WO2022208323A1 - Systems and methods for improving golf ability - Google Patents

Abstract

Systems and methods that use data, learning theory, psychology, and performance research to improve the golfing ability of individual golfers. Users of the golf training systems contemplated herein purchases memberships, fills out a user profile forms, and participate in assessments. The user profile form questions and assessment are designed to provide information necessary to build a blueprint algorithm for that particular golfer. Using the blueprint algorithm, a blueprint plan is generated for the golfer to create a sequence of practice sessions and blueprint cards that are customized to the individual golfer's needs yet randomized to ensure an ideal practice experience. The specific blueprint plan is then delivered to the golfer, with updates occurring at predetermined intervals, such as monthly and upon updated assessment and golf data.

Description

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IMPROVING GOLF ABILITY

BACKGROUND

Field [0001] The present disclosure relates systems and methods that use data, learning theory, psychology, and performance research to improve the golfing ability of individuals.

Background

[0002] Playing a round of golf is expensive, as are the clubs, balls, tees, clothing, bags and the like. Advertisers spend hundreds of millions of dollars a year to capture the eyes of golfers offering them the “newest and best.” The most common of these advertisements is for drivers that promise golfers they will hit the ball farther, more accurately and more efficiently. However, research on driver data over the last ten years shows little improvement in distance and only slightly better on accuracy for the average golfer.

[0003] Moreover, equipment is not the only thing on which golfers spend inordinate amounts of money for the sake of improvement. For example, lessons from professionals are very common ways to seek improvement. However, the research is inconclusive, and more work needs to be done to determine the extent professional instruction helps the average golfer, and the general consensus is split between whether or not improvement through professional instruction is tangible for most golfers.

[0004] Finally, training aids that promote the “perfect swing” are largely ineffective but nonetheless are commonly purchased items. However, the research in this area is clear that such training gimmicks typically do not work. [0005] Thus, because the desire of golfers of all experience and ability levels to improve is so strong, there is a long felt need for alternative approaches to improving golfers’ games other than through equipment, traditional lessons, training aids and the like, and instead, use data, learning theory and psychology to improve.

SUMMARY

[0006] In general, the present disclosure provides systems and methods that use data, learning theory, psychology, and performance research to improve the golfing ability of individual users (or “golfers”). For example, a user of the golf training system contemplated herein purchases a membership, fills out a user profile form, and participates in an assessment. The user profile form questions and assessment are designed to provide the information necessary to build a blueprint algorithm for that particular golfer. Using the blueprint algorithm, a blueprint plan is generated for the golfer to create a sequence of practice sessions and blueprint cards that are customized to the individual golfer’s needs, yet randomized to ensure an ideal practice experience. The specific blueprint plan is then delivered to the golfer, with updates occurring at predetermined intervals, such as monthly and upon updated assessment and golf data.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the disclosure, and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the disclosure, wherein:

[0008] Figure 1 is a chart showing average golfer handicaps.

[0009] Figure 2 is an exemplary blueprint plan in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. [0010] Figure 3 is an exemplary blueprint card in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 4 is process flow diagram illustrating an example of the process an individual golfer may use in accordance with the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Persons skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various aspects of the present disclosure can be realized by any number of methods and systems configured to perform the intended functions. Stated differently, other methods and systems can be incorporated herein to perform the intended functions. It should also be noted that the accompanying drawing figures referred to herein are not necessarily drawn to scale and may be exaggerated to illustrate various aspects of the present disclosure, and in that regard, the drawing figures should not be construed as limiting. Finally, although the present disclosure can be described in connection with various principles and beliefs, the present disclosure should not be bound by any particular theory.

