US20190240556A1

US20190240556A1 - Golf putting tool

Info

Publication number: US20190240556A1
Application number: US16/106,590
Authority: US
Inventors: Herbert L. Flores
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2018-02-05
Filing date: 2018-08-21
Publication date: 2019-08-08

Abstract

A golf putting device includes a ball location for placing the ball, and at least three visual guides around the ball location. The visual guides serve to align the golfer's head and eye relative the golf ball so that all three guides are only visible when the golfer takes a position directly above the golf ball so as to improve putting consistency and accuracy.

Description

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

The present application includes subject matter disclosed in and claims priority to a provisional application entitled “Golf Putting Tool” filed May 18, 2018 and assigned Ser. No. 62/673,421, and a provisional application entitled “To See Square-Ace” filed Feb. 5, 2018 and assigned Ser. No. 62/709,906, describing inventions made by the present inventor, both applications herein incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to golf putting training tools, and more particularly to stationary putting guides.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Golfing is one of the world's most popular sports. While people of virtually any skill level can enjoy the sport, it is also one of the most technically challenging sports to play. Golf is a game of strokes, the fewer a golfer has after completing a course, the better your score. Each hole on a course has its own par, that is the expected score, from a good golfer, which usually range from 3 to 5, depending on the length and difficulty of the hole. Of the 3 to 5 strokes expected on each hole, 1 to 2 are usually expected on the putting green, and the rest devoted to getting ball from the tee box to the putting green. Most golfers can quickly learn to get distance with their swings and get the ball to the putting green as expected, however will take several strokes getting their ball into hole.
Because putting can quickly account for half or more of the strokes of any course, it is an area of focus for training. There are many devices that purport to train golfers on how to improve their putt. Most of these devices focus on the putter swing; placing guidelines down for the swing, limiting the back swing, or preventing the putter from drifting from away from the golf ball during putting. While these devices can improve a golfer's swing, a swing is only one part of becoming a good putter. If a golfer is out of position from the golf ball before making a putt, the ball could travel in unexpected directions or even with the best swing possible, offset from the intended target. An improved putting training tool is needed.
Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a stationary putting tool that can be used to train a user to putt.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention includes a putting device to assist a golfer to properly position a golfer's head and eye or eyes relative a golf ball, and preferably directly over head (vertically). The device includes a tool placed upon a ground or a floor, or otherwise as may be used in play. The tool includes a surface adapted to support a golf ball placed thereon, and a ball location for placement of the ball. The ball location preferably includes a recess adapted to allow a golf ball to rest thereupon. The tool further includes a ball guide that is only visible when the golfer is directly above the ball. The ball guide should include at least three points around the ball (when viewed from above). The three points are located at points equidistance from the center of the ball when viewed directly above, or from the center of the ball location. Each of the three points are located at one-half ball diameter distance from the center of the ball location, or slightly less considering the biopic view from the golfer above.
The ball guide may include one or more rings. The rings should be tangent the three points, so that the entire ring can be viewed, but only viewed, when viewed directly above. The rings may include a light source for easier view.
The device may include a separable tool, useful with or without a base plate. In this case, the tool would include the ball location and ball guide. The base plate may include a recess the size of the tool to allow the tool to fit in, or on, the plate. The tool may be fitted with recesses complementing bosses in the base plate recess, or otherwise bosses to complement recesses in the plate recess.
The device may include a ball track plate to allow the ball to rest thereon and travel when struck to move in the rear direction. The device may further include a base plate coupled with said ball track plate to provide for a two piece device. Other items may be recessed or bored through one or both of these pieces. The ball guide may appear on a top surface of the base plate, or otherwise on a separable tool. The ball guide may also have a contrast ring around at least a portion of the ball location. The contrast ring should not be larger than the area occluded by a golf ball (in the vertical direction from the golfer), or larger than a golf ball in diameter.
In one embodiment, the ball track plate serves to angle the device relative the ground, to raise a rear end of the putting device higher (by a minimum of 0.1 degrees) relative the ground or floor to prevent the ball from rolling away, or otherwise biasing the ball to roll into location.
The putting device may include other common features, such as an axis bar, a bottom bar, and/or a tee slot as is known in the art.
The device may include three ball guides, one in front of the ball, and the other two on top and below the ball as shown.
The present invention also includes a method for using a putting device for teaching a golfer proper position when using a putter, wherein the device provides for positioning the golfer directly overhead the ball to putt. The golfer may place the putting device on the ground, and support a golf ball therein at a ball location centered within at least three visual guides. The golfer then stands, holds a club (or other manual battery device), and positions golfer's head directly over the ball. The golfer can then verify proper head location by looking down at ball and ensuring that all three point, the guide, or the entirety of the rings, are visible in a single glance, or shot. The golfer can then strike the ball with the club, and then reset the ball and repeat the process.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring to the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of the putting tool.

