US20060183566A1 - System and method for providing golf instruction - Google Patents

Abstract

A system and method for providing customizable golf instruction in a portable form. The system comprises a folio operable to removably hold a changeable set of customizable golf materials formatted to allow a golfer to quickly reference instruction for a particular situation encountered by the golfer.

Description

PRIORITY
• This application claims priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application 60/652,312, filed Feb. 11, 2005, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
• Golf is a game enjoyed by many but mastered by few. Golfers will often experience ball placements or shot lies with which they have no experience or for which they cannot recall the optimal form and technique for the shot. For this reason, golfers who wish to improve their game often turn to golf aids, instructional videos, instructional books, and practice time on the driving range or putting green so that they are better prepared to play a round of golf. However, all of these various learning aids are only beneficial if the lessons are engrained into the memory or muscular reflexes of the golfer, as these learning aids are not suitable to be used while actually playing a round of golf. Videos typically are impractical to bring onto a course, and finding the exact instruction relating to the specific challenge a golfer is facing on the course would be unwieldy even if the technology allowed video instruction to be carried with a golfer. Books and magazines are similarly bulky and often not organized to allow quick access to a problem that a golfer might require instruction for at any given time. In addition, such books and magazines are not designed so that they can be easily carried with the golfer and easily accessed during a round of golf. Therefore, a golf training aid that is easily accessed and practical to carry with a golfer during a round of golf would be greatly appreciated.
• Utilizing the services of a golf professional or professional golf instructor has long been one method of obtaining tailored instruction to help an individual with the various shot choice and stance decisions that face a golfer in an actual round of golf. By using a golf professional during a casual round of golf, the professional can provide instruction regarding only the areas where the golfer is deficient, and may do so in a timely manner when the golfer is approaching a shot or lie that is not a strongpoint of the golfer. The golf professional can give almost instantaneous advice to the golfer as to stance and swing prior to the golfer taking a stroke, and that advice can be tailored to the exact lie of the ball and contour of the ground. However, the hourly fees for a golf professional can range in the hundreds or thousands of dollars, making this option cost prohibitive for all but the most wealthy golfers who would like to improve their golf game. Further, utilizing a golf professional during a round of golf with friends and colleagues would be awkward and socially unacceptable. Therefore, a lower cost means for providing golf instruction tailored to the shot or lie selections and other aspects of a golf game encountered during an actual round of golf would be greatly appreciated.
• Other solutions to providing accessible advice regarding a golf game include the use of folded instructions that fold out like a map, or spiral bound notebooks that attempt to cover all aspects of the game in one book. However, these guides are often not sturdy enough to be subjected to prolonged use, may not withstand the elements, and are not able to be modified to address only the areas of an individual's golf game that need work. Thus, these guides can be clumsy and difficult to use as a quick reference on the course, and may be difficult to carry, causing many to forego their use. Therefore, a means for providing readily accessible and well-organized golf advice that is resistant to the elements, easily transported on the course, and readily customized to particular deficiencies of a golfer would be greatly appreciated.
SUMMARY
• The present application relates to a customizable apparatus for providing golf instruction, allowing a golfer to carry relevant golf instruction material on the course that is tailored to the golfer's needs. For instance, the customizable apparatus may include a foldable folio that can be placed in an open or closed position and customizable golf instructional material that is sized to fit within the folio and which can be removed, updated, or exchanged to fit the needs of a golfer utilizing the material. In addition, the customizable apparatus optionally comprises an upper portion, a lower portion, an articulating portion, and a closure so that the folio may be opened and closed. The folio optionally includes a marker holder. Further optionally, the folio comprises a game improvement tracker. Further optionally, the folio further comprises a holder operable to hold a game improvement tracker, a scorecard, or marking pad. In one embodiment, the customizable golf instruction material is comprised of weather durable material. Further optionally, the customizable golf instruction material is in digital form.
