US20090156321A1

US20090156321A1 - Golf instruction system and method

Info

Publication number: US20090156321A1
Application number: US12/391,061
Authority: US
Inventors: Martha Sue Yeary
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-12-01
Filing date: 2009-02-23
Publication date: 2009-06-18
Also published as: US20080132347A1

Abstract

A golf instruction campus. There is: a first field, having a first length; a second field, having a second length; a third field, having a third length; a fourth field, having a fourth length; and a fifth field, having a fifth length. A ratio of the first length over the second length is no greater than about 0.4 to about 0.6. A ratio of the second length over the third length is no greater than about 0.2 to about 0.4. A ratio of the third length over the fourth length is no greater than about 0.4 to about 0.6. A ratio of the fourth length over the fifth length is no greater than about 0.65 to about 0.85. Each of the third field, the fourth field, and the fifth field include a plurality of distance markers, configured to mark distance. There is also a field barrier.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims is a continuation of and claims priority to Ser. No. 11/566,163 filed Dec. 1, 2006 by Martha Sue Yeary entitled GOLF INSTRUCTION SYSTEM AND METHOD, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to golf, specifically golf instruction systems and methods.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

In the general area of sport performance there is a variety of information directed to improving one's performance while participating in a sport. In particular, instruction to golf players often focuses on improving the physical and mental skills of the player. Physical skills involve some kind of controlled effort, such as those performed with the arms, hands, and legs. In addition, the mental skills of a golf player are generally recognized as important to the player's achievements on the golf course. Mental skills of a golf player often include confidence, focus, and knowledge of one's own capabilities. Consequently, a golf player often improves his or her physical and mental skills by researching and performing controlled effort tasks, such as swinging a golf club, and receiving feedback on those tasks.
Accordingly, golf instruction is often provided in materials such as books, pamphlets, magazines, as well as on Web sites. Further, many attempts have been made to develop systems and methods which permit the teaching or training of physical and mental skills for golf. The teaching of golf is representative of the type of physical skill in which it is extremely difficult for students to learn even from one having an exceptionally good skill set. More specifically, learning to perfect a golf swing is a challenge for most golfers, even under the training of the most experienced golf professionals. As a result, most methods of golf instruction utilize some kind of feedback mechanism so that the golfer can visualize how to make changes in his or her swing to more closely approximate a desired golf swing.
However, while golf instruction information may provide insight into a technique used in golf, it is not directed to specific individuals having specific needs or specific physical limitations. Also, it may be difficult to find a location and/or equipment to apply the techniques described in instruction materials. Some improvements have been made in the field. Examples include but are not limited to the references described below, which references are incorporated by reference herein:
U.S. Patent Application Publication No.: 2005/0026124, by Havaleschka, discloses a system for training the mental golfing skills of a golf player. A method of training mental golfing skills is disclosed, by which the player in a structured manner plays a golf course following a set of instructions containing directions of a mental exercise, i.e. an exercise to train mental golfing skills, to be performed when playing most of or all holes. The player attempts to follow the instructions and perform the mental exercise, evaluates his or hers degree of success in following the instructions and assigns a score for that hole accordingly. When the player has finished playing the holes of the golf course, a total score may be calculated and compared to the previous and future scores. Thus, a systematic method of training a player's mental golfing skills and providing a systematically obtained grade or total score for the outcome of the training effort is provided. Furthermore is disclosed a golf scorecard for assisting golf players in training their mental golfing skills while playing a round on a golf course, a method of providing such golf scorecard, and a method as well as an automatic system for estimating the mental golfing skills of a golf player.
U.S. Pat. No.: 6,905,339, issued to Di Mare et al., discloses a sport performance evaluation method and system. The method includes storing a user-defined physical profile, displaying a set of images where each image in the set depicts a different variation of an element of imperfect sport performance, and selecting at least one image in the set most closely depicting an element of imperfect sport performance exhibited by a user who is associated with the user-defined physical profile. The method also includes diagnosing at least one cause for the imperfect sport performance based upon the stored at least one selected image ant the stored user-defined physical profile. The system can include a user-defined physical profile and at least one set of images depicting an element of imperfect sport performance where each image in the set depicts a different variation of the element. The system can also include at least one data repository and at least one computing device.
