Putting trainer and eye alignment system, apparatus, and method

Abstract

A device and method for training a golfer to decelerate the putter club head at the point of impact with the golf ball. The device controls the position where the putter club begins its forward movement and the final follow-through position. The device comprises a cross-member-like component that prevents the putter club head from moving backward beyond the backward position and also prevents the putter club head from moving forward beyond the final follow-through position. The device controls the distance the putter club head travels from the backward position to impact with the golf ball and the distance it travels after impact with the golf ball to the final follow-through position, so that the first distance is greater than the second distance, thereby causing the putter head to decelerate when striking the golf ball.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001] [Cross - Reference to Related Applications and Incorporation by Reference] This non - provisional patent application was filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) on July 4, 2023, and claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 524,909, titled "PUTTING TRAINER APPARATUS AND METHOD", the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. [Statement Regarding Federally Sponsored Research or Development]

[0002] Not applicable. [Incorporation by Reference of Materials Submitted on Compact Disk]

[0003] Not applicable. [Field of the Invention]

[0004] The present invention generally relates to systems, devices, and methods for training golfers to improve their putting skills. [Background]

[0005] It is well known that putting is one of the most important elements of golf. Generally, a player's strategy to minimize the number of strokes on a hole and improve their score involves dividing the play into several elements. For example, the initial shot of the golf ball from the tee box (commonly called the "drive"), the shots made from where the ball lands to get it onto the golf green (commonly called the "short game"), and finally, the shot that rolls the ball into the cup (commonly called the "putt"). Putting is usually done on the putting green. A golfer can put the ball into the cup with a putting stroke, in which the golfer may use the head of the putter club to strike the golf ball, causing it to move towards the receiving cup ("cup") embedded in the putting surface so that the golf ball rolls into the cup and is collected. In the putting portion of a game, the act of striking or impacting a golf ball with the intention of rolling it towards the cup is sometimes called a "putt," and typically the final stroke of each hole is a putting stroke to roll the golf ball into the cup. Putting is an essential element of playing golf. In fact, it is well understood that a golfer's ability to minimize the number of putting strokes (i.e., the ability to minimize the number of putts needed to get the golf ball into the cup) can be one of the most important factors in minimizing the number of strokes per hole and, as a result, improving the score. In professional golf, a player's putting accuracy is a crucial factor in determining the final score and can have a dramatic impact on a player's prize money. Therefore, the need to improve putting accuracy in order to reduce the number of putting strokes has been a long-desired need in this field.

[0006] In putting, the stated goal is to minimize the number of putts (i.e., strokes) as much as possible. This requires: 1) keeping the head stable and centered directly above the ball during the putting stroke; 2) accuracy in the putting direction so that the ball rolls in the desired controlled direction after being struck by the putter; 3) accuracy in the transfer of energy from the putter clubhead to the ball during impact so that the ball rolls the desired distance toward the cup (sometimes called the "hole"); and 4) minimizing undesirable effects of the putter head's impact on the ball, such as a phenomenon called "bouncing," where immediately after the clubhead contacts the ball, the ball does not roll on the grass of the putting green but instead rises slightly, briefly floating just above the surface of the grass. While the golf ball is bouncing, it is not rolling under controlled conditions, making it difficult for the golfer to control the distance the ball rolls. This means the ball may not reach the cup or may even pass the cup, increasing the number of strokes required to sink the ball and negatively impacting the golfer's score. Ball bounce can disrupt putting control, which is an undesirable outcome.

[0007] A golfer's ability to control the direction of the putt, the distance the ball rolls (also known as rollout), and mitigate the negative effects of impacting the ball is crucial in minimizing the number of strokes in putting. Therefore, golfers are constantly seeking ways to improve these aspects of their putting.

[0008] A key factor influencing the effectiveness of a putting stroke is the stability and position of the head during the stroke. Head stability is directly linked to a golfer's ability to maintain focus, align accurately with the putt, and execute a smooth, controlled stroke. Keeping the golfer's head stable and centered directly above the ball provides a stable reference point for the eyes, which is essential for accurate aiming and depth perception.

[0009] Unnecessary head movements during a putting stroke introduce additional variables that the body's kinesthetic system must process. These variables include changes in visual perspective, changes in body balance, and disturbances in the spatial orientation of the head relative to the ball and target line. Head movement during a stroke can lead to inconsistencies in stroke trajectory, impact point, and velocity control, potentially increasing stroke variability.

[0010] By keeping the head stable and centered directly above the ball, golfers can effectively reduce and isolate the variables that their kinesthetic system needs to process. This independence of head movement simplifies the requirements for sensory input and motor control, allowing golfers to focus more on the essential elements of the stroke, such as the putter's trajectory, stroke speed, and the point of impact between the putter head and the ball. Reduced variability leads to more consistent and predictable putting results.

[0011] From a biomechanical standpoint, head stability is closely related to a golfer's overall posture and balance during a putting stroke. A stable head helps maintain a stable spinal angle and balanced weight distribution. Both are crucial for executing a smooth and controlled stroke. Furthermore, having the head centered directly above the ball ensures that the shoulders, arms, and hands can move freely and in coordination, further reducing stroke inconsistencies.

[0012] Therefore, what is needed in the art is a system, apparatus, and / or method suitable for training a golfer to maintain the central position and stability of the clubhead directly above the ball during a putting stroke, maintain control over the direction of the putt, control the distance the ball rolls, and mitigate the adverse effects of ball impact, including but not limited to the bounce of the ball after clubhead impact. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0013] The present invention may include embodiments of systems, apparatus, and methods having one or more of the following features and / or steps, which may constitute patentable subject matter, either individually or in any combination. Any feature, step, and / or element described, illustrated, and / or claimed in the specification, accompanying drawings, claims, and abstract of this patent application may be present in embodiments of the present invention in any combination and in any order. Not all features, steps, and / or elements described, illustrated, and / or claimed are present in all embodiments.

[0014] The objective of this invention is to train users, such as golfers, who wish to improve their golf skills, to keep their heads stable and centered directly above the ball during a putting stroke, in order to reduce the number of variables that the human kinesthetic system must compensate for during a putting stroke.

[0015] The objective of this invention is to train users, such as golfers, who wish to improve their golf skills, to control the movement of the putter club head in order to control the rolling distance of the golf ball after the putter club head strikes (or impacts) the golf ball.

[0016] The objective of this invention is to train users, such as golfers, who wish to improve their golf skills. By training users to move the putter club head in a continuous motion from the backward position in the putting stroke to the final follow-through position, so that the putter club head decelerates when it strikes the golf ball, the movement of the putter club head is controlled to control the distance the golf ball rolls after it strikes (or impacts) the golf ball. This deceleration of the club head at the time of impact with the golf ball results in better control of the ball's rolling distance and reduced bounce, allowing for greater control and prediction of the ball's rolling distance and direction. The golfer's putting skill is improved by training them to control the rolling distance and reduce the ball's bounce, resulting in better control of the smoothness of the ball's roll and better contact of the ball with the putting green surface. By using the training system, apparatus, and method of the present invention, putting becomes more accurate, reproducible, and controllable, reducing the number of putting strokes in a golf game and resulting in a better golf score.

