Golf swing training template

Abstract

A golf swing training device having a graphic design that illustrates a plurality of golf swing variables includes a club path indicator and a club face angle guide. The template is designed so that golfers may practice swinging a golf club over the top of the template to determine whether their swing follows a desired path. A swing reference guide is included and correlates shot selection, ball path, club path, and club face angle. In its form as a putt trainer, the device includes a groove within which a putted ball will travel if properly hit.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:  
     
         1 . A golf swing training device, comprising: 
 a template, the template having a top surface and a bottom surface;    a putt training graphic design attached to the template and visible when facing the top surface, the putt training graphic design depicting (i) a plurality of club path indicators, (ii) a swing reference guide comprising a plurality of shot selection types, and (iii) a link between each one of the plurality of shot selection types and one of the club path indicators; and    a groove in the top surface of the template, the groove extending along an expected line of travel for a properly hit golf ball.    
     
     
         2 . The training device of  claim 1 , further comprising a ball locator, and wherein the groove extends from the ball locator substantially to the end of the template.  
     
     
         3 . The training device of  claim 1 , wherein the groove further extends through the template, from the top surface to the bottom surface, substantially along the entire length of the groove.  
     
     
         4 . The training device of  claim 2 , wherein the ball locator further comprises a bore extending through the template.  
     
     
         5 . The training device of  claim 2 , wherein the club path indicators includes at least one of a primary club path, inside-out club path, outside-in club path or take away club path indicator.  
     
     
         6 . The training device of  claim 5 , wherein the swing reference guide further comprises a club face angle indicator associated with each of the shot selection types.  
     
     
         7 . The training device of  claim 6 , wherein the link comprises a first insignia associated with at least one of the plurality of shot selection types and a corresponding insignia associated with at least one of the club path indicators.  
     
     
         8 . The training device of  claim 7 , wherein the first insignia and corresponding insignia each comprise an alphanumeric character.  
     
     
         9 . The training device of  claim 6 , wherein the link comprises the use of a plurality of colors, such that each of the club path indicators is formed in a color that is substantially the same as a color used for at least one shot selection type.  
     
     
         10 . The training device of  claim 9 , wherein the graphic design depicting the plurality of shot selection types further comprises an illustration of a representative ball travel path for each of the plurality of shot selection types.  
     
     
         11 . The training device of  claim 10 , wherein the graphic design further depicts a foot and ball position guide.  
     
     
         12 . The training device of  claim 1 , further comprising a full swing graphic design attached to the template and visible when facing the bottom surface, the full swing graphic design depicting (i) a plurality of club path indicators, (ii) a swing reference guide comprising a plurality of shot selection types, and (iii) a link between each one of the plurality of shot selection types and one of the club path indicators..  
     
     
         13 . The training device of  claim 11 , further comprising a handle.  
     
     
         14 . The training device of  claim 12 , further comprising a plurality of stake bores.