U.S. Pat. No.: 5,984,684, issued to Brostedt et al., discloses a system and method for the teaching of physical skill such as golf by the use of video reproduction utilizes a reverse image video on a pair of video glasses. The student does not have to perform a mental right-left translation when viewing the instructor.
U.S. Patent Application Publication No.: 2003/0036042, by Hill, discloses a method of teaching an individual to program their mind to follow a voluntary personal behavior plan that helps to achieve a predetermined goal. Provides a set of rules and techniques that the individual use to select and follow a personal behavior plan. Instructs the individual to make a promise to follow the selected behavior plan. A means of incentive is provided for the individual to keep the promise that helps them withstand considerable temptations to do otherwise. Whereby, when the individual makes the promise to follow the behavior plan, they can reach and maintain a state of mind in which they fully intend to follow the plan, which programs or alters activities of their mind and body to help succeed in following the plan and reach the predetermined goal.
U.S. Pat. No.: 4,717,343, issued to Densky, discloses a method of conditioning a person's unconscious mind in order to effect a desired change in the person's behavior which does not require the services of a trained therapist. Instead, the person to be treated views a program of video pictures appearing on a screen. The program as viewed by the person's unconscious mind acts to condition the person's though patterns in a manner which alters that person's behavior in a positive way.
The inventions heretofore known suffer from a number of disadvantages, which include: having ineffective instruction; having ineffective results; having incomplete instruction; not having universality; not being adaptable; being inadequate; not providing a practice location; and/or being difficult to apply to different persons.
What is needed is a golf instruction system and method that solves one or more of the problems described herein and/or one or more problems that may come to the attention of one skilled in the art upon becoming familiar with this specification.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available sport instruction systems and methods. Accordingly, the present invention has been developed to provide a sport instruction system and method for golf.
In one embodiment of the invention, there is a golf instruction campus for providing golf instruction, including: a first field, which may be disposed on the campus, having a first length; a second field, which may be disposed on the campus, having a second length; a third field, which may be disposed on the campus, having a third length; a fourth field, which may be disposed on the campus, having a fourth length; and/or a fifth field, which may be disposed on the campus, having a fifth length. A ratio of the of the first length over the second length may be no greater than about 0.4 to about 0.6; a ratio of the second length over the third length may be no greater than about 0.2 to about 0.4; a ratio of the third length over the fourth length may be no greater than about 0.4 to about 0.6; and/or a ratio of the fourth length over the fifth length may be no greater than about 0.65 to about 0.85. In addition, each of the third field, the fourth field, and/or the fifth field include a plurality of distance markers, configured to mark distance.
In another embodiment of the invention, the golf instruction campus includes a field barrier, which may be disposed on the campus, configured to prevent objects from crossing from one field to an adjacent field. In still another embodiment of the invention, the golf instruction campus includes an audio data provider module, which may be disposed on the campus, configured to provide audio data of golf instruction. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the golf instruction campus includes a video data provider module, which may be disposed on the campus, configured to provide video data of an example golf swing. In still yet another embodiment of the invention, the golf instruction campus includes a video data recorder module, which may be disposed on the campus, in communication with the video data provider module, configured to record video data of a golf swing.
In even another embodiment of the invention, the golf instruction campus includes a control module, which may be disposed on the campus, in communication with the video data provider module, configured to control the video data provider module. In even still another embodiment of the invention, the golf instruction campus includes a portable media player module, in communication with the video data provider module, configured to play audio and/or video data. In even yet another embodiment of the invention, the golf instruction campus includes a payment acceptance module, in communication with the video data provider module, configured to accept payment.
In an additional embodiment of the invention, the golf instruction campus includes a sixth field, which may be disposed on the campus; and/or a seventh field, which may be disposed on the campus. The sixth field may include sand and/or the seventh field may include a putting green. In still an additional embodiment of the invention, the golf instruction campus includes a wellness facility, which may be disposed on the campus, configured to provide a facility for the provision of wellness.