[0017] Furthermore, another objective of the present invention is to train users, such as golfers, who wish to improve their golf skills, to control the movement of the putter club head when it impacts the golf ball, in order to control the direction of the golf ball's roll after the putter club head strikes (or impacts) the golf ball.

[0018] In an embodiment, the present invention comprises a device that creates a visual image of a golf ball, providing the user with an indicator of whether or not their head has moved during a putting stroke. Before the stroke, the golf ball is positioned below and center of the eye alignment device. The eye alignment device is positioned slightly above the ball to ensure space for the putter head to pass beneath the eye alignment device without causing interference with the putter club during the putting stroke.

[0019] This allows the golfer to position their head so that their head and eyes are directly above the eye alignment device, while also being able to react to the golf ball. As a result, a perfect visual image of the entire golf ball is obtained through the eye alignment device. Thus, the golfer is shown that their head and eyes are in the correct position directly above the ball.

[0020] If a golfer's head moves even slightly during a putting stroke, the eye alignment device will obstruct part of the visual image of the golf ball and expose a larger portion of the ground beneath the ball, indicating to the golfer that their head has moved from its initial center position directly above the ball.

[0021] In embodiments, the present invention includes a device that controls the position where the putter club begins to move forward toward the golf ball to be putted (the retracted position of the putter club head) and the final follow-through position (the position where the putter club head stops moving forward after striking the golf ball) during a putting stroke. The golf ball is positioned between the retracted position and the final follow-through position so that it is struck by the putter club head when the user moves the putter club head in a continuous motion from the retracted position to the final follow-through position. The device includes elements in the form of a cross member that prevent the putter club head from moving backward beyond the retracted position and from moving forward beyond the final follow-through position. The putter club head is decelerated when striking the golf ball by controlling the distance the putter club head moves from the retracted position until it impacts the golf ball ("first distance") and the distance the putter club head moves after impacting the golf ball to the final follow-through position ("second distance") such that the first distance is greater than the second distance.

[0022] In this embodiment, the distance from the initial position of the golf ball (the position where the golf ball is stationary before being struck by the putter club head) to the retraction position (the position where the putter club head moves forward toward the golf ball) is greater than the distance from the initial position of the golf ball to the final follow-through position (the position where the putter club head stops moving forward after striking the golf ball).

[0023] In embodiments, the present invention is a method for training a user (e.g., a golfer) to putt with greater control over the ball's roll and reduce ball bounce by training the user to putt with a continuous motion such that the putter club head decelerates as it impacts the golf ball. In embodiments, this is achieved by controlling the distance the putter club head travels from its rearward position to impact the golf ball ("first distance"), such that the first distance is greater than the distance the putter club head travels from impact to the final follow-through position ("second distance").

[0024] In embodiments, the method may further include the step of training a particular golfer by having that particular golfer perform multiple putts, for each of the multiple putts, determining the optimal first distance that is most likely to achieve a particular desired roll with respect to a desired roll distance, determining the optimal ratio of the first distance to a second distance that is most likely to minimize the bounce of the ball after the golf club putter head has impacted the golf ball, repeating the step of having the particular golfer perform multiple such putts for a plurality of different desired roll distances, determining the ratio of the first distance to the second distance for each of the above multiple putts, and averaging these ratios of the first distance to the second distance to obtain the average ratio of the first distance to the second distance for the particular golfer. This ratio, based on the specific golfer's physical characteristics, can be used in their future putting as the ratio that most effectively decelerates the putter club head at impact with the golf ball, in a putting stroke that controls the ball's roll and minimizes its bounce.

[0025] The method may further include determining, for a particular golfer, a relationship of a first distance to a desired distance of ball roll, which relationship may be determined at least in part by the physiological body mechanics characteristics of the particular golfer.

[0026] The method may further include determining a relationship of a first distance to a desired roll of the ball, which is achieved by measuring, over a plurality of putting attempts by a particular golfer, the ratio of the distance of ball roll to the first distance and averaging the measured ratios to obtain an average ball roll ratio for the first distance, whereby the golfer can know which first distance to use to achieve a desired ball roll distance in future putting.

[0027] By using the system, apparatus, and / or method of the present invention, the roll distance and the moving direction of a golf ball can be controlled at a higher level than in any case using the teachings of the prior art. For example, the prior art teaches that the golf club putter head should be accelerating when hitting a golf ball in a putting stroke. However, this conventional teaching results in an increase in the bounce of the ball and a significant loss of control over the roll distance and the moving direction of the golf ball. Therefore, the system, apparatus, and method of the present invention are a significant improvement over the prior art.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and constitute a part of this specification, depict one or more embodiments of the present invention and, together with the specification, serve to explain the principles of the present invention. The drawings are shown for the purpose of illustrating exemplary embodiments of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. The drawings are as follows. [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a side view showing an embodiment of a series of positions of a putter club head used in the putting training apparatus and method of the present invention, illustrating the movement of the putter club head from an initial position, through impact on a golf ball, and finally through the follow-through portion of the putter club head after impact on the golf ball. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an embodiment of the putting training apparatus of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of the putting training apparatus of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a view of an embodiment similar to that shown in FIG. 2, with a line-of-sight alignment device added. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the putting training apparatus along line 5 in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a plan view showing an embodiment of the line-of-sight alignment device of the present invention.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0029] The following documents provide a detailed description of the present invention.

[0030] The detailed description provided in this application includes a number of specific details for illustrative purposes. However, those skilled in the art will understand that numerous variations and modifications of the following detailed content fall within the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the following preferred embodiments of the present invention are described without losing any generality with respect to the invention described in the claims and without imposing any limitations. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should not be determined by only a given preferred example or embodiment, but should be determined based on this specification, the accompanying drawings, as well as the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

[0031] The “stimp” or “stimp value” of a putting green is a numerical value that indicates how fast a golf ball rolls on the putting green surface. Golfers refer to this value as the green speed, or stimp. Green speed is often measured with a stimpmeter. A stimpmeter is a device used to measure the speed of a golf course's putting green by applying a known speed to a golf ball and then measuring the distance traveled in feet. If the stimpmeter determines that the ball rolled 10 feet due to the application of the known speed, the stimp value of that green may be determined to be 10. Other systems may be used to determine and communicate green speed, but all such methods are included in the definition of stimp as used herein.

[0032] In this specification, the term "backswing" may be used to refer to distance B (see Figures 1 and 2), but the use of a backswing is optional. In the method of the present invention, a backswing of the golf putter club head is not necessarily required to move the putter club head to position 100 (see Figures 1 and 2).

[0033] Referring to Figure 1, a side view showing an embodiment of a series of positions of the putter club head used in the putting training system, apparatus, and method of the present invention shows the movement of the putter club head from its initial position in a continuous motion, through impact with the golf ball, and finally through the follow-through portion of the putter club head after impact with the golf ball. The above putting training method is 1) A step of determining the retraction position 100 of the putter club head at a position of a first distance B from the golf ball 002 to be putted, with respect to the desired length of ball roll, 2) The second distance C from the center point of the golf ball 002 to be putted and the final follow-through position 102 of the putter club head are defined as follows: 3) The first distance B and the second distance C are determined such that the golf putter club head 001a is decelerating at the point of impact D of the putter head on the golf ball 002 to be putted. 4) A step of moving the putter club head 001a in a continuous motion from a retracted position 100 to a final follow-through position 102, wherein the putter club head 001a impacts (i.e., strikes) the golf ball 002 to be put at the impact point 101, and the impact of the putter club on the golf ball 002 causes the golf ball 002 to roll in direction E, minimizing the bounce of the ball.

