Abstract: In one aspect, an apparatus includes first and second end rails, a flexible rectangular playing surface, and first and second side rails. A first end edge of the surface is connected to the first end rail, and a second end edge of the surface is connected to the second end rail. The first and second side rails are configured for removable attachment to the first and second end rails. A method includes unrolling a flexible rectangular playing surface and attaching first and second side rails. Further, an apparatus comprises a rectangular playing surface, a rectangular raised perimeter border, and a plurality of golf course construction elements, wherein at least some of the elements comprise complementary curves so that the elements fit with each other.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a spot putting device and method of use wherein the spot putting device is comprised generally of an adjustable wicket having an arch and two distal prongs and two rounded bead-like elements wherein the bead-like elements are attached to the distal prongs of the adjustable wicket. The present invention also discloses a system of improving golf spot putting of a golfer wherein one or more spot putting devices are configured in one or more gap paired implantation holes in a platform with an artificial turf layer attached to the top surface of the platform.

Abstract: A golf training apparatus is provided that includes one or more components, such as a chipping mat, a putting mat, and a chipping basket. The chipping mat includes a base and at least one section of artificial turf disposed over the base and at least one section of artificial turf includes at least one simulated divot disposed therein. The chipping mat may include a plurality of sections of artificial turf, each simulating a different type of grass found on a golf course, such as the fairway, rough, and deep rough. The putting mat has a section in a first geometric shape that tapers toward or into a section in a second geometric shape smaller than the first geometric shape having the hole disposed therein. The chipping basket has a plurality of sides with at least one of the sides having a variable sized hole disposed therein.

Abstract: The apparatus and methods of the current invention utilize a device that is secured within a golf hole and comprises a series of tethers and or aiming rods as well as a ball retrieving mechanism. The purpose of the invention is to improve the user's putting ability.

Abstract: A golf practice apparatus comprises a chipping mat and a target assembly. The chipping mat comprises a surface from which a user strikes golf balls. The target assembly comprises a frame and a target mat. The frame is further comprised of a lightweight, collapsible framework for supporting a target mat further comprising various markings indicated targets for a user. In a preferred embodiment, the frame is comprised of pipe segments, connecting joints, and a plurality of common fasteners. The target mat is suspended from the frame and attaches via corresponding common fasteners. The target assembly is disposed of various segments to allow a user to simulate short game aspects of golf by choosing a target based upon the desired angle and velocity that the user desires to emulate.

Abstract: A golf training aid which incorporates a standard golf club, with a Nerf golf ball or a whiffle golf ball, and a target which is hung on the wall at adjustable heights, the target having a backboard removable secured to the wall, a face board positioned forward of the backboard, the face board having an aperture there through, the aperture in communication with a cavity positioned between said face board and said backboard for the collection of a Nerf golf ball or whiffle golf ball whose trajectory from the golf club has carried it through the aperture and into the cavity.

Abstract: A golf swing practice target panel or impact device is provided. The impact device may be or may include a panel made of a type of material such that there will be a temporary mark where a standard or non-standard golf ball impacted the panel. An aiming reference point may be provided on a lower portion of the panel. In addition, lines may be printed on the panel to depict launch or elevation angles and off-center deviation angles. A golfer can examine how accurate the strike was after the swing. Also, the panel material may possess proper friction that enables the spinning direction of a golf ball to be determined when a golf ball bounces off from the panel. Judging from where the ball landed relative to the temporary ball mark on the panel, the golfer is able to know how the ball was spinning after striking.

Abstract: A golf practice system including a containment structure and a mechanically driven golf ball-return unit coupled to the containment structure, with a sloped portion or channel directing a struck golf ball to the return unit such that the golf ball is mechanically projected back to the golfer. A berm device for chipping practice and other uses also is disclosed.

Abstract: An alternative to the game of golf utilizing any conventional golf course while incorporating a plurality of elevated target disks having a vertical planar attitude and a circular central opening, a ball having an outer diameter substantially lesser than that of the circular central opening in the target disks, and a variety of ball launchers each having the ability to accept various handle implements. The goal of the game is to either strike or penetrate the target disks in as few tosses as possible from the T-off point.

Abstract: A method for training for improving a user's play of a golf short game by providing first and second trajectory targets at different heights and with first and second visual attributes, and providing first and second distance targets with the first and second attributes respectively. A first golf shot is hit through the first trajectory target at the first height at a first trajectory. A second golf shot is hit through the second trajectory target at the second height with a second trajectory. The user associates the first attribute with the first trajectory and the second attribute with the second trajectory. The user then attempts to hit a third shot to the first distance target having the first attribute using the first trajectory and a fourth shot to the second distance target having the second attribute using the second trajectory.

