golf ball squarely and directly in a straight line.
It is an object and advantage of the present invention that the positioning plate have in some embodiments at least one opening or through hole behind the cutout or pocket that provides for a tee, a post, an adjustable plug, or a bar to be placed in the through hole or holes to set a vertical limit to practice the adjustment of the rise angle to adjust speed and create topspin on the ball.
It is an object and advantage of the present invention that the positioning plate have a face alignment guideline in parallel with a shooting edge and two tees or posts are positioned in front of the pocket of the positioning plate to create a path for the ball to be putted through to practice squaring the face of the putter to the ball.
It is an object and advantage of the present invention that the positioning plate have a face alignment guideline in parallel with the shooting edge and one or more tees or posts are positioned behind the pocket of the putting trainer to create a stop point for the swing of the putter to shorten the stroke and improve control of the swing and alignment of the face of the putter to the ball.
It is an object and advantage of the present invention that components of the putting trainer system include a shoulder rotation clip that is affixed along the shaft of the golf club for the attachment of alignment rods to practice balance and alignment and to restrict non-beneficial of movement of the arms and wrists when swinging.
It is an object and advantage of the present invention that the shoulder rotation clip includes a support arm to firmly attach the should rotation clip to the shaft of a putter to support the alignment rods without moving, twisting, or sliding along the putter shaft and to prevent the shoulder rotation clip from being forced away and off of the putter shaft when swinging due to the bending of the alignment rods.
It is an object and advantage of the present invention that the components be portable to be easily carried and used outdoors on a putting green or putting practice area or inside on a carpeted floor or other flat surface. The portability and ease of use affords for embodiments of the positioning plate to be referred to herein as the “Pocket Putting Pal™” and for the shoulder rotation clip to be referred to herein as the “Rock and Roll Putting Pal™.
It is an object and advantage of the present invention to provide methods of use for the Pocket Putting Pal and Rock and Roll Putting Pal as a golf training aid.
The present invention is related to a putting trainer system, comprising a positioning plate having a pocket formed as a cutout that extends completely through the positioning plate; a shoulder rotation clip configured to support alignment rods; and wherein skills in putting a golf ball are improved using the putting trainer system. In some embodiments, the pocket of the positioning plate of the putting trainer system is configured to have a golf ball rest on the ground or other flat surface to be putted out of the pocket providing a realistic roll along the ground or other flat surface. In some embodiments, the positioning plate comprising an eye alignment guideline marked along each of a left side and a right side of the cutout that forms the pocket; and wherein the distance between the outer edge of the left eye alignment guideline to the outer edge of the right eye alignment guideline is equal to the diameter of a golf ball. The positioning plate of the putting trainer system may have a thickness that provides for the outer diameter of the ball when placed in the pocket to cover the left and right eye alignment guidelines providing an indicator of proper eye alignment over the golf ball. In some embodiments, the positioning plate may have at least one through hole formed behind the pocket configured to have a tee inserted in the through hole to set a vertical height to prevent striking a golf ball unless an angle of a putting head is adjusted to a proper angle of attack. In some embodiments, the positioning plate may have at least one through hole formed behind the pocket configured to have a plug be inserted in the through hole to set a vertical height to prevent striking a golf ball unless an angle of a putting head is adjusted to a proper rise angle. The plug and the through hole of the positioning plate may in some embodiments each comprise threads to adjust the vertical height of the plug within the through hole. In some embodiments, the positioning plate may have two through holes formed behind the pocket and a bar with posts, the posts configured to be inserted in the two through holes to straddle the bar across the through holes to set a vertical height to prevent striking a golf ball unless an angle of a putting head is adjusted to a proper rise angle. In some embodiments, the positioning plate comprises a shooting edge and at least one slot aligned in parallel with the shooting edge for alignment of a putter along the positioning plate to place a putt.
In some embodiments, the putting trainer system comprises a first slot to the left of the pocket configured to have a first tee placed through the first slot; a second slot to the right of the pocket configured to have a second tee placed through the second slot to form a gate between the first and second tees for a putter to be swung through. In some embodiments, the putting trainer system comprises a first tee placed in front of the positioning plate and to the left of the pocket; a second tee placed in front of the positioning plate and to the right of the pocket; and wherein the first and second tees form a gate to hit a golf ball out of the pocket and through the gate formed by the first and second tees. In some embodiments, the putting trainer system comprises a tee placed behind the positioning plate and in line with the pocket; and wherein the tee limits the back stroke of a golf club or putter.
In some embodiments, the shoulder rotation clip of the putting trainer system may have a body with bores and a clip, the body configured to support alignment rods within the bores and an attachment fixture configured for attachment to a shaft of a putter. In some embodiments, the shoulder rotation clip of the putting trainer system may have a body with bores and a support arm, the body configured to support alignment rods within the bores and the support arm extending over a shaft cutout formed between the support arm and the body to retain the shoulder rotation clip on the shaft of a golf club during a golf swing when the alignment rods bend and apply forces that are directed towards pulling the shoulder rotation clip away from the shaft.
The present invention is also directed to a shoulder rotation clip comprising bore holes within a body configured to support alignment rods; a support arm extending from the body forming a relief slot and a shaft cutout between the support arm and the body; and wherein the shoulder rotation clip is configured for attachment to the shaft of a golf club. In some embodiments, the bore holes are tapered.
The present invention is also directed to a positioning plate comprising a pocket formed as a cutout that extends completely through the positioning plate; an eye alignment guideline marked along each of the left and right sides of the cutout that forms the pocket; and wherein the distance between the outer edge of the left eye alignment guideline to the outer edge of the right eye alignment guideline is equal to the diameter of a golf ball; and wherein the positioning plate having a thickness that provides for the outer diameter of the golf ball when placed in the pocket to cover the left and right eye alignment guidelines thereby providing an indicator of proper eye alignment over the golf ball. In some embodiments, the positioning plate comprises at least one through hole formed behind the pocket configured to have a tee be inserted in the through hole to a vertical height to prevent striking a golf ball unless an angle of a putting head is adjusted to a proper angle of attack.
The present invention is also related to a method of use of the positioning plate of the putting trainer system comprising placing a golf ball in a pocket of a positioning plate; aligning the eye over the golf ball; and moving the body to have left and right alignment guidelines not be visible under the golf ball.
The present invention is also related to a method of use of the shoulder rotation clip of the putting trainer system of claim 1 comprising securing a shoulder rotation clip to the shaft of a golf club; inserting an alignment rod in each bore within a body of the shoulder rotation clip; tucking each alignment rod under each arm; gripping the golf club with each wrist below each alignment rod; and thereby restricting non-beneficial movement of the wrists, arms and body when swinging the golf club.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description when viewed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which set forth certain embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Specific embodiments of the invention have been chosen for the purpose of illustration and description, and are shown in the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this specification. The present invention, both as to its organization and manner of operation, together with further objects and advantages, may best be understood by reference to the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1A is a top view of an embodiment of the Pocket Putting Pal component of the putting trainer system of the present invention;