In yet an additional embodiment of the invention, there is a method for providing golf instruction, comprising the following steps: swinging a golf club head to ankle height to hit a ball on a first field having a first length; swinging a golf club head to knee height to hit a ball on a second field having a second length; swinging a golf club head to hip height to hit a ball on a third field having a third length; swinging a golf club head to shoulder height to hit a ball on a fourth field having a fourth length; and/or swinging a golf club head to above shoulder height to hit a ball on a fifth field having a fifth length. A ratio of the first length over the second length is no greater than about 0.4 to about 0.6; a ratio of the second length over the third length is no greater than about 0.2 to about 0.4; a ratio of the third length over the fourth length is no greater than about 0.4 to about 0.6; and/or a ratio of the fourth length over the fifth length is no greater than about 0.65 to about 0.85. In still yet an additional embodiment of the invention, the method for providing golf instruction includes the step of listening to golf instruction provided by an audio data provider module.
In even an additional embodiment of the invention, the method for providing golf instruction includes viewing an example golf swing on a video data provider module. In even still an additional embodiment of the invention, the method for providing golf instruction includes: recording a swing of a golf club with a video data recorder module; and/or viewing the swing of the golf club on the video data provider module. In even yet an additional embodiment of the invention, the swing of the golf club is viewed simultaneously with the example golf swing.
In a further embodiment of the invention, the method for providing golf instruction includes downloading video data from the video data provider module to a portable media player module. In still a further embodiment of the invention, the method for providing golf instruction includes selecting a mode of the video data provider module by touching a display screen of the video data provider module. In yet a further embodiment of the invention, the method for providing golf instruction includes swinging a golf club on a sixth field. The sixth field may include sand.
In still yet a further embodiment of the invention, the method for providing golf instruction includes swinging a golf club on a seventh field. The seventh field may include a putting green. In even a further embodiment of the invention, swinging a golf club on a seventh field includes: swinging a golf club on a seventh field while looking at a hole for a golf ball; and/or swinging a golf club on a seventh field with closed eyes.
Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the present invention should be or are in any single embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.
Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the invention.
These features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order for the advantages of the invention to be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawing(s). Understanding that these drawing(s) depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawing(s), in which:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a golf instruction campus, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a golf instruction campus, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a golf instruction method, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a golf instruction method, according to one embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 5 is a flow chart of a golf instruction method, according to one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawing(s), and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and any additional applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated herein, which would occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the invention.
Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment, different embodiments, or component parts of the same or different illustrated invention. Additionally, reference to the wording “an embodiment,” or the like, for two or more features, elements, etc. does not mean that the features are related, dissimilar, the same, etc. The use of the term “an embodiment,” or similar wording, is merely a convenient phrase to indicate optional features, which may or may not be part of the invention as claimed.
Each statement of an embodiment is to be considered independent of any other statement of an embodiment despite any use of similar or identical language characterizing each embodiment. Therefore, where one embodiment is identified as “another embodiment,” the identified embodiment is independent of any other embodiments characterized by the language “another embodiment.” The independent embodiments are considered to be able to be combined in whole or in part one with another as the claims and/or art may direct, either directly or indirectly, implicitly or explicitly.
Finally, the fact that the wording “an embodiment,” or the like, does not appear at the beginning of every sentence in the specification, such as is the practice of some practitioners, is merely a convenience for the reader's clarity. However, it is the intention of this application to incorporate by reference the phrasing “an embodiment,” and the like, at the beginning of every sentence herein where logically possible and appropriate.
Many of the functional units described in this specification have been labeled as modules, in order to more particularly emphasize their implementation independence. For example, a module may be implemented as a hardware circuit comprising custom VLSI circuits or gate arrays, off-the-shelf semiconductors such as logic chips, transistors, or other discrete components. A module may also be implemented in programmable hardware devices such as field programmable gate arrays, programmable array logic, programmable logic devices or the like.