FIG. 2 is a side plan view of the putting tool.

FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of a visual guide with illumination.

FIG. 4 is a top plan illustration of the preferred embodiment of the putting tool.

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of the putting tool and golf ball in the correct position for use relative to the target golf cup.

FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of the putting tool in use.

FIG. 7A is a top plan view of how the golf ball appears relative to the putting tool, when the golfer is in the correct position.

FIG. 7B is a top plan view of how the golf ball appears relative to the putting tool, when the golfer is too far to the right of the putting tool.

FIG. 7C is a top plan view of how the golf ball appears relative to the putting tool, when the golfer is too far to the left of the putting tool.

FIG. 7D is a top plan view of how the golf ball appears relative to the putting tool, when the golfer is too far to the rear of the putting tool.

FIG. 7E is a top plan view of how the golf ball appears relative to the putting tool, when the golfer is too far forward of the putting tool.

FIG. 8 is a bottom plan view of the putting tool.

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of the putting trainer.

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the swing base.

FIG. 11 is a close-up top perspective view of the rear end of an alternative embodiment of a putting tool of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a bottom view of the alternative embodiment of a putting tool of the present invention found in FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a side view of the alternative embodiment of a putting tool of the present invention found in FIG. 11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference now is made to the drawings, in which the same reference characters are used throughout the different figures to designate the same elements. FIG. 1 is a top plan view illustrating a device for training a golfer to improve their putt, herein after referred to as a “putting tool 10.” The putting tool 10 is used by a golfer as a stationary guide, by placing the putting tool 10 on the ground to train them on how to properly putt. The putting tool 10 may be used in combination with other methods or devices for the training of putting. The putting tool 10 might be rectangular plate, and has a forward 11, a rear 12, a left 13, and a right 14 end. The putting tool 10 is preferably as large as a golf ball 18. The putting tool 10 includes a ball marker 30, a ball track 31, and three guides 40.
The putting tool 10 is preferably constructed of a material having the properties of rigidity, ability to mark, and durability like card stock paper, plastic, aluminum, steel, or the like. In the preferred embodiment the putting tool 10 is constructed of plastic having a preferred thickness of 0.1 inches.
The putting tool 10 is preferably divided symmetrically along a central axis 15 running from the center of the forward edge 20 to the center of the rear edge 21 and has a putting tool surface (PT surface) 24 which is generally parallel to the ground, the top of the putting tool 10 and colored, preferably dark for high contrast, such as black. The ball marker 30 allows a golfer to identify where to correctly place a golf ball 18, being a standard American Golf ball, being a circular design on the PT surface 24 with its center along the central axis 15 to the rear 12 of center of the height and a diameter of 0.19 inches. Alternatively, measurements may reflect and be relative other commonly used golf balls. The ball marker 30 is incorporated into the putting tool 10 and is colored white, or any other color that will greatly contrast with the PT surface 24. In the preferred embodiment, the ball marker 30 includes an indentation allowing the golf ball 18 to be placed on the PT surface 24 without rolling. Ball marker may be an aperture running through putting tool 10. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the putting tool 10 has a length of approximately 3 inches along its forward edge 20 and 2.5 inches along its left edge 22 and right edge 23 and more particularly 2.98 inches and 2.48 inches, respectively.
The ball track 31 is the area of the PT surface that the golf ball 18 is intended to travel when struck by the golfer's putter and includes a ball track left edge (BTL edge) 32, a ball track right edge (BTR edge) 33, a ball track forward edge (BTF edge) 34, a ball track rear edge (BTB edge) 35″, and a ball track surface (BT surface) 36. The BTL edge 32 is the left 13 most portion of the ball track 31, forms a one-hundred and fifteen (115) degree) degree angle with the rear edge 21 inclining toward the center axis 15 before connecting with the BTF edge 34. The BTR edge 33 is the right 14 most portion of the ball track 31, forms an angle with the rear edge 21 inclining toward the center axis 15, angles include a maximum of 180 degrees and a minimum of 5 degrees, but preferably one-hundred and fifteen (115) degrees, before connecting with the BTF edge 34 and mirrors the BTL edge 32 across the center axis 15. The BTF edge 34 is the forward most portion of the ball track 31, arcing around the rear 12 of the ball