• According to another embodiment, the present application relates to a customizable apparatus for providing golf instruction, with the apparatus comprising a folio having an upper portion, a lower portion, an articulating portion connecting the upper portion and the lower portion, and a closure. The customizable apparatus further comprises customizable golf instruction operable to be removably placed within the folio, and a game improvement tracker. Optionally, the folio further comprises and attachment apparatus that allows the folio to be removably attached to one of many different surfaces, including the golfer, a golf bag, or a golf cart. Further optionally, the attachment apparatus comprises a retractable tether and a retractor portion, or a clip. Another option in this embodiment includes a magnet and another surface which is attracted to the magnet so that the magnetic attachment apparatus is attracted to the magnet. Optionally, the folio is sized to about 7.5 inches long and about 3.5 inches wide when in its closed position. The folio optionally includes a pocket for carrying various articles such as keys, a divot lifter, change, money, etc.
• According to another embodiment, a method for providing golf instruction comprises the step of providing a golfer with a folio containing customizable golf instruction selected to address weak areas in the golfer's play, and wherein the customizable golf instruction is operable to be replaced with different customizable golf instruction as the golfer develops. A game improvement tracker is also supplied to the golfer, allowing the golfer to record his statistics for game play, thereby allowing the golfer to identify weak areas in his game. Once the weak areas are identified, the golfer can then select, if necessary, additional or replacement customizable golf instruction to address the topics a golfer may need reference to while on the golf course. Optionally, the customizable golf instruction is tabbed to allow quick access to relevant areas of play. Optionally, the customizable golf instruction is in digital form. Further optionally, the method of providing golf instruction includes the additional step of providing a game improvement tracker to the golfer to allow the golfer to determine improvements and areas that need additional instruction. Further optionally, the folio may contain both the game improvement tracker and the customizable golf instruction. Finally, it is optional that the folio further comprises an attachment apparatus to allow easy attachment and removal of the folio to the golfer, the golfer's bag, or any other item.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1 is a top plan view of the inside surface of a folio in its extended position according to one embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 2A is a top plan view of the outside surface of the folio ofFIG. 1.
• FIG. 2B is a top plan view of the folio ofFIG. 1 in its closed position according to one embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 2C is a top plan view of a quick release device according to one embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 3A is a side plan view of the folio ofFIG. 2B in a closed position according to one embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 3B is a side perspective view of the folio ofFIG. 2B in a closed position according to one embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a folio similar to that ofFIG. 1 attached to a retractable tether and retractor portion according to one embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an upper portion of a folio similar to that ofFIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a folio with a computing device and display according to one embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a game improvement tracker according to one embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the inside surface of a folio in its extended position according to one embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the outside surface of the folio ofFIG. 8 in its extended position according to one embodiment of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION
• The present invention relates to a system and method for providing a golfer with portable instruction regarding his or her golf game.
• According to one embodiment of the present invention, afolio10 retainsgolf instruction material90 for ready access to a golfer.
• Folio
• Referring toFIGS. 1 and 2A, thefolio10 for transporting a customizable golf advice system according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises afolio shell20 having aninner surface23 andouter surface25, anupper portion30 andlower portion35, an articulatingportion36, at least onefolio holder40, amarker holder50, a gameimprovement tracker holder55, apocket60, aclosure70, and anattachment apparatus80. In application,folio10 is designed to store and present customizablegolf instruction materials90, although it will be appreciated thatfolio10 can be used for multiple other purposes.