FIG. 1B is a side view of the embodiment of the Pocket Putting Pal component of the putting trainer system of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1C is a side view along the pocket side of the embodiment of the Pocket Putting Pal component of the putting trainer system of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1D is a side view along an edge of the embodiment of the Pocket Putting Pal component of the putting trainer system of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1E is a perspective view of an embodiment of a number of golf tees that may be provided with the Pocket Putting Pal component of the putting trainer system of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1F is a perspective view of an embodiment of two plugs that may be provided with the Pocket Putting Pal component of the putting trainer system of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1G is an elevation view of an embodiment of a post aligned in a first direction that may be provided with the Pocket Putting Pal component of the putting trainer system of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1H is an elevation view of an embodiment of a post aligned in a second direction that may be provided with the Pocket Putting Pal component of the putting trainer system of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1I is a perspective view of an embodiment of a bar having posts that may be provided with the Pocket Putting Pal component of the putting trainer system of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2A is a top view of an embodiment of the Pocket Putting Pal component of the putting trainer system of FIG. 1A showing possible dimensions;

FIG. 2B is a side view along the pocket side of the embodiment of the Pocket Putting Pal component of the putting trainer system of FIG. 1A showing possible dimensions;

FIG. 2C is a side view along an edge of the embodiment of the Pocket Putting Pal component of the putting trainer system of FIG. 1A showing possible dimensions;

FIG. 3 is a top view of an embodiment of the Pocket Putting Pal component of the putting trainer system of the present invention with a golf ball in the pocket to practice an eye alignment drill;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the Pocket Putting Pal component of the putting trainer system of the present invention with a golf ball and tees positioned in front of the pocket to practice a directional hitting drill;

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of an embodiment of the Pocket Putting Pal component of the putting trainer system of the present invention with tees positioned within the through holes to practice a rise angle drill;

FIG. 5B is a perspective view of an embodiment of the Pocket Putting Pal component of the putting trainer system of the present invention with a golf ball in the pocket and plugs positioned within the through holes to practice a rise angle drill;

FIG. 5C is a perspective view of an embodiment of the Pocket Putting Pal component of the putting trainer system of the present invention with a golf ball in the pocket and a bar positioned within and across the holes to practice a rise angle drill;

FIG. 5D is a side elevation view of an embodiment of the Pocket Putting Pal component of the putting trainer system of the present invention with a golf ball in the pocket and a tee positioned within the through hole to practice a rise angle drill;

FIG. 6A is a side elevation view of an embodiment of the Pocket Putting Pal component of the putting trainer system of the present invention with a golf ball in the pocket and a tee positioned within the through hole showing an improper rise angle or angle of attack where the putting head strikes the tee;

FIG. 6B is a side elevation view of an embodiment of the Pocket Putting Pal component of the putting trainer system of the present invention with a golf ball in the pocket and a tee positioned within the through hole showing an improper rise angle or angle of attack where the putting head strikes the tee;

FIG. 6C is a side elevation view of an embodiment of the Pocket Putting Pal component of the putting trainer system of the present invention with a golf ball in the pocket and a tee positioned within the through hole showing a proper rise angle or angle of attack where the putting head will not strike the tee but will strike the golf ball and give the ball topspin;

FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of an embodiment of the Pocket Putting Pal component of the putting trainer system of the present invention with a golf ball in the pocket and a threaded plug positioned within the through hole to practice a rise angle drill;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the Pocket Putting Pal component of the putting trainer system of the present invention with posts positioned within the slots to practice a gate drill;

FIG. 9 is a side elevation view of an embodiment of the Pocket Putting Pal component of the putting trainer system of the present invention with a tee positioned behind the shooting edge to practice a swing limiting drill;

FIG. 10 is an elevation view of an embodiment of the Pocket Putting Pal component of the putting trainer system of the present invention with posts positioned within the slots and plugs positioned within the through holes to practice both a gate drill and a rise angle drill;

FIG. 11A is a rear perspective view of an embodiment of a shoulder rotation clip component of the putting trainer system of the present invention;

FIG. 11B is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a shoulder rotation clip component of the putting trainer system of the present invention;

FIG. 11C is a perspective view from the top of an embodiment of a shoulder rotation clip component of the putting trainer system of the present invention;

FIG. 11D is a perspective view from the bottom of an embodiment of a shoulder rotation clip component of the putting trainer system of the present invention;

FIG. 12A is a top view of an embodiment of a shoulder rotation clip component of the putting trainer system of the present invention showing possible dimensions;

FIG. 12B is a bottom view of an embodiment of a shoulder rotation clip component of the putting trainer system of the present invention showing possible dimensions;

FIG. 12C is a front elevation view of an embodiment of a shoulder rotation clip component of the putting trainer system of the present invention showing possible dimensions;

FIG. 12D is a side elevation view of an embodiment of a shoulder rotation clip component of the putting trainer system of the present invention showing possible dimensions;

FIG. 12E is a rear elevation view of an embodiment of a shoulder rotation clip component of the putting trainer system of the present invention showing possible dimensions;

