Abstract: The present invention relates to a new and inventive combination game combining aspects of ball and/or bowling games. The invention further relates to a game set comprising all elements necessary to perform the game and to a method of playing a combined game.

Abstract: A replaceable wear insert assembly for playing surfaces in pitching areas and other high-wear areas of baseball and softball fields and other playing fields. A recess member is permanently or semi-permanently installable in a selected area of the field, such as a pitching lane. The recess member accommodates a replaceable insert member having an upper surface with a layer of synthetic turf or track material, mounted to rigid panel. The insert member is removable from the recess member so as to replaceable when worn.

Abstract: A mat for practicing golf shots, including an upper mat and a lower mat. The lower mat is larger than the upper mat. The upper mat is secured on top of the lower mat such that the additional area of the lower mat extends in the direction of the anticipated trajectory of a golf club head. A golf ball is placed on the edge of the upper mat such that the club head will travel through the empty space above the lower mat and in front of the lower mat. As a result, the golfer experiences less force due to the club head striking the mat.

Abstract: A foamed polymer having a top portion with ruptured cells and a bottom portion of non-ruptured cells is provided. The ruptured cells are formed using mechanical or chemical abrasion to form a plurality of fibrous members that simulate a grass-like surface. The abrasion may be accomplished using sanding or solvents that rupture the cells of the top portion.

Abstract: A method for conducting and scoring a golf video game, comprising determining the number of strokes it takes a team to complete a golf hole, wherein the team comprises of a plurality of players collectively playing one ball, allowing at least one player to take a strategic position further down the golf course ahead of where the ball is being played, and basing a score on the number of strokes the team collectively takes to complete the golf hole.

Abstract: A miniature golf hole system includes an expanded polystyrene foam base having a downwardly facing surface which is received on a supporting surface, and an upwardly facing surface having a predetermined surface contour; a laminated layer disposed over said expanded polystyrene foam base layer and having a generally uniform thickness which conforms to the predetermined surface contour of said base layer; and a turf-like surface layer applied to an upwardly facing surface of said laminated layer, said surface layer providing a smooth upwardly facing putting surface upon which a golf ball can be putted.

Abstract: A miniature golf hole system includes an expanded polystyrene foam base having a downwardly facing surface which is received on a supporting surface, and an upwardly facing surface having a predetermined surface contour; a laminated layer disposed over said expanded polystyrene foam base layer and having a generally uniform thickness which conforms to the predetermined surface contour of said base layer; and a turf-like surface layer applied to an upwardly facing surface of said laminated layer, said surface layer providing a smooth upwardly facing putting surface upon which a golf ball can be putted.

Abstract: A method for playing a putting game on a golf green surface is disclosed. Each player is provided a like plurality of golf balls, each ball having a unique feature for association with one player. In each round, all balls are placed on the circumference of a circle of a selected radius, with the cup at the circle center. Each player putts the balls having that player's associated unique feature until each ball enters the cup or each ball is putted twice. All balls failing to enter the cup in two putts are removed from play after the second putt. A score value is provided to each player for each ball remaining in play at the end of the round. In each subsequent round, the above steps are repeated with each circle radius greater than the prior circle radius, until all balls are out of play. The score value for each player is totaled to determine a winner.

Abstract: A chipping and putting golf training facility for practice, education, competition, and recreational use. The golf training facility is comprises a plurality of strip greens and fringe grass aprons specifically designed and arranged in an order to provide a systematic training method in chipping and putting. Each strip green of the plurality exposes the golf trainee to a different putting circumstance naturally encountered in chipping and putting on a golf course. Each strip green is essentially planar and has an uphill or downhill longitudinal inclination and a left to right or right to left transverse downhill inclination. The preferred embodiment utilizes a combination of small, medium, and large inclinations along both axes. The preferred embodiment also includes two strip greens with level upper and lower tiers and an inclined planar surface separating the two level tiers.

Abstract: A stable artificial putting green which includes a base, an intermediate layer, an artificial putting surface including a pile fabric supported by the intermediate layer, and an edging defining its outer limits. The pile fabric extends over the upper edge and down an outer side of the edging where it is secured. Fine sand fills the interstices about the pile yarns. The intermediate layer includes a PYRACELL layer. The PYRACELL layer includes a synthetic sheet formed with a plurality of raised conically shaped hollow cells over its upper surface. A plurality of drainage holes are formed in spaces between the cells and a non-wove porous web is secured to the lower surface of the sheet. Finally, a coarse sand is laid over the sheet up to substantially top surfaces of the cells.

Abstract: A golf hole for a miniature golf course is formed of a plurality of components, these components being divided into three distinct types: platform base panels, side rails, and riser feet. Each platform base panel is constructed or molded with attachments for side rails and riser feet. The riser feet are first attached to platform base panels. The platform base panels are laid out in any desired hole configuration within the parameters of the invention, one platform base panel containing the golf cup. Carpet or artificial turf, continuous or in sections, is then cut to fit and laid over platform base panels. The side rails and metal start rails are placed over the edge of the carpet along the perimeter of the hole and secured to the platform base panels. Obstacles may be bolted to the platform base panels at various points on the putting surface.