• Folio shell20 takes many different forms and sizes, and comprises various materials. However, according to one embodiment of the present invention,folio shell20, when in its extended position as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2A, comprises a length of about 15.5 inches and width of about 3.5 inches. Conversely, when in its closed position as shown inFIGS. 3A and 3B, folio shell comprises a length of about 7.5 inches and a width of about 3.5 inches so thatfolio10 fits within a pocket or other storage area conveniently. The dimensions offolio10 vary in different embodiments of the present invention. It will be appreciated thatfolio shell20 comprises various different materials such as, for example, fabric, plastic polymers, leather, or metals. In one embodiment of the present invention,folio shell20 comprises an all-weather fabric such as, for example, a fabric comprising nylon that is weather resistant. In another embodiment,inner surface23 andouter surface25 comprise the same material. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that in other embodiments,inner surface23 comprises a different material thanouter surface25, giving a broad range of custom options. Finally, it should be noted that in another embodiment,outer surface25 further comprises at least onecustomizable area26 where golf promoters or the user can embroider, paint, or otherwise place custom designs.
• Further, in one embodiment of the present invention,folio10 has anupper portion30 and alower portion35 such that whenfolio10 is in its extended position as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2A and in a vertical position,upper portion30 is abovelower portion35. Further,folio shell10 has at least one articulatingportion36 operable to allowfolio10 to take both an extended position as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2A and a closed position as shown inFIGS. 2B, 3A, and3B. Whenfolio10 is in a closed position,outer surface25 is displayed to the user whileinner surface23 remains substantially hidden from the user and protected from the elements byouter surface25. Additionally, in at least one embodiment of the present invention,folio10 is encouraged to remain in its closed position by aclosure70. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 1,closure70 comprises a magnetic snap. However, it will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that inother embodiments closure70 takes other forms such as, for example, hook and loop (i.e. Velcro® brand fasteners), snaps, magnets, zippers, buttons, and various other closure types known in the art.
• Another aspect offolio10, according to one embodiment of the present invention, includesmarker holder50 and gameimprovement tracker holder55.Marker holder50 comprises a loop, clip, strap, or other structure operable to removably secure a marking device such as, for example, a golf pencil, stylus, or pen tofolio10 so that a markingdevice57 can be removed fromfolio10 to mark the score on a scorecard or to otherwise place a mark. Gameimprovement tracker holder55 comprises a pocket or slot as shown inFIG. 1. In other embodiments, gameimprovement tracker holder55 comprises one or more loops of fabric or any other means of removably retaining a game improvement tracker58 (discussed in further detail below), a scorecard, a pad of scorecards, or other materials well known in the art withinfolio10 in a fashion similar to golfinstruction material holder40 as shown inFIG. 5. In one embodiment, gameimprovement tracker holder55 maintainsgame improvement tracker58 in position by sliding a gameimprovement tracker backer59 within aslot1 to secure thegame improvement tracker58 tofolio10.
• As shown inFIG. 7, thegame improvement tracker58 comprises a writing surface such as, for example, a pad of paper for tracking game statistics considered important to a golfer. In one embodiment,game improvement tracker58 comprises a weather resistant or tear resistant paper. Alternatively, game improvement tracker comprises typical bond paper, fabric, or any printable material known in the art. As shown inFIG. 7,game improvement tracker58 includescolumns61 to track statistics for each hole (shown in rows62) in, for example, an 18 hole round of golf for the categories of: number of putts; whether the fairways were hit (intended to be tracked with a yes or no answer for the hole); the number of shots taken from within 100 yards of the hole; whether the golfer made the greens in regulation percentage for that hole; the number of penalty shots assessed; and a space for notes and the total score for each hole. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that these are only representative statistics that are tracked, and that by tracking these statistics or similar statistics tied to key areas related to certain aspects of the game, golfers can track their development in those areas, allowing them to identify weak areas in their game and note improvements. Further, in one embodiment, an area for entering the date and course name is included for future reference, allowing statistics to be compiled for multiple rounds over a period of time on a particular course.Game improvement tracker58 can be used in addition to or as a scorecard. In yet another embodiment, ifgame improvement tracker58 comprises a pad of papers,game improver tracker58 includes a gameimprovement tracker backer59 that is placed within gameimprovement tracker holder55 to removably securegame improvement tracker58 tofolio10.