[0013] Additionally, golf training systems and methods disclosed herein may be described herein in terms of functional block components, optional selections and various processing steps. It should be appreciated that such functional blocks may be realized by any number of hardware and/or software components configured to perform the specified functions. For example, the golf training systems and methods described herein may employ various integrated circuit components, e.g., memory elements, processing elements, logic elements, look-up tables, and/or the like, which may carry out a variety of functions under the control of one or more microprocessors or other control devices. Similarly, the software elements of the golf training systems and methods may be implemented with any programming or scripting language such as C, C++, Java, COBOL, assembler, PERL, Visual Basic, SQL Stored Procedures, extensible markup language (XML), with the various algorithms being implemented with any combination of data structures, objects, processes, routines or other programming elements. Further, it should be noted that the golf training systems and methods may employ any number of conventional techniques for data transmission, signaling, data processing, network control, and/or the like. Still further, the golf training systems and methods could be used to detect or prevent security issues with a client-side scripting language, such as JavaScript, VBScript or the like.

[0014] Software elements may be loaded onto a general purpose computing device such as a computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus create means for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart block or blocks. These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture including instruction means which implement the function specified in the flowchart block or blocks. The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide steps for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart block or blocks.

[0015] As used herein, the term “network” is any electronic communication means which includes hardware and/or software components for communication among parties through any suitable communication channels, such as, for example, a telephone network, an extranet, an intranet, Internet, point of interaction device (e.g., point of sale device, personal digital assistant, cellular phone, kiosk, etc.), online communications, satellite communications, off-line communications, wireless communications, transponder communications, local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), networked or linked devices, keyboard, mouse and/or any suitable communication or data input modality.

[0016] The system may employ any number of databases in any number of configurations. Further, any databases discussed herein may be any type of database, such as relational, hierarchical, graphical, object-oriented, and/or other database configurations. Common database products that may be used to implement the databases include DB2 by IBM, various database products available from Oracle Corporation, Microsoft Access or Microsoft SQL Server by Microsoft Corporation, or any other suitable database product. [0017] Moreover, the databases may be organized in any suitable manner, for example, as data tables or lookup tables. Each record may be a single file, a series of files, a linked series of data fields or any other data structure. Association of certain data may be accomplished through any desired data association technique such as those known or practiced in the art. For example, the association may be accomplished either manually or automatically. Automatic association techniques may include, for example, a database search, a database merge, GREP, AGREP, SQL, using a key field in the tables to speed searches, sequential searches through all the tables and files, sorting records in the file according to a known order to simplify lookup, and/or the like. [0018] In various embodiments, for security, databases, systems, devices, servers or other components of the golf training system may consist of any combination thereof at a single location or at multiple locations, wherein each database includes any of various suitable security features, such as firewalls, access codes, encryption, decryption, compression, decompression, and/or the like. [0019] In various embodiments, the golf training system (as described below) may employ various known or as yet unknown authentication methods to validate credentials of users, assign proper permissions, and retrieve preferences information for authorized users of the golf training system (e.g., customers and property managers). For example, such users may create accounts within the golf training system. In this regard, an account, username, password, and the like may include any identifying indicia and codes (e.g., one or more of an authorization/access code, personal identification number (“PIN”), Internet code, other identification code, and/or the like), number, letter, symbol, digital certificate, or other identifier/indicia suitably configured to allow a user to securely access, interact with or communicate with the system.

[0020] In various embodiments, an Internet server employs an application server to manage various applications and utilities that are utilized by the golf training system. For example, the Internet server may interact directly with the various systems and components disclosed herein (e.g., the different modules and engines). In an embodiment, the Internet server is a file server. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, in various embodiments Internet server may comprise a single physical server, multiple physical servers, multiple logical servers, etc. For example, the Internet server may include a plurality of web servers that service requests from users, and acquire and share data, etc. The golf training system may include any number of computing platforms and databases that may be commonly found within a typical client/server, internet search provider and/or electronic commerce implementation.

