Golf training apparatus

1. A golf training aid comprising a circular hoop inclined or inclinable in use at an angle to the horizontal, and moans defining a planar surface extending outwardly for a limited circumferential extent from the surface of the upper end of the hoop in a direction parallel to the plane of the hoop.

2. A golf training aid as claimed in claim 1 wherein the planar surface extends for only up to about 120° around the top of the hoop.

3. A golf training aid as claimed in claim 1 wherein the planar surface extends for about 90° around the top of the hoop.

4. A golf training aid as claimed in claim 1 wherein the planar surface is arranged symmetrically with respect to the vertical centre-line of the hoop.

5. A golf training aid as claimed in claim 1 wherein the hoop is at least partially circular in cross section.

6. A golf training aid as claimed in claim 1 wherein the radial depth of the planar surface increases from the edges thereof.

7. A golf training aid as claimed in claim 6 wherein the depth is zero at the edges of the surface and increases to a maximum around the centre-line of the hoop.

8. A golf training aid as claimed in claim 7 wherein the planar surface is crescent shaped.

9. A golf training aid as claimed in clam 1 wherein the planar surface is defined between co-planar radially inner and outer surfaces.

10. A golf training aid as claimed in claim 1 wherein the planar surface is solid.

11. A golf training aid as claimed in claim 10 wherein the planar surface is formed as an integral part of the hoop.

12. A golf training aid as claimed in claim 10 wherein the planar surface is formed on a component which is affixed to the hoop.

13. A golf training aid as claimed in claim 1 wherein the inclination of the hoop is variable.

14. A golf training aid as claimed in claim 13 wherein the hoop is pivotably mounted at its lower end.

15. A golf training aid as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a base having a standing surface for a user to which the base the hoop is mounted.

16. A golf training aid as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a club.

17. A golf training aid as claimed in claim 16 wherein one of the group selected from the hoop surface and the club is provided with a low friction coating such as PTFE.

18. A golf training aid as claimed in claim 17 wherein the club is provided with a low friction sleeve around the shaft thereof.

19. A golf training aid as claimed in claim 16 wherein a sleeve is rolatably mounted on the club shaft.

20. A golf training aid as claimed in claim 19 wherein the rolling surface of the club is of a material which promotes rolling of the alcove on a or the hoop.

21. A golf training aid as claimed in claim 19 wherein the sleeve comprises a metallic tube provided with a rolling material facing.

22. A golf training aid as claimed in claim 19 wherein the club comprises a planar surface extending axially along and radially outwardly of the club shaft.

23. A golf training aid as claimed in claim 22 comprising a pair of parallel planar surfaces.

24. A golf training aid as claimed in claim 23 wherein said surfaces are provided on a fin formed integrally with, or mounted to, the club shaft.

25. A golf training aid as claimed in claim 24 wherein the fin is mounted to a fixed shaft of the club around which is mounted a rolling sleeve.

26. A golf training aid comprising a hoop inclined or inclinable in use at an angle to the horizontal and over whose surface a club may be swung, said hoop comprising means which extend for only a limited circumferential extent around the hoop and which guides the club to move in a given plane at the top of the swing.

27. A golf training aid as claimed in claim 26 wherein said means comprises a fin extending around the upper part of the hoop.