Abstract: The invention provides a golf club, generally indicated by reference numeral (10). The golf club (10) includes a shaft (14) and club head (12) connected to the shaft (14). The golf club (10) further includes means defining a reflective surface (16) positioned so that when a user of the golf club (10) addresses a ball an intended target towards which a said ball is to be struck is visible in the reflective surface (16). The golf club also includes level indicators (40, 50), in the form of spirit levels, mounted on the head (12) to permit a user to determine when the head (12) is in a desired horizontal orientation when addressing a ball with the golf club (10). The level indicators (40, 50) is positioned to form an alignment aid, the alignment aid including parallel markings (38) on the reflective surface (16) in register with corresponding ends of the spirit levels (40,50).

Abstract: A golf system that includes a tee or other area for striking a golf ball; and a golf green having a concave surface with a ball receptacle located at the lowest point in the surface so that a ball landing and remaining on the green will roll into the ball receptacle. The green includes a resiliently compressible layer coinciding with the concave surface. The resiliently compressible surface may include at least one layer of corrugated plastic material and may be covered with an artificial turf surface. The concave surface may be angled at approximately a 1:4 pitch, and the rear of the green may be approximately one-half times higher than the front thereof. The golf system may include a ball sensor that senses when a ball has been received in the receptacle. The golf green may be mounted on a portable frame.

Abstract: A golf practice assembly includes a target having a first surface which has three target areas displayed thereon and the target areas are located in a vertical axis passing through a center of the first surface. The users use different golf clubs and try to hit the target areas. The lower target area is designed for the lower number of golf club or for shorter distance between the position that the users stand and the first surface. A ball has a second surface which can be attached with the first surface of the golf practice assembly.

Abstract: A golf-like, short-hole, pitch-and-chip target game has an elongated course of predetermined length and width and at least one lie location at one end of the course and at least one sand trap that is divided into at least first and second divisions, the first division having a first scoring value and the second division having a second scoring value wherein the sand trap is located a predetermined distance from the lie so that a chip shot or a pitch shot of a ball from said lie can land in one of the divisions of the sand trap which has a sand composition such that a ball falls essentially dead upon striking the sand.

Abstract: A Golf Short Game Training, Practice and Contest Game assemblage, which is easy to assemble, disassemble and transport from location to location (in, for example, the provided carrying bag) and which includes a main frame which is assembled from various steel pipes and connecting parts, a netting which is supported by the frame and which includes an inclined chute-shaped floor net which is affixed to or integral with the bottom floor of the netting, the front side of which is lower than the back portion of the netting; and a target which is suspended from the top portion of the netting and has at least one hole in it which is larger than a golf ball.

Abstract: A golf teaching technique is enclosed, in addition to golf equipment for teaching and recreation. The equipment includes golf clubs, balls, and targets, and also includes a method for teaching students how to properly use these items.

Abstract: A free-standing partitioned goal and games using the goal is provided. The goal is divided into a series of partitions formed by internal net dividers. The front edge of each partition is secured by an interwoven or integral elastic cord carried by a front edge of the partition. The resilient partitions retain balls which are kicked therein, each partition having assigned to it possible varying point values which facilitate training as well as specific games directed to using the goal.

Abstract: An elevated golf target provides a portable and adjustable target for practicing golf. The elevated golf target consists of a concave target, a vertical support and a portable base unit. The elevated target preferably has a turf-like surface and can include a target hole, a collector hole and an upwardly projecting perimeter wall. A target surface presentation angle is adjustable with respect to the ground. When the golfer hits the target, the combination of a concave target surface, the target presentation angle and the perimeter wall increase the likelihood of the ball being retained on the target. The vertical support can allow for vertical adjustment of the target while the portable base allows an operator to easily change the location of the elevated golf target. The elevated golf target can be used individually or a plurality of targets can be utilized in a golf target system.

Abstract: An indoor/outdoor, portable, modular practice golf simulation apparatus that can be modified to be used as a putting green or driving mat. The apparatus includes a plurality of modular frame pieces that are coupled together to form a frame. These modular frame pieces may be unitary structures or urethane foam supported structures. A golf simulation surface having varying length and color simulation grass is attached to the frame to allow for use as a putting green or a driving mat. A plurality of cups, with or with ball clearing ducts, may be molded in the frame pieces to provide a wide variety of golf practice situations.

Abstract: A portable target for golf balls having a frame, a shelf, panels, a wall, partitions, wheel assemblies, and a means to connect the frame components. The frame has legs, stiles, rails, arms, and a header. The stiles and the rails surround the shelf. The panels remain at a right angle to the shelf. The wall is generally at a right angle to the shelf and to the panels. The partitions span between the stiles and divide the shelf. Each leg ends in a wheel. The means to connect involves tongue and groove joints between the frame components and the partitions.