FIG. 13 is an illustration of an embodiment of a shoulder rotation clip component of the putting trainer of the present invention in use by a golfer;

FIG. 14A is a front perspective view of another embodiment of a shoulder rotation clip component of the putting trainer system of the present invention;

FIG. 14B is a front elevation view of the other embodiment of the shoulder rotation clip component of FIG. 14A of the putting trainer system of the present invention;

FIG. 14C is a top view of the other embodiment of the shoulder rotation clip component of FIG. 14A of the putting trainer system of the present invention;

FIG. 14D is a left-side elevation view of the other embodiment of the shoulder rotation clip component of FIG. 14A of the putting trainer system of the present invention;

FIG. 14E is a right-side elevation view of the other embodiment of the shoulder rotation clip component of FIG. 14A of the putting trainer system of the present invention;

FIG. 15A is a bottom perspective view of the other embodiment of the shoulder rotation clip component of the putting trainer system of the present invention;

FIG. 15B is a rear elevation view of the embodiment of the shoulder rotation clip component of FIG. 15A of the putting trainer system of the present invention;

FIG. 15C is a bottom view of the embodiment of the shoulder rotation clip component of FIG. 15A of the putting trainer system of the present invention;

FIG. 15D is a left-side elevation view of the embodiment of the shoulder rotation clip component of FIG. 15A of the putting trainer system of the present invention;

FIG. 15E is a right-side elevation view of an embodiment of a shoulder rotation clip component of the putting trainer system of the present invention;

FIG. 16A is front perspective view of a further embodiment of a shoulder rotation clip component of the putting trainer system of the present invention;

FIG. 16B is a top view of the further embodiment of the shoulder rotation clip component of FIG. 16A of the putting trainer system of the present invention;

FIG. 16C is a bottom view of the embodiment of the shoulder rotation clip component of FIG. 16A of the putting trainer system of the present invention; and

