Abstract: A device (80) for reading a coded golf ball (40) comprises a helical track (82) on the inside or outside of a cylindrical housing (81), the track serving to change the orientation of the ball relative to an antenna coil (85) to ensure that the code is read. The track may be arranged horizontally and rotated by a motor; a flap (30) may be provided to avoid balls following each other too closely onto the helical track. Alternatively the track may be arranged vertically and the balls may fall under gravity.

Abstract: A tray (10) for supplying coded golf balls (50) to the tee (41) of a golf driving range comprises a first zone (11) for receiving golf balls, one of which is selected to be played by moving it by means of a club over a barrier (14) to a second (12) where it passes under gravity through an outlet (30) past a code reader (41) to the tee (41). An indicator light (46) is provided to confirm that the code has been read. The barrier (14) may have a grooved side (15) to assist transfer of the golf ball from the first zone (11) to the second zone (12).

Abstract: A golf ball having an identification device (10) embedded in it comprises an aerial (14) and a coded chip (12), which are associated with a resilient member (16) arranged to dampen shock form impact. The resilient members is in the form of a diaphragm (16), to which the chip (12) and aerial (14) are separately connected. The above components, mounted on an insulating plate (11), are moulded in a capsule (20) which is then placed at the center of a golf ball core.

Abstract: A golf driving range target (112) comprises pockets (150, 183) suspended for cables (146, 176), the pockets feeding received golf balls to a common receptacle. Between the exits (166) of the pockets and the common receptacle, the balls, which are coded, pass code-reading devices for identification. The pockets have walls (162, 165) which are shaped to direct received balls quickly to the exit (166) and may have internal ball-directing baffle members (163, 167). The pockets may be arranged concentrically or in an array.

Abstract: A golf game employing r.f-tag coded golf balls has a playing area with r.f. antennae located underneath to enable the number of strokes taken by a player to be counted. Separate antennae are provided for the tee area and hole, respectively, and the antennae around the hole are smaller to improve resolution. The antennae are connected to a computer which monitors successive moving and stationary phases of a golf ball to count the number of strokes taken by a player.

Abstract: A golf driving range target (112) comprises pockets (150, 183) suspended for cables (146, 176), the pockets feeding received golf balls to a common receptacle. Between the exits (166) of the pockets and the common receptacle, the balls, which are coded, pass code-reading devices for identification. The pockets have walls (162, 165) which are shaped to direct received balls quickly to the exit (166) and may have internal ball-directing baffle members (163, 167). The pockets may be arranged concentrically or in an array.

Abstract: A device (80) for reading a coded golf ball (40) comprises a helical track (82) on the inside or outside of a cylindrical housing (81), the track serving to change the orientation of the ball relative to an antenna coil (85) to ensure that the code is read. The track may be arranged horizontally and rotated by a motor; a flap (30) may be provided to avoid balls following each other too closely onto the helical track. Alternatively the track may be arranged vertically and the balls may fall under gravity.

Abstract: A golf game employing r.f.-tag coded golf balls has a playing area (14) with r.f. antennae (20) located underneath to enable the number of strokes taken by a player to be counted. Separate antennae (22 and 26) are provided for the tee area (12) and hole (16), respectively, and the antennae (21) around the hole are smaller to improve resolution. The antennae (20, 21, 22, 26) are connected to a computer (30) which monitors successive moving and stationary phases of a golf ball to count the number of strokes taken by a player.