Modules may also be implemented in software for execution by various types of processors. An identified module of executable code may, for instance, comprise one or more physical or logical blocks of computer instructions which may, for instance, be organized as an object, procedure, or function. Nevertheless, the executables of an identified module need not be physically located together, but may comprise disparate instructions stored in different locations which, when joined logically together, comprise the module and achieve the stated purpose for the module.
Indeed, a module of executable code may be a single instruction, or many instructions, and may even be distributed over several different code segments, among different programs, and across several memory devices. Similarly, operational data may be identified and illustrated herein within modules, and may be embodied in any suitable form and organized within any suitable type of data structure. The operational data may be collected as a single data set, or may be distributed over different locations including over different storage devices, and may exist, at least partially, merely as electronic signals on a system or network.
As used herein, “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” “is,” “are,” “characterized by,” and grammatical equivalents thereof are inclusive or open-ended terms that do not exclude additional unrecited elements or method steps. “Comprising” is to be interpreted as including the more restrictive terms “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of.”
As illustrated by FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, there is a golf instruction campus 100 for providing golf instruction. As shown, the golf instruction campus 100 has a first field 102, a second field 104, a third field 106, a fourth field 108, and a fifth field 110. In one embodiment of the invention, the fields 102, 104, 106, 108, and 110 include a fairway and/or a green for hitting a golf ball. Also shown by FIGS. 1 and 2, the first field 102 has a first length 112, the second field has a second length 114, the third field 106 has a third length 116, the fourth field 108 has a fourth length 118, and the fifth field 110 has a fifth length 120. In one embodiment of the invention, the fields 102, 104, 106, 108, and 110 increase in length 112, 114, 116, 118, and 120, so that the second length 114 is greater than the first length 112, the third length 116 is greater than the second length 114, the fourth length 118 is greater than the third length 116, and the fifth length 120 is greater than the fourth length 118.
In another embodiment of the invention, a ratio of the first length 112 over the second length 114 is no greater than about 0.3 or about 0.4 or about 0.5 to less than about 0.5 or about 0.6 or about 0.7. In an additional embodiment of the invention, a ratio of the second length 114 over the third length 116 is no greater than about 0.1 or about 0.2 or about 0.3 to less than about 0.3 or about 0.4 or about 0.5. In a further embodiment of the invention, a ratio of the third length 116 over the fourth length 118 is no greater than about 0.3 or about 0.4 or about 0.5 to less than about 0.5 or about 0.6 or about 0.7. In even another embodiment of the invention, a ratio of the fourth length 118 over the fifth length 120 is no greater than about 0.55 or about 0.65 or about 0.75 to less than about 0.75 or about 0.85 or about 0.95.For example, in one embodiment of the invention the first length 112 could be fifteen yards, the second length 114 could be thirty yards, the third length 116 could be one hundred yards, the fourth length 118 could be one hundred and eighty-seven yards, and the fifth length 120 could be two hundred and fifty yards.
Additionally illustrated by FIG. 1, each of the third field 106, the fourth field 108, and the fifth field 110 include a plurality of distance markers 122. In one embodiment of the invention, the distance markers 122 are configured to mark distance. For example, the distance markers could be colored objects disposed along lengths 116, 118, and 120 of the fields 106, 108, and 110.
In one embodiment of the invention, the third field 106 has distance markers 122 which mark distances of fifty, seventy-five, and one hundred yards along the third length 116. In another embodiment of the invention, the fourth field 108 has distance markers 122 which mark distances of seventy-five, one hundred, one hundred and thirty-one, one hundred and fifty, and one hundred and eighty-seven yards along the fourth length 118. In an additional embodiment of the invention, the fifth field 110 has distance markers 122 which mark distances of one hundred, one hundred and fifty, one hundred and seventy-five, two hundred, and two-hundred and fifty yards along the fifth length 120.
Also shown by FIG. 1, there is a field barrier 124 disposed on the golf instruction campus 100 between each of the fields 102, 104, 106, 108, 110. In one embodiment of the invention, the field barrier 124 is configured to prevent objects from crossing from one field to an adjacent field. For example, the field barrier 124 could be a net which prevents golf balls hit on one field from landing on an adjacent field and causing injury.
Further, FIG. 1 illustrates a sixth field 126 and a seventh field 128 disposed on the golf instruction campus 100. In one embodiment of the invention, the sixth field 126 includes sand 132. For example, the sixth field 126 could be a bunker. In another embodiment of the invention, the seventh field 128 includes a putting green 134.
More, illustrated according to FIG. 1, there is a wellness facility 130 disposed on the golf instruction campus 100. In one embodiment of the invention, the wellness facility 130 is configured to provide a facility for the provision of wellness, such as the promotion of health, including preventing illness and prolonging life. For example, the wellness facility 130 may include centers, such as, but not limited to: a juice bar, a massage therapy center, an office center, a meeting center, and locker-rooms.