[0021] Other components of the golf training system may include, for example, registration systems, management information systems, business information systems, third-party service and data providers (e.g., Yardi, RealPage Inc., Experian, etc.) and the like. Each of the systems may be interconnected by a network via any method and/or device described herein, or those as yet unknown. The golf training system, or any other components discussed herein, may further include one or more of the following: a host server (e.g., a golf training system server) or other computing systems including a processor for processing digital data; a memory coupled to the processor for storing digital data; an input digitizer coupled to the processor for inputting digital data; an application program stored in memory and accessible by the processor for directing processing of digital data by the processor; a display device coupled to a processor and memory for displaying information derived from digital data processed by the processor; and a plurality of databases. [0022] In this regard, one or more of the components of the golf training system may be embodied as a customization of an existing system, an add-on product, upgraded software, a stand-alone system, a distributed system, a method, a data processing system, a device for data processing, a computer and/or a computer program product. Accordingly, individual golf training system components may take the form of an entirely software embodiment, an entirely hardware embodiment, or an embodiment combining aspects of both software and hardware.

[0023] For example, in an embodiment, golf training system hardware components (e.g. a computer) may include a processor, a memory, a communications interface, a network interface, etc. Individual golf training system components may take the form of a computer program product on a computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable program code means embodied in the storage medium. Any suitable computer-readable storage medium may be utilized, including hard disks, CD-ROM, flash memory, optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, and/or the like. [0024] The golf training system may also contemplate uses in association with various web services including software as a service or “SaaS”, object access and messaging protocols, utility computing, pervasive and individualized computing, security and identity solutions, electronic commerce, autonomic computing, commodity computing, mobility and wireless solutions, open source, biometrics, grid computing and/or mesh computing.

[0025] Users may access the golf training system through “clients.” In this regard, a “client” comprises any hardware and/or software suitably configured to facilitate requesting, retrieving, sending, receiving, updating, analyzing, entering and/or modifying data. For example, in one embodiment, a client is configured to facilitate input, receipt and/or review of information relating to a user and their preferences. The client includes any device (e.g., personal computer) and/or software (e.g., browser applications) which communicates (in any manner discussed herein) with the golf training system via any network discussed herein.

[0026] The golf training system may incorporate web- and browser-based interfaces, native mobile applications, and application programming interfaces (APIs). Practitioners will appreciate that there are a number of methods for displaying data within a browser-based document. Data may be represented as standard text or within a fixed list, scrollable list, drop-down list, editable text field, fixed text field, modal, data visualization and live/real-time data updates, and/or the like. Likewise, there are a number of methods available for modifying data in a web page such as, for example, free text entry using a keyboard, selection of menu items, check boxes, option boxes, and/or the like.

[0027] Browser applications may comprise Internet browsing software installed within a computing unit or system to conduct searches for products and services, review information, conduct or initiate online transactions and/or facilitate electronic communications. These computing units or systems may take the form of a computer or set of computers, although other types of computing units or systems may be used, including laptops, notebooks, hand held computers and other mobile devices, set-top boxes, workstations, computer-servers, main frame computers, mini-computers, PC servers, pervasive computers, network sets of computers, and/or the like.

[0028] The client typically includes an operating system such as, by way of example only, Windows, OS2, UNIX, Linux, Solaris, MacOS, Android, Palm OS, iPhone OS etc.) as well as various conventional support software and drivers typically associated with computers. The client may include any suitable mobile device (e.g., a mobile device that includes short messaging service (SMS) functionality), phone, personal computer, network computer, workstation, minicomputer, mainframe or the like. The client can be in a home or business environment with access to a network. In an exemplary embodiment, access is through a network or the Internet through a commercially available web-browser software package.

[0029] Any of the communications, inputs, storage, databases or displays discussed herein may be facilitated through a web site having web pages. As used herein, a “web page” is not meant to limit the type of documents and applications that might be used to interact with the user. For example, a typical web site might include, in addition to standard HTML documents, various forms, Java applets, JavaScript, AJAX (asynchronous JavaScripti+XML), active server pages (ASP), PHP, ZEND Framework, common gateway interface scripts (CGI), extensible markup language (XML), dynamic HTML, cascading style sheets (CSS), helper applications, plug-ins, and/or the like. A server may include a web service that receives a request from a web server, the request including a URL or an IP address. [0030] In various embodiments, additional features of golf training system may include various communication and social platforms (e.g., posting forums, message boards, etc.). Such premium features may be provided via separate modules in golf training system or may be incorporated into existing modules and components of the golf training system. [0031] The above being noted, in general, the present disclosure provides golf training systems and methods that use data, learning theory, psychology, and performance research to improve the golfing ability of individual golfers. For example, in accordance with the present disclosure, golf training systems as disclosed herein use a combination of data analytics, learning theories, and game improvement practices.

