US3718330A

US3718330A - Golf practice equipment

Info

Publication number: US3718330A
Application number: US00226805A
Authority: US
Inventors: V Gariti
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1972-02-16
Filing date: 1972-02-16
Publication date: 1973-02-27
Anticipated expiration: 1990-02-27
Also published as: JPS4912931A; JPS5133465B2

Abstract

Equipment for practicing and recognizing golf stances and ball positioning includes two relatively adjustable members adapted to be placed on a floor or any outdoor surface, the members having extended therefrom a pair of foot guides for placement of the feet in a closed golf stance positioning or a square golf stance position or in an open golf stance position, the members being adjustable to properly locate the feet in accordance with the number of the club being used for practice or play. Also, the equipment may be employed to mark ball position relative to the foot off which the ball is played, and the ball position so marked may be used as a guide to properly locate the feet in relation to an actual ball lie.

Description

ilted States Patent Gariti Feb. 27, 1973 GOLF PRACTICE EQUIPMENT [76] Inventor: Victor T. Gariti, 552 Burton 5' "nary i Ig Marlo Avenue, Highland Park, 111.

[22] Filed: Feb. 16, 1972 [57] ABSTRACT [21] Appl. No.: 226,805 Equipment for practicing and recognizing golf stances and ball ositioning includes two relativel ad'ustable b p d d b l d fl y J mem ers a apte to e p ace on a cor or any out- (g1. door Surface the members having extended therefrom [58] Fie'ld 35/29 A a pair of foot guides for placement of the feet in a closed golf stance positioning or a square golf stance position or in an open golf stance position, the mem- [56] References Cited bers being adjustable to properly locate the feet in ac- UNITED ST S T S cordance with the number of the club being used for If practice or play. Also, the equipment may be em- 2,290,623 R0 ..273/187R played to mark n position relative to the foot off 2' 1 a giga 273/187 R which the ball is played, and the ball position so marked may be used as a guide to properly locate the FOREIGN PATENTS 0 APPLICATIONS feet in relation to an actual ball lie.

16,930 7/1911 Great Britain ..273/187 R 10 Claims, 20 Drawing Figures FORWARD OF DIRECTION LINE c L t \cLues so OPE N STANCE DIRECTION LINE BEHIND DIRECTION LINE 30-3 CLUBS 5-6-7 SQUARE STANCE CLUBS I -2 -3-4 CLOSE D STANCE PAIENTEI] FEB27 I973 SHEET 2 [IF 5 ntFFP.

IIII

FIG.7A

MARKERS 53 IIIIIII 2 I' II BALL POSITION 'I'I; 'I'I'I FIGS FIG.7

CLOSED STANCE CLUBS I'23-4 DIRECTION LINE I y Y I BALL POSITION DIRECTION LINE SQUARE STANCE CLUBS 5*6'7 3 BALL POSITION OPEN STANCE CLUBS 8- 9 DIRECTION LINE FIG.IO

GOLF PRACTICE EQUIPMENT Of great importance in hitting a good golf shot is a proper stance. The golfers stance can be described as the relationship of the feet to each other, relationship of the feet to the intended direction line of flight, and the relationship of the feet and the ball to be struck.

These considerations vary greatly, depending on the physical makeup of the golfer and the length of the club shafts being used. Golf experts are generally in agreement that the golfers feet should be pointed slightly outward from the direction line, with the right foot pulled slightly behind the direction line (toward the golfer that is), and that the distance between his heels should be about the same as the distance between his shoulder-tips when using the number one (driver) golf club. As the number of the club increases the heels should be placed closer together, the left foot (right handed golfer) is turned more to the right, and the right foot is turned more to the left until the right foot is at a 90 angle to the direction line when using the eight and nine clubs. Thus the stance becomes more open" as the club number increases. In addition, the golf experts claim the right foot should be moved forward of the direction line when using certain clubs, and the left foot should be placed behind the direction line and turned sharply toward the direction line on some shots.