FIG. 17 is an illustration of one of the embodiments of the shoulder rotation clip component of the putting trainer of the present invention in use by a golfer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In an embodiment of the present invention as shown in FIG. 1A, the Pocket Putting Pal positioning plate 10 is formed from a sheet of plastic such as of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or of another sturdy, lightweight thermoplastic polymer. The positioning plate 10 in this embodiment as part of the putting trainer system is rectangular in shape having an upper surface 12, an edge 14 having a pocket P, an opposing edge 16 where the putter is aligned along to place a putt, two sides 18 and 20 that extend between the edge with the pocket and the opposing edge and a flat bottom surface 22. Shapes other than rectangular are contemplated within the scope of the present invention. The pocket P is formed as a cutout completely through the sheet of plastic with the center of the cutout at a point in between the two side edges 18 and 20. The Pocket P has a curved or semicircular end 24 that is formed about a third of the way up from the pocket side edge 14. Two sides 26 and 28 of the pocket P extend from the curved end 24 to the pocket edge 14. Along each side edge 26 and 28 of the pocket P an eye alignment guideline V is marked on the upper surface 12 of the positioning plate 10.
At least one through hole H is formed behind the pocket P and slots S extend in parallel along the opposing side edge 16. The slots S are each formed with lengthened edges 32, an inner rounded end 34 that is closer to the center of the positioning plate 10 and an outer rounded end 36 that is closer to either of the two side edges 18 or 20. The slots S are wide enough to have a golf tee 38, as shown in FIG. 1E, be inserted through the slot S and into a putting green or other soft ground surface when used out of doors. The width of the slot S is preferably narrow enough to be slightly thinner than the diameter of the cap 40 of the tee 38 so that the tapered edges of the tee 38 may be pushed down and through the slot S and the cap 40 can be pressed against the surface 12 of the positioning plate 10 to secure the positioning plate 10 in place. A square face alignment guideline F is marked in parallel to the opposing side edge 16.
The through holes H also have a large enough diameter for a golf tee 38, as shown in FIG. 1E, to be put the tee 38 through the hole H to extend into the ground. The rim 42 of the through hole H may be slightly smaller in diameter than the cap 40 of the tee 38 so that the cap 40 can be pressed against the surface 12 of the positioning plate 10 to secure the positioning plate 10 in place when used out of doors on a putting green or other soft ground surface. In some embodiments the through hole H may have threads 44 that provide for a plug 46 as shown in FIG. 1F to be twisted into and be secured in the through hole H. The threads 48 of the plug 46 can be inserted a specific distance into the through hole H by twisting to set a vertical height of the top 50 of the plug 46 for certain training drills. In some embodiments, the positioning plate 10 may include posts 52 as shown in FIG. 1G that may be inserted into the slots S or up through the bottom surface 22 to extend up and out through the slots S to use the positioning plate 10 for other training drills when indoors. As shown in FIG. 1H, the posts 52 have a base 54, a stem 56 which may be similar to the length of a golf tee and a tab 58 at the top that allows the golfer to strike the tab 58 without doing damage to the post 52. In a further embodiment as shown in FIG. 1I, the positioning plate 10 includes a bar 51 having two posts 53 that are each inserted into a through holes to have the bar 51 straddle between the two through holes H to set a vertical height at the top 55 of the bar 51 based on the width W of the side 57 of the bar 51. A tee 38, plug 46, post 52 or bar 51 may be interchangeably used in some of the practice drills. The positioning plate 10 therefore provides for a number of different training drills to be practiced both indoors and outside.
Importantly and different than other putting trainer systems of the private art, the Pocket Putting Pal positioning plate 10 has components of a small enough size to be easily stored and carried to use the positioning plate 10 at any time and in any place that has a flat surface. In an embodiment of the Pocket Putting Pal positioning plate 10, the dimensions are between 5″ to 7″ inches in length and 2.5″ to 4″ in width. In one embodiment as shown in FIGS. 2A-2C, the length is 6.5″ and the width is 3.25″ with the center of the curved end 24 of the pocket P at a distance of 1.875″ from the edge 14. In this embodiment, the distance to the rim 42 of the through hole H is 2.125″ from the edge 14. The radius is 0.2969″ for each through hole H. The slot S has a width of 0.1875″ and a length of 2.0″ with a radius of 0.1875″ for each rounded end 34 and 36 of the slot S. The eye alignment guidelines V and the square face alignment guideline F are each 0.125″ in width with the eye alignment guidelines V extending the width of the positioning plate 10 and the face alignment guideline F extending the length of the positioning plate 10. The width of the Pocket P is 1.4375″ and the distance between the two through holes is 0.75″ with the centerline of each through hole being 1.0″ from the opposing edge 16. The thickness of the positioning plate 10 is 0.062″ with the edges 26 and 28 of the pocket P being 2.531″ from each of the positioning plate edges 18 and 20.
The positioning plate 10 is unique in that the design allows a golf ball 60 to be placed on the ground. Most putting trainer systems of the prior art have the ball placed on and putted along the surface of the positioning plate. Very differently using the Pocket Putting Pal positioning plate 10, the golf ball 60 is placed in the pocket P to rest on the grass 62 or other flat surface, as shown in FIG. 3, and is putted out of the pocket P providing a realistic roll along the ground making the Pocket Putting Pal 10 suitable to use on both a practice and authentic putting green. In a first embodiment, the Pocket Putting Pal positioning plate 10 is secured to the ground by placing one or two tees 38 through either or both of the through holes H or through one or both of the slots S.
In a first training drill, the golf ball 60 is placed in the pocket P of the positioning plate 10 which has a thickness that provides for the outer diameter of the ball 60 to cover the left and right eye alignment guidelines V_Land V_R. As the golfer stands over the positioning plate 10 the eye alignment guidelines V_Land V_Rprovide a drill for proper eye alignment. The distance between the outer edge of the left eye alignment guideline V_Lto the outer edge of the right eye alignment guideline V_Ris equal to the diameter of a golf ball 60. In this drill, if the ball appears to cover more of the left guideline V_L, a right-handed golfer standing to the right of the positioning plate 10 is leaning too far forward of the center of the ball 60, and if the ball appears to cover more of the right guideline V_R, the right-handed golfer is leaning too far backwards from the center of the ball 60. If the golfer does not see either of the left eye alignment guideline V_Lor the right eye alignment guideline V_Rthen the eye is in proper alignment with the golf ball 60. For a left-handed golfer the same is true but in reverse.
By practicing proper eye alignment, the golfer will be more balanced and steady in their stance and with repetition place their head to align their eye over the golf ball 60. Having the correct stance and proper eye alignment will provide for the golfer to clearly view and contact the ball while maintaining the base 64 of the putter 66 squarely along the ground. If the golfer is leaning forward over the golf ball 60, the rear 68 of the putting head 70 may be pulled upwards as the golfer begins their stroke misaligning the face 72 of the putter 66 to the ball 60. If the golfer is leaning backwards over the golf ball 60, the front 74 of the putter 66 may be pulled upwards also misaligning the face 70 of the putting head 70 to the ball 60. The positioning plate 10 of the putting trainer system of the present invention therefore cleverly provides an indicator of proper eye alignment by not having the eye alignment guidelines V show when the eye of the golfer is properly aligned over the golf ball 60. With proper eye alignment, the base 64 of the putter 66, as shown in FIG. 4, will be square to the ground and in line with the shooting edge 16 of the positioning plate 10 when the golfer begins their stroke.
