A training device assisting golfers in reading putting greens includes a housing having a central cavity shaped and dimensioned for receiving the golf ball therein. The housing includes a closed first end and an open second end. A force producing mechanism is positioned at the closed first end of the housing and extends toward the open second end within the housing. The force producing mechanism is positioned within the housing for selective actuation thereof so as to contact and push forward a golf ball positioned within the housing. Upon actuation, the force producing mechanism launches the golf ball smoothly onto the golf putting green surface at a pre-determined speed.

[0005] One of the more difficult aspects of golf for those just learning the game, as well as for those with substantial experience, is "reading" a putting green. It is difficult for golfers to consistently combine all the factors involved with the movement of a golf ball upon a putting green in a repeating manner. The present invention assists golfers in reading putting greens by providing a training device allowing golfers to consistently and systematically roll a golf ball along a desired path with a desired acceleration in a highly controlled manner.
.
.
.
[0025] In accordance with the present invention, and with reference to FIG. 1, the present invention provides a training device 10 which assists golfers in reading putting greens; that is, in understanding the speed and break of a golf putting green which affects (controls) the direction and distance of a golf ball 12 putted thereon. With this in mind, and as will be appreciated based upon the following disclosure, the present invention putts (pushes) a golf ball 12 at a known and controllable "putt power", as well as in a known and controllable aim direction, in order to better train golfers' green reading skills. The present training device 10 assists a golfer in understanding, and a teaching professional teaching, the finer points of putting within the game of golf. Knowing where to aim a golf putt and how hard to strike the putt are challenges that golfers face every day when putting on the contoured, sloped surface of a putting green.