The positioning of the ball depends on the length of the golf club shaft, the length of the golfers arms and the angle of the club head. A standard set of golf clubs consists of five woods numbered one through five, long irons numbered one through three, medium irons numbered four through six, and short irons numbered seven through nine. in addition, golfers use putter clubs and wedges. As the number designation of the wood clubs and the iron clubs increases the angle on the club face increases. Also, the length of the shaft of the club decreases (one-half inch shorter as club number increases) as the number of the club increases. Thus the lower the number of the club the greater the distance a good golf shot can be made due to the construction of the club face and shaft. The short iron clubs, with their higher degree angle on the club face, lift the ball higher in the air which results in shorter, more accurate shots.

The experts generally agree a golfer must have good balance and weight distribution when hitting a golf ball. in addition, his stance must permit him to freely turn his body, on certain shots, and thus be able to coordinate his hands, arms, hips, knees, and head. All agree the golfers foot position and ball position play a major role in a good golf shot.

When the feet are too close together or at an incorrect" position to the direction line, hooking, topping, slicing or other undesirable effects may come about. This is due to the club face not meeting the ball squarely. If the feet are too far apart the body will not turn smoothly and freely and power is lost. Thus, if the feet are pointed outward from the direction line properly, placed in proper position either forward, even, or behind the direction line and the heels are spread to provide good balance, a good start to a fine golf shot has been accomplished.

The proper position of the ball to the feet, most agree, is vital to a good shot. Since the lower number clubs have longer shafts than the higher number clubs and have a face constructed so as to strike the ball for a lower and longer flight the golf ball should be placed forward of the center of the stance when using the 1-2-a0-4 clubs. Many golf experts say the ball should be placed from the feet a distance where the golfer feels comfortable, but not stretching out to reach the ball or having his arms too close to the body which will hamper his swing. The playing of the ball forward of the center of the stance allows the golfer to meet the ball with the club face just as it is beginning to rise in its swinging arc. This will give the ball a forward spin and low trajectory for distance.

it can be understood that as the clubs increase in number the arc of the swing becomes smaller, (i.e., shafts are shorter) and the ball should be hit as to utilize the higher angle club face and obtain higher trajectory shots with greater accuracy. This is accomplished by the previously mentioned foot positions and by moving the ball closer to the direction line and further back for each increase in club designation number. Using a right-handed golfer as an example the bail would be played approximately one inch rearward of his left heel when using the No. 1 driver, while the ball for the number nine iron would be played approximately 1 inch off the right heel. This right heel position makes it possible to easily hit the ball on the downward arc of the swing which results in a desired high trajectory and backspin of the ball.

The foregoing may be summarized. There are three basic stances in golf. The closed stance, the open stance and the square stance. The closed stance requires the right foot be slightly back from the direction line (right-handed golfer) while the left foot is on the direction line. This stance is recommended by the experts for the clubs No. 1 through No. 4. It permits much freedom for turning the body and bringing the club head down inside the direction line toward the target. ln addition the feet are turned slightly outward from the body which cases the strain on the right thigh and the back as the golfer twists his body around to generate power. It permits the golfer to lengthen his arc of the club head when swinging.

Golf writers claim the open stance should be used for the short irons, say No. 8 and No. 9. These clubs require they be used when making short accurate shots. The open stance has the right foot (right-handed golfer) placed at a right angle to the direction line. The left foot is pointed outward about 45 to the direction line. In this stance the golfer does not need body action for power but does need freedom for shoulder movement which leads to accuracy.

Golf experts advise that a square stance, one in which the toes of the golfer are on a line parallel with the direction line and turned slightly outward from the body, should be used for the middle (5,6,7) irons and the No. 5 wood. These clubs are used when less distance and more accuracy is needed than when using a No. 1-2-3 or 4 club.

In all the stances the heels move closer together as the number of the club increases. This shortening of the stance increases body balance which is so vital for the more demanding accuracy needed with the shorter golf shots.

