Machine and Method for Comprehensive GolfTrainingand Instruction

Abstract

The present invention relates to a machine and method used to capture, analyze, score, archive, track and communicate real-time relevant golf data specific to individual golfers: 1) during practice/lessons; or 2) for every shot on every hole of an entire recreational golf round; and 3) acts as the “glue” to tie together the various critical skills a golfer learns from the numerous machines and processes independently available to the golfer similar to the way the better golf schools or training academy's provide comprehensive across the board golf instruction.

1 . A method for caddying and training golfers, the method comprising:
 a. providing an apparatus for caddying and training golfers comprising a plurality of enhanced components that work in concert as an automated system, the apparatus further comprising:
 i. a Global Positioning System (GPS); 
 ii. a plurality of GPS mapped golf courses and mapped golf ranges; 
 iii. a plurality of enhanced golfing equipment including a golf club(s), a pair of golf shoes, a golf glove, a glove ball(s); the enhanced golfing equipment further comprising a plurality of computing circuits, a plurality of sensors; 
 iv. a wearable computing device (PDA) further comprising a plurality of golf data, a plurality of application software including a virtual caddy, a component ID application; 
   b. initializing the virtual caddy at least once; whereby indicating that this is a training session, comprising:
 i. downloading the GPS mapped golf range from the internet; and 
 ii. identifying the golfer information to the component ID application and in turn the virtual caddy by tying each uniquely identified piece of the enhanced golfing equipment to its golfer owner; 
   c. interacting with the virtual caddy during the golf training session, comprising:
 i. adjusting the virtual caddy to reflect actual conditions of the training facility; 
 ii. consulting the virtual caddy for the characteristics of the golf range including hazards, distances to “mark” greens and other strategic points on the range; 
 iii. consulting the virtual caddy for suggestions for a plan(s) of approach for practicing, given the historical information of recent rounds and tournaments; 
 iv. deciding on the plan of approach for a plurality of shot(s) with selected clubs, based on the historical information reviewed with the Virtual Caddy; 
 v. deciding on a shot; 
   d. taking the shot;   e. assessing the results of the shot with the virtual caddy; whereby focusing on any shots that had yellow or red light shots that had to be aborted;   f. repeating the steps above for the club until the satisfied with results;   g. repeating the steps above for each club until the training session is completed.   
     
     
         2 . A method as recited in  claim 1 , for training golfers wherein for a non-putting shot(s), the taking the shot step further comprises:
 a. selecting the golf club for the shot; wherein triggering collection of the golf data;   b. gripping the golf club; wherein triggering the sensors in the enhanced golf equipment relative to the virtual caddy's grip standards;   c. capturing a pre-shot setup routine wherein triggering the sensors and intra-component computing circuits in the enhanced golf equipment; and   d. capturing the golf shot and the golf data wherein triggering the sensors and intra-club computing circuits in the enhanced golf club and golf ball.