As shown according to illustrated FIG. 2, the golf instruction campus 100 has an audio data provider module 200. In one embodiment of the invention, the audio data provider module 200 is configured to provide audio data of golf instruction. For example, the audio data provider module 200 may be such as the Phillips Portable MP3/CD Player (EXP 2561) available at http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Philips-Portable-MP3-CD-Player-EXP2561/sem/rpsm/oid/145210/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do. Further, in another embodiment of the invention, there may be an audio data provider module 200 disposed on each field 102, 104, 106, 108, 110 of the golf instruction campus 100.
Additionally shown by FIG. 2, is a video data provider module 202 disposed on the golf instruction campus 100. In one embodiment of the invention, the video data provider module 202 is configured to provide video data of an example of a golf swing. For example, the video data provider module 202 may be a digital video disc player such as the digital video disc system of the Bose Lifestyle 48 Home Entertainment System available at http://www.bose.com/controller?event=VIEW_PRODUCT_PAGE_EVENT&product=1s48_dvd_index&ck=0. Similarly, the video data provider module 202 may include software, such as Windows Media Player 11 available at http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/download/alldownloads.aspx.
More, FIG. 2 illustrates a video data recorder module 204, a control module 206, a portable media player module 208, and a payment acceptance module each in communication with the video data provider module 202. In one embodiment of the invention, the video data recorder module 204 is configured to record video data of a golf swing. For example the video data recorder module 204 may be a camcorder such as the Canon ZR600 available at http://www.buyersedge.com/Browse/ProductCategory Browse.asp?catID=218&FLT=|527-52845|. Also, in one embodiment of the invention, the control module 206 is configured to control the video data provider module 202. For example, the control module 206 could include: an On/Off switch, a play button, a forward button, a reverse button, a repeat button, a record button, a stop button, a remote control, and so on.
In addition, in one embodiment of the invention, the portable media player module 208 is configured to play audio and video data. For example, the portable media player module 208 could be an mp3 player or an iPOD, such as the iPOD nano available at http://www.apple.com/itunes/. Similarly, the portable media player module 208 could be any device having Bluetooth wireless connectivity technology found at www.bluetooth.com. More, in one embodiment of the invention, the payment acceptance module 210 is configured to accept payment. For example, the payment acceptance module 210 may be such as the payment acceptance devices available at http://www.e3india.com/smartvend/smartvend-PAM.html, which includes a coin operated vending machine, a smart card operated vending machine, or a Mobile GSM operated vending machine.
Also shown, according to illustrated FIG. 3, FIG. 4, and FIG. 5, there is a method for providing golf instruction. As illustrated, the method for providing golf instruction includes swinging a golf club head at various heights on a field 300, to hit a ball, such as a golf ball, on the field 300. In particular, the method includes: swinging a golf club head to ankle height to hit a ball on a first field having a first length 302; swinging a golf club head to knee height to hit a ball on a second field having a second length 304; swinging a golf club head to hip height to hit a ball on a third field having a third length 306; swinging a golf club head to shoulder height to hit a ball on a fourth field having a fourth length 308; and swinging a golf club head to above shoulder height to hit a ball on a fifth field having a fifth length 310.
In one embodiment of the invention, the fields 302, 304, 306, 308, and 310 increase in length, so that the second length 304 is greater than the first length 302, the third length 306 is greater than the second length 304, the fourth length 308 is greater than the third length 306, and the fifth length 310 is greater than the fourth length 308. In another embodiment of the invention, a ratio of the first length 302 over the second length 304 is no greater than about 0.3 or about 0.4 or about 0.5 to less than about 0.5 or about 0.6 or about 0.7. In an additional embodiment of the invention, a ratio of the second length 304 over the third length 306 is no greater than about 0.1 or about 0.2 or about 0.3 to less than about 0.3 or about 0.4 or about 0.5. In a further embodiment of the invention, a ratio of the third length 306 over the fourth length 308 is no greater than about 0.3 or about 0.4 or about 0.5 to less than about 0.5 or about 0.6 or about 0.7. In even another embodiment of the invention, a ratio of the fourth length 308 over the fifth length 310 is no greater than about 0.55 or about 0.65 or about 0.75 to less than about 0.75 or about 0.85 or about 0.95.
Additionally, as illustrated, by FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the method for providing golf instruction includes: swinging a golf club on a sixth field including sand 312; and swinging a golf club on a seventh field including a putting green 314. For example, the sixth field including sand 312 may be a bunker. Also, in one embodiment of the invention, swinging a golf club on a seventh field including a putting green 314 includes: swinging a golf club on a seventh field while looking at a hole for a golf ball 400; and swinging a golf club on a seventh field with closed eyes 402.