• Further, according to another aspect of the present invention,folio10 comprises one or more golfinstruction material holders40 that operate to removably retaingolf instruction material90 withinfolio10, as shown inFIG. 5. According to one embodiment of the present invention, golfinstruction material holders40 take the form of slots, pockets, or loops in which aninstruction packet91 is removably placed. For example, as shown inFIG. 5, abacker card92 of aninstruction packet91 is inserted intoinstruction material holder40 such thatinstruction packet91 is secured tofolio10 for quick access whenfolio10 is in its extended position. In one embodiment,backer card92 is comprised of pressboard. Alternately,backer card92 comprises any material from whichgolf instruction packets91 are comprised, including, for example, paper, high gloss paper, weather resistant paper, laminated stock, fabric, or any other printable material well known in the art. It will be appreciated that other embodiments ofinstruction material holder40 exist to secure other forms ofgolf instruction material90, such as, for example, elastic loops or hook and loop fastening to attach acomputing device95 and display96 (such as a personal digital assistant), as explained in greater detail below.
• Further, according to another embodiment of the present invention,folio10 comprises anattachment apparatus80 so thatfolio10 can be attached to another surface such as, for example, a golf bag or golf cart. As shown in the embodiment set forth inFIGS. 2A and 2B,attachment apparatus80 comprises aclip86 attached toouter surface25 offolio10 bywebbing87.Clip86 comprises a clip or other securing structure such as, for example, a snap, hook and loop, loop, or magnetic assembly.Clip86 can be removably attached to a towel ring or other protuberance of, for example, a golf bag, cart, or other structure so thatfolio10 suspends from the golf bag, cart, or other structure for ready access to the contents offolio10. Further, as shown in the embodiment set forth inFIG. 2C,attachment apparatus80 further comprises aquick release85 that allows for easy removal and replacement offolio10 from the golf bag, cart, or other structure whileclip86 remains thereon. WhileFIG. 2C showsquick release85 to be a squeeze buckle, it will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art thatquick release85 can be a snap, magnets, hook and loop, or any other quick release fastener known in the art. Referring now toFIGS. 2A and 2B, according to one embodiment of the present invention,attachment apparatus80 is oriented so that whenfolio10 is in a closed position andclip86 is secured so thatfolio10 is suspended from a golf bag, cart, or other structure,folio10 is oriented such that articulatingarea36 is oriented in a downward position, as shown inFIG. 2B. Further, when placed in its extended position,folio10 is oriented such thatinner surface23 is facing the user with theupper portion30 oriented above thelower portion35, presentinggolf instruction material90 to a user. It will be appreciated that this orientation ofattachment apparatus80 provides the user with quick access togolf instruction material90, and allows access to the markingdevice57 andgame improvement tracker58. Therefore, it will be appreciated thatfolio10, when attached to another structure byattachment apparatus80 allows easy access togolf instruction materials90 andgame improvement tracker58 with one hand simply by pullingclosure70 to placefolio10 in extended position.
• Turning now toFIGS. 3A and 3B,folio10 is shown in its closed position, according to one embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen,folio10 folds at articulatingportion36 so thatupper portion30 overlapslower portion35, protecting the contents stored on and ininner surface23. Further, it will be appreciated that whenfolio10 is attached to a structure byattachment apparatus80,folio10 is suspended such thatclip86 will be at the top, with articulatingportion36 at the bottom, thereby allowing a user with easy access togolf instruction material90. Further, it will be appreciated thatcustomizable area26 is readily viewable whenfolio10 is in its closed position, allowing for display of any logo placed thereon.
• Referring now toFIG. 4, another embodiment of the present invention involvesattachment apparatus80 comprising a retractable tether88 and a retractor portion89. In the embodiment as shown inFIG. 4, retractable tether88 is attached to clip86 so that retractable tether88 is removably secured to a golf bag, golf cart, belt, pant loop, or other structure. In another embodiment, retractable tether88 is secured tofolio10 while retractor portion88 is secured to clip86. When a user wishes to accessfolio10, the user simply graspsfolio10 and pulls, causing retractor portion89 to spool out a portion of retractable tether88 so that the user bringsfolio10 into a position for easy reference. Upon release offolio10 by user, retractor portion89 reels in retractable tether88 so thatfolio10 is drawn back into position nearclip86 andfolio10 is secured closely to the structure upon whichclip86 is attached. In one embodiment, retractor portion89 comprises a spring loaded spool such as those employed for retractable key chains. Alternatively, retractor portion89 comprises any structure capable of allowing tether88 to be spooled and unspooled. In further embodiments,attachment apparatus80 simply employs two magnets of sufficient strength to securefolio10 to clip86 or another structure, allowingfolio10 to be removed from clip86 (and attached structure) simply by graspingfolio10 and pulling a first magnet away from a second magnet or metallic surface. Thereafter,folio10 is reattached to clip86 by simply placing the first magnet onfolio10 in proximity to the second magnet or metallic structure nearclip86.