[0032] The golf training systems contemplated herein may use a “blueprint algorithm” that combines predictive analytics, learning theories, psychology, and performance research to help golfers optimize their game. By using the blueprint algorithm and blueprint assessment, the golf training systems provides a practice program tailored to individual golfers that provides them engaging, focused, and intentional practices that target the areas they need to improve. As described herein, the golf training system can create one or more “blueprints” for individual golfers that is highly customized using the algorithm and randomized in strategic ways using the plan builder. The blueprints may be electronic plans and cards (e.g., in pdf or other electronic format) which may be displayed in an app, emailed, downloaded or transmitted through another digital medium. Alternatively, the blueprints may be hard copies provided to the golfers.

[0033] In accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure, the blueprint algorithm takes several data points into account to create a golfer’s user profile. Once a user is categorized, on the back end, the algorithm adjusts to the golfer’s specific needs to improve their game.

[0034] In accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure, the golf training systems may use cognitive offloading. In this regard, for example, when golfers arrive at a driving range for a practice session, many will state that they are overwhelmed and do not know what to do or where to start to realize improvement in their game. Thus, they spend too much time thinking about what they should be doing and trying to choose from the available options, and do not end up working on anything useful for improvement. The blueprints provided in accordance with the present disclosure take that decision making off the shoulders of the golfer, ensuring that they can remained focused on their goals without having to decide how they will approach those goals.

[0035] In accordance with the present disclosure, the golf training system addresses flaws in a golfer’s own self-assessment. Golfers using the golf training system of the present disclosure are best visualized through a bell curve. For example, with reference now to Figure 1 , a small percentage of golfers are “scratch” or better, and a small number are worse than a 16 handicap. The largest base is in the 7 to 16 handicap categories.

[0036] A golfer’s observations of their own game are typically incorrect. For example, an example of self-assessment came in the form of a golfer with a 12.9 handicap. The golfer self-assessed to be a “good driver of the ball, while being a poor putter.” The golfer also stated they believed a “good driver of the ball can accurately and consistently strike the ball 250+ yards.”

[0037] However, the above golfer who self-identifies as a great driver of the ball and poor putter is nearly impossible to be true. According to the United States Golf Association, about 2% of golfers are “scratch” or 0.0 handicaps or better (USGA, 2020). The average “scratch” or 0.0 handicap hits their driver 250 yards (USGA, 2020). The average bogey golfer, hits drives only about 200 yards. Someone who is a 12.9 handicap statistically is likely not particularly good at driving the ball because that is the single most important determining factor in a golfer’s ability to score well. The ability to hit the ball far with accuracy is the most important because it essentially “shrinks” the golf course, making each hole play shorter.

[0038] For example, taking for instance a 400-yard, par 4 hole, a “good driver” of the ball would drive the ball 250 yards, leaving only 150 yards to the pin. A golfer’s score expectancy from 150 yards can be calculated through Columbia business professor Mark Broadie’s revolutionary “strokes gained data.” Broadie’s strokes gained data can give a reasonably reliable estimate of a golfer’s expected score from 150 yards in the middle of the fairway. Being closer to the hole will most always return a lower expected score for the golfer. Being closer to the hole will return a lower score because the golfer statistically will hit it closer to the hole, resulting in a shorter putting distance. The closer you get the ball to the hole, in the fewest possible strokes, the better chance to score lower.

[0039] Additionally, typical golfers are frequently quoted as saying they struggle with putting. Determining the best way to improve putting consistently is challenging, in part because putting can be very hard to statistically track and is typically the area of the game that golfers can make the least amount of significant improvement. In addition, putting offers the greatest variance in skill from player to player and course to course.