Moreover, as shown by FIG. 5 the method for providing golf instruction includes selecting a mode of the video data provider module by touching a display screen 500. For example, a user may select a mode of the video data provider module by touching a display screen 500, such as the touch monitor of the 1529L LCD Touchcomputer available at http://www.elotouch.com/Products/Computers/default.asp. Also, the method for providing golf instruction includes viewing an example of a golf swing on a video data provider module 502 and listening to golf instruction provided by an audio data provider module 504. For example, a user may view an example of a golf swing on a video data provider module 502, such as a digital video disc player such as the digital video disc system of the Bose Lifestyle 48 Home Entertainment System available at http://www.bose.com/controller?event=VIEW_PRODUCT_PAGE_EVENT&product=1s48_dvd_index&ck=0. Similarly, the video data provider module may include software, such as Windows Media Player 11 available at http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/download/alldownloads.aspx. Further, a user may listen to golf instruction provided by an audio data provider module 504, such as the Phillips Portable MP3/CD Player (EXP 2561) available at http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Philips-Portable-MP3-CD-Player-EXP2561/sem/rpsm/oid/145210/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do.
Also, the illustrated method for providing golf instruction includes swinging a golf club to hit a ball on a field 300. For example, a user could swing a golf club on a first field having a first length 302, a second field having a second length 304, a third field having a third length 306, a fourth field having a fourth length 308, a fifth field having a fifth length 310, a sixth field including sand 312, or a seventh field including a putting green 314. In addition, the method for providing golf instruction includes recording a swing of a golf club with a video data recorder module 506. For example, a user could record a swing of a golf club with a video data recorder module 506, such as a camcorder such as the Canon ZR600 available at http://www.buyersedge.com/Browse/ProductCategoryBrowse.asp?catID=218&FLT=|527-52845|.
More, the method for providing golf instruction as shown in FIG. 5 includes: viewing a swing of a golf club with the video data provider module 508; and downloading video data from the video data provider module to a portable medial player module 510. For example, a user may view a swing of a golf club with a video data provider module 508, such as a digital video disc player such as the digital video disc system of the Bose Lifestyle 48 Home Entertainment System available at http://www.bose.com/controller?event=VIEW_PRODUCT_PAGE_EVENT&product=1s 48_dvd_index&ck=0. Similarly, the video data provider module may include software, such as Windows Media Player 11 available at http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/download/alldownloads.aspx. Further, a user may download video data from the video data provider module 510, such as an mp3 player, or an iPOD, such as the iPOD nano available at http://www.apple.com/itunes/. Similarly, the portable media player module could be any device having Bluetooth wireless connectivity technology found at www.bluetooth.com.
In operation of one embodiment of the invention, a user enters a golf instruction campus 100 to receive golf instruction. Then, the user selects a golf club and enters a first field 102. Once on the first field 102, the user selects a play mode of a video data provider module by touching a display screen 500. Next, the user views an example of a golf swing on the video data provider module 502 and listens to golf instruction provided by an audio data provider module 504. Then, the user swings the golf club on the first field so that a head of the golf club swings to ankle height 302. While swinging the golf club on the first field 302, the user records the swing of the golf club with a video data recorder module 506. Next, the user views the recorded swing on the video data provider module 508 in order to compare it to the example swing, and the user downloads his or her recorded swing onto a portable media player module 510.
The user then enters a second field 104, a third field 106, a fourth field 108, a fifth field 110, and repeats the aforementioned actions while swinging the golf club head to knee height 302, hip height 306, shoulder height 308, and above shoulder height 310, respectively. Next, the user enters a sixth field 126, including sand 132, swings the golf club 312, and repeats the aforementioned actions. Finally, a user enters a seventh field 128, including a putting green, swings the golf club 314, and repeats the aforementioned actions while looking at a hole for a golf ball 400, as well as with closed eyes 402.
Accordingly, the design of the golf instruction campus 100 allows the user to advance from one field 102, 104, 106, 108, 110, 126, 128 to the next, with a single golf club. As the user progresses along the golf instruction campus 100, from one field to the next, the user increases or decreases a height of his or her swing according to a field length 112, 114, 116, 118, 120 and/or field composition, such as the presence of sand 132 and grass. This progression allows the user to determine how far he or she can hit a golf ball with varying swing heights of a golf club.
It is understood that the above-described embodiments are only illustrative of the application of the principles of the present invention. The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiment is to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