Abstract: A synthetic grass surface comprising widely spaced rows of ribbons and the ribbons having a length about twice as long as the spacing between the rows of ribbons. A particulate material is laid on a matrix of the synthetic grass, and the thickness of the particulate material is as least two-thirds the length of the ribbons. The strips of ribbons are attached by strips of bonding material applied to the back of the matrix or mat. The strips of bonding material are spaced apart and leave areas of mat which are uncoated, thereby providing improved drainage.

Abstract: Golf putting apparatus having a putting surface on which a plurality of support springs and corresponding connecting members are provided proximate the periphery of the putting surface for enabling the user to quickly and easily create, or selectively alter, undulations in the putting surface to simulate actual putting conditions.

Abstract: A putting practice system for aiding golfers in maintaining putting skill levels. The practice system includes a surface contour that is adaptable by a user by inflating one or more air bladders to offer putting challenges not provided by a smooth even putting surface.

Abstract: A putting aid comprising two arms converging to an apex such that an acute angle is formed therebetween is herein described. The two arms have inner faces that include markings, such as a center stripe opposite the apex, that act to improve the visibility of the putting aid. Specifically, the putting aid is arranged to be positioned on a putting green such that the golf cup is between the two arms and the center stripe is approximately four inches behind the golf cup. The putting aid is then oriented such that the apex is opposite the direction of putting relative to the golf cup. The golfer then uses the center stripe as a target when aiming for the golf cup. As a result of this arrangement, the location of the golf cup is more visible and a golfer aiming for the center stripe will tend to putt harder, that is, so that the putt will travel approximately four inches further. The end result is a stronger and more accurate putt.

Abstract: A golf training device including flat, web material having a transverse dimension of about 1/2 to 3 feet, and a single internal target hole having a diameter of about 4 1/4 inches. The softness, flexibility and thinness of the web material is such that, with the web material placed on a holeless surface, a golf ball rolling thereto by a putting stroke, will be only slightly impeded by both the peripheral boundary of the web material, and the circumferential boundary of the target hole.

Abstract: A golf putting aid for use on a playing surface including a plurality of polygon-shaped faces forming a hollow polyhedron with at least two of the polygon-shaped faces each having a plurality of openings therethrough for receipt therethrough of a putted golf ball. Each of the at least two polygon-shaped faces may be placed flat against the playing surface such that an opening in an adjacent one of the polygon-shaped faces is exposed for receipt therethrough of a putted golf ball.

Abstract: A miniature golf hole system includes an expanded polystyrene foam base having a porous rubberized material applied to an upper exposed side of the expanded polystyrene base, and a porous outdoor carpeting applied to the exposed surface of the rubber material. The system is designed for improving drainage of water from the carpeting. The system further includes a plurality of drainage channels selectively cut in the expanded polystyrene base for emptying any accumulated water out a bottom of the miniature golf hole system. A second embodiment is also disclosed wherein a polyurethane coating is substituted for the rubberized material.

Abstract: A mat includes a top surface marked thereon dividing the top surface into a plurality of scoring areas. The scoring areas each have a scoring number marked therein. A boundary line is marked on the top surface of the mat dividing the top surface into two scoring zones, each of the scoring zones having a plurality of the scoring areas therein. Players use a golf club to attempt to hit a ball into the scoring zone across the boundary line from the player.

Abstract: A golf game is disclosed which has disks for simulating holes which may be selectively positioned about the surface of a mat to alter the course layout. The mat may be marked with obstacles to simulate playing hazards. Additionally, a teeing disk may also be provided. The disks are preferably provided with fasteners to temporarily secure the disks to the mat for play. The fastener may be hook and loop, adhesive strip or a staple.

Abstract: A golf putting mat provides a pair of parallel raised portions separated for defining a putting stoke path. Each of the raised portions are constructed as a tubular sleeve with a rigid insert. Each of the sleeves accept two inserts arranged colinearly. The inserts are removable for folding the mat for compact portability. The mat provides a top layer of a golf green simulating material, a bottom layer providing support and non-slip characteristics and a middle layer for preventing the mat from being stretched out of shape when standing upon it.

Abstract: A practice putting green which includes a generally planar slab of rigid light weight material;a foam rubber pad installed on the upper surface of said pad;a covering layer of artificial turf attached to an upper surface of said pad;at least one target hole in said turf layer and pad; andat least one variable contour installation comprising a sealed cavity in said rubber pad and means for selectively pressurizing said cavity to cause upward bulging of said turf layer to provide a variable contour putting surface.

Abstract: In a process for the conversion of calcium sulfate dihydrate originating in flue gas desulfurization units into an alpha-hemihydrate, a salt solution is used as a medium. The salt solution consists substantially of concentrated scrubbing liquid from the flue gas desulfurization process containing alkali-earth chloride in a chloride concentration of 10% to 60% by weight.