Abstract: A retractable target marker is a device designed to provide golfers the ability to aim at a visible target when practicing in an open field. The device has been designed to withstand reasonable winds through the use of a retractable support element and a colored casing made from a compressible sheer, fishnet or nylon material. Contained Within the retractable support element is a retractable arm that allows for the device to easily expand to height visible by golfers over several hundred yards away when in operation. The retractable support element also contains a lower extension that is placed within the ground during operation. The retractable target marker is designed to store compactly when not in use.

Abstract: Golf practice apparatus comprises a structure having a back wall (16) representing at least part of a golf course, including a green and a hole (11), said structure having at least one upper shelf (12) including means to represent the hole on a real golf course, means (24) removably attachable to said structure to represent hazards, and a location in front of the structure from which a player may hit a golf ball towards the structure.

Abstract: A kit containing all the materials necessary to assemble a putting and chipping training unit that may be used in total darkness since a putting cup, golf balls, and direction labels for a golf club head are all equipped with phosphoric markings that glow in the dark for about eight hours before recharging is necessary by light exposure.

Abstract: A putting practice and game apparatus is disclosed, which is a simple, cost effective device, which may be portable and is easily constructed for use. The apparatus includes a golf ball backstop, putting post and diskplate attached in a single unit. The golf ball backstop partially encloses an opposing side of a target and is used to stop, corral and retain golf balls in a single location that are putted at the target.

Abstract: Millenn Golf is a recreational form of golf played indoors or outdoors in a yard, field, gymnasium or basketball court or other hard surface, in which players use ordinary golf clubs to strike the Nium Flyer from a portable strip of synthetic turf, causing the Nium Flyer to fly toward a goal called the Netty Millenn in the fewest number of strokes until the Nium Flyer lands in and rests in the Netty Millenn. Each player then removes the Nium Flyer, places it on the synthetic turf and proceeds to repeat the game process completing the course as determined by the players and/or the game master. The object of the game is to complete the course in the fewest strokes as possible as in regular golf. The player with the fewest strokes, as in regular golf, is the winner. Millenn Golf is an economical, portable and flexible form of golf which can be enjoyed by people of differing ages in all types of weather, even indoors.

Abstract: A golf game with a three dimensional target that utilizes hook and loop material. The game includes a club, a ball, a mat, and a three dimensional target. The ball and the three dimensional target have a hook and loop material (commonly referred to as Velcro®) affixed to them such that when the ball comes in contact with the three dimensional target, the ball will remain in position on the three dimensional target. The three dimensional target commonly is a cylinder with a hook material attached. A padded cushion can additionally be placed between the three dimensional target and the hook and loop material to buffer the contact between the ball and the three dimensional target. The ball has a material of a loop type surrounding it such that it will stay in position on the target as it contacts the target.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting golf balls comprising a collection assembly having a canopy and a collection net selectively movable between an open position and a collapsed position. In design, the canopy is formed of a durable material having an outer radial portion engaging the distal ends of a plurality of support ribs. Similarly, the collection net has an outer radial portion engaging the distal ends of said support ribs such that the collection net is generally suspended in relation to an interior surface of the canopy. The collection net is preferably formed of a sufficiently durable material capable of absorbing the impact of at least one projectile (e.g., golf ball) and distributing the impact force of the projectile through at least a section of the body of the collection net. An elongated shaft supportably engages the plurality of support ribs, thereby supporting the collection assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices, systems and methods for aiding a golfer in properly aligning his stance prior to hitting a golf ball at any one of a plurality of pre-sighted targets; the principal feature of the invention is a golf mat designed to be pivotally attached to a support surface and having a pattern of lines visible to the golfer, the pivotal lines and mat positioned with respect to a plurality of pre-sighted targets so the golfer may properly align has stance prior to hitting a golf ball at the target.

Abstract: An apparatus for practicing chip shots in the game of golf includes a base member that is secured to the ground by a stake. A pair of reels are rotatably mounted on the base member and an elongate flexible cord is wound about each reel. A preselected amount of each cord is unwound from its reel and extended at a preselected angle relative to the base member to a remote target area defined by an annular ring of predetermined diameter. A hook is secured to the free end of each cord, and the hook is detachably connected to an upright stake positioned within the preselected target area. Chip shots are practiced by hitting a special, light weight ball along a path of travel denoted by the cords. In a preferred method, the special ball is placed in the vicinity of a preselected target area and hit toward the base member along a first path of travel denoted by a cord means.