[0040] Instead, to simplify the issue with self-assessing to be a poor putter, the best way to be a good putter is to consistently hit the ball closer to the hole. The golfer who says they are not a good putter is likely a poor approach player (and a poor driver).

[0041 ] It is far easier to put the ball in the hole from 3 feet than it is from 10, and 30 feet and so on. Amateur golfers like the aforementioned 12.9 handicap rarely hit close to the green on their approach shot and on the off chance they do, they do not realize that putting statistics are very low. For example, on the PGA Tour, where the best players in the world are playing, the average make rates from 6 feet are only about 60% (PGA Tour, 2020).

[0042] Thus, the golf training system of the present disclosure weighs putting low on the list of importance within an average golfer’s game and the blueprint algorithm is built on what golfers of various abilities actually need to improve. [0043] For example, the learning objectives for the design of a blueprint using the golf training system herein begins with an inference about a specific golfer, referred to herein as “binning.” Through a detailed questionnaire in combination with their blueprint assessment data, a golfer’s information is input to place the golfer into a “bin” with other golfers similar to them in ability and areas of needed improvement. Once a golfer is binned, they receive a blueprint plan and blueprint cards that are customized for their needs. For example, one blueprint plan and/or card might emphasize wedge play, while another will focus heavily on driving the ball, and yet another might focus on approach. Criterion referenced instruction informs this decision making, because the golf training system is working with an end goal of improving a golfer’s performance, while giving them tangible and measurable tasks to complete and record. The following Example 1 is an exemplary blueprint assessment:

EXAMPLE 1

[0044] The Trackman Combine consists of 60 shots to 10 different targets. 30 shots (50%) occur inside of 100 yards. 18 shots (30%) occur between 140-180 yards. No shots occur between 180 yards and Driver.

• 6 at 60 yards

• 6 at 70 yards

• 6 at 80 yards

• 6 at 90 yards · 6 at 100 yards

• 6 at 120 yards

• 6 at 140 yards

• 6 at 160 yards

• 6 at 180 yards * 6 Drivers

[0045] It is often said that 60 to 65 percent of all shots are struck within 100 yards of the hole. Dr. Mark Broadie agreed but noted that if you take out “gimme” putts of two and a half feet, the statistic has less meaning. Remove very short putts that are rarely missed, and shots from 100 yards or less account for only 45 to 50 percent of all shots. Eliminate putts from three and a half feet or less, and the figure drops to 41 to 47 percent.

1. Danny Willett 51 12' 0" 239.500 20 -0.05 5. Cameron Tringale 94 13' 4" 1,109.750 83 -0.30

[0046] The entire PGA Tour 2021 season the leader in shots inside of 100 yards was Danny Willet who had 20 chances. For comparison, the player with the most rounds inside the top 10 was Cameron T ringale who had 83 chances inside 100 yards. Tringale played 1 ,656 holes in 2021 and had only 83 chances inside of 100 yards. 5% of holes Tringale hit a shot inside of 100 yards. Adding 120 yards, Tringale had 153 total chances, accounting for only 9% of all holes he played. As one can imagine, the average golfer, whether playing competitively or casually, sees far less approach shots inside 100 yards than the Trackman Combine emphasizes.

EXAMPLE 2

[0047] The Trackman Combine is built on different yardages, and is thus not tailored to a golfer’s game.

[0048] For elite amateurs and professionals, the Trackman Combine does not account for longer clubs often used on par 3’s. The furthest number the Trackman Combine assesses is 180 yards, which does not account for many of the par 3’s in professional and amateur competitions, and these par 3’s often act as field separators. The US Open at Torrey Pines South recently averaged par 3’s of 203.25 yards. TPC Scottsdale, home of the Waste Management Open, par 3’s recently averaged 188.25 yards.