• In yet another embodiment of thepresent invention folio10 further comprises apocket60.Pocket60 comprises fabric, mesh, or any other material, and is operable to be closed by an elastic strip, zipper, snap, hook and loop, button, or other closing structure. In one embodiment,pocket60 is sized to retain items typically used during a round of golf such as, for example, a divot lifter, extra tees, money or credit cards, membership cards, and/or keys.
• Further, another embodiment offolio10 is shown inFIG. 8. In this embodiment, comprisesfolio10 is in a substantially horizontal orientation such that articulatingportion36 allowsfolio10 to open horizontally, displaying aleft portion37 and aright portion38. Thus, in the horizontal embodiment offolio10, a plurality of golfinstruction material holders40 are oriented such that packets91 (discussed further below) do not overlap, but are placed beside one another. However, in yet another embodiment, golfinstruction material holders40 are oriented such thatpackets91 are both beside one another and overlappingadditional packets91 vertically as well. The substantially horizontal orientation allowsfolio10 to be attached to a golf hand cart or the steering wheel of a motorized golf cart via a clip, elastic loops, hook and loop, snaps, adhesive, or any other fastening means known in the art, thereby allowingfolio10 to be opened like a book.
• Additionally,FIG. 9 shows another embodiment of the present invention wherein an exterior holder75 is attached toouter surface25, thus allowing scorecard56,game improvement tracker58, or other object to be held securely without access toinner surface23. In one embodiment, exterior holder75 comprises a spring loaded clip such as those used on a clipboard wherein a spring urges clip againstouter surface25, keeping scorecard56 orgame improvement tracker58 in place. In alternate embodiments, exterior holder75 takes the form of two magnets or a magnet and a ferrous metal, wherein the magnetic attraction between the two portions keeps scorecard56 in place when positioned between them. Further, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that in alternative embodiments of the present invention, exterior holder75 takes the form of a pocket, loop, strap, elastic band, or other structure known in the art according to other embodiments of the present invention.
• The above description offolio10 describes several embodiments thereof, but other versions are possible. For example,folio10 has various permutations and combinations of the features and structures listed above, and some embodiments offolio10 does not comprise all of the features and structuring discussed above. Further,folio10 having only an upper portion could be used to simply transportgolf instruction material90.
• Golf Instruction Material
• According to one aspect of the present invention, a system for providing golf instruction to a golfer includesgolf instruction material90 that is customizable to the level of play of the individual golfer. As shown in the embodiment set forth inFIG. 5,golf instruction material90 comprises at least oneinstruction packets91 having abacker92 and color codedtabs93, withbacker92 capable of being inserted into golfinstruction material holder40 offolio10, allowing quick access to the information contained ingolf instruction material90. According to one embodiment of the present invention,different instruction packets91 comprise instruction on different aspects of the game of golf, allowing a golfer to selectinstruction packets91 tailored to an aspect of golf with which the golfer struggles.
• For example, according to one embodiment of the present invention, oneinstruction packet91 includes instruction regarding technique and positioning for shots that a golfer is likely to encounter in every round of golf, with each encounter being color tabbed and labeled. Those encounters, instruction, and techniques address such shots as a clean lie in the rough, a buried lie in the rough, a knockdown/punch shot, how to best approach a difficult lie, how to shoot off of hard pan, how to shoot from a fairway bunker, how to shoot out of a divot, how to shoot off a bed of leaves, the appropriate stance and technique for an uphill lie, the appropriate stance and technique for a downhill lie, the appropriate stance and technique for a sidehill lie where the ball is above your feet, the appropriate stance and technique for a sidehill lie where the ball is below your feet, and how to handle blended or uneven lies. This instruction packet, if the golfer deems it to be instruction that is needed by the golfer, is placed infolio10 by placingbacker92 into one of the golfinstruction material holders40 infolio10 for easy access when playing a round of golf as shown inFIG. 