In the next training drill, directional hitting of the golf ball 60 is practiced by placing two tees 76 and 78 at about 6 to 15 inches from the front of the pocket P with each tee on either side of the pocket P. The distance between the two tees 76 and 78 is about 2 to 5 inches to form a path for the golfer to hit the ball through. If when hitting the golf ball 60, the ball rolls more closely to the outer tee 76 for a right-handed golfer, the face 72 of the putter 66 is opening away from the golfer and making contact with the golf ball 60 at an angle and thereby directing the ball at an angle away from the golfer instead of in a straight direction. If for a right-handed golfer, the ball rolls more closely to the inner tee 78, the face 72 of the putting head 70 is closing in towards the golfer and striking the ball at an angle towards the golfer. If the face 72 of the putting head 70 is not square to the golf ball 60 when hitting the golf ball, the golf ball 60 will not roll in a straight direction. The positioning plate r 10 of the present invention provides an alignment guide F that the golfer may use to align the putting head 70 in a line that is parallel to the opposing edge to the pocket referred to herein as the shooting edge 16. By aligning the putting head 70, the golfer with repetition will improve hitting the golf ball 60 in the center or “sweet spot” of the face 72 of the putting head 70 and directing the ball 60 in a straight line between the two tees 38 in front of the pocket P of the positioning plate 10 of the putting trainer system of the present invention. The golfer may also repeat the eye alignment drill to be sure the base of the putting head 70 is aligned with the ground and not tilted forward or back as they perform their stroke. The directional hitting drill may also be practiced indoors using the posts 52 provided with the putting trainer system of the present invention.
Another important fundamental that allows a well putted golf ball 60 to not just reach the hole on the putting green but drop into it, is a unique drill to the putting trainer system of the present invention. The drill improves the golfer's stroke to add the proper speed and rotation to the golf ball 60. As shown in FIG. 5A, the positioning plate 10 is prepared for the drill by placing one or two tees 38 in the through holes H behind the pocket P. When using the Pocket Putting Pal positioning plate 10 indoors, as shown in FIG. 5B, one or two plugs 46 of the present invention may be placed into each of the through holes H or a bar 51 having two posts 53 is positioned across the two through holes H to create a vertical height for the putting drill, as shown in FIG. 5C. The vertical height L of the tees 38 or plugs 46 is adjusted to roughly just below the centerline of the golf ball 60 or is preset by the width w of the side of the bar 51. To provide the proper top spin on the golf ball 60 which will adjust the speed and allow the golf ball 60 to slow as it reaches the hole on the putting green, the golf ball 60 must be struck with the shaft 80 of the putting head 70 at an angle off of a vertical line. By adjusting the angle of the shaft 80, the putting head 70 will be at an angle to strike the top of the golf ball 60 forcing it to rotate in the direction of the arrow as shown in FIG. 5D. The rise angle r_aor angle of attack is the angle of the putting head 70 in relation to the centerline of the golf ball 60. By setting the tee 38 or plug 46 to the proper height, the shaft 80 of the putting head 70 must be tilted back to avoid hitting the tee 38 or plug 46 and by swinging through, the upper portion of the golf ball 60 will be struck causing the ball to rotate forward providing the proper top spin.
With the tee 38 set to the vertical height L slightly less than the center of the golf ball 60, the top 40 of the tee 38 will be struck by the putter 66 if the putting head shaft 80 is tilted downwards even a small amount, as shown in FIG. 6A. The putting head 70 will also strike the tee 38 if the putter 66 is swung without tilting the putting head shaft 80, as shown in FIG. 6B. The proper tilt to the shaft 80, as shown in FIG. 6C, will allow the putting head 70 to miss the tee 38 and make contact with the golf ball 60 forcing the golf ball 60 to have topspin as it rolls along the ground. In some embodiments of the Pocket Putting Pal positioning plate 10, the through hole H and the plug 46 have threads 48, so that the vertical height L can be easily adjusted by twisting the plug 46 into the through hole H until the desired height is reached, as shown in FIG. 7.
Another drill that improves a golfer's proficiency in putting is a gate drill where a tee 38 or a post 52 is put in each of the slots S as shown in FIG. 8. In some embodiments, the posts 52 may have a rubber washer or other compressible material at its base 54 to allow the base 54 of the post to be wedged within the slot S to stand upright. The post 52 can be slid to the desired position which for the gate drill is for each post 52 to be at a distance from the pocket P so that the putting head can be swung through the posts 52 and the face 72 of the putting head 70 is centered on the golf ball 60. The stem 56 of the post 52 may have a tab 58 at the top that allows the golfer to strike the tab 58 without doing damage to the post 52 or scuffing the putter 66. The alignment guide F provides for the golfer to align the face 72 of the putter 66 to the shooting edge 16 of the Pocket Putting Pal 10. When swinging the putter 66, viewing the alignment guide F can help to keep the putter face 72 in parallel to the alignment guide F and square to the golf ball 60 to swing the putter 66 between the gate without striking the tees 38 or posts 52. Keeping the putter 66 in parallel with the alignment guide F and centering the putting head 70 between each of the tees 38 or posts 52 that form the gate also provides for striking the golf ball 60 in the “sweet spot” of the putter face 72 with sufficient power to propel the golf ball 60 in a straight line.
One more drill that may be practiced with the Pocket Putting Pal 10 component of the putting trainer system present invention is a back stroke limiting exercise. In this drill a tee 38 or post 52 is put about 8 to 13 inches behind the shooting edge 16. The golfer must then swing back to begin their stroke without hitting or knocking over the tee 38 or post 52. By limiting the stroke to only the amount of swing necessary to propel the golf ball 60 the required distance to the hole on the putting green, the amount of power to stroke the ball 60 will be reduced to more gently roll the golf ball 60. The control of the putter 66 during the swing will also be improved as the golfer must control the back swing to not hit the tee 38 or post 52 and then control the stroke forward to align the face 72 of the putter 66 in parallel with the shooting edge 16 using the alignment guide F and then properly strike the golf ball 60 in the center or “sweet spot” of the face 72 of the putter 66.
As shown in FIG. 10, one or more drills may be combined to build control and practice the fundamentals to more successfully have putts fall into the hole on the putting green. In this example, the gate drill is shown being practiced with the rise angle r_adrill to work on keeping the face 72 of the putting head 70 centered within the gate and in parallel to the shooting edge 16 to have the face 72 stay in line with the golf ball 60. As the putter head 70 is swung through the gate, the shaft 80 of the putter 60 is slightly tilted back to have the proper rise angle or angle of attack and have the base 64 of the putting head 70 clear the plugs 46 placed in the holes H and strike through the top of the golf ball 60 to give the proper top spin and speed to have the ball roll straight and evenly to drop in the hole on the putting green.