[0034] Determining the correct position of the putter clubhead (100 degrees) is a crucial aspect of achieving the desired result of a successful putt. Factors influencing how far the ball rolls after being struck are, in part, a function of the green's speed (also known as Stimp rate or Stimp value) and the green's slope (i.e., whether the putt is uphill or downhill). The "Stimp," "Stimp rate," or "Stimp value" of a green is a numerical value that indicates how fast a golf ball rolls on the putting surface. The Stimp value of a green is expressed as a number, which can be a single digit or reach the low teens. The key concept is that a lower Stimp value indicates a slower green, and a higher Stimp value indicates a faster green.

[0035] Referring to Figure 2, an embodiment of the golf putting training device of the present invention is illustrated. The present invention may also include a pair of long rails 003a and 003b, the pair of long rails comprising a first rail 003a and a second rail 003b separated by a distance M by a first cross member 004a and a second cross member 004b. The first cross member 004a may be movably engaged with the first rail 003a and the second rail 003b, and the second cross member 004b may be movably engaged with the first rail 003a and the second rail 003b, so that each of the first cross member 004a and the second cross member 004b is movable along the length of the first rail 003a and the second rail 003b and can be fixed at a desired position along the length of the first rail 003a and the second rail 003b.

[0036] Continuing to refer to Figure 2, in this embodiment, the golf ball 002 may be positioned between the first rail 003a and the second rail 003b. The putter club head 001a is moved forward toward the golf ball 002 from a retracted position 100 at a first distance B from the golf ball 002, and is able to impact, i.e., strike, the golf ball 002 at point D (putter club head position 101). The first cross member 004a may be positioned and shaped to physically prevent the putter club head 001a from moving backward beyond this retracted position 100. After striking the golf ball 002 at point D, the putter club head 001a can move a second distance C (the "follow-through distance" of the putter club head) to the final follow-through position 102 of the putter club head. The second distance C (follow-through distance) may be defined as the distance the golf club putter head can move forward after the putter club head 001a has impacted the golf ball 002. The forward movement of the putter club head 001a after impact (i.e., striking) the golf ball 002 at point D is limited by the position of the second cross member 004b along the length of rails 003a and 003b. In other words, after striking the golf ball 002, if the putter head 001a or the putter club shaft 001b physically collides with the cross member 004b at point 102, the physical interference with the second cross member 004b physically prevents the putter club head 001a from moving further forward beyond the final follow-through position 102, thus physically preventing further forward movement of the putter club head 001a beyond point 102. Therefore, the distance C, i.e., the follow-through distance of the putter club head, can be controlled by positioning the second cross member 004b at a desired position along the first rail 003a and the second rail 003b.

[0037] Continuing to refer to Figure 2, in an embodiment, the first distance B may be adjustable by moving the first cross member 004a along the length of the first rail 003a and the second rail 003b by a movable engagement between the first cross member 004a and the first rail 003a and the second rail 003b at points 005c and 005d, respectively. For example, in one embodiment, the first cross member 004a may be slidably engaged with the first rail 003a and the second rail 003b at points 005c and 005d, respectively. This sliding engagement can be any type of engagement that allows the first cross member 004a to slide along the first rail 003a and the second rail 003b in direction G so that the distance B can be set to any distance desired by the user using the method of the present invention. To facilitate the movement of the first cross member 004a along the first rail 003a and the second rail 003b, this sliding engagement may include, for example, a low-friction bearing material such as Teflon® between the sliding surfaces. Such a sliding engagement can be realized in which a shaped surface provided within the first cross member 004a is received in a slidably engaged state by complementary surfaces of the first rail 003a and the second rail 003b at points 005c and 005d, respectively. The present invention may include any form of sliding engagement that forms a movable engagement between the first cross member 004a and the first rail 003a and the second rail 003b at points 005c and 005d, respectively. In other embodiments, the movement of the first cross member 004a along the length of the first rail 003a and the second rail 003b may be in a discontinuous manner in which a series of openings (e.g., holes) 006 are arranged along the length of the first rail 003a and the second rail 003b, and the openings 006 are adapted to receive a pin or other similar structure such as element 007 shown in Figure 3. The pin 007 may be press-fitted into the first cross member 004a. The present invention may include any individually movable engagements as forming movable engagements between the first cross member 004a and the first rail 003a and the second rail 003b at points 005c and 005d, respectively.Accordingly, in such embodiments, the distance B can be adjusted discontinuously to any distance desired by the user in order to carry out the method of the present invention by lifting the cross member 004a to remove the pin from the opening 007 of the first rail 003a and the second rail 003b, moving the first cross member 004a to a desired position along the first rail 003a and the second rail 003b, and pushing down the first cross member 004a to engage the pin 007 with the new opening position of the first rail 003a and the second rail 003b.

[0038] Continuing to refer to Figure 2, in the embodiment, the second distance C may be adjustable by moving the second cross member 004b along the length of the first rail 003a and the second rail 003b by a movable engagement between the second cross member 004b and the first rail 003a and the second rail 003b at points 005a and 005b, respectively. For example, the second cross member 004b may be slidably engaged with the first rail 003a and the second rail 003b at points 005a and 005b, respectively. This sliding engagement can be any type of engagement that allows the second cross member 004b to slide along the first rail 003a and the second rail 003b in direction F so that the distance C can be set to any distance desired by the user using the method of the present invention. This sliding engagement may include, for example, a low-friction bearing material such as Teflon® or another low-friction material between the sliding surfaces to facilitate the movement of the second cross member 004b along the first rail 003a and the second rail 003b. Such a sliding engagement can be realized in a manner in which a shaped surface provided within the second cross member 004b is slidably, i.e., slidably engaged, with respect to complementary surfaces of the first rail 003a and the second rail 003b at points 005a and 005b, respectively. The present invention may include any form of sliding engagement that forms a movable engagement between the second cross member 004b and the first rail 003a and the second rail 003b at points 005a and 005b, respectively. In other embodiments, the movement of the second cross member 004b along the lengths of the first rail 003a and the second rail 003b may be discontinuous, with a series of openings (e.g., holes) 006 arranged along the lengths of the first rail 003a and the second rail 003b, the openings 006 being adapted to receive a pin or other similar structure such as element 007 shown in Figure 3. The pin 007 may be press-fitted into the second cross member 004b. The present invention may also include any individually movable engagements in any manner, such that the second cross member 004b forms a movable engagement with the first rail 003a and the second rail 003b at points 005a and 005b, respectively.Accordingly, in such an embodiment, the distance C can be adjusted discontinuously to any distance desired by the user in order to carry out the method of the present invention by lifting the second cross member 004b to remove the pin 007 from the opening 006 of the first rail 003a and the second rail 003b, moving the second cross member 004b to a desired position along the first rail 003a and the second rail 003b, and pushing down the second cross member 004b to engage the pin 007 with the new opening position 006 of the first rail 003a and the second rail 003b.