marker 30, being no wider than the diameter of the ball marker 30. In some embodiments, ball track forward edge 34 is absent and tool 10 allows for smooth roll from ball marker 30 to BTB edge 35. The BTB edge 35 is the rear 12 most portion of the ball track 31, running parallel and in some embodiments inclusive of a portion of the rear edge 21, between where the BTL edge 32 meets the rear edge 21 and where the BTR edge 33 meets the rear edge 21. The BT surface 36 is the portion of the PT surface that is preferably colored to demarcate to a golfer where the golf ball 18 is intended to travel after being struck by a putter. The ball track 31 is constructed out of the same material used for the putting tool 10, in the preferred embodiment the putting tool 10 is constructed out of aluminum and the BT surface 36 concaves toward the center axis 15 and the BTB edge 35 from the BTL edge 32, BTR edge 33, and BTF edge 34, as illustrated in FIG. 2, a side plan view of the preferred embodiment of the putting tool 10. Surface height of ball track 31 in the present embodiment is the same as other features on putting tool. In alternative embodiments, ball track may be recessed (or lower than) other parts of tool.
Returning to FIG. 1, three guides 40 are located on the PT surface 24 allowing a golfer to visually determine if their head position is not properly aligned with the golf ball 18. The guides 40 may include a guide ring 41 and a guide center 42, the guide ring 41 is a thin ring around the guide center 42 being of a greatly contrasting color to both the guide center 42 and the PT surface 24. Guides 40 provide visual cue, and therefore may be painted on, recessed, bossed, lit, etc.
The guides 40 could be integrated with the putting tool 10 or could be integrated with the PT surface 24 and adhered to the putting tool 10, in some embodiments are attached to the putting tool 10 and flush with the PT surface 24. The guides 40 can be constructed out of paper, plastic, metal, any dyed or painted surface, or the like, or any translucent light propagating material. In the preferred embodiment, as illustrated by FIG. 3, the guide ring 41 is constructed out of plastic or metal, and the guide center 42 is constructed out of plastic or glass being illuminated from underneath by a guide light 43, being a small light bulb either incandescent, or preferably LED, or open to ambient light for instance with use of translucent materials, or other light source known in the art, connected to a PT microprocessor 44, a microprocessor used to control any electronics onboard the putting tool 10, and a PT power source 45, a power source used to power any electronics on board the putting tool 10, generally a battery.
Referring to FIG. 5, guides 40 include center guide 140, is located along the center axis 15. It is preferred that the center of center guide 140 is approximately one inch from the center of the ball marker 30, or as otherwise required by size of ball (not shown). Left guide 141, is located on a theoretical line with the ball marker 30 being parallel to the rear edge 21, the center preferably being one inch to the left of the center of the ball marker 30 (or otherwise as needed). Right guide 142, is located on a line with the ball marker 30 being parallel to the rear edge 21, the center being preferably one inch to the right of the center of the ball marker 30 (as discussed above). In the preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the guides rings 41 are preferably white (or other apparent color) with an inner diameter of approximately 0.22 inches and an outer diameter of approximately 0.3 inches, whereas the guide centers 42 are preferably circular and colored to contrast greatly with the golf ball 18 and the PT surface 24, preferably green with a diameter of 0.3 inches.
Turning to FIG. 4, a top plan illustration of the preferred embodiment of the putting tool 10, the preferred embodiment of the putting tool 10 is illustrated. The preferred embodiment of the putting tool 10 includes additional features, including a placement ring 50 and a contrast ring 51. The contrast ring 51 is a brightly colored, preferably yellow, circular ring of the PT surface 24, indicating the maximum extent to which the golf ball 18 should lie, a properly placed golf ball 18, would obstruct the contrast ring 51 from a golfer's view during use of the putting tool 10. The contrast ring 51 shares the same center as the ball marker 30, having the diameter of a golf ball 18, extending from the BTL edge 32 counter clockwise until reaching the BTR edge 33 without overlapping onto any part of the ball track 31 or ball marker 30. The placement ring 50 is a brightly colored, preferably red, circular ring of the PT surface 24, more clearly indicating to the golfer where to place the golf ball 18 on the putting tool 10. The placement ring 50 shares the same center as the ball marker 30, over lapping the central portion of the contrast ring 51 having an inner diameter equal to the outer diameter of the ball marker 30 and an outer diameter less than three quarters of the diameter of the contrast ring 51. The placement ring 50 and contrast ring 51 are manufactured as a single body with the PT surface 24 or may be attached separately and constructed of any material or combination of materials demonstrating the properties of durability, contrast, and adhesion including paper, plastic, metal, or the like. Colors used may be similar, so long as function remains same to provide visual contrast (particularly with regard to ball edge and guides). Other color schemes may also work.
