Golf Training Apparatus

Abstract

Golf training apparatus and method for golf training using a golf training apparatus. The golf training apparatus comprises a target member having a substantially flat form extending across an area larger than a regulation-sized golf hole area, and a target opening formed in the target member. The target opening extends inward from an edge of the target member. The target opening defines a space smaller than or equal to a regulation-sized golf hole. The target member provides a target for training to putt a golf ball.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An apparatus comprising:
 a target member having a substantially flat form extending across an area larger than a regulation-sized golf hole area; and   a target opening formed in the target member, the target opening extending inward from an edge of the target member defining a space smaller than or equal to a regulation-sized golf hole;   where the target member provides a target for training to putt a golf ball.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising a positioning portion affixed to the target member to position the target member on a golf hole. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2  where:
 the positioning portion extends from a bottom surface of the target member and from one edge of the target opening circumferentially to the other edge of the target opening, the positioning portion having a positioning portion diameter that is less than or equal to the diameter of a regulation-sized golf hole to maintain the target member on a golf hole when the positioning portion is inserted into the golf hole. 
 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 3  where the positioning portion forms an annular section comprising an outer annular surface and an inner annular surface with a thickness between the outer annular surface and the inner annular surface, where the positioning portion diameter is defined as a diameter of the outer annular surface. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 4  where the positioning portion extends from the bottom surface of the target member to a flat surface on an end opposite an end attached to the target member, the flat surface defining the thickness between the inner annular surface and the outer annular surface. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 5  where the inner annular surface of the positioning portion extends from a partially circular portion of the target opening. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 4  where the positioning portion tapers from a larger positioning portion diameter where the positioning portion attaches to the target member to a smaller positioning portion diameter at an end opposite where the positioning portion attaches to the target member. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 3  where the positioning portion extends circumferentially in sections with spaces there between. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising:
 a contoured edge formed circumferentially around the target member to deflect putts that are off center providing feedback to a user. 
 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 1  where the space defined by the target opening is larger than a regulation-sized golf ball. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 1  where the target opening in the target member extends inward to a semi-circular opening in the target member. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 11  where the target opening extends at a substantially constant length defined by the diameter of the semi-circular opening. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 1  where the target member has a substantially circular shape. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 1  where the target member is made of a material selected from the consisting of:
 resin; 
 metal; 
 wood; 
 rubber; 
 synthetic rubber; and 
 foam material. 
 
     
     
         15 . A golf putting training method comprising:
 positioning a target member on a surface, the target member having a substantially flat form extending across an area larger than the area of a regulation-sized golf hole, and a target opening formed in the target member, the target opening extending inward from an edge of the target member, the target opening defining a space smaller than or equal to a regulation-sized golf hole;   striking a golf ball towards the target opening.   
     
     
         16 . The golf putting training method of  claim 15  further comprising:
 positioning the target member over a golf hole. 
 
     
     
         17 . The golf putting training method of  claim 16  where the target opening is directed in a first direction, the method further comprising:
 re-positioning the target member in the golf hole with the target opening directed in a second direction.