5. Thereafter, if the golfer encountered one of the shots described above, the golfer would receive instruction on how to approach that situation by simply openingfolio10 and selecting the titled and color codedtab93 ofpacket91 that corresponds to the shot. On that page, a quick reference picture and instruction of technique and stance gives the golfer instruction on how to best approach that shot. For example, in one embodiment, instructional tips are focused on the set-up components of a particular shot, thereby providing the foundation required to properly execute a given shot. In further embodiments, instruction on other aspects of the game is included, such as, for example, swing components, strategy, or a myriad of other instruction components.
• Additional instruction packets91 include instructions such as, for example, for shots encountered around the green, which would include color coded tabs and pages related to:
• general short game tips;
• basic chip shot;
• basic pitch shot;
• basic lob/flop shot;
• up a greenside slope;
• down a greenside slope;
• the very basics of bunker shots;
• basic bunker shot;
• uphill bunker lie;
• downhill bunker lie;
• putting from off the green; and/or
• off-green putting with an iron.
• Anotherinstruction packet91 might include advice related to, for example, advanced short game shots with color codedtabs93 and pages addressing:
• short game goals and considerations;
• pitch and run;
• pitch and walk;
• pitch and sit;
• pitch from a bad lie;
• pitch from a divot;
• pitch over hazard to a tight pin;
• • fix short game shanks;
• 3-wood chip;
• 30-foot putt; and/or
• putt up against lip of green.
• Anotherinstruction packet91 might include advice related to, for example, advanced bunker play shots which would include color codedtabs93 and pages addressing:
• “fried egg”—the buried ball;
• buried lie;
• hard pan bunker;
• wet bunker;
• unbalanced, front foot out of bunker;
• ball buried under lip;
• bad downhill lie; and/or
• long greenside bunker shot.
• Anotherinstruction packet91 might include advice related to, for example, making recovery shots which would include color codedtabs93 and pages addressing:
• out of really long grass;
• off of sandy soil;
• from under a tree;
• forward swing restriction;
• hook around a tree;
• slice around a tree;
• over a tree or obstruction; and/or
• out of water.
• Anotherinstruction packet91 might include advice related to, for example, making on-course corrections shots which would include color codedtabs93 and pages addressing:
• fixing a slice;
• fixing a hook;
• fix for thin shots;
• fix for fat shots;
• fix for pushes;
• fix for pulls;
• fix for the shanks;
• fix for driving pop-ups;
• yearn for more distance; and/or
• Making On-course Corrections.
• The above topics and specific color codedtab93 pages and instruction packets represent only an example of the content and organization of instruction that is included in various embodiments of the present invention. As previously noted, different topicinstructional packets91 selected by a golfer are combined into asingle folio10, allowing the golfer to choose instruction related to specific aspects of his or her game and/or the golf course he or she is playing. By allowing the golfer to select only the topics in which the golfer is interested, the information presented is not voluminous, and is more easily and quickly accessed during a round of golf, thereby enhancing play and increasing the value of the information to the golfer. Further, color codedtabs93 allow quick access to instruction related to a particular subject, as a golfer simply looks to color codedtab93 labeled with the corresponding shot that the golfer is approaching (i.e. the “basic pitch shot”). Thereafter, the golfer places his or her finger on the color codedtab93 labeled with that shot (i.e. the “basic pitch shot”), and folds backinstructional packet91 to display the page and instruction related to that shot.
• Further, in one embodiment of the present invention, eachinstructional packet91 is sized and shaped to fit neatly withinfolio10 for convenient transportation and storage ofmultiple instruction packets91. Additionally, in one embodiment the pages ofinstruction packet91 comprise a weather durable and/or paper rip-proof material. Alternately,instruction packet91 comprises bond paper, fabric, or any other printable material known in the art. In yet another embodiment, instruction packet comprises laminated paper or laminated stock. Further, the number ofinstructional packets91 contained withinfolio10 is limited only by the number of golfinstruction material holders40. It will be appreciated that a plurality of golfinstruction material holders40 is distanced from one another vertically as shown inFIG. 5 such that ifmultiple instruction packets91 are housed withinfolio10,instruction packets91 overlap each other but still allow each color codedtab93 to be revealed for easy access. This allows maximum space saving for convenient carrying while still providing quick reference and access to any one of the particular shot selections withinfolio10.