Turning to FIG. 8, a bottom plan view of the putting tool 10. The putting tool 10 has a bottom surface 60, which is preferably flat to allow the putting tool 10 to lay level on the ground. In one embodiment the bottom surface 60 includes one or more connector sockets 61, which allows for attachment of the putting tool 10 to other training aids. Each connector socket 61 is an indentation into the bottom surface 60 of the putting tool 10 or a metallic component imbedded in the putting tool 10 to be connected to a magnetic element on another device. In the preferred embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 8, there are five connector sockets 61, connector 63 is be centrally located toward the forward end of the bottom surface. Connector 64 is located more forward 11 of connector 1 and toward the right 14 of the center axis 15. Connector 66 is opposite of connector 2 64 across the center axis 15 and equally spaced away from the center axis 15 toward the left 13. Connector 67 is located more forward 11 of connector 1 and toward the right 14 of the center axis 15. Connector 68 is opposite of connector 67 across the center axis 15 and equally spaced away from the center axis 15 toward the left. Alternatively, connectors 61 may be protruding bosses that serve to either/both mate with recesses in a base plate, or otherwise serve to partially stake into the ground, or otherwise provide a friction surface with the putting grass.
Returning to FIG. 1, three guides 40 are located on the PT surface 24 allowing a golfer to visually determine if their head position is not properly aligned with the golf ball 18. The guides 40 may include a guide ring 41 and a guide center 42, the guide ring 41 is a thin ring around the guide center 42 being of a greatly contrasting color to both the guide center 42 and the PT surface 24.
The putting tool 10 may be incorporated into a larger putting aide 110 which also includes other training methodologies. Turning to FIG. 9, a top perspective view of the putting tool 10 incorporated into a putting aide 110. The putting aide 110 includes the putting tool 10 and a swing base 70. Moving to FIG. 10, which is a top plan view of the swing base 70.
The swing base 70 is another putting training device that focuses instead of the head placement of the golfer, the swing of the putter. In combination with the putting tool 10 as the putting aide 110 it provides a more complete training system for the golfer. The swing base 70 is placed on the ground in place of the putting tool 10 and the putting tool 10 is attached to the swing base 70 to allow the golfer to use both devices simultaneously. The swing base 70 is large enough to connect to the putting tool 10 while still providing training aid and preferably rectangular with shorter forward 11 and rear 12 sides than left 13 or right 14. The swing base 70 has a base surface 71 which is the surface of the top of the swing base 70. There is a connection surface 72 at the rear 12 of the swing base 70, connection surface 72 preferably recessed, where the putting tool 10 attaches to the swing base 70. In the preferred embodiment the connection surface 72 is recessed into the base surface 71 and the same length, width, and depth as the putting tool 10 (or somewhat smaller). In the preferred embodiment there is at least one connector 73 located on the connection surface 72, which is designed to connect the swing base 70 to the putting tool 10. In the preferred embodiment the connectors 73 are preferably a projection from the connection surface 72 in a shape and size that would join with the connector socket 61 or a magnetic element capable of connecting the putting tool 10 to the swing base 70. Alternatively, in some embodiments, connectors 73 may be recessed to mate with bosses of putting tool 10. In the preferred embodiment there are five connectors on the connection surface 72 in a pattern that would mirror the connector sockets 61 in the preferred embodiment of the putting tool 10.
In the preferred embodiment swing base 70 is a flat rectangular body having a short side in rear 112, a longer side forward 111, and both a left 113 side and right 114 side, which are mirrored and symmetrical along the axis 15. There is a left rounded corner 80 where the rear 112 end meets the left 113 side. The left 113 side tappers toward the center axis 15 until it reaches a left waist point 81 where it expands away from the center axis 15 until it reaches a left upper round corner 82 that where the left side 15 meets the forward side 11. The right 114 side tappers from a right rounded corner 83 toward the center axis 15 until it reaches a right waist point 84 where it expands away from the center axis 15 until it reaches a right small round corner 85 that where the right side 15 meets the forward 111 side. The swing base 70 has a left tee slot (LTS) 90 and a right tee slot (RTS) 91, symmetrically opposed to each other across the center axis 15 to