The invention relates to a golf aid, particularly to the practising and teaching of different strokes which are required to be played during a round of golf.

Golfers, particularly amateur golfers, are often required to play what can be classed as difficult, yet irregularly occurring, shots whilst playing. Thus whilst driving from a tee, chipping, and putting are what might be termed regularly occurring shots, there are other which are not,, eg when the ball lies in a difficult position owing to a hazard such as a sand trap or bunker. These positions could require a player to play an up-hill shot, a down-hill shot, a shot where the ball has to be addressed at a position below the player's feet, or a shot which has to be addressed at a position above the player's feet. These shots are generally difficult, and moreover difficult to practise or teach. Prior apparatus for attempting teaching of such shots has included expensive and complicated equipment such as videos and screens.

It is an object of the invention to seek to mitigate these disadvantages.

According to the invention there is provided apparatus for practising strokes in a game of golf comprising an inclined playing surface adapted to hold a golf ball stationary, the said surface simulating grass and having an area such that a player can stand and address a ball for practising a range of strokes.

Using apparatus embodying the invention it is possible to practise and teach a variety of shots which might be required when playing the game of golf.

It will be understood that the apparatus may be combined with a teaching or practise manual.

Apparatus for practising strokes in a game of golf is hereinafter described ,by way of example, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings.

Figure 1 is a perspective view from above of one embodiment of apparatus according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view from below of the apparatus of Figure 1 ; Figure 3 is a side elevational view of the Figures 1 and 2;

Figure 4 is a side elevational schematic view of a second embodiment of apparatus according to the invention;

Figure 5 is a schematic view from below of the embodiment of Figure 4;and

Figure 6 is an enlarged view of support means for the second embodiment of apparatus according to the invention.

Referring to the drawings in which like parts are referred to by like numerals, there is shown schematically in Figures 1 to 3 one embodiment of apparatus 1 for practising strokes in a game of golf comprising an inclined playing surface 2, adapted to hold a golf ball 3 stationary, the said surface 2 simulating grass and having an area such that a player can stand and address a ball 3, for practising a range of strokes.

The inclined playing surface 2 is made of artificial grass having individual blades made of plastic having a length in the range 3-6cm, in the embodiment the length being about 5cm. A suitable artificial surface is that sold under the name Fieldturf (Registered Trade Mark).

The angle of inclination of the surface 2 is such that a golf ball placed on it is held stationary under gravity by the artificial grass. This angle may suitably be in the range 20° - 40° to the horizontal, the angle in the embodiment being substantially 30° to the horizontal.

Th apparatus I includes support means for the artificial surface 2, which is strong enough to support the weight of a player. The support means 4 in the first embodiment comprises a plurality of spaced apart triangular support members 5, each formed from metal struts secured together as by welding to form hollow triangles as shown. The members 5 are secured together by an upper (in use) support element 6 which in turn supports the inclined playing surface 2 from below. The long side or hypotenuse of each triangle of the members 5 has an angle to the horizontal to provide the desired angle of inclination of the surface 2. There is means 7 to provide mobility of the apparatus, the means being in the form of a plurality of spaced apart rotatable devices, in the embodiment in the form of two spaced apart wheels at the lower, in use, end 7' of the apparatus.

In use, the apparatus, is moved as by wheeling to a desired location, and golf ball 3 is placed on the surface 2 at a desired position for a player to practise what is usually considered to be a difficult shot, eg an up-hill, down-hill, below the feet, or above the feet, shot. The player stands on the inclined playing surface to play a particular one of these shots as required and addresses the ball 3 accordingly, either following the instructions of an instructor, or following instructions from a manual.

Referring now to Figures 4 to 6, there is shown a second embodiment of apparatus 20 which is similar to that of the first embodiment except that in the second embodiment the support means for the support element 6 and inclined artificial surface 2 is in the form of two laterally spaced apart legs 21 which are adapted to be extended or retracted so as to be able to adjust the angle of inclination of the artificial surface 2. In the second embodiment, the legs 21 are in the form of two telescopically arranged members 22 and 23 having vertically spaced, as viewed, alignable holes 24 for receiving removably engageable securing means 25 in the form of a peg. The members 22 and 23 and peg 25 are suitably made of metal.

In use, in order to adjust the degree of difficulty of a golf shot which is being practiced or taught, both legs 21 are, with the respective pegs 25 removed, moved telescopically to provide a desired length of leg, and hence angle of inclination of the surface 2, and the respective pegs 25 are then inserted in vertically aligned holes in the telescoped members 22 and 23, for example in the fourth hole down from the underside of the support element 6. The apparatus 20 is then used as described hereinbefore with respect to the first embodiment.

It will accordingly be understood that the apparatus 1 or 20, described herein with reference to the drawings, provides an aid for practising or teaching what are usually considered to be difficult golf shots at any desired location, eg at home, without the need for additional complicated and expensive equipment such as video cameras, screens and the like.