[0039] Accordingly, in the embodiment, distances B and C may be individually adjustable by the user to achieve an optimal ratio of distance B to distance C in order to match the optimal ratio of the first distance B to the second distance C for a particular golfer. In the embodiment, the optimal ratio of the first distance B to the second distance C for a particular golfer may be determined experimentally over several training putts.

[0040] Referring to Figure 3, in the embodiment, the second cross member 004b may have a shape such that after the golf ball 002 is impacted (i.e., struck) at point D by the golf club putter head 001a, the golf ball 002 can pass below, between, or around the second cross member 004b without interfering with it.

[0041] In embodiments of the system and method of the present invention, the first distance B is greater than the second distance C. In embodiments, an object of the present invention is to select a ratio of distance B to distance C such that the putter club head 001a decelerates when striking the golf ball 002 at point 101. The inventors have found that the deceleration of the putter club head 001a at the time of impact with the golf ball 002 at point 101 is desirable to reduce the bounce of the ball and, consequently, to provide a more accurate, predictable, and reproducible roll of the golf ball after impact by the putter club head.

[0042] In embodiments of the system and method of the present invention, when the putter club head 001a is moved in a continuous motion from the retracted position 100 to the final follow-through position 102 of the putter club head, the putter club head 001a is decelerating when it impacts the golf ball 002 at point D, which is the impact (or ball striking) position 101.

[0043] In embodiments, the apparatus of the present invention may further include a mat on which a first rail 003a and a second rail 003b are arranged on its upper surface, and the upper surface of the mat is marked with incremental markings that can function as a ruler for measuring a first distance B and a second distance C. In embodiments, the mat may be less than M (see Figure 2) in width, so that the mat fits between the first rail 003a and the second rail 003b. In other embodiments, the first rail 003a and the second rail 003b may rest on the upper surface of the mat.

[0044] By controlling the first distance B and the second distance C using the respective positions of the first cross member 004a and the second cross member 004b along the first rail 003a and the second rail 003b, the golfer is trained to move the putter club head 001a smoothly, controllably, and repeatedly from position 100, through position 101 where the golf ball 002 is struck by the putter club head 001a, and stopping at position 102. This smooth, controllable, and repeatable movement of the club head 001 by the golfer is the result of the golfer using the system, apparatus, and method of the present invention described herein in repeated practice, thereby enabling the golfer to reliably reproduce the smooth, controllable, and repeatable movement of the club head 001a even when the trainer is not available. Through repeated use by a golfer of the system, apparatus, and method of the present invention, muscle memory is formed in the golfer's putting muscles, enabling the golfer to reduce or eliminate ball bounce, repeatedly putt with more accurate golf ball striking force, and better control the direction and roll distance of the golf ball, leading to a reduction in stroke count and a decrease (i.e., improvement) in golf scores. The practice by the golfer (in other words, the user) may be conducted on a level putting green with known stimpmeter values, with the aim of determining the predicted baseline golf ball roll distance for various values ​​of distance B through repeated putting practice.

[0045] In the embodiments, referring to Figures 1 to 3, the present invention is a method for training a golfer to avoid, reduce, or eliminate ball bounce and to control the length of the golf ball's roll after the putter club head 001a impacts the golf ball 002 during a putting stroke, ●The steps include determining the retraction position 100 of the putter club head at a first distance B from the golf ball 002 to be putted, in relation to the desired length of ball roll, ● A step to determine the final follow-through position 102 of the putter club head, wherein the final follow-through position of the club head is at a position of a second distance C, which is defined as the distance from the center point of the golf ball 002 being putted, ●The first distance B and the second distance C are determined such that the golf putter club head 001a is decelerating at the time of impact with the golf ball 002 being putted. ●A step of moving the putter club head 001a in a continuous motion from the retracted position 100 to the final follow-through position 102, comprising the step of moving the club head to impact the golf ball 002 to be putted at point D.

[0046] In this embodiment, the first distance B is greater than the second distance C.

[0047] In an embodiment of the method of the present invention, this method is ● For a specific golfer, the step is to determine the optimal ratio of the first distance B to the second distance C such that the putter club head 001a decelerates when it impacts the golf ball 002, wherein the optimal ratio is: ●A step of performing multiple putts by a specific golfer, wherein for each of the multiple putts, the optimal first distance B is determined, which is most likely to achieve a specific desired roll distance, and the optimal second distance C is determined, which is most likely to cause the putter club head to decelerate when it impacts the golf ball 002 as the putter club head 001a moves continuously forward from the retracted position 100, and to minimize the bounce of the ball after impact with the golf ball 002 at point D, and the golfer performs multiple putts. ● The process involves repeating the step of having a specific golfer perform multiple putts for several different desired rolling distances. ● For each of the multiple putts described above, the step is to determine the ratio of the first distance B to the second distance C, ●The procedure may include the step of averaging the ratio of the first distance B to the second distance C described above to obtain the average ratio of the first distance B to the second distance C for a particular golfer, and the step determined by the above.

[0048] In embodiments, the method may further include the step of determining the ratio of a first distance to a desired distance of ball roll for a particular golfer, the relationship of which may be determined at least in part by the physiological and biomechanical characteristics of the particular golfer.

[0049] In one embodiment, the step of determining the relationship between the first distance and a desired distance of ball roll is achieved by measuring the ratio of ball roll to the first distance over multiple putting attempts by a particular golfer, and averaging the measured ratios to obtain an average first distance ball roll ratio.

[0050] In embodiments of the present invention, the method may include the step of determining a rhythm, i.e., a metronome time, for the time it takes for the putter club head to pass a first distance. ● For a specific golfer, the steps include determining the optimal time for the movement of the putter club head 001a from the retracted position 100 to the impact position 101 where the putter club head impacts the golf ball 002, in order to minimize the bounce of the ball, ● A step to train a golfer through repetitive putting practice, wherein the golfer moves the putter club head 001a in the direction of arrow A (see Figure 2) so that the time it takes for the putter club head 001a to move from the retreat position 100 to the impact position 101 where the putter club head impacts the golf ball 002 ("metronome time") is the same for all desired lengths of distance B (i.e., a step to train the golfer so that the time it takes for the putter club head 001a to move from the retreat position 100 to the impact position 101 where the putter club head impacts the golf ball 002 is the same for all desired lengths of distance B), and a step to decelerate the putter club head when it impacts the golf ball 002.

[0051] In embodiments of the present invention, a golfer may train himself to repeatedly reproduce metronome time as a series of imaginary beats forming a metronome. This training may be used by the golfer as a mental metronome imagined by the golfer, where metronome time is the time between beats. In embodiments of the present invention, a golfer may identify one or more songs that have beat timing equal to or approximately equal to metronome time. When putting, the golfer may imagine the song as an aid to timing the movement of the putter club head along a first distance, and pass the first distance in a time equal to the metronome time, in time with the beat of the song.