• In addition togolf instruction packets91, in another embodiment of the present inventiongolf instruction material90 takes the form ofdigital instruction95 displayed on a display screen96 of acomputing device95, such as, for example, a personal digital assistant, as shown inFIG. 6. In one embodiment, thegolf instruction material90 contained therein is on similar topics and shots as noted in theabovementioned instruction packets91; however, in other embodiments thedigital instruction95 comprises different topics and shots. However,golf instruction material90 is displayed on display screen96 in much the same manner as it is displayed upon the individual pages ofinstruction packets91. In another embodiment,golf instruction material90 takes the form of multimedia video and/or audio instruction. Further, golf instruction material alternatively includes multimedia video and/or audio instruction as well as photos and text similar to that provided in the individual pages ofinstruction packets91.
• In yet another embodiment,computing device95 has access to not onlygolf instruction material90, but also to tips or instruction specifically related to the course upon which the golfer is currently playing. Several alternatives exist for customizing tips or instructions for a particular course to the level of play or specific weaknesses of the golfer. In one embodiment, such course-specific tips or instruction are customized to a golfer's level of play by relating certain course-specific instruction to the types ofgolf instruction material90 the golfer has chosen to install on the computing device. Another method of customizing the tips or instruction includes pre-set preferences selected by the golfer to display tips or instruction related to a particular topic. Finally, customizing the tips and instruction presented or available to the golfer is accomplished by using the golfer's statistics in the current game or the golfer's statistics for the current course to identify weaknesses in the golfer's game, and presenting information to the golfer related to those weaknesses. Further, with the addition of a global positioning device or other geographic positioning system,computing device95 displaysgolf instruction material90 or tips or instruction directly related to the golfer's current position on the course. Additional information, such as, for example, a golfer's current distance and bearing from the hole, the current weather (including wind speed and direction) for the area, or other information selected by the golfer can also be included oncomputing device95. Thus, it will be appreciated that the use ofcomputing device95 allows a great deal of interactivity and customizability of the present system of providing golf instruction to a golfer.
• Additionally, in another embodiment of the present invention,computing device95 allowsgame improvement tracker58 or a scorecard (or an electronic version thereof) to interact with a database or other software to constantly upload statistics from a particular course. These ongoing statistics are used as the basis for an ongoing, automatically customized set ofgolf instruction materials90 as discussed above. Further, the statistics are automatically stored oncomputing device95 to create a spreadsheet or other graphic display of the golfer's progress over time in particular areas or on a particular course, thereby allowing the golfer to more easily track his or her development in specific areas or for specific courses, or both.
• Those of ordinary skill in the art will further appreciate thatcomputing device95 allows connectivity to a network by way of a wireless communication system, such as, for example, cellular, WiFi, infrared, satellite, or other wireless communication systems known in the art. Thus, through the wireless communication system,computing device95 allows access to additional golf instruction material90 (including course-specific tips or instruction), course maps and information, and weather information related to the course. The wireless communication system allows connectivity to a network such as, for example, the Internet, and allows the golfer to upload information from computingdevice95 to, for example, a website or network server. Thus, in one embodiment of the present invention, the golfer continuously uploads his or her statistics throughcomputing device95, updating the golfer's ongoing statistics on the network. Based upon those constantly updated statistics,computing device95 customizes thegolf instruction material90 displayed to the golfer, and/or downloads additionalgolf instruction material90 from the network. Further, in one embodiment, allgolf instruction material90 resides on the network, to be displayed to the golfer throughcomputing device95 by way of the wireless network.
• Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain exemplary embodiments thereof, such description is offered as non-limiting examples of the present invention as many other versions of the present invention are possible. It is anticipated that a variety of modifications and changes will be apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art and that such modifications and changes are intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by any later appended claims.