The golf ball should be played forward of the middle of the stance on the No. 1 club and progressively closer to the direction line as the club shaft decreases in length. The ball also should be played farther back from the target as the club face angle increases. These positions enable the golfer to strike the ball on the upward rise of the club face arc or on the downward movement of the club. The position also places the ball at a comfortable hitting distance from the direction line for each club. The ball should always be played at a 90 angle from the direction line.

Taking the foregoing into account the objects of the invention are to enable the golfing buff to identify, practice and use properly the open, closed and square stance to learn foot and ball positions, in short to recognize and learn the proper stance and ball positioning.

A further object of the present invention is to furnish equipment enabling the golfer to recognize and learn golf stance and ball positioning, and to so construct the equipment as to be adaptable to any physique. A related object is to embody such equipment in convenient kit form, easily assembled and disassembled. Another object of the invention is to enable the novice to physically represent and simulate what he reads by way of expert golf advice.

A further object is to furnish equipment enabling a golfer to practice with various foot and ball positions and to mark the equipment permanently with the positions desired for future use.

Other and further objects of the present invention will be apparent from the following description and claims and are illustrated in the accompanying drawings which, by way of illustration, show a preferred embodiment of the present invention and the principles thereof and what is now considered to be the best mode contemplated for applying those principles. Other embodiments of the invention embodying the same or equivalent principles may be used and structural changes may be made as desired by those skilled in the art without departing from the present invention.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of what is designated a club number golf and ball guide;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a slide to be fitted to the guide;

FIGS. 3 and 4 are sectional views on the lines 33 and 4-4 of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIGS. 5 and 6 are plan views of the two foot guide members;

FIGS. 7 and 7A are plan views of sets of markers;

FIG. 8 is a perspective (broken) of a measuring tape;

FIG. 9 is a plan view showing the assembly of the slide and the guides;

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing accepted stances and ball positions; 7

FIG. 11 is a plan view similar to FIG. 9 but showing the calibration process commencing with the No. 1 club;

FIG. 12 shows the guide calibrated for the four long clubs;

FIG. 13 is a plan view similar to FIG. 9 but showing calibration for the clubs of medium length, commencing with club No.5;

FIG. 14 is a view similar to FIG. 12 showing calibra tion extended to the three clubs of medium length;

FIG. 15 is a plan view similar to FIG. 9 but showing calibration for' the No. Sand No. 9 clubs;

FIG. 16' shows calibration completed; and

FIGS. l7A-C show ball marker location.

The component parts of the golf practice equipment of the present invention are shown in FIGS. 1 through 8. The completed assembly is shown in FIG. 9, ready for calibration to the physique of the golfer. Additional figures illustrate the manner of calibration, ball positioning.

FIG. 1 is a plan view of the club member guide. It may be nothing more than a wood block 20. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the slide 22 to be fitted or coupled in sliding relation to the guide 20, and to this end one edge of the guide 20 is formed with a dovetail slot 24 and the related or opposing edge of the slide 22 is formed with a dovetail 23 enabling the two to be slidably fitted together.

One end of the guide 20 is additionally provided with an opening 25 and one end of the slide is provided with an opening 26. The opening 25 provided in the end of the guide 20 enables the straight end 29, FIG. 5, of a first foot guide 30 to be detachably fitted therein. The opening 26 at one end of the slide 22 enables the straight end 39 of a second foot guide 40 to be entered therein.

The assembly,'including the guide 20, the slide 22 and the two foot guides 30 and 40 extending outward in opposite directions is shown in FIG. 9.

Two sets of markers are supplied, FIGS. 7 and 7A. The markers are to be applied to the guide 20 and the slide 22 as will be described. The markers are backed with .pressure sensitive adhesive, adhering to

backer sheets

50 and 51. Referring toFIG. 7, the markers stickers) include nine stickers 52, identified by club number (1 through 9). These are to be applied to the club number guide 20. The first four (clubs 1 through 4) are of a distinctive color, e.g., red. The other five (clubs 5 through 9) are of contrasting color, e.g., blue. There are two arrow-shaped indicia 53 and 54 (red and blue) to be applied to' opposite ends of the slide 22.