[0052] In embodiments of the method of the present invention, the method may further include the step of providing a putting training device, the putting training device being defined as comprising a pair of elongated rails such as 003a and 003b, the pair of elongated rails comprising a first rail 003a and a second rail 003b separated by a first cross member 004a and a second cross member 004b, ●The first cross member 004a is movably engaged with the first rail 003a and the second rail 003b, and the second cross member 004b is movably engaged with the first rail 003a and the second rail 004b, so that the first cross member 004a and the second cross member 004b can be positioned at desired locations along the first rail 003a and the second rail 003b, each of the first cross member 004a and the second cross member 004b is movable along the length of the first rail 003a and the second rail 003b. ●When the golf ball 002 is positioned between the first rail 003a and the second rail 003b, in a putting stroke, the user can move the putter club head 001a from the retracted position 100 toward the golf ball 002, passing through a first distance B, and the first cross member 004a physically prevents the putter club head from moving backward beyond the retracted position 100. ● The putter club head 001a is capable of passing through a second distance C to the final follow-through position 102 of the putter club head, the second distance C being defined as the distance the putter club head 001a moves forward after impacting the golf ball 002, and the second cross member 004b physically prevents the putter club head 001a from moving forward beyond the final follow-through position 102.

[0053] In the embodiment, the second cross member 004b of the putting training device may have a shape such that, after the golf ball 002 is impacted by the putter club head 001a during a putting stroke, the golf ball 002 can pass below, between, or around the second cross member 004b without interfering with it.

[0054] In this embodiment, the first distance B and the second distance C are adjustable so that, during a putting stroke, the putter club head 001a is moved in a continuous motion by the user from the retracted position 100 to the final follow-through position 102, and the putter club head 001a is decelerated when it impacts the golf ball 002 at point D.

[0055] In the embodiment, given a specific desired golf ball roll distance after impact and a Stimpmeter value of 9 on the green, distance B, which is the distance from the point of impact 101 of the putter club head 001a to the position 100 where the putter club head retracts onto the golf ball 002, was experimentally determined for a specific exemplary and non-limiting group of users as follows. ●If the desired roll is between 0 and 20 feet, the distance B is 1.0 inch for every 1 foot of the desired roll. ●If the desired roll is between 20 and 40 feet, add 0.5 inches of distance B for every 1 foot of the desired roll, and ● If the desired roll is between 40 and 60 feet, add 0.25 inches of distance B for every 1 foot of the desired roll.

[0056] Therefore, in the exemplary experimental examples described above, on a level green, if the desired roll is 10 feet, a distance B of 5.0 inches will be used. If the desired roll is 25 feet, a distance B of 22.5 inches will be used (adding 20 inches to the first 20 feet and 2.5 inches to the next 5 feet). If the desired roll is 50 feet, a distance B of 32.5 inches will be used (adding 20 inches to the first 20 feet, 10 inches to the next 20 feet, and 2.5 inches to the next 10 feet).

[0057] Adjustment of distance B. In embodiments, if the putting green surface in the direction of the roll is not horizontal, i.e., uphill or downhill, the adjustment of distance B to achieve the desired roll can be done using "The Grail Code". The Grail Code can take into account whether the direction of the putt is uphill or downhill (relative to horizontal), and can also take into account the difference in the speed of the green (stimpmeter) relative to the golfer's reference stimpmeter used for practice, and is used as follows:

[0058] A golfer training with the system, apparatus, and / or method of the present invention may have already mastered a repeatable putting stroke consisting of a known distance B for various reference practice golf ball roll distances on a specific green speed, i.e., Stimp, and a level green. However, in actual play, a specific putting green may have an uphill or downhill slope in the direction of the ball's roll (i.e., it may not be level), and furthermore, the speed, i.e., Stimp, of the putting green may differ from the Stimp of the golfer's training, i.e., practice green. In the following example, it is assumed that the golfer's training using the system, apparatus, and method of the present invention has already been performed on a level practice green with a reference Stimp of 9. That is, the golfer's reference Stimp is assumed to be 9, but this is for illustrative purposes only. The reference Stimp may be any value, as the golfer may practice on a putting green with any Stimp value.

[0059] To account for the uphill or downhill slope of the green and its potential effect on the rolling distance of the golf ball, distance B may be increased by a certain percentage if the run is uphill, and similarly, distance B may be decreased by a certain percentage if the run is downhill. The percentage increase or decrease in distance B may be determined by the slope of the putting green along the roll of the golf ball, and may also take into account the variation in the stimpak of the putting green relative to the golfer's baseline practice stimpak (the stimpak at which the golfer determined the distance B for the desired roll through practice using the system, apparatus, and method of the present invention). If the stimpak of the playing green is faster (higher value), distance B is smaller, and if the stimpak of the playing green is slower (lower value), distance B is larger.

[0060] Adjust distance B to account for the difference in Stimpas between the putting green used for playing and the golfer's baseline practice Stimpas determined on the practice green. For example, but not limited to, distance B may be decreased or increased by 10% for every 1 above or below the golfer's baseline (practice) Stimpas. In this example, if the baseline Stimpas is 9, and the Stimpas on the playing green are 10 (faster playing green), distance B will be decreased by 10%. Similarly, if the Stimpas on the putting green are 8 (slower playing green), distance B will be increased by 10%. And so on.

[0061] Adjust distance B to account for uphill or downhill slopes (i.e., sloped) on the green along the direction the golf ball rolls. For example, but not limited to, distance B can be adjusted to account for uphill or downhill slopes on the playing green along the direction the ball rolls by: 1) for uphill runs, adding 2 feet to the golfer's reference (practice) ball roll for every 10 feet of desired roll and 1 percent uphill slope to determine the equivalent roll distance required to achieve distance B on the playing green; and 2) for downhill runs, subtracting 1 foot from the golfer's reference (practice) ball roll for every 10 feet of desired roll and 1 percent downhill slope to determine the equivalent roll distance required to achieve distance B on the playing green. Therefore, if a golfer has determined, through practice using the present invention on a level practice putting green, to have a reference distance B of 9 inches for a 9-foot putt, 10 inches for a 10-foot putt, and 12 inches for a 12-foot putt on a level (practice) green, then on an actual playing putting green with a 1% uphill slope along the direction of the ball's roll, this golfer will need to adjust distance B by adding 2 feet to their reference rolling distance to obtain the 12-inch distance B required for a 10-foot uphill putt. In other words, this golfer will use a distance B that, considering the 1% slope of the playing green over 10 feet, will result in a golf ball rolling distance of 12 feet on a level green. Similarly, if the playing green has a 1% downhill slope, the golfer will need to adjust distance B by subtracting 1 foot from their reference rolling distance to obtain the 9-inch distance B required for a 10-foot downhill putt. In this example, a distance of 9 inches (B) would result in a roll of 9 feet on a level green, but a 1% downhill slope on a playing putting green would cause a roll of 10 feet on the same distance. The same applies to subsequent examples.Hereinafter, 1) for uphill runs, the equivalent rolling distance is determined by adding 2 feet to the golfer's standard (practice) ball roll for every 1 percent uphill slope for every 10 feet of desired rolling distance, and 2) for downhill runs, the equivalent rolling distance is determined by subtracting 1 foot from the golfer's standard (practice) ball roll for every 1 percent downhill slope for every 10 feet of desired rolling distance. These values ​​are illustrative and not limiting.

[0062] Thus, in the embodiment of the Grail Code, distance B may be reduced or increased to account for the uphill or downhill run of the ball along the rolling distance, and separately, distance B may be reduced or increased to account for a stimpak along a rolling distance that is different from the player's reference stimpak.

[0063] In yet another exemplary use of the Grail Code, the following method, including steps 1, 2, and 3, may be used to determine the putter clubhead retraction position 100 using the Grail Code (for illustrative purposes only, based on a green with an exemplary stimpmeter speed of 9).