[0049] For the typical golfer, the distance they hit clubs and the total yardage of their home-course varies golfer to golfer. The one-size-fits-all yardage approach of the Trackman Combine cannot capture this variance, and thus each golfer is being asked a different question by the Trackman Combine rather than adjusting to their game and standard yardages.

Solution

[0050] The blueprint assessment asks different questions. Instead of telling golfers to hit the ball a certain yardage, the blueprint assessment is built to account for how far golfers hit specific clubs. The blueprint assessment also simplifies assessment data by using a binary 0 or 1 system, which is a more realistic assessment for golfers: scoring is based on shots being “good-enough”.

[0051] The blueprint assessment draws on learning theory to ask golfers how far they believe they hit each club before beginning. This serves two purposes: first, it allows golfers to either reinforce or understand how far they actually carry their clubs. Second, this allows for a regulated data set. This method of thinking differs from the Trackman Combine because it allows for players data to be directly compared to one another (called norm-based testing), while also emphasizing the importance of a user- defined distance control.

Executing the Blueprint Assessment

[0052] The blueprint assessment asks each player to use their Sand Wedge (54-56 degree), 8-iron, 5-iron and Driver. Before testing, the evaluator (e.g., a swing- instructor or coach) will ask each golfer how far they carry each club and take a note. Note that for each club, the golfer need not choose their maximum carry distance. They can choose the carry distance that they would like to be assessed against. For example, John Doe might be able to carry his 56-degree 110 yards but prefer to only hit it a maximum of 100 yards on the course.

[0053] An example set of stock carry distances for John Doe:

• 56 - 100 yards

• 8-iron - 165 yards

• 5-iron - 195 yards

• Driver - 270 yards

[0054] The blueprint assessment calls for each golfer to hit 9 balls with each club, but only 8 will be scored. This is done to eliminate outlier shots from the data set. If performed outside, the evaluator will identify a target in the distance the launch monitor will be aimed at and inform the player. The player can warm-up as they see fit, but it is recommended that the evaluator tells the player exactly what is being evaluated and the goal. This is built on learning theory called Criterion Referenced Instruction, which highlights that data and transparency supports in improving performance.

[0055] Once the player is adequately warmed up the blueprint assessment will begin. The player will hit 9 shots with their Sand Wedge, then 9 shots with their 8-iron, then 9 shots with their 5-iron, and then 9 shots with their Driver. The evaluator is not to coach, help or offer guidance in any way while the assessment is occurring. It is also recommended to not offer feedback, just allow the player to perform. After 9 shots are hit with each club, the evaluator will identify the worst of the data set and remove it, leaving 8 shots.

[0056] Each club will have a maximum of 16 points available, totaling 64 points across all 4 clubs. The data will be scored and evaluated by the golf training golf training system.

[0057] Referring now to Figure 2, an exemplary blueprint plan is illustrated and Figure 3 for a blueprint card. In accordance with the present disclosure, blueprint plans provide sequences of practice sessions, and blueprint cards provide specific drills. As used herein, a blueprint plan (Figure 2) is a card with a sequence of practice sessions of variable length. Each session includes 4-7 blueprint cards coming from several major categories. As used herein, a blueprint card (Figure 3) is a card with one or more golf drills organized into one of five major categories (and several subcategories): putting, chipping, wedges, approach, and driving. Blueprint cards are designed to incorporate cutting-edge performance research.

[0058] Blueprint plans and blueprint cards are designed based on the blueprint algorithm, and the flow of the same is illustrated in Figure 4. Blueprint algorithms contemplated herein are analytic and data informed algorithms that uses golfer data and available research to categorize the individual golfer and design their blueprint plan category structure and sequence. The blueprint algorithm incorporates relevant golfer data (e.g., strokes gained data, handicap data, blueprint assessment data, and improvement outcome data) to determine the best blueprint plan structure for an individual golfer.

[0059] For example, in exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a golfer profile form is sent to the golfer, the golfer completes it and returns it to a golf training system hub, and the data is input into the blueprint algorithm noted above. In general, a typical golfer will receive twenty or more drills to complete for the month (or other pre-determ ined time period) after which, their blueprint is updated using the algorithm.

