Golf swing training device

Abstract

A device is provided for use in training a golfer to hit swing shots. The device comprises a golf club having a shaft and a handgrip portion. At least two indicators are attached to the shaft or to the handgrip portion. The indicators point along respective lines at respectively predetermined acute angles relative to a longitudinal axis of the shaft on either side respectively of the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The indicators are preferably secured to a particular golf club in a permanent manner wherein they are not intended to be removed therefrom. The indicators may comprise first markings on a plate that is attached to the shaft or they may comprise first markings on a handgrip that is attached to the shaft. The golf club may comprise a practice club.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A device for use in training a golfer to hit swing shots, the device comprising a golf club having a shaft and a handgrip portion; at least two indicators attached to said shaft or said hand grip portion that point along respective lines at respectively predetermined acute angles relative to a longitudinal axis of said shaft on either side respectively of said longitudinal axis of said shaft. 
     
     
         2 . A device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein a plate is attached to the shaft or the handgrip portion and wherein the indicators comprise first markings on the plate. 
     
     
         3 . A device as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein each first marking comprises a first straight line at a predetermined acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis of said shaft. 
     
     
         4 . A device as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein each first marking comprises at least one second straight line at a right angle to said first straight line. 
     
     
         5 . A device as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein each indicator comprises a first marking in the form of a letter ‘I’ or ‘T’. 
     
     
         6 . A device as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein the plate carries a second marking aligned with the longitudinal axis of the shaft of the club. 
     
     
         7 . A device as claimed in  claim 6 , wherein the second marking comprises a series of parallel lines that are also parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. 
     
     
         8 . A device as claimed in  claim 6 , wherein the second marking comprises a rectangle with two sides that are also parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. 
     
     
         9 . A device as claimed in  claim 6 , wherein the second marking comprises at least one line and the handgrip portion also comprises a marking aligned with the longitudinal axis of the shaft of the club with which the line of the second marking appears to align if a face of the club is in a correct alignment at a checkpoint during a backswing or a downswing or a follow through. 
     
     
         10 . A device as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein the shaft is a plastics moulding and the plate is integrally formed therewith. 
     
     
         11 . A device as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein the plate is connected to the shaft or handgrip portion by a fastener in the form of a screw, bolt, pin or rivet. 
     
     
         12 . A device as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein the plate is connected to the shaft or handgrip portion by gluing or welding. 
     
     
         13 . A device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the indicators comprise first markings on the handgrip portion, each marking comprising a straight line at a predetermined acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis of said shaft. 
     
     
         14 . A device as claimed in  claim 13 , wherein each first marking comprises at least one second straight line at a right angle to said first straight line. 
     
     
         15 . A device as claimed in  claim 13 , wherein the first markings comprise lines forming a letter ‘V’. 
     
     
         16 . A device as claimed in  claim 13 , wherein the indicators are printed on a label that is adhered to the handgrip portion. 
     
     
         17 . A device as claimed in  claim 13 , wherein the indicators are first markings comprising curved lines that appear straight when viewed from one side of the golf club in use. 
     
     
         18 . A device as claimed in  claim 13 , wherein the handgrip carries a second marking aligned with the longitudinal axis of the shaft of the club. 
     
     
         19 . A device as claimed in  claim 18 , wherein the second marking comprises a series of parallel lines that are parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. 
     
     
         20 . A device as claimed in  claim 18 , wherein the second marking is printed on a label that is adhered to the handgrip portion. 
     
     
         21 . A device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the golf club is a practice club.