Golf Practice Assemblies and Methods

Abstract

Modifiable platform assemblies are provided that can include at least two frame assemblies configured to reside one above the other and be rotatably connected in relation to one and the other along an axis extending substantially normal to an interface between the two assemblies. These platforms can be used to develop the golf swing. Accordingly, golf ball hitting practice methods are also provided.

1 . A modifiable platform assembly  10  comprising at least two frame assemblies configured to reside one above the other and be rotatably connected in relation to one and the other along an axis extending substantially normal to an interface between the two assemblies. 
     
     
         2 . The platform of  claim 1  further comprising a support platform pivotably coupled to one of the frame assemblies. 
     
     
         3 . The platform of  claim 2  wherein the support platform comprises an edge that is hinged to an edge of the one of the frame assemblies. 
     
     
         4 . The platform of  claim 2  further comprising a positioning assembly between the support platform and the frame assembly coupled to the support platform. 
     
     
         5 . The platform of  claim 4  wherein the positioning assembly comprises:
 at least one member extending from the support platform; and 
 another member extending from one of the frame assemblies, the one member configured to engage the other member at a plurality of positions. 
 
     
     
         6 . The platform of  claim 5  wherein the one member defines a plurality of recesses configured to individually receive the other member. 
     
     
         7 . The platform of  claim 1  further comprising a rotation assembly engaged between the two frame assemblies. 
     
     
         8 . The platform of  claim 7  wherein the rotation assembly comprises a spindle. 
     
     
         9 . The platform of  claim 8  wherein the spindle comprises a hood and ball, the hood being coupled to one frame and the ball being coupled to the other frame, the assembly being configured to rotate the one frame about the other frame as the hood rotates about the ball. 
     
     
         10 . The platform of  claim 7  wherein the rotation assembly is configured to lock in a resting position and allow for movement in the raised position. 
     
     
         11 . A golf ball hitting practice method, the method comprising:
 providing a practice platform in a first position aligned with a target, the practice platform being in a first location in relation to the target and the target being in a second location in relation to the practice platform; and   striking a ball from the platform in the first position, the first position providing a first lie of the golf ball; and   repositioning the platform to a second position different from the first position, the second position providing a different lie of the golf ball in relation to the striking golfer.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11  wherein the repositioning the platform maintains the distance relationship between the practice platform and the target. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 11  further comprising after repositioning, again striking another ball from the platform in the second position. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 11  wherein the first position of the platform is substantially level and the second position of the platform is substantially tilted. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 11  wherein the first position of the platform is substantially tilted and the second position is substantially tilted and rotated about an axis in relation to the first position. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 11  wherein the repositioning comprises disengaging the platform from a locked position and rotating the platform about an axis. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 11  wherein the repositioning comprises depressing a lever to disengage the platform from the locked position. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 11  wherein the first lie of the golf ball is about level with the feet of the practice player. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 11  wherein the first lie of the golf ball is above the feet of the practice player. 
     
     
         20 . A golf swing practice platform, the platform comprising:
 a first frame residing above a second frame, the first and second frames rotationally-fixedly coupled to one another;   a hitting platform pivotably coupled to the first frame via at least one hinge;   a positioning assembly between the hitting platform and first frame, the positioning assembly configured to fixedly engage the hitting platform in a plurality of physical relations with the first frame; and   a rotation assembly between the first frame and the second frame, the rotation assembly configured to lock the relation of the first frame to the second frame when the first frame is in the down position, but allow the first frame to rotate about the second frame when the first frame is in the up position.