Preferably the marker assembly, FIG. 7, also includes a long arrow 55 and a plurality of club marker strips 57.

As shown in FIG. 7A, there are nine (so numbered) ball markers 56. These also are to be affixed to the club number guide 20.

A tape measure 58, FIG. 8, is also supplied. This is used to measure the width of the golfers shoulders, tip to tip.

The practice equipment of the present invention will be described in detail from the standpoint of a righthand golfer. A similar, mirror image kit would be arranged for a left-hand golfer.

Each of the foot forms is of an easily bent member such as a wire of suitable gauge, but obviously the construction material is not important since form only is of the essence as will be seen.

Thus, each of the foot guides embodies what may be termed foot outlines in the broad sense of presenting a plurality of niches for placement therein of the golfer's foot. Thus referring to foot guide 30 there is a first foot outline in niche 30-1 representing a narrow foot spread, a second foot outline 30-2 representing a middle or intermediate foot spread and a third foot outline 30-3 representing a wide foot spread. The foot outlines thus defined progress from left to right and constitute three different positions for the right-hand foot. As will be described the foot when properly positioned is aligned at right angles to the span of the niche.

In like fashion, the left-hand foot guide, progressing leftward, includes a foot outline 40-1 (narrow spread) a second foot outline 40-2 (intermediate spread) and finally a third and outermost foot guide 40-3 representing the wide foot spread.

More specifically, and aside from the necessary bends at the inner end of each foot guide in order to establish direction in the first place, the foot niches are separated by bends A, 30B, 40A and 40B, spaced legs as 31-32 and 41-42, and three toe limiters or stops 35-36-37 and 45-46-47 separated by the designated bends and legs.

Referring now to the assembly, FIG. 9, the attaching end 29 of the right-hand foot guide 30 fits snugly into the corresponding opening at the right-hand end of the guide 20; the attaching end 39 of the left-hand foot guide 40 is fitted into the receiving opening 26 of the slide 22. The slide is fitted to the dovetail of the guide.

Calibration of the stance practice equipment to fit the physique of the golfer will be described in detail, but it is to be first mentioned that with the equipment assembly as shown in FIG. 9 the innermost foot outlines 30-1 and 404 are identified with the short clubs, the eight and nine iron. Incidently, the wedges, if used, are to be identified with the nine iron. Thus the open stance is identified with four short clubs.

With further reference to FIG. 9, the intermediate foot outlines 30-2 and 40-2 are identified with three clubs of intermediate length, namely

irons

5, 6 and 7 (and wood No. 5 as well) while the outermost foot outlines 30-3 and 40-3 are identified with the longer clubs collectively

woods

1, 2, 3 and 4 and irons l, 2, 3 and 4.

Golfing experts employ standard terminology and recommend the so-called open stance with the short clubs, a square stance for the clubs of intermediate length and a closed stance with the woods and long irons. These stances are diagrammed in FIG. 10, where positioning of the ball is also shown, moving progressively nearer the right foot as a shorter club (higher number) is used.

The foot guides are configured in compliance with the accepted stances, and in this connection the toe limiters of both foot forms, FIGS. 5 and 6, are angled as indicated relative to assumed horizontal lines. This horizontal line may be taken as the direction line, FIG. 9, which represents the assumed flight of path of the ball, and it will be seen that with the feet placed within the niches approximately at right angles to the toe limiters of the respective foot forms 30-3 and 40-3 (when using any one of the four longer clubs) the right foot will be displaced appreciably behind the direction line, as it should be, while the toes of the left foot are approximately on the direction line, as it should be, whereby the feet are positioned in the so-called closed stance.

It will also be seen that with the feet placed approximately at right angles to the toe stops of the intermediate foot niches 30-2 and 40-2, the toes of the practicing golfer are on a line which for all practical purposes is parallel to the direction line, constituting a square stance position.