the rear 111 of the left waist point 81 and right waist point 80. LTS 90 and RTS 91 are elongate cavities, perpendicular to center axis 15, into swing base 70 from the left 13 side and right 14 side respectively, the width of the cavities parallel to the axis is wider than a golf tee's shank, but less wide than a golf tee's head, the minimum distance between the LTS 90 and RTS 91, perpendicular to the center axis 15 is no less than the width of a standard putter. A golfer places two golf tees one into LTS 90 and one into RTS 91 to limit the variance in putter swing, the more closely the golf tees are placed in relation to each other, the tighter the putt swing must be, otherwise the putter will strike one of the golf tees, the further apart the two golf tees are placed, the less restrictive and less accurate the putter swing must be to allow the putter to strike the ball. There is at least one tee hole 92 located along the center axis 15 of the swing base 70, each being a cylindrical aperture into the swing base 70, the diameter being roughly the same size of a golf tee shank. A forward tee hole 93 is located along the center axis 15 toward the forward 111 end of the swing base 70, back tee hole 94 is located along the center axis 15 toward the rear 112 end of the swing base 70, and a center tee hole 95 located between the back tee hole 94 and forward tee hole 93. A square detection marking (SDM) 100, is an area of the base surface 71 with different colorings and markings that distinguish the SDM 100 from the rest of the base surface 71. The SDM 60 includes a bottom bar 101, axis bar 102, and wrap around 103. The bottom bar 101 is an elongate rectangle of demarcation with the long side perpendicular to the center axis 15 and aligned between the LTS 90 and RTS 91, the short side of the bottom bar 101 is the height of both LTS 90 and RTS 91, with two square corners on the rear 12 end, two rounded corners on the forward 11 end. The axis bar 102 is an elongate rectangle of demarcation with the long side parallel to the center axis 15, connecting to the forward 111 end of the bottom bar 101 to the rear 12 end of the swing base 70 with rounded corners on the corners away from the center axis 15. The axis bar 102 has no demarcation in the center along the center axis 15 and on the left 113 and right 114 sides of the forward tee hole 93, forward tee hole 94, and middle tee hole 93. The wrap around 103 is demarcation of the swing base 70 from the left waist point 81 and right waist point 84 toward the back, there is no demarcation from the left waist point 81 and right waist point 84 extending towards the rear 111 in a rectangle and forming a hemispherical end starting before the forward tee hole 93 just before the rear 111 of the swing base 70.
In operation, the golfer uses the putting tool 10 to align themselves correctly with a target golf cup and the with the golf ball 18. Turning to FIG. 5, a top perspective view, illustrates the putting tool 10 and golf ball 18 in the correct position for use relative to the target golf cup. The golfer places the putting tool 10 on a putting green with the rear edge 21 closest to a target golf cup and the center axis 15 intersecting the target golf cup or aligned with features of the putting green as would allow the golf ball 18 to reach the golf cup. The golfer places a golf ball 18 on the ball marker 30 of the putting tool 10 and stands to the left 13 of the putting tool 10 if the golfer is left handed or to the right 14 of the putting tool 10 if the golfer is right handed.
The golfer will use the putting tool 10 align their stance relative to the golf ball 18. As illustrated by FIG. 6 the golfer's head will be above the putting tool 10 and golf ball 18. The golfer will use the guides 40 to ensure their proper stance above the golf ball 18. A golfer's head and body position relative to the golf ball 18 during a putt can dramatically impact the quality of the putt. By using the putting tool 10, the golfer can position their head, and therefore their body in proper alignment with the golf ball 18.
FIGS. 7A-E provides illustrations of some positions between the golf ball 18 and guides 40. FIG. 7A illustrates what the golfer sees when in the correct position relative to the putting tool 10, the golf ball's 18 outer edge is seen tangential to the guide ring 41 on each of the guides 40, there is no occlusion of any guides 40, or any gaps between the golf ball 18 and any of the guides 40. The golfer's head is directly over the golf ball 18, the golfer therefore is likely to be in the correct position over the golf ball 18, assuming the golfer is using correct putting posture.
FIG. 7B illustrates what the golfer sees when the golfer's head is too far to the right 14 from the putting tool 10, the golf ball 18 occludes the left guide 56, there is a gap between the golf ball 18 and the right guide 57 where PT surface 24, or in the preferred embodiment the contrast ring 51, is visible. Assuming the golfer is using a correct putting stance, the golfer is too far to the right 14 from the golf ball 18 and by using the putting tool 10 as a guide the golfer knows that they are too far to the right 14 of the golf ball 18, to be in correct position. The golfer will then move toward the left 13 until the golfer sees what is illustrated in FIG. 7A.