[0064] Step 1 of the Grail Code is to determine the distance (roll) the user wants the ball to travel after being struck by the putter club head. On a level, flat green, this distance is simply the distance from the ball's resting position to the cup (i.e., the hole). However, the green may have a slope, and after being struck by the putter club head at position 101, the ball may have to traverse an uphill or downhill slope on its way to the hole. The uphill or downhill slope of the green as the golf ball 002 rolls affects the total distance the ball rolls, so the slope must be taken into account to achieve an accurate putt distance. Using Step 1 of the Grail Code, as described below, the user determines the desired distance (roll) the user wants the ball to travel after being struck by the putter club head.

[0065] In step 1, the desired rolling distance of the ball is determined. ● Determine the distance between the ball's initial resting position 101 and the cup (i.e., the hole). ● If the putt is horizontal in the desired direction of roll (i.e., neither uphill nor downhill in the desired direction of roll) → The desired ball roll is simply the distance between the ball's resting position and the cup (i.e., the hole). ●When putting downhill: For downhill putts, subtract 2 feet for every 1 percent of the slope per 10 feet. For example, if the distance between the ball and the cup (i.e., the hole) is 10 feet and there is a 1 percent downhill slope, the desired ball roll will be 8 feet. ● If the putt is uphill → For uphill putts, add 1 foot for every 1 percent of the slope for every 10 feet. For example, if the distance between the ball and the hole is 10 feet and there is a 1 percent uphill slope, the desired ball roll will be 11 feet.

[0066] The determination of the backswing length (in inches) for distance B in order to achieve the desired rolling distance is performed in step 2. ● Desired roll of 0-20 feet → For every 1 foot of the desired roll, pull the club head back 1 inch. ○For example, a 5-foot putt requires a backswing of 5 inches (distance B), a 10-foot putt requires a 10-inch backswing, and a 15-foot putt requires a 15-inch backswing. ● Desired roll of 20-40 feet → For every foot of desired roll exceeding 20 feet, add a backswing of distance B (1 / 2 inch). For example, a 26-foot putt requires a backswing of 23 inches (distance B), a 30-foot putt requires a backswing of 25 inches, and a 40-foot putt requires a backswing of 30 inches. ●Desired roll of 40-60 feet → For every foot of desired roll exceeding 40 feet, add a backswing of distance B (1 / 4 inch). For example, a 44-foot putt requires a backswing of 31 inches (distance B), a 52-foot putt requires a backswing of 33 inches (distance B), and a 60-foot putt requires a backswing of 35 inches.

[0067] The examples shown in steps 1 and 2 of the above-mentioned Grail Code are merely illustrative and are based on, for example, a green stimpmeter speed of 9. If the green stimpmeter speed is different from 9, the Grail Code can be modified to take the green speed into account by applying step 3 as follows. ●First, calculate the total number of inches of the backswing for the required distance B according to Step 2, ●If the measured stimpmeter value is less than 9 → For every 1 less than 9 in the measured stimpmeter value, add 10% to the total number of inches of the backswing for distance B. ●If the measured stimpmeter reading is greater than 9 → For every 1 greater than 9 in the measured stimpmeter reading, subtract 10% from the total length of the backswing in inches for distance B.

[0068] For example, a 30-foot putt on a level, flat green with a measured Stimpmeter reading of 9 would require a backswing of 25 inches (distance B). If the measured Stimpmeter reading is 7, the same 30-foot putt would require adding 20% ​​to the 25-inch backswing of distance B, resulting in a new backswing of 30 inches (distance B).

[0069] Alternatively, if the Stimpmeter reading is 11, then for the same 30-foot putt, you would need to reduce the 25-inch backswing by 20%, resulting in a 20-inch backswing for the new distance B.

[0070] Referring to Figures 4 and 5, embodiments of the putting training apparatus are shown with an optional gaze alignment tool 400. In the embodiments, the gaze alignment tool includes a vertical member 502 that can be attached to a support structure. For example, but not limited to, the vertical member 502 may be attached to a structure such as a base or stand for holding the gaze alignment tool upright in the position shown in the figures.

[0071] In an exemplary embodiment, the line of sight alignment tool 400 can be attached to either the first long rail 003a or the second long rail 003b structure (via the vertical member 502). The position of the line of sight alignment tool 400 can be adjusted by moving the line of sight alignment tool 400 along the length of either the first rail 003a or the second rail 003b by a movable engagement between the line of sight alignment tool 400 and either the first rail 003a or the second rail 003b. For example, in one embodiment, the line of sight alignment tool 400 may be slidably engaged with either the first rail 003a or the second rail 003b at point 401. The sliding engagement may be any type of engagement that allows the tool 400 to slide longitudinally (e.g., in directions G and F) along either the first rail 003a or the second rail 003b so that the tool 400 is positioned a distance K above the ground or mat. Point 401 can be set at either the first rail 003a or the second rail 003b. The sliding engagement described above may include, for example, a low-friction bearing material such as Teflon® between the sliding surfaces to facilitate the movement of the line-of-sight alignment tool 400 along the first rail 003a or the second rail 003b. Such a sliding engagement can be implemented in a manner in which the shaped surface of the line-of-sight alignment tool 400 is received in a slidably engaged state by the complementary surfaces of the first rail 003a and the second rail 003b. The present invention may include any form of sliding engagement as forming a movable engagement between the line-of-sight alignment tool 400 and the first rail 003a or the second rail 003b. In other embodiments, the movement of the line-of-sight alignment tool 400 along either the length of the first rail 003a or the second rail 003b may be discontinuous, in which a series of openings (e.g., holes) 006 are arranged along the lengths of the first rail 003a and the second rail 003b, and these openings 006 are adapted to receive pins or other similar structures that form part of the tool 400.

[0072] For example, Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a line-of-sight alignment tool 400 having a circular opening 500 with diameter d, a horizontal member 501, and a vertical member 502. The horizontal member 501 is at a critical distance K from the surface or mat on which the golf ball rests. The distance K may vary in some embodiments, but is critical to ensuring proper operation and use of the invention. Variations in the distance K between some embodiments may be due to the various sizes and shapes of putter heads available on the market. An important point to note is that the distance K must be at least greater than the maximum height of the putter head used with the system. That is, the distance must be large enough to allow the putter head to swing below the horizontal member 501 without interfering with it during the process of striking the golf ball during the putting stroke.

[0073] As described above, the vertical member 502 may be provided with any form of sliding engagement to form a movable engagement between the line of sight alignment tool 400 and the first rail 003a or the second rail 003b. In other embodiments, the vertical member 502 may be appropriately adjusted in dimensions and shape to ensure secure fitting into any one of the multiple holes 006 along the first rail 003a and the second rail 003b. In yet another embodiment, the line of sight alignment tool 400 may be connectable to the first rail 003a or the second rail 003b through the use of the pin 007 as described above.