The open stance position is identified with the innermost foot form 30-1 and 40-1, and it will be seen that the right foot will therefore be well forward of the direction line, FIG. 9, while the left foot is slightly behind the direction line; the right foot is squared to the direction line while the left foot, in relation, is turned outward or slightly counterclockwise, the classic open stance.

As a preliminary to calibration the index indicia,

arrows

53 and 54, are lifted from the backing sheet, FIG. 7, and applied respectively to the left and right ends of the slide 22, arrow heads pointing to the guide. Arrow 53 (red) is identified with the long clubs (1-2-3-4) and is located on the left end of slide 22; arrow 54 (blue) for the remaining clubs 5-6-7-8-9 is on the right end of the slide. Also, the long arrow 55 for indicating the direction line is transferred to the guide 20. It may be located almost anywhere on the fact of the guide 20, as long as it is aligned parallel to the bottom edge. The direction arrow 55 is thus simply parallel to ball flight. As will be explained, a real practice ball will be used to aid recognition of actual ball positions. Arrow 55 and the

indexers

53 and 54, could be painted on their respective parts, or stamped thereon. A single arrow could be used instead of

indicia

53 and 54; the dual marker arrangement described conserves space on guide member 20 and avoids the necessity for an unduly long guide member.

CALIBRATION heels one inch for each of the successive clubs in the long club group, whether woods or irons.

With the slide 22 approximately centered relative to the length of the club number guide 20, the feet are positioned in the closed stance, FIG. 11, and the guide and slide are moved until the outer niches force the heel separation to comply with the shoulder span. This may be done by laying the tape between the heels or by making scribe marks on a sheet beneath the assembly or any other convenient way.

When the foot guides are accordingly adjusted, the golfer then transfers the No. 1 club marker (group 52 markers, FIG. 7) to the guide 20 with its arrow head aligned with the head of index arrow 53 previously transferred to the slide, or, as will be recognized, both arrows can be transferred at this time. Any time thereafter that index arrow 53 is aligned with the No. 1 arrow on the guide 20 the niches 30-3 and 40-3 are spaced to conform to the foot positioning proper for the No. 1 club, in the closed stance of course.

Now, arrows No. 2, No. 3 and No. 4, for the right hand golfer are transferred to and fixed on the club number guide 20, spaced approximately one inch apart starting with No. 2 arrow located to the right of No. l, and the assembly has been calibrated for all the long clubs, FIG. 12. The stance, closed, does not vary for clubs 1-2-3-4, only the spacing between the heels of the feet located in niches 30-3 and 40-3.

When using club No. 5, the heels should be spaced four inches less than the shoulder span, in a square stance. This involves calibration indexed to the intermediate niches 30-2 and 40-2, FIG. 13. The feet are so located and the slide is shifted and the feet repeatedly re-positioned until the proper heel separation is attained for club No. 5. Club marker No. 5, FIG. 7, is lifted and transferred to the guide 20, its arrow head being aligned with and pointing to the head of index arrow 54. The club markers 52, FIG. 7, for clubs -6-7 -89 and the wedges are blue or any other color contrasting with club markers 1-2-3-4.

After calibrating for club No. 5, the (blue) markers for club No. 6 and club No. 7 are lifted, FIG. 7, and transferred, FIG. 14, No. 6 being spaced one inch to the right of No. 5, and No. 7 being spaced one inch to the right of No. 6.

There is general agreement that for club No. 8, regardless, the heels are spaced about seven inches apart, FIG. 15. The feet are located in the open stance position, FIG. 15, movements are made until the seven inch separation is attained, whereupon marker No. 8, FIG. 7

7, is located on guide 20, opposite index arrow (blue) 54. Marker No. 9 is then positioned on guide 20, one inch to the right of the No. 8 marker. The practice equipment has now been calibrated for the entire set of clubs, FIG. 16.