FIG. 7C illustrates what the golfer sees when the golfer's head is too far to the left 13 from the putting tool 10, the golf ball 18 occludes the right guide 57, there is a gap between the golf ball 18 and the left guide 56 where PT surface 24, or in the preferred embodiment the contrast ring 51, is visible. Assuming the golfer is using a correct putting stance, the golfer is too far to the left 13 from the golf ball 18 and by using the putting tool 10 as a guide the golfer knows that they are too far to the left 13 of the golf ball 18, to be in correct position. The golfer will then move toward the right 14 until the golfer sees what is illustrated in FIG. 7A.
FIG. 7D illustrates what the golfer sees when the golfer's head is too far to the rear 12 from the putting tool 10, the golf ball 18 occludes the center guide 55. Assuming the golfer is using a correct putting stance, the golfer is too far to the rear 12 from the golf ball 18 and by using the putting tool 10 as a guide the golfer knows that they are too far to the rear 12 of the golf ball 18, to be in correct position. The golfer will then move forward 11 until the golfer sees what is illustrated in FIG. 7A.
FIG. 7E illustrates what the golfer sees when the golfer is too far forward 11 from the putting tool 10, there is a gap between the golf ball 18 and the center guide 55 140 where PT surface 24, or in the preferred embodiment the contrast ring 51, is visible. Assuming the golfer is using a correct putting stance, the golfer is too far forward 11 from the golf ball 18 and by using the putting tool 10 as a guide the golfer knows that they are too forward 11 of the golf ball 18, to be in correct position. The golfer will then move toward the rear 12 until the golfer sees what is illustrated in FIG. 7A. The guide ring 41 is very important to the use of the putting tool 10 as it enables a golfer to more clearly see if there are any gaps between the golf ball 18 and the guides 40.
When a golfer sees the golf ball 18 in a different position relative to the guides 40 than illustrated in FIGS. 7A-E, then the golfer will use the techniques described above to correct their position in each direction. The golfer need not be limited to a single correction at a time.
Referring to FIGS. 11-13, an alternative of putting tool with incorporated base is shown in views. Alternative putting tool 270 is shown at rear end 212 is FIG. 11. Alternative putting tool 270 includes similar features, such as ball axis 15, bottom bar 101 and axis bar 102, and ball placement 230, as can be used with the tool. In this embodiment, ball placement 230 is a completely bored hole or aperture sized to allow the ball to rest just above ball track surface 236, with minimal interruption as the ball is played. Ball track surface 236 is preferably containing surface features to provide a slight resistance from friction as ball is played thereupon, such as dimpling, rippling, or other surface features as ware known in the art. Ball track surface 236 is placed upon ball track plate 231 which is adhered to an underside (not shown) of main base plate 237. Back edge 235 of ball track plate 231 preferably lines up with base plate back edge 335 to provide an inline rear edge. Ball track includes right edge 233 and left edge 232 providing an area through which the played ball may travel. Ball initially rests on ball placement 30, near forward edge 234, and is hit towards rear along ball track surface 236 and drops ever so slightly into play (e.g. grass) off ball track back edge 235. Guide rings 41 provide for visual guide, along with contrast ring 251 and forward guide 241, in a similar visual fashion as described above. Additional rear post holes 250 may be provided to allow staking of tool 270.
As shown in FIGS. 11-12, underside 336 may include surface features similar to those of ball track surface. Forward post holes 251 may be provided in a similar fashion, along forward end 211. Ball position 30 is shown on underside to demonstrate that the hole preferably bores completely through ball track plate 231. Ball track plate 231 is preferably much thinner than main base plate 237 to allow for a slight, yet most imperceptible rise of rear end 121 over forward end 211, as this allow a ball placed on ball track to bias towards forward guide 241 and into ball position 30 when placed on track. Main base plate 237 is preferably 1/16″ to ¼″ in height, while ball track plate 231 is preferably less than 1/10″, or more preferably around 1/32″ to provide for slight rise. The base plate is preferably 6-12 inches, preferably closer to 8 inches in length from front to rear. Total alternative putting tool should rise between 0.1 degrees and 1 degree.
A preferred embodiment is fully and clearly described above so as to enable one having skill in the art to understand, make, and use the same. Those skilled in the art will recognize that modifications may be made to the description above without departing from the spirit of the invention, and that some embodiments include only those elements and features described, or a subset thereof. To the extent that modifications do not depart from the spirit of the invention, they are intended to be included within the scope thereof.