[0060] For example, after a user of the golf training system purchases a membership, the golfer fills out the above-noted golfer profile form. The golfer profile form questions in combination with the blueprint assessment data are designed to provide the information necessary to build the blueprint algorithm for that particular golfer. Using the blueprint algorithm and plan builder, the golfer’s blueprint plan is generated to create a sequence of practice sessions and blueprint cards that are customized to the individual golfer’s needs and yet randomized to ensure they receive an appropriate amount of familiar drills and new drills. The specific blueprint plan is then delivered to the golfer, with updates occurring at predetermined intervals, such as monthly.

[0061] Throughout the individual golfer’s progress, they are able to provide blueprint card performance data and blueprint assessment data to update their golfer profile form. By doing so, the individual golfer’s blueprint algorithm is updated so that their blueprint plan is always designed to meet their needs as their abilities change.

[0062] Finally, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present disclosure without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. Thus, it is intended that the present disclosure cover the modifications and variations of this disclosure provided they come within the scope of the any claims and their equivalents.

[0001] Likewise, numerous characteristics and advantages have been set forth in the preceding description, including various alternatives together with details of the structure and function of the devices and/or methods. The disclosure is intended as illustrative only and as such is not intended to be exhaustive. It will be evident to those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made, especially in matters of structure, deposition materials, elements, components, shape, size and arrangement of parts including combinations within the principles of the invention, to the full extent indicated by the broad, general meaning of the terms in which the any claims are expressed. To the extent that these various modifications do not depart from the spirit herein, they are intended to be encompassed.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS: We claim:

1 . A computer implemented method for facilitating the training of a user in the sport of golf, comprising the steps of: completing a sale of a membership to the user using a computing device connected to a golf training system server; providing a user profile form to the user, wherein the user profile form requests information from the user relating to user golf skill and a user assessment is generated; creating a blueprint algorithm for the user based on the user profile form and user assessment; using the blueprint algorithm to generate a blueprint plan having a sequence of practice sessions and blueprint cards customized to the user’s needs; and delivering the blueprint plan to the user.

2. The computer implemented method for facilitating the training of a user in the sport of golf of claim 1 , wherein the practice sessions and the blueprint cards are randomized.

3. The computer implemented method for facilitating the training of a user in the sport of golf of claim 1 , further comprising the step of providing the blueprint plan updates to the user at predetermined intervals.

4. The computer implemented method for facilitating the training of a user in the sport of golf of claim 3, wherein the blueprint plan updates are based on updated assessment and golf data provided by the user.

5. The computer implemented method for facilitating the training of a user in the sport of golf of claim 3, wherein the predetermined intervals are monthly.

6. The computer implemented method for facilitating the training of a user in the sport of golf of claim 1 , wherein the blueprint algorithm combines predictive analytics, learning theories and psychology and to optimize the user’s skill level.

7. The computer implemented method for facilitating the training of a user in the sport of golf of claim 1 , wherein the blueprint plan is an electronic plan displayed in at least one of a software application, emailed file, and downloaded from the golf training system server.

8. The computer implemented method for facilitating the training of a user in the sport of golf of claim 1 , wherein the blueprint plan is a hard copy.

9. The computer implemented method for facilitating the training of a user in the sport of golf of claim 1 , wherein the blueprint cards comprise one or more golf drills organized into at least one of the following categories: putting, chipping, wedges, approach, and driving.

10. The computer implemented method for facilitating the training of a user in the sport of golf of claim 1 , wherein the blueprint algorithm comprises analytic and data informed algorithms using user data and available research to categorize the user to design the blueprint plan.

11. The computer implemented method for facilitating the training of a user in the sport of golf of claim 1 , wherein the blueprint algorithm uses at least one of strokes gained data, handicap data, and improvement outcome data to generate the blueprint plan for the user.

12. The computer implemented method for facilitating the training of a user in the sport of golf of claim 1 , wherein the user periodically updates the user profile form with performance data.