Although the various stances have a well defined meaning to golfers, they are shown explicitly inFIG. 10. In the closed stance both feet point outward (splayed) and the right foot is pulled back from the direction line; in the square stance, the feet point outward and the toes are on a line parallel to the line of flight of the ball; in the open stance, the left foot points outward and is behind the line of flight while the right foot is at right angles to and ahead of the line of flight. The club numbers in FIG. 10 are exemplary only and may change somewhat for different golfers.

BALL POSITIONING Ball positioning is a relatively simple matter once the guide has been calibrated, especially since ball positioning for the long clubs, all agree, is measured from the heel of the leading foot, the left foot for a righthanded golfer. Thus, for club No. l, the ball is usually played one inch to the right of the left foot. However, the practice equipment of this invention enables the golfer to determine whether, for a better shot,the ball should be played further back. Assuming that one inch should be tried, the golfer sets the equipment for the closed stance, FIG. 1 1, takes that stance, and then fixes No. 1 ball marker on guide one inch off his left heel as shown in FIG. 17A.

Next ball markers

2, 3 and 4 are located on the guide one inch from each other starting with No. 2 ball marker one inch to the right of No. 1'

ball marker. Member 20 can be made long enough to accommodate the physique of any golfer.

There is general agreement that the ball for the No. 5 club shot should be played in the center of the stance. The foot guides are adjusted for the No. 5 club stance, the center of the stance is determined and the ball marker (No. 5) is located on guide 20 to be at the center of the stance, FIG. 178; the No. 6 ball marker is fixed to the guide 1 inch to the right of No. 5, and No. 7 ball marker is located one inch to the right of No. 6.

Since the heels move closer together by one inch (one half inch inward movement of each heel) when progressing from the No. 5 club to the No. 6 club to the No. 7 club, it will be seen that with a one inch separation between the ball markers, the ball lie moves progressively nearer the right foot as the shorter clubs are selected.

The No. 9 club ball position should be one inch forward or to the left of the right heel when the golfer is in proper stance for the No. 9 club. The No. 9 ball marker is so located on the club head guide 20, FIG. 17C, and the No. 8 ball marker is located one inch to the left.

To determine how far the golf ball should be played away from the direction line, one uses an actual ball which, for the No. 1 club foot position, is located on the carpet, or whatever outdoor surface might be employed, until it can be reached comfortably with the sole of the No. 1 club lying flat on the ground, immediately behind the ball and the arms neither stretching to reach the ball nor too close to the body, but simply a comfortable position for presenting the club face to the ball without stretching. The club shaft is now dropped with the club head still in alignment with the back of the ball, and a marker tape 57 (FIG. 7) is wrapped about the shaft where the shaft crosses the direction line 55 on guide 20.

Now all clubs, with the exception of the putter, are arranged side by side parallel on the carpet or other surface representing the practice area, with the ends of the shafts in alignment. One of the markers 57 is placed on each of the other club shafts, the same distance from the end of the shaft as the tape on the shaft of the No. 1 club. Any time afterwards, the shaft of a selected club may be laid on the guide at 90 to the direction line marker 55 and across the appropriate ball marker, or 90 to the direction line on the golf course, with the marker tape 57 on the direction line, and the actual ball position will be at the head end of the club. In other words, the distance for actual play of the ball from the direction line is the distance separating the marker 57 on the club shaft from the face of the club head.

PUTTING The golfer may select any available stance when using the present invention for putting practice or even actual play. To this end, the practice equipment may incorporate a putter club marker (FIG. 7) and a putting ball marker 86 (FIG. 7A). The putter club marker is placed on the guide 20 at a location which, when aligned with the red arrow 53, position the foot guides 30 and 40 for the stance selected by the golfer. The putting ball marker 86 is positioned on the guide 20 at a location, relative to the golfers feet, that locates the ball in accordance with his preference. Golf experts agree that for putting the ball should be located no more than three or 4 inches forward of the direction line. Since this distance is easily determined, a club shaft label for establishing the outward ball position is unnecessary.