The Pocket Putting Pal positioning plate 10 as a component of the putting trainer system of the present invention provides a small easy to carry practice trainer that can be used for a number of different drills to improve the fundamentals of putting. Another small easy to carry component of the putting trainer system of the present invention is the Rock and Roll Putting Pal shoulder rotation clip 90 that restricts twisting of the wrists and arms and limits movement of the body when putting. As noted above keeping the face 72 of the putting head square to the golf ball 60 is a key fundamental required to direct the golf ball 60 in a straight line towards the hole on the putting green. Very often when swinging the putter 66 the body may twist, or the wrist or arms may turn which causes the putting head 66 to turn, misaligning the face 72 of the putting head 66 to open to direct the golf ball 60 away from the golfer or to close to direct the golf ball 60 towards the golfer with either resulting in the gold ball 60 not rolling in a straight line towards the hole on the putting green.
As shown in FIG. 11A, the Rock and Roll Putting Pal shoulder rotation clip 90 as a component of the putting trainer system has a body 92 having two bores B that have a wider diameter D1 on the top 96 of the body 92 that extends and are tapered through the body 92 to a smaller diameter D2 at the bottom 98, as shown in FIG. 11B. The body 92 has a flat front surface 102 and rear edges 104 that on each side extend to a tab 106 to form a clip 108 having a rounded opening O that is securely clipped to the shaft 112 of a golf club 114 as shown in FIG. 13. The larger diameter D1 of the bores B are shown in a top view in FIG. 11C extending to the smaller diameter D2 of the bore B as shown in a bottom view in FIG. 11D with the continual radius of the rounded opening O of the clip 108 remaining constant and extending along the body 92 and within the tabs 106.
In an embodiment of the shoulder rotation clip 90 the dimensions are 0.5″ for the width of the top 96 of the body 92 with the tabs 106 extending 0.25″ from the rear edges 104 of the body 92 as shown in FIG. 12A. The center line of the bores B having the larger diameter D1 at the top is 0.25″ with a radius of 0.327″ that tapers through the body 92 to the radius of the smaller diameter D2 of the bores B on the bottom 98 of the body 92 that have a radius of 0.187″ as shown in FIG. 12B. The radius of the opening O of the clip 108 is 0.343″ with a centerline that is 0.620″ from the front surface 102 of the body 92 making 0.75″ the full width of the body 92 with tabs 106. In some embodiments, the radius of the opening O may partially cut through the length of the body 92 as shown in FIG. 12B. The length of the body 92 is 1.250″ with a width of 1.0″ as shown in FIG. 12C. The taper T as shown in FIG. 12D extends from the larger diameter D1 of 0.327″ at the top 96 of the body 92 to the smaller diameter 0.187″ D2 at the bottom 98 of the body 92 which provides for alignment rods 114 to be slid into the bores B and be secured and supported by the shoulder rotation clip 90, as shown in FIG. 13. A rear view of the shoulder rotation clip 90 is shown in FIG. 12E which shows the width of the front 116 of the tab 106 as 0.125″ which becomes thinner as the radius of the opening O is formed. The tab 106 has sufficient resilience and is of a rigid, lightweight thermoplastic polymer that flexes at the thinner wall 118 of the tab 106 as shown in FIG. 12A to provide for the clip 108 to be forced open by pressing the front 116 of the tabs 106 against the shaft 112 of the putter 66. The resiliency of the thermoplastic material forces the tabs 106 to immediately close as the shaft 112 is seated within the rounded opening O thereby securing the shoulder rotation clip 90 in place without moving or sliding along the shaft 112.
A critically important fundamental to making a good putt is the ability to reduce any errant movements of the body, arms, or wrists when swinging so that the alignment and control of the putting head 70 makes contact with the golf ball 60 squarely to direct the ball 60 in a straight line with the correct rotation or topspin and with a controlled amount of force to have the golf ball 60 reach the hole on the putting green and drop in. Any twisting of the wrists, arms or body even unknowingly by the golfer can misdirect the ball or reduce the speed and spin to have the golfer miss the putt. The Rock and Roll Putting Pal shoulder rotation clip 90 as a component of the putting trainer system of the present invention locks the movement of the wrists, arms and body preventing any twisting or turning that would change the angle or force with which the putting head 70 is swung. The compactness of the shoulder rotation clip 90 allows a user to carry or have it ready in their golf bag for practice and with two alignment rods 114 easily practice restricting body, wrist and arm movement when swinging. To use the shoulder rotation clip 90, the golfer simply presses the front 116 of the tabs 106 against the shaft 112 of the putter 66 to have them separate and then close around the shaft 112. The shoulder rotation clip 90 is then locked in place so that an alignment rod 114 can be inserted into each bore B at the top 96 having the larger diameter Dl. The taper T of the bore B provides for the tip of the alignment rod 114 to be tightened and secured within the resilient thermoplastic polymer of the body 92 of the shoulder rotation clip 90 to close around the alignment rod 114 at it is inserted deeper through the bore B. Once inserted some force will be required to pull out and remove the alignment rod 114 from the body 92, but this uniquely provides for attachment and removal of the rods 114 to a putter 66, so a golfer may use any putter 66 of their choosing for practice. While alignment rods 114 and other body restricting devices are known in the prior art, the Rock and Roll Putting Pal shoulder rotation clip 90 provides the advantage of not permanently attaching the alignment rods 114 to the putter 66.
As shown in FIG. 13, once the alignment rods 114 are inserted into the shoulder rotation clip 90 an alignment rod 114 is tucked under each arm and along the lower rib cage of the golfer. The golfer then grabs the putter 66 in a normal grip with each wrist below each alignment rod 114. As the golfer pulls back his arm to swing, the alignment rods 114 press against the wrists and lower body under the golfer's arms restricting movement of the wrists, arms and body limiting the ability for the golfer to twist the body or turn the wrists or arms when swinging. With a secure grip on the putter 66 or other golf club, the face 72 of the putting head 70 remains square to the golf ball 60 as the golfer pulls back and swings and thereby making contact with the golf ball 60 in the “sweet spot” to direct the ball in a straight line. Repeated practice using the Rock and Roll Putting Pal shoulder rotation clip 90 and alignment rods 114 will teach the body, arms and wrists to limit movement during a proper swing improving the golfer's putting skills.
In a further embodiment of the Rock and Roll Putting Pal shoulder rotation clip 120, of the putting trainer system of the present invention, the shoulder rotation clip 120 is formed with a support arm 122 that extends around and over the shaft cutout O, as shown in FIG. 14A. A relief slot R extends from the shaft cutout O between the body 124 and the support arm 122 to allow the support arm 122 to flex as the putting shaft 112 is slid into the shaft cutout O and then return to hold the shoulder rotation clip 120 on the putting shaft 112. In some embodiments, the shoulder rotation clip 120 is formed from a resilient, somewhat rigid, lightweight thermoplastic polymer which may be in the shape of a rectangular or square block with a rear portion forming the body 124 and a portion removed exposing the front face 126 of the body 124. As shown in FIG. 14A, the support arm 122 extends from the left side 130 of the body 124. The edges 128 of the body 124 and support arm 122 may be rounded to form smooth contours and remove any sharp edges to make the shoulder rotation clip 120 easy to grasp and maneuver. Cylindrical walls 134 extend through a portion of the body 124 to a circular base 136 to form two bores B, as shown in FIG. 14B.