For example, it is envisioned that the field barrier 124 could be any barrier appreciated in the art configured to prevent objects from crossing from one field to an adjacent field. For example, the field barrier 124 could include barriers, such as, but not limited to: netting, walls, and fences. Accordingly, the field barrier 124 could have different heights and/or different thicknesses.
Also, it is envisioned that the audio data provider module 200 could be any audio data provider module 200 appreciated in the art. For example, the audio data provider module 200 could include audio data provider modules such as, but not limited to: headphones; audio cassette players; compact disc players; digital video disk players; mp3 players; iPODs; cell phones; personal digital assistants; and walkie-talkies. Accordingly, the video data provider module 202 could include an audio data provider module 200. Similarly, the audio video data provider module 200 could provide audio data of golf instruction through wireless communication.
Likewise, it is envisioned that the video data provider module 202 could be any video data provider module 202 appreciated in the art. For example, the video data provider module 202 could include video data provider modules such as, but not limited to: digital video disk players; mp3 players; iPODS; video cassette players; cell phones; and personal digital assistants.
More, it is envisioned that the step of downloading video data from the video data provider module to a portable media player module 510 could take place at any location appreciated in the art. For example, the step of downloading video data from the video data provider module to a portable media player module 510 could take place at locations such as, but not limited to: a golf instruction campus 100; a field 102, 104, 106, 108, 110, 126, and 128; a wellness facility 130; a home; or an office.
Additionally, the method for providing golf instruction could include steps in addition to those listed in the claims. For example, although the figures illustrate that the step of swinging a golf club on a seventh field including a putting green 314 includes the steps of swinging a golf club on a seventh field while looking at a hole for a golf ball 400, and swinging a golf club on a seventh field with closed eyes 402, the step of swinging a golf club on a seventh field including a putting green 314 could also include swinging a golf club on a seventh field while looking at the ball. Similarly, it is envisioned that the step of viewing the swing of the golf club on the video data provider module 508 could further include the steps of viewing the swing alone; viewing the swing superimposed on the example swing; and/or viewing the swing side-by-side with the example swing.
It is also envisioned that the wellness facility 130 could have clean air systems with negative ions, replicating air in a rain forest or air along the coast. In addition, the wellness facility 130 could have water stations which provide filtered water. Further, the wellness facility 130 could have a juice bar for purchase of healthy meals, energy drinks, and barley to mix with water. More, it is envisioned that the wellness facility 130 could provide instruction on weight management, as well as exercise classes. Additionally, the wellness facility 130 could provide massages, including magnetic massages. Finally, the wellness facility 130 could supply health items for use during golf, such as: magnetic insoles; and wraps for joints, limbs, and other body parts.
In addition, it is envisioned that the payment acceptance module 210 could be configured to accept different forms of payment. For example, the payment acceptance could accept: a cash payment, including coins and/or bills; or a card, such as a credit card, debit card, membership card, or other account card having a magnetic strip. More, users of the golf instruction campus 100 could have the option of prepaying for use of a video data provider module 202 at the wellness facility 130 prior to entry onto a field 102, 104, 106, 108, 110, 126, and 128.
Further, each of the modules 200, 202, 204, 206, 208, and 210 could be located at each of, or any of, the fields 102, 104, 106, 108, 110, 126, and/or 128. For example, the first field 102 may have only an audio data provider module 200, while the second field 104 has both an audio data provider module 202 and a video data provider module 202.
It is expected that there could be numerous variations of the design of this invention. For example, the golf instruction campus 100 could have any shape appreciated in the art, such as, but not limited to: circular; square; rectangular; and oblong. Similarly, the golf instruction campus 100 could be any size appreciated in the art. For example, the golf instruction campus 100 could be have an area smaller, larger, or identical to a typical golf course.
Additionally, the fields 102, 104, 106, 108, 110, 126, and 128 could have different configurations. For example, in one embodiment of the invention, the first field 102 could be located in a center of the golf instruction campus 100, while in another embodiment of the invention, the second field 104 could be located in the center of the golf instruction campus 100.
Finally, it is envisioned that the components of the golf instruction campus 100 may be constructed of a variety of materials. For example, the golf instruction campus could be constructed of materials, such as, but not limited to: wood; glass; plastic; textiles; and organic materials, such as grass, sod, and earth.
Thus, while the present invention has been fully described above with particularity and detail in connection with what is presently deemed to be the most practical and preferred embodiment of the invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications, including, but not limited to, variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use may be made, without departing from the principles and concepts of the invention as set forth in the claims.