It will be seen from the foregoing that the present invention enables the correct golf stance tov be assumed in its actual performance, enables the golfer to recognize and feel the difference between the three basic stances, and enables the golfer to locate the ball accurately for each club. Once calibrated, the equipment enables the golfer to place his feet and body, automatically, at a correct and comfortable distance from the golf ball. Although the-invention has been described as applied to a right-handed golfer, it applies equally to a left-handed player. For the left-hander, the assembly need only be turned over, end-for-end, and the guide indicia applied to the opposite side from that described. All other procedures remain the same, except that the references to right and left feet are reversed. Of course, the guide, slide and markers may be of variant form and shape and need not necessarily conform to the precise details set forth by way of the preferred embodiment; hence variations may be made with the principles set forth by way of example.

I claim:

1. Golf practice equipment for guiding a golfer in consistent selection of stance, comprising:

an elongated club guide;

a first foot guide extending outwardly in one direction from the club guide and presenting at least one foot niche for locating one foot of the golfer in a given position;

a slide coupled to the club guide;

a second foot guide extending outwardly from the slide in the opposite direction from the first foot guide and presenting at least one foot niche for locating the other foot of the golfer in a given stance relative to the one foot, movement of the slide in one direction along the club guide resulting in relative closure of the two foot guides to shorten the spacing between the foot niches and movement of the slide in the opposite direction relative to the club guide resulting in relative opening movement of the foot guides to lengthen the spacing between the foot niches;

indicia on the club guide spaced a predetermined distance from one another and identifying individual golf clubs;

and indexing means on the slide to be set opposite a club indicium on the club guide accordingly to move the foot niches of the respective foot guides closer to one another for clubs of diminishing length.

2. Golf practice equipment, according to claim 1, in which each foot guide includes at least two different niches, each co-ordinated to a foot niche in the other foot guide to define a distinctive type of stance for the golfer.

3. Golf practice equipment, according to claim 1, in which each foot guide includes three separate niches, each paired with a foot niche in the other foot guide, said pairs of foot niches defining a wide, closed stance for the long golf clubs, an intermediate, square stance for the middle clubs, and an open, narrow stance for the short clubs.

4. Golf practice equipment, according to claim 1, in which the club guide has at least one ball marker, identifying ball placement relative to the golfer's heels for a given club.

5. Golf practice equipment, according to claim 1, in which the foot guides are of wire form bent to afford the niches and in which the front of each niche constitutes a toe limiter positioned to define the stance and with respect to which the foot is to be positioned at right angles.

iii

6. Golf practice equipment, according to claim 1, in which the club indicia on the club guide are of two colors respectively distinguishing a selected group of ion clubs and all remaining clubs in another group,

an in which the slide has two distinguishing index markers, each index marker related to one of said two groups of club indicia.

7. Golf practice equipmen according to claim 1, in which the two foot guides are detachably mounted on the club guide and slide, respectively, and in which the slide is detachable from the club guide.

8. Golf practice equipment, according to claim 1, in which the club guide includes a direction line marker, extending longitudinally of the club guide, and further comprising means for marking each golf club shaft to enable the golfer to orient the ball properly, in two coordinate directions, from his feet and body.

9. Golf practice equipment for guiding a golfer in consistent selection of stance, comprising:

an elongated club guide;

a first foot guide extending outwardly in one direction from the club guide and presenting a given number of foot niches, each locating one foot of the golfer in a given position relating to a particular stance;

a slide coupled to the club guide;

a second foot guide extending outwardly from the slide in the opposite direction from the foot guide and presenting a plurality of foot niches, each paired with a foot niche in the first foot guide and each locating the other foot of the golfer in a particular stance relative to the one foot, movement of the slide in one direction along the club guide resulting in relative closure of the two foot guides to shorten the spacing between the foot niches and movement of the slide in the opposite direction relative to the club guide resulting in relative opening movement of the foot guides to lengthen the spacing between the foot niches;

each foot niche in each guide including a toe limiter defining the toe position and at least one side element defining angular orientation of the foot;

indexing means on the slide to be set opposite a club indicium on the club guide accordingly to move the foot niches of the respective foot guides closer to one another for clubs of diminishing length;

and a plurality of ball markers, on the club guide,

each ball marker identifying ball placement relative to the golfers feet for a given club.