[0074] Referring to Figure 6, a top view of an embodiment of the eye alignment tool 400 is shown. As described above, in the embodiment, the tool 400 is connected to the rail (003a or 003b) at a position along the rail such that the opening 500 of the horizontal member 501 is positioned directly above the golf ball. A circular opening 500 is shown, but this is not intended to be limiting. In other embodiments, the opening 500 may have the shape of a cross, star, hexagon, etc. Regardless of the shape of the opening 500, its purpose is to provide the golfer with immediate visual feedback on whether the golfer's head is vertically aligned directly above the ball and whether it is stable or moving during the putting stroke. In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, the opening has a diameter d that is larger than the diameter of the golf ball 002, and in the embodiment, it is slightly larger than the diameter of the golf ball so that a small ring 600 is visible between the outer circumference of the golf ball and the inner circumference of the opening 500, in order to provide visual feedback that the golfer's eyes, the center of the opening 500, and the golf ball are all vertically aligned. When in use, the golfer will stand in a putting position, making minor adjustments to their stance / position and the golf ball (or both) while looking vertically down at the tool 400 (and the golf ball below it) until they can see the ring 600. The opening 500 is positioned above the golf ball 002 so that the golfer is ready to putt when the golf ball 002, the opening 500, and the user's eyes are aligned. At this point, the golfer can begin their putting stroke. During the putting stroke, any movement of the putter club head may disrupt the line of sight alignment and distort the shape of the ring 600, but this will be immediately noticeable to the golfer.Through consistent, repetitive practice using the system, apparatus, and method of the present invention, and by receiving visual feedback through the visual image seen through the opening 501 during this repeated use, a golfer's muscles and mind can be trained to adjust their stance, grip, putting technique, and even their breathing, thereby improving head stability, putting consistency, repeatability, and accuracy.

[0075] Specific embodiments of the present invention are shown in the drawings and described in detail in the written description, but these are for illustrative purposes only. The scope of the present invention is intended to encompass not only all embodiments shown or described, but also all equivalents. Embodiments of the present invention may comprise one or more of the described features, elements, and / or functions in any order and any combination.

Claims

1. A method for training golfers to putt a golf ball, The steps include determining the position of the putter club head at a first distance from the golf ball to be putted, with respect to the desired length of ball roll, A step of determining the final follow-through position of the putter club head, wherein the final follow-through position of the putter club head is located at a second distance from the point of impact of the putter club head on the golf ball to be putted, and the second distance is defined as the distance the golf putter head moves after impact of the putter club head on the golf ball to be putted, The steps include moving the putter club head in a continuous motion from the aforementioned retracted position to the aforementioned final follow-through position to impact the golf ball to be putted, A method for determining the first distance and the second distance such that the golf putter club head is decelerating at the time of impact of the putter head on the golf ball being putted.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first distance is greater than the second distance.

3. For a specific golfer, the optimal ratio of the first distance to the second distance is... A step of performing multiple putts by the aforementioned specific golfer, wherein for each of the multiple putts, the optimal first distance is determined to be the most likely to achieve the desired roll distance, and the optimal second distance is determined to be the most likely to minimize the bounce of the ball after the golf club putter head impacts the golf ball. The step of repeating the step of having the specific golfer perform multiple putts for multiple different desired rolling distances, For each of the aforementioned multiple putts, the step is to determine the ratio of the first distance to the second distance, The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of determining by averaging the ratios of the first distance to the second distance to obtain the average ratio of the first distance to the second distance for the particular golfer.

4. The method according to claim 3, further comprising the step of determining, for the particular golfer, the relationship between a first distance and a desired distance of the ball roll, wherein the relationship is determined, at least in part, by the physiological and biomechanical characteristics of the particular golfer.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the step of determining the relationship between the first distance and a desired distance of ball roll is achieved by measuring the ratio of the ball roll to the first distance over a series of putting attempts by the particular golfer, and averaging the measured ratios to obtain an average first distance ball roll ratio.

6. The further step includes providing a putting training device, the putting training device is It is defined that the system includes a pair of long rails, including a first rail and a second rail, which are spaced apart by a first cross member and a second cross member. The first cross member is slidably engaged with the first rail and the second rail, and the second cross member is movably engaged with the first rail and the second rail, so that each of the first and second cross members can be moved along the length of the first and second rails so that they can be positioned at a desired location along the first and second rails. When the golf ball is positioned between the first rail and the second rail, the putter club head can be moved from the retracted position toward the golf ball to impact it, and the first cross member physically prevents the putter club head from moving beyond the retracted position. The method according to claim 1, wherein the putter club head is capable of passing through the second distance to the final follow-through position of the putter club head, the second distance being defined as the distance the golf club putter head moves after impacting the golf ball, and the second cross member physically prevents the putter club head from moving beyond the final follow-through position.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the second cross member is shaped such that, after the golf ball is impacted by the golf club putter head, the golf ball can pass below, between, or around the second cross member without interfering with it.

8. The method according to claim 6, wherein the first distance is greater than the second distance.

9. The method according to claim 6, wherein the first distance and the second distance are adjustable such that the golf club putter head is decelerating when it impacts the golf ball as it moves in a continuous motion from the retracted position to the final follow-through position of the putter club head.

10. a. For a specific golfer, the step of determining the optimal time for the movement of the putter club head from the retracted position to the impact position where the putter club head impacts the golf ball, so as to minimize ball bounce; b. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of training the golfer by repetitive putting practice so that the time it takes for the putter club head to move forward from the back position to the impact position where the putter club head impacts the golf ball ("metronome time") is the same for all desired lengths of the first distance, regardless of the length of the first distance relative to a particular desired length of the ball's roll.

11. A method of putting by controlling the golf ball, The first step is to determine the position of the putter club head at the first distance from the golf ball to be putted. A step of determining the final follow-through position of the putter club head, wherein the final follow-through position of the club head is located at a second distance from the point of impact of the putter club head on the golf ball to be putted, and the second distance is defined as the distance the golf putter head moves after impacting the golf ball to be putted, The steps include moving the putter club head in a continuous motion from the retracted position to the final follow-through position to impact the golf ball, A method for determining the first distance and the second distance such that the golf putter club head is decelerating at the time of impact of the putter head on the golf ball being putted.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the first distance is determined by a desired ball rolling distance.

13. a. For a specific golfer, the step of determining the optimal time for the movement of the putter club head from the retracted position to the impact position where the putter club head impacts the golf ball, so as to minimize ball bounce; b. The method according to claim 11, further comprising the step of training the golfer by repetitive putting practice so that the time it takes for the putter club head to move forward from the backward position to the impact position where the putter club head impacts the golf ball ("metronome time") is the same for all desired lengths of the first distance, regardless of the length of the first distance relative to a particular desired length of the ball's roll.

14. The steps include determining the desired rolling distance of the golf ball, The method further includes the step of determining whether the desired rolling distance is 0 to 20 feet, 20 to 40 feet, or 40 to 60 feet. When it is determined that the desired rolling distance is between 0 and 20 feet, the first distance is defined as being equal to 1 inch for every 1 foot of the desired rolling distance. When it is determined that the desired rolling distance is 20 to 40 feet, the first distance is defined as being equal to the first 20 feet with each desired rolling foot in inches, plus half an inch for each desired rolling foot from 20 to 40 feet. The method according to claim 11, wherein when it is determined that the desired rolling distance is 40 to 60 feet, the first distance is defined as being equal to an inch per desired rolling foot for the first 20 feet, with half an inch added per desired rolling foot for 20 to 40 feet, and then with a quarter inch added per desired rolling foot for 40 to 60 feet.

