Devices and methods for improving a golfer's swing

Abstract

Embodiments of the disclosure provide devices for stabilizing the foot of a golfer during a swing to improve the golfer's form. Embodiments disclose a variety of strap designs to hold a spike, such as a golf tee, underneath the sole of the golf shoe. The spike engages the ground to limit the movement of the foot during a swing to improve the mechanics of a golfer's swing. Some embodiments include a strap to which the golf tee is removably secured. Other embodiments provide for golf shoe designs which incorporate the spike or an attachment mechanism for a spike.

1 . A device for stabilizing a golfer's foot during a golf swing comprising:
 a strap of resilient material having first and second ends and a length suitable for encircling a golf shoe when the strap is at least partly stretched;   said ends being secured respectively to a connecting mechanism enabling the strap to be secured in a position in which it encircles said golf shoe,   an opening in the strap approximately midway between the ends of the strap;   the opening being dimensioned to allow a shank of a golf tee to extend through the opening and to prevent a head of a golf tee passing through it.   
     
     
         2 . A device according to  claim 1 , wherein the margin of the opening is reinforced. 
     
     
         3 . A device according to  claim 1 , including a grommet secured in the opening. 
     
     
         4 . A device according to  claim 1 , wherein the connecting mechanism comprises a buckle having male and female parts to which the ends of the strap are respectively secured. 
     
     
         5 . The device according to  claim 4 , wherein at least one of the ends of the strap is adjustably secured to at least one of the male and the female parts of the buckle part to allow the length of the strap to be varied. 
     
     
         6 . A device for stabilizing a golfer's foot during a golf swing comprising:
 a golf shoe having a sole;   a spike connected at its proximal end to the underside of the sole in a position under the forefoot of a golfer wearing the shoe.   
     
     
         7 . A device according to  claim 6  comprising:
 a folding bracket having a first part secured to the sole of the shoe and a second part hinged to the first part; 
 said spike being connected at its proximal end to the second part of the hinge and having a distal end for engaging the ground; 
 the hinge allowing the spike to be moved between a position in which it extends substantially perpendicular to the sole of the shoe and a position in which it is substantially flush with the sole of the shoe. 
 
     
     
         8 . A device according to  claim 6 , wherein said spike is a golf tee. 
     
     
         9 . A device for stabilizing a golfer's foot during a golf swing comprising:
 a resilient closed band of a length suitable to encircle a golf shoe when the band is at least partly stretched;   an opening in the strap approximately midway between the ends of the strap;   the opening dimensioned to allow a shank of a golf tee to extend through the opening and to prevent the head of a golf tee passing through it.