10. Golf practice equipment, according to claim 9, and further comprising a plurality of ball distance markers, individually applicable to the shafts of the golf clubs to enable the golfer to orient the ball in two coordinate directions, relative to his feet and body, by

laying the golf club across the appropriate ball marker on the club guide, at to the club guide, with the ball distance marker aligned with a specific portion of the club guide.

Claims

1. Golf practice equipment for guiding a golfer in consistent selection of stance, comprising: an elongated club guide; a first foot guide extending outwardly in one direction from the club guide and presenting at least one foot niche for locating one foot of the golfer in a given position; a slide coupled to the club guide; a second foot guide extending outwardly from the slide in the opposite direction from the first foot guide and presenting at least one foot niche for locating the other foot of the golfer in a given stance relative to the one foot, movement of the slide in one direction along the club guide resulting in relative closure of the two foot guides to shorten the spacing between the foot niches and movement of the slide in the opposite direction relative to the club guide resulting in relative opening movement of the foot guides to lengthen the spacing between the foot niches; indicia on the club guide spaced a predetermined distance from one another and identifying individual golf clubs; and indexing means on the slide to be set opposite a club indicium on the club guide accordingly to move the foot niches of the respective foot guides closer to one another for clubs of diminishing length.

4. Golf practice equipment, according to claim 1, in which the club guide has at least one ball marker, identifying ball placement relative to the golfer''s heels for a given club.

6. Golf practice equipment, according to claim 1, in which the club indicia on the club guide are of two colors respectively distinguishing a selected group of long clubs and all remaining clubs in another group, and in which the slide has two distinguishing index markers, each index marker related to one of said two groups of club indicia.

7. Golf practice equipment, according to claim 1, in which the two foot guides are detachably mounted on the club guide and slide, respectively, and in which the slide is detachable from the club guide.

8. Golf practice equipment, according to claim 1, in which the club guide includes a direction line marker, extending longitudinally of the club guide, and further comprising means for marking each golf club shaft to enable the golfer to orient the ball properly, in two co-ordinate directions, from his feet and body.

9. Golf practice equipment fOr guiding a golfer in consistent selection of stance, comprising: an elongated club guide; a first foot guide extending outwardly in one direction from the club guide and presenting a given number of foot niches, each locating one foot of the golfer in a given position relating to a particular stance; a slide coupled to the club guide; a second foot guide extending outwardly from the slide in the opposite direction from the foot guide and presenting a plurality of foot niches, each paired with a foot niche in the first foot guide and each locating the other foot of the golfer in a particular stance relative to the one foot, movement of the slide in one direction along the club guide resulting in relative closure of the two foot guides to shorten the spacing between the foot niches and movement of the slide in the opposite direction relative to the club guide resulting in relative opening movement of the foot guides to lengthen the spacing between the foot niches; each foot niche in each guide including a toe limiter defining the toe position and at least one side element defining angular orientation of the foot; indicia on the club guide spaced a predetermined distance from one another and identifying individual golf clubs; indexing means on the slide to be set opposite a club indicium on the club guide accordingly to move the foot niches of the respective foot guides closer to one another for clubs of diminishing length; and a plurality of ball markers, on the club guide, each ball marker identifying ball placement relative to the golfer''s feet for a given club.

10. Golf practice equipment, according to claim 9, and further comprising a plurality of ball distance markers, individually applicable to the shafts of the golf clubs to enable the golfer to orient the ball in two co-ordinate directions, relative to his feet and body, by laying the golf club across the appropriate ball marker on the club guide, at 90* to the club guide, with the ball distance marker aligned with a specific portion of the club guide.