Claims

What is claimed:

1. A putting device to assist a golfer to properly position a golfer's head when using a putter comprising:

a tool placed upon a ground or a floor; said tool comprising:

a surface adapted to support a golf ball, said surface comprising a ball location;

said ball location providing a recess adapted to allow a golf ball to rest thereupon;

a ball guide comprising at least three points, said ball guide positioned at points equidistance from said ball location, wherein each of said at least three points are located at, or less than, one-half ball diameter distance from the center of said ball location.

2. The putting device as set forth in claim 1, wherein said ball guide comprising three rings tangent each of said three rings at one of said at least three points.

3. The putting device as set forth in claim 2, wherein each of said three rings comprises a light.

4. The putting device of claim 1, wherein said surface is maintain by a ball track plate, and said putting device further includes a base plate coupled with said ball track plate.

5. The putting device of claim 4, wherein said ball guide appears on a top surface of said base plate.

6. The putting device of claim 5, wherein said ball guide further comprises a contrast ring around at least a portion of said ball location, said contrast ring no larger than the area occluded by a golf ball in the vertical direction from the golfer.

7. The putting device of claim 4 wherein said ball track plate serves to raise a rear end of said putting device higher from said forward end by a minimum of 0.1 degrees relative the ground or floor.

8. The putting device of claim 1 further comprises a visual guide comprising an axis bar along the swing axis of the golfer, and a bottom bar perpendicular said axis bar.

9. The putting device of claim 8 further comprising at least one tee slot, said tee slot comprising an aperture vertically through said putting device.

10. The putting device of claim 9 wherein said at least one tee slot is along said axis bar.

11. The putting device of claim 1 further comprising a tool, said tool comprising said ball location and said ball guide; and a base plate.

12. The putting device of claim 11, wherein said base plate comprises a recess sized to locate said tool thereon.

13. The putting tool of claim 12 wherein said tool comprises male mating features to complement with female mating features along said base plate recess.

14. The putting tool of claim 12 wherein said tool comprises female mating features to complement with male mating features along said base plate recess.

15. The putting tool of claim 1 wherein said ball guide comprises a first forward guide opposite a center of a golf hole, a second right guide positioned away from the ball location in a direction perpendicular a line posited between a center of the ball and the center of the golf hole, and a third left guide position away from the ball location in an opposite direction also perpendicular a line posited between the center of the ball and the center of the golf hole.

16. A method for teaching a golfer proper position when using a putter comprising:

placing a putting device on the ground, wherein said device supports a golf ball at a ball location along a recess, and a ball guide comprising at least three points positioned equidistant at, or less than, one-half a ball diameter from the ball location;

positioning the golfer's eye directly above the golf ball;

verifying the proper location of the golfer's eye via the ball guide;

striking the ball with a golf club.