Claims (20)

1. A customizable apparatus for providing golf instruction, the apparatus comprising:

a. a foldable folio that can be folded between an open and closed position;

b. customizable golf instructional material, and

c. wherein in the customizable golf instruction material is sized to fit within the folio, and said folio is operable to be folded from a closed position to an open position to allow said customizable golf instruction material to be used, removed, updated, or exchanged to fit the needs of a golfer utilizing the material.

2. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the folio comprises an upper portion, a lower portion, an articulating portion connecting said upper portion and lower portion, and a closure operable to retain said upper portion and lower portion together when placed in the closed position.

3. The apparatus ofclaim 2, wherein the folio further comprises a marker holder operable to retain a marking device to the folio.

4. The apparatus ofclaim 2, wherein the apparatus further comprises a game improvement tracker sized to fit within the folio when in a closed position.

5. The apparatus ofclaim 4, wherein the folio further comprises a holder operable to hold a game improvement tracker, a scorecard, or marking pad.

6. The apparatus ofclaim 4 wherein the customizable golf instruction material is comprised of weather durable material.

7. The apparatus ofclaim 4 wherein the customizable golf instruction material is in digital form.

8. The apparatus ofclaim 6 wherein the folio further comprises a folio shell covering an exterior portion of the folio.

9. A customizable apparatus for providing golf instruction, the apparatus comprising:

a. a foldable folio comprising:

(i) an upper portion;

(ii) a lower portion;

(iii) an articulating portion connecting said upper portion and lower portions such that articulating portion allows said upper portion and said lower portion to be folded between an open and a closed position; and

(iv) a closure that disengageably engages said upper portion to said lower portion when said portions are in the closed position;

b. customizable golf instruction sized to fit within the folio and operable to be removably placed within the folio; and

c. a game improvement tracker.

10. The apparatus ofclaim 9, wherein the folio further comprises an attachment apparatus positioned upon the folio and operable to removably attach the folio to a golfer, a golf bag, or a golf cart.

11. The apparatus ofclaim 10, wherein the attachment apparatus comprises a retractable tether and a retractor portion.

12. The apparatus ofclaim 10, wherein the attachment apparatus comprises a clip.

13. The apparatus ofclaim 11, wherein the attachment apparatus comprises a first magnet and a second surface operable to be attracted to the magnet.

14. The apparatus ofclaim 9, wherein the folio is sized to be approximately 7.5 inches long and about 3.5 inches wide when in its closed position.

15. The apparatus ofclaim 9, wherein the folio further comprises a pocket.

16. A method for providing golf instruction comprising the steps of:

a. providing a golfer with a folio containing a first set of customizable golf instruction selected from a library of customizable golf material sized to fit within the folio, and wherein the customizable golf instruction is operable to be replaced with different sets of customizable golf instruction as the golfer develops;

b. providing a golfer with a game improvement tracker operable to allow the golfer to record the golfer's statistics for evaluating aspects of the golfer's game and operable to allow the golfer to determine the customizable golf instruction needed to improve the golfer's game; and

c. selecting a second set of customizable golf instruction needed for improving the golfer's game from a library of customizable golf instruction materials based upon the results of the recorded statistics; and

d. replacing the first set of customizable golf material in the folio with the second set of customizable golf instruction.

17. The method ofclaim 15, wherein the customizable golf instruction material is tabbed to allow quick access to relevant areas of play.

18. The method ofclaim 16, wherein the customizable golf instruction is in digital form.

19. The method ofclaim 16, further including the step of providing a game improvement tracker to the golfer.

20. The method ofclaim 18, wherein the folio contains both the game improvement tracker and customizable golf instruction.

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