15. The first distance is determined through practice to achieve a specific rolling distance of a practice golf ball when the putter club head moves toward and strikes the practice golf ball on a horizontal plane having a reference stimpmeter value. The value of the first distance is determined through practice to achieve a specific rolling distance of the practice golf ball when the putter club head moves toward the practice golf ball and strikes the practice golf ball on a horizontal plane having a reference stimpmeter value. The movement of the putter club head after striking the practice golf ball is limited to a second distance that is shorter than the first distance. The steps include determining the desired rolling distance of a golf ball on a putting green, If the Stimpmeter reading of the putting green differs from the reference Stimpmeter reading, the first distance is adjusted by considering the Stimpmeter reading or speed of the putting green, or If the slope of the putting green in the direction in which the golf ball rolls is uphill or downhill, the first distance is adjusted by considering the slope of the putting green along the direction in which the golf ball rolls, or If the Stimp value of the putting green differs from the reference Stimp value, the first distance is modified by considering the Stimp value or speed of the putting green; if the slope of the putting green in the direction of the golf ball's roll is uphill or downhill, the first distance is further modified by considering the slope of the putting green along the direction of the golf ball's roll; The method according to claim 11, further comprising:

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the step of correcting the first distance is further defined as increasing the first distance if the Stimp value of the putting green for playing is less than the reference Stimp value, and decreasing the first distance if the Stimp value of the putting green for playing is greater than the golfer's reference Stimp value.

17. The step of correcting the first distance is, If the putting green surface along the direction of the golf ball's roll is uphill, the equivalent rolling distance to obtain the first distance required for the putt on the playing green is determined by adding 2 feet for every 1 percent uphill slope for every 10 feet of the desired rolling distance to the golfer's reference (practice) ball roll, or The method according to claim 15, further defined as determining the equivalent rolling distance to obtain the first distance required for the putt on the playing green by subtracting 1 (2) feet for every 1% of the gradient for every 10 feet of desired rolling distance.

18. This is a golf putting training device, It comprises a pair of long rails, including a first rail and a second rail, separated by a first cross member and a second cross member, The first cross member is movably engaged with the first rail and the second rail, and the second cross member is movably engaged with the first rail and the second rail, so that each of the first and second cross members can be positioned at any desired position along the length of the first and second rails. When a golf ball is positioned between the first rail and the second rail, the putter club head can be moved toward the golf ball from a retracted position located at a first distance from the golf ball to impact the golf ball, and the first cross member physically prevents the putter club head from moving beyond the retracted position. A golf putting training device wherein the putter club head is capable of passing through a second distance to the final follow-through position of the putter club head, the second distance being defined as the distance the golf club putter head moves after impacting the golf ball, and the second cross member physically prevents the putter club head from moving beyond the final follow-through position.

19. The golf putting training device according to claim 18, wherein the second cross member is shaped such that, after the golf ball is impacted by the golf club putter head, the golf ball can pass below, between, or around the second cross member without interfering with it.

20. The golf putting training device according to claim 18, wherein the first distance is adjustable by sliding the first cross member along the first rail and the second rail.

21. The golf putting training device according to claim 18, wherein the second distance is adjustable by sliding the first cross member along the first rail and the second rail.

22. The golf putting training device according to claim 18, wherein the first distance is greater than the second distance.

23. The golf putting training device according to claim 18, wherein the first distance and the second distance are adjustable such that the golf putter club head is decelerated when it impacts the golf ball as the golf putter club head moves in a continuous motion from the retracted position to the final follow-through position of the putter club head.

24. The golf putting training device according to claim 18, wherein the length of the first distance is determined by the roll of a golf ball of a desired length, and the roll of the golf ball is defined as the distance the golf ball rolls after being impacted by a golf putter club head moved along the first distance.

25. It is further equipped with a vertical alignment function, and the said vertical alignment function is A vertical member for attaching the gaze alignment tool to the golf training device, The system comprises a horizontal member extending distally from the vertical member, The horizontal member has an opening on the distal end side of the vertical member through which the golf ball can be viewed from above. The vertical member provides the necessary spacing between the horizontal members so that the putter head can swing without interference below the horizontal member. The golf putting training device according to claim 18, wherein the opening is positioned above the golf ball so that it aligns vertically when the golf ball, the opening, and the user's eyes are aligned.

26. The golf putting training device according to claim 25, wherein the opening is circular in shape and has a diameter larger than the diameter of the golf ball.

27. The golf putting training device according to claim 18, further comprising a mat, the mat having an upper surface on which the first rail and the second rail are arranged, and the upper surface of the mat is marked with markers indicating the first distance and the second distance.

28. A gaze alignment device, Support structure and A vertical member for attaching the line-of-sight alignment tool to the support structure, The system comprises a horizontal member extending distally from the vertical member, The horizontal member has an opening on the distal end side of the vertical member through which the golf ball can be viewed from above. The vertical member provides the necessary spacing between the horizontal members so that the putter head can swing without interference below the horizontal member. An eye-line alignment device is positioned above the golf ball such that the opening is vertically aligned when the golf ball, the opening, and the user's eyes are aligned.

29. The line of sight alignment device according to claim 28, wherein the support structure is a base or a stand.

30. The gaze alignment device according to claim 28, wherein the support structure is a long rail for a putting training device.

31. The line-of-sight alignment device according to claim 28, wherein the opening is circular in shape and has a diameter larger than the diameter of the golf ball.

32. A method for putting a golf ball to a desired rolling distance, a) Determining the retraction position of the putter club head at a first distance from a practice golf ball, wherein the value of the first distance is determined through practice to achieve a specific rolling distance of the practice golf ball when the putter club head is moved toward the practice golf ball on a horizontal plane having a reference stimpmeter value and strikes the practice golf ball, and the movement of the putter club head after striking the practice golf ball is limited to a second distance shorter than the first distance. b) Determining the desired rolling distance of a golf ball on a putting green. c) If the Stimpmeter reading of the putting green differs from the reference Stimpmeter reading, the first distance shall be adjusted considering the Stimpmeter reading or speed of the putting green, or d) If the slope of the putting green in the direction in which the golf ball rolls is uphill or downhill, adjust the first distance by taking into account the slope of the putting green in the direction in which the golf ball rolls, or e) If the Stimp value of the putting green differs from the reference Stimp value, the first distance shall be modified by taking into account the Stimp value or speed of the putting green, and if the slope of the putting green in the direction in which the golf ball rolls is uphill or downhill, the first distance shall be further modified by taking into account the slope of the putting green along the direction in which the golf ball rolls. Methods that include...

33. The method according to claim 32, wherein the step of correcting the first distance is further defined as increasing the first distance if the Stimp value of the putting green for playing is less than the reference Stimp value, and decreasing the first distance if the Stimp value of the putting green for playing is greater than the golfer's reference Stimp value.

34. The step of correcting the first distance is, If the putting green surface for playing has an uphill slope along the direction in which the golf ball rolls, the equivalent rolling distance to obtain the first distance required for the putt on the playing green is determined by adding 2 feet for every 1 percent uphill slope for every 10 feet of desired rolling distance to the golfer's standard (practice) ball rolling distance, and, The method according to claim 32, further defined as determining the equivalent rolling distance to obtain the first distance required for the putt on the putting green, by subtracting 1 (2) feet for every 1% of the gradient for every 10 feet of desired rolling distance.

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