The support arm 122 has a flat front surface 132 that extends to a rounded or partially rounded tip 138. The rounded tip 138 curves inward and extends along the inner wall 154 of the support arm 122 to the circular front edge 140 of the shaft cutout O. As shown in a top view in FIG. 14C, each of the front and rear semi-circular edges 140 and 148 of the shaft cutout O form a constant radius that extends through the shoulder rotation clip 120. The circular front edge 140 of the shaft cutout O extends from the inner wall 154 of the tip 138 to a front straight edge 142 that forms the relief slot R. A straight or rounded end 144 extends from the front edge 142 to a straight rear edge 146 formed along the front face 126 of the body 124 to form the rear of the relief slot R. The rear edge 146 extends to the rear semi-circular edge 148 of the shaft cutout O. As shown in the left side view in FIG. 14D, the relief slot R also extends through the body 124 to give a sufficient amount of flex to the support arm 122 to provide for the golf club shaft 112 to be slid into the shaft cutout O to securely attach the shoulder rotation clip 120. The circular rear edge 148 of the shaft cutout O extends to the flat surface of the front face 126 with the front face 126 extending to the right side 150 of the body 124. The right side 150 of the body 124 extends around a rounded edge 128 to the rear surface 152 of the body 124. As shown in FIG. 14D, from the left side 130, the bore B is centered within the body 124 between the rear surface 152 and front face 126. The circular rear edge 148 that forms the shaft cutout O is cut into the face 126 of the body 124. The relief slot R is centered between the front face 126 and the inner wall 154 of the support arm 122 with the relief slot R being visible from the right side 150 of the body 124 as shown in FIG. 14E. The circular front edge 140 is cut out of the inner wall 154 of the support arm 122.
As shown in a bottom view in FIG. 15A, the shaft cutout O and relief slot R extend through and the bores B extend partially through the shoulder rotation clip 120. The body 124 is sufficiently rigid and resilient and the bores B are of sufficient depth, as shown in FIG. 15B, to support the alignment rods 114. As shown in FIG. 15C, the length of the support arm 122 may extend across more than half of the face 126 of the body 124 to position the shaft cutout O in a central portion of the body 124. The support arm 122 may be of any sufficient width to provide resiliency to have the support arm 122 flex and return to securely lock the shoulder rotation clip 120 in place without twisting or sliding along the putting shaft 112. As shown in FIG. 15D from the right-side 150 of the body 124, the relief slot R is visible between the face 126 of the body 124 and the inner wall 154 of the support arm 122. The relief slot R is of a minimal width and extends only a short distance from the shaft cutout O to provide an acceptable amount of give so that when force is applied by pushing the shoulder rotation clip 120 against a golf club shaft 112, the support arm 122 separates from the body 124 to position the shaft 112 properly within the shaft cutout O. Once in position the support arm 122 provides sufficient retaining force to have the shoulder rotation clip 120 remain in position without moving, twisting or sliding on the shaft 112. The shoulder rotation clip 120 is of a rigid, resilient material to support the alignment rods 114 with the bores B extending through or through only a portion of the body 124. For example, the bores B may extend about ⅔ of the way through the body length to provide sufficient depth for the alignment rods 114 to be seated and securely supported by the shoulder rotation clip 120. As shown in FIG. 15E, the left side 130 of the body 124 is a smooth surface.
Embodiments of the shoulder rotation clip may be of various shapes, sizes and dimensions with a clip, support arm, or other attachment fixture used to secure the shoulder rotation clip to the shaft 112 of a golf club or putter, all embodiments of which are within the scope of the present invention. As an example, a further embodiment of the should rotation clip 160, as shown in FIG. 16A, has a greater curvature 162 and a shorter front face 166 to the body 164 with the shorter front face 166 being similar in length to a support arm 168. The support arm 168 extends from the left side curvature 162 to a rounded tip 170 with a flat front surface 172. An inner wall 174 extends from the tip 170 to a front semi-circular edge 176 that forms the front portion of the shaft cutout O. The front semi-circular edge 176 extends to a front edge 178 of the relief slot R which has a short end 180 that extends to the rear edge 182 of the relief slot R. A rear semi-circular edge 184 extends from the rear edge 182 of the relief slot R to the shorter front face 166. As shown in FIG. 16B in a top view and in FIG. 16C in a bottom view, the shaft cutout O and relief slot R extend through the body 164 and the bores B extend partially through the body an adequate distance to support the alignment rods 114. Similarly, to other embodiments, the relief slot R provides the appropriate amount of flex to have the support arm 168 separate from the front face 166 of the body 164 and then return to tightly secure the should rotation clip 160 to the shaft 112 of a golf club or putter 66 and hold the should rotation clip 160 in place along the shaft 112 without moving, twisting or sliding even when the golfer is swinging using the alignment rods 114.
As shown in FIG. 17, the further embodiment of the shoulder rotation clip 120 is attached to the putting shaft 112 by sliding the front face 126 of the body 124 along the shaft 112 and pushing to force the support arm 122 to flex sufficiently to slide the putting shaft 112 into the shaft cutout O. The alignment rods 114 are then slid into the bores B and are secured and supported by the shoulder rotation clip 120. An alignment rod 114 is tucked under each arm and along the lower rib cage of the golfer. The golfer then holds the putter 66 in a normal grip with each wrist below each alignment rod 114. As the golfer pulls back his arm to swing, the alignment rods 114 bend slightly and press against the wrists and lower body under the golfer's arms restricting movement of the wrists, arms and body limiting the ability for the golfer to twist the body or turn the wrists or arms when swinging. With a secure grip on the putter 66 or other golf club, the face 72 of the putting head 70 remains square to the golf ball 60. As the golfer pulls back and swings, the curve of the alignment rods 114 applies forces directed to pulling the shoulder rotation clip 120 away from the putting shaft 112. In an important feature of the shoulder rotation clip 120 component of the present invention, the support arm 122 extends over the shaft cutout O and is sufficiently resilient to hold against the forces that are applied by the alignment rods 114 when swinging and thereby the support arm 122 retains the position of the shoulder rotation clip 120 on the putting shaft 112. The golfer may swing from their shoulders with other movement restricted by the alignment rods 114 and thereby make contact with the golf ball 60 squarely to direct the ball in a straight line. Repeated practice using the Rock and Roll Putting Pal shoulder rotation clip 120 and alignment rods 114 will teach the golfer to limit the movement of the body, arms and wrists during a proper golf swing thereby improving the golfer's swinging and putting skills.
The putting trainer of the present invention comprising the Pocket Putting Pal 10 and the Rock and Roll Putting Pal allow a golfer to practice a number of important drills indoors and out of doors to improve putting skills. The putting trainer's components are small and easy to carry making them attractive to keep in a golf bag or a desk drawer to practice the drills described herein to identify misalignment of the eye over the golf ball 60, opening or closing the putting face 72 when striking the golf ball 60, hitting the golf ball 60 at the proper rise angle for topspin and to control the speed, aligning the putting head 70 in parallel and swinging the putter 66 straight to make contact at the center of the face 72 of the putting head 70, limiting the back stroke to control the speed of the stroke, and limiting movements of the body, arms and wrists that twist or turn the putting head 70 all of which will strengthen the fundamentals needed to improve a golfer's putting game.
Although specific embodiments of the invention have been disclosed herein in detail, it is to be understood that this is for purposes of illustration. This disclosure is not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, since the described embodiments may be changed in detail as will become apparent to those skilled in the art in order to adapt the putting trainer system to particular applications, without departing from the scope of the following claims and equivalents of the claimed elements.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A putting trainer system, comprising:

a positioning plate having a pocket formed as a cutout that extends completely through the positioning plate;

a shoulder rotation clip configured to support alignment rods; and

wherein skills in putting a golf ball are improved using the putting trainer system.

2. The putting trainer system of claim 1 wherein the pocket of the positioning plate is configured to have a golf ball rest on the ground or other flat surface to be putted out of the pocket providing a realistic roll along the ground or other flat surface.

3. The putting trainer system of claim 1, wherein the positioning plate comprising an eye alignment guideline marked along each of a left side and a right side of the cutout that forms the pocket; and

wherein the distance between the outer edge of the left eye alignment guideline to the outer edge of the right eye alignment guideline is equal to the diameter of a golf ball.

4. The putting trainer system of claim 3, wherein the positioning plate having a thickness that provides for the outer diameter of the ball when placed in the pocket to cover the left and right eye alignment guidelines providing an indicator of proper eye alignment over the golf ball.

5. The putting trainer system of claim 1, wherein the positioning plate having at least one through hole formed behind the pocket configured to have a tee inserted in the through hole to set a vertical height to prevent striking a golf ball unless an angle of a putting head is adjusted to a proper angle of attack.

6. The putting trainer system of claim 1, wherein the positioning plate having at least one through hole formed behind the pocket configured to have a plug be inserted in the through hole to set a vertical height to prevent striking a golf ball unless an angle of a putting head is adjusted to a proper rise angle.

7. The putting trainer system of claim 6, wherein the plug and the through hole each comprising threads to adjust the vertical height of the plug within the through hole.

8. The putting trainer system of claim 1, wherein the positioning plate having two through holes formed behind the pocket and a bar with posts, the posts configured to be inserted in the two through holes to straddle the bar across the through holes to set a vertical height to prevent striking a golf ball unless an angle of a putting head is adjusted to a proper rise angle.

9. The putting trainer system of claim 1, wherein the positioning plate comprising a shooting edge and at least one slot aligned in parallel with the shooting edge to align a putter with the positioning plate to place a putt.

10. The putting trainer system of claim 1, comprising:

a first slot to the left of the pocket configured to have a first tee placed through the first slot;

a second slot to the right of the pocket configured to have a second tee placed through the second slot to form a gate between the first and second tees for a putter to be swung through.

11. The putting trainer system of claim 1, comprising:

a first tee placed in front of the positioning plate and to the left of the pocket;

a second tee placed in front of the positioning plate and to the right of the pocket; and

wherein the first and second tees form a gate to hit a golf ball out of the pocket and through the gate formed by the first and second tees.

12. The putting trainer system of claim 1, comprising:

a tee placed behind the positioning plate and in line with the pocket; and

wherein the tee limits the back stroke of a golf club or putter.

13. The putting trainer system of claim 1, wherein the shoulder rotation clip having a body with bores and an attachment fixture, the body configured to support alignment rods within the bores and the clip configured for attachment to a shaft of a golf club.

14. The putting trainer system of claim 1, wherein the shoulder rotation clip having a body with bores and a support arm, the body configured to support alignment rods within the bores and the support arm extending over a shaft cutout formed between the support arm and the body to retain the shoulder rotation clip on the shaft of a golf club during a golf swing when the alignment rods bend and apply forces that are directed towards pulling the shoulder rotation clip away from the shaft.

15. The putting trainer system of claim 1 comprising:

a golf ball in the pocket of the positioning plate; and

wherein the eye is aligned over the golf ball by moving the body until the left and right alignment guidelines are not be visible under the golf ball.

16. The putting trainer system of claim 1 comprising:

a golf club having a shaft;

securing the shoulder rotation clip to the shaft of the golf club;

two alignment rods inserted within the shoulder rotation clip; and

wherein each alignment rod is tucked under each arm while gripping the golf club with each wrist below each alignment rod; and

thereby restricting non-beneficial movement of the wrists, arms and body when swinging the golf club.

17. A shoulder rotation clip comprising:

bore holes within a body configured to support alignment rods;

a support arm extending from the body forming a relief slot and a shaft cutout between the support arm and the body; and

wherein the shoulder rotation clip is configured for attachment to the shaft of a golf club.

18. The putting trainer of claim 17 wherein the bore holes are tapered.

19. A positioning plate comprising:

a pocket formed as a cutout that extends completely through the positioning plate;

an eye alignment guideline marked along each of the left and right sides of the cutout that forms the pocket; and

wherein the distance between the outer edge of the left eye alignment guideline to the outer edge of the right eye alignment guideline is equal to the diameter of a golf ball; and

wherein the positioning plate having a thickness that provides for the outer diameter of the golf ball when placed in the pocket to cover the left and right eye alignment guidelines thereby providing an indicator of proper eye alignment over the golf ball.

20. The positioning plate of claim 19 comprising at least one through hole formed behind the pocket configured to have a tee be inserted in the through hole to a vertical height to prevent striking a golf ball unless an angle of a putting head is adjusted to a proper angle of attack.