Claims

1. A golf instruction campus for providing golf instruction, comprising:

a) a first field, disposed on the campus, having a first length;

b) a second field, disposed on the campus, having a second length, wherein a ratio of the of the first length over the second length is no greater than about 0.4 to about 0.6;

c) a third field, disposed on the campus, having a third length, wherein a ratio of the second length over the third length is no greater than about 0.2 to about 0.4;

d) a fourth field, disposed on the campus, having a fourth length, wherein a ratio of the third length over the fourth length is no greater than about 0.4 to about 0.6; and

e) a fifth field, disposed on the campus, having a fifth length, wherein a ratio of the fourth length over the fifth length is no greater than about 0.65 to about 0.85;

f) wherein each of the third field, the fourth field, and the fifth field include a plurality of distance markers, configured to mark distance.

2. The golf instruction campus of claim 1, further comprising:

a) a field barrier, disposed on the campus, configured to prevent objects from crossing from one field to an adjacent field.

3. The golf instruction campus of claim 2, further comprising:

a) an audio data provider module, disposed on the campus, configured to provide audio data of golf instruction.

4. The golf instruction campus of claim 3, further comprising:

a) a video data provider module, disposed on the campus, configured to provide video data of an example golf swing.

5. The golf instruction campus of claim 4, further comprising:

a) a video data recorder module, disposed on the campus, in communication with the video data provider module, configured to record video data of a golf swing.

6. The golf instruction campus of claim 5, further comprising:

a) a control module, disposed on the campus, in communication with the video data provider module, configured to control the video data provider module.

7. The golf instruction campus of claim 6, further comprising:

a) a portable media player module, in communication with the video data provider module, configured to play audio and video data.

8. The golf instruction campus of claim 7, further comprising:

a) a payment acceptance module, in communication with the video data provider module, configured to accept payment.

9. The golf instruction campus of claim 8, further comprising:

a) a sixth field, disposed on the campus, wherein the sixth field includes sand; and

b) a seventh field, disposed on the campus, wherein the seventh field includes a putting green.

10. The golf instruction campus of claim 9, further comprising:

a) a wellness facility, disposed on the campus, configured to provide a facility for the provision of wellness.

11. A method for providing golf instruction, comprising the following steps:

a) swinging a golf club head to ankle height to hit a ball on a first field having a first length;

b) swinging a golf club head to knee height to hit a ball on a second field having a second length, wherein a ratio of the first length over the second length is no greater than about 0.4 to about 0.6;

c) swinging a golf club head to hip height to hit a ball on a third field having a third length, wherein a ratio of the second length over the third length is no greater than about 0.2 to about 0.4;

d) swinging a golf club head to shoulder height to hit a ball on a fourth field having a fourth length, wherein a ratio of the third length over the fourth length is no greater than about 0.4 to about 0.6; and

d) swinging a golf club head to above shoulder height to hit a ball on a fifth field having a fifth length, wherein a ratio of the fourth length over the fifth length is no greater than about 0.65 to about 0.85.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising the step of:

a) listening to golf instruction provided by an audio data provider module.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising the step of: p1 a) viewing an example golf swing on a video data provider module.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising the steps of:

a) recording a swing of a golf club with a video data recorder module; and

b) viewing the swing of the golf club on the video data provider module.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the swing of the golf club is viewed simultaneously with the example golf swing.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising the step of:

a) downloading video data from the video data provider module to a portable media player module.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising the step of:

a) selecting a mode of the video data provider module by touching a display screen of the video data provider module.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising the step of:

a) swinging a golf club on a sixth field, wherein the sixth field includes sand.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising the step of:

a) swinging a golf club on a seventh field, wherein the seventh field includes a putting green.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein swinging a golf club on a seventh field further comprises the steps of:

a) swinging a golf club on a seventh field while looking at a hole for a golf ball; and

b) swinging a golf club on a seventh field with closed eyes.