Abstract: A golf game is played with a standard golf club in and around a swimming pool having a surrounding deck. The game contains a floating green made of a sheet of floating foam having a cross-sectional area of at least about 10 square feet with an upper surface covered with a loop-type fabric upper surface. The game also contains a plurality of floating golf balls covered with a hook-type fabric. The game is played by hitting the floating golf balls with the golf club from the deck to the floating green in the pool.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to enable practicing of a putting stroke on an actual green surface. A putting cup post is positioned upright in the putting cup, and a stabilizing post is put into the green surface so as to be upstanding therefrom adjacent to a putting location. An alignment cord is extended from an upper end of the stabilizing post to the upper end of the putting cup post, and an alignment cord is extended between the two posts. For a breaking putt, an alignment post is positioned to provide an initial alignment section of the cord that is aligned with the initial path of travel of the ball from the putting location along the intended putting path. The ball is placed at a putting location near the stabilizing post, and the golfer uses proper putting techniques to strike the ball, using the initial portion of the alignment cord to putt the ball in the proper direction.

Abstract: A golf putting trainer, comprising:a. a first elongated member;b. a second elongated member which is positioned generally parallel to the first elongated member, and is spaced apart from the first elongated member;c. a connecting member which is positioned between the first elongated member and the second elongated member and which is connected to the first elongated member near a first end of the first elongated member, and is connected to the second elongated member near a first end of the second elongated member;d. a target which is slidably mounted to the connecting member and is in a slidable relationship with the connecting member, wherein the target is positioned between the first elongated member and the second elongated member.

Abstract: A golf game and training device which involves pitching and chipping golf balls at a target that has a plurality of numbered scoring positions. The device includes a target base having target walls the define an upper target area mounted on top of three legs which also function as targets. The target legs are associated with a target skirt that defines a lower target area. A vertical beam target extends upward from a back target wall and an aperture in the target base allows a ball to pass from the upper target area into a ball receptacle. An indoor ball and pitching/chipping mat allow the device to be used indoors or out without damaging the playing surface.

Abstract: A golf practice apparatus includes a foldable target in a carrying case that is sized to receive the folded target for transportation. The target has a base portion with the flagpole extending from the base portion. A plurality of arms are foldably connected to the base portion at a plurality of points. A flexible target area extends between the arms to form a surface onto which golf balls may be hit. The case has a main compartment sized to receive the folded target. A handle is coupled to the case to assist in transporting the case. A number of secondary compartments including a stake compartment and a ball compartment may be used to carry stakes and balls with a case. The case may also a number of club brackets for securing golf clubs to the outside of the case.

Abstract: An improved golfing target device (11), as shown in FIG. (1), in the preferred embodiment having a flat, uniformly thick, substantially circular target area (10), being 1.12 meters (44 inches) in outer diameter, with a centered hole (1) approximately the 108 mm (41/4 inches) size of a regulation golf hole. Support device (2) causes target area (10) to be inclined toward the vertical with respect to the horizontal plane, with the lowest edge of target area (10) touching the same plane as the bottom of support device (2). Permanent attachment by rivets or weld maintains the position of target area (10) on support device (2). Flag pin receptacle (9) in the preferred embodiment is positioned properly and permanently attached, by rivets or weld, to the bottom of support device (2), which causes an inserted flag pin (6), with flag (6a), to protrude up thru the center of the golf size hole (1).

Abstract: A portable golf game apparatus with multiple targets which are individually identifiable by symbols in a recognizable sequence marked thereon. Prior to a game, the targets are placed, in successive relationship, in a playing field. The targets include cups, the upper edges thereof being disposed level with the surface of the ground during play. Flags and markers are deployed to help guide players through the sequence of the cups to be played and to supply information as to the direction the ball needs to be struck to reach the next cup. Means for removably mounting one of the flags on each of the cups is provided; the markers, on the other hand, are self-supporting. After the game, the cups are removed and stored together. Stackable, the cups can be placed end to end form a hollow tube. End caps can be secured to the tube so as to close it. The resultant closed container can then be used to store a putter and golf balls as well as the flags and markers.

Abstract: A guiding device for putting practice having a base plate, a pad, a golf supporting plate, a cover member, two screw sleeves, a large bolt, a small bolt, an inverted U-shaped fending rod, and an engaging sleeve is disclosed. The base plate has left and right guiding frames, raising slightly at the rear section to form a guide way there-between for the golf club to pass therethrough. The golf supporting plate is formed by a grooved rail with two flanges sectionally tilting upwardly from both sides for the golf ball to roll thereon and on which the golf ball putted when touching the inverted U-shaped fending rod will bounce back automatically to the original position indicated by a triangular golf sign disposed on the base plate for another putting practice. In addition, by means of the large and small adjusting bolts, the golf supporting plate can be adjusted left or right, moving into a desirable position measured by scales to meet the need of different users.

Abstract: A golf game apparatus is used with a whiffle ball for a golf game enjoyable by both golfers and non-golfers. The golf game apparatus includes a movable tee with a generally rectangular structure. A target area is located several feet from the movable tee and has a plurality of targets representing golf holes. These targets include containers having varