Golf training device and method

Abstract

A golf club training device and method utilizes a substantially rigid, sleeve-type member that is positioned over a forefinger of a lower hand of a golfer. The sleeve-type member is positioned over a central portion of the forefinger, extends above and below the forefinger, and is open at both ends. The member restricts bending of the forefinger, so as to maintain an upper anterior portion of the forefinger away from a golf club handle during swinging. In one embodiment, the member is open along a portion of the posterior length thereof. In one embodiment, a thumb pad may also be provided, which is adapted to be positioned on the thumb of the lower hand and to be placed substantially squarely on the golf club handle, improving a user's golf swing.

1 . A golf training device comprising, in combination:
 a substantially rigid, sleeve-type member configured to be secured over at least a central portion of a forefinger of a user's lower hand;   wherein the substantially rigid member is open at each of a bottom and a top portion thereof and is adapted to limit the user's ability to bend the forefinger about the central portion.   
   
   
       2 . The training device of  claim 1  wherein the substantially rigid member is open along a portion of a posterior length thereof. 
   
   
       3 . The training device of  claim 1  wherein the substantially rigid member is secured to an interior portion of a golf glove. 
   
   
       4 . The training device of  claim 1  wherein the substantially rigid member is comprised of rubber. 
   
   
       5 . The training device of  claim 1  wherein the substantially rigid member is comprised of plastic. 
   
   
       6 . The training device of  claim 1  further comprising a golf glove and wherein the substantially rigid member is concealed within a forefinger portion of the golf glove. 
   
   
       7 . A golf training device comprising, in combination:
 a substantially rigid, sleeve-type member configured to be secured over at least a central portion of a forefinger of a user's lower hand;   wherein the substantially rigid member is open at each of a bottom and a top portion thereof and is adapted to limit the user's ability to bend the forefinger about the central portion; and   a thumb pad, adapted to be positioned over an upper, anterior surface portion of the user's thumb.   
   
   
       8 . The training device of  claim 7  wherein the substantially rigid member is open along a portion of a posterior length thereof. 
   
   
       9 . The training device of  claim 7  wherein the substantially rigid member is secured to an interior portion of a golf glove. 
   
   
       10 . The training device of  claim 7  wherein the substantially rigid member is comprised of rubber. 
   
   
       11 . The training device of  claim 7  wherein the substantially rigid member is comprised of plastic. 
   
   
       12 . The training device of  claim 7  further comprising a golf glove and wherein the substantially rigid member is concealed within a forefinger portion of the golf glove. 
   
   
       13 . A golf training method comprising:
 securing a substantially rigid, sleeve-type member configured over at least a central portion of a forefinger of a user's lower hand;   wherein the substantially rigid member is open at each of a bottom and a top portion thereof and is adapted to limit the user's ability to bend the forefinger about the central portion;   grasping a handle of a golf club in a manner in which an upper portion of the forefinger is not in contact with the handle; and   swinging the golf club.   
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 13  further comprising positioning a thumb pad over an upper, anterior surface portion of the user's thumb prior to swinging the golf club. 
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 13  wherein the substantially rigid member is open along a portion of a posterior length thereof. 
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 13  wherein the substantially rigid member is secured to an interior portion of a golf glove. 
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 13  wherein the substantially rigid member is comprised of rubber. 
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 13  wherein the substantially rigid member is comprised of plastic. 
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 13  further comprising a golf glove and wherein the substantially rigid member is concealed within a forefinger portion of the golf glove.