Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention is a surface for playing a game based on the rules of American football using a golf putter and golf ball. The playing surface comprises two end zones and a grid representing the yard lines of a football field. A first down putting target is positioned adjacent to each yard line that is a multiple of ten, and a scoring putting target is positioned in each end zone. In another embodiment, the present invention is a method for playing the game. Two teams compete against one another and are given alternating offensive possessions. In each offensive possession, the offensive team has four downs to either putt the ball in a first down target, thereby obtaining a new set of four downs, or putt the ball in the scoring target. With each first down achieved, the ball advances closer to the scoring target.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention is a relatively thin, portable device for improving golf putting skills. The device comprises an alignment member and two securing members. The alignment member, which has an elongated and substantially linear shape such that the alignment member can be aligned with a desired trajectory of the golf ball, has indicia thereon for assuring alignment of a putt when the ball is set into motion. Further, the alignment member has indicia thereon to guide a user in making putts using the “straight back, straight through,” “inside, down the line,” and “inside, square, inside” putting methods. The securing members extend perpendicularly from one end of the alignment member in opposite directions such that the putting device is T-shaped. Each securing member has at least one aperture through which a golf tee may be inserted to secure the putting device to a putting surface.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention is a surface for playing a game based on the rules of American football using a golf putter and golf ball. The playing surface comprises two end zones and a grid representing the yard lines of a football field. A first down putting target is positioned adjacent to each yard line that is a multiple of ten, and a scoring putting target is positioned in each end zone. In another embodiment, the present invention is a method for playing the game. Two teams compete against one another and are given alternating offensive possessions. In each offensive possession, the offensive team has four downs to either putt the ball in a first down target, thereby obtaining a new set of four downs, or putt the ball in the scoring target. With each first down achieved, the ball advances closer to the scoring target.

Abstract: Multiple variations on a novel device and method for improving golf-putting skills are disclosed. Specifically, the present invention relates to the construction and use of an asymmetrical golf-putting target zone that encourages users to direct putts to land within a specific two-putt range on the high-percentage side of the cup, where the high-percentage side is determined by the slope and pitch of the putting surface. The motivation for the asymmetry is disclosed, as are the principles for constructing, implementing, and using the asymmetrical zone. Specifically, the axis separating the asymmetrical subregions of the zone is placed either approximately perpendicular to, or approximately coincident upon, an ideal line of the ball's approach and is oriented such that the larger subregion is placed on the side of the cup with the higher elevation, or on the side of the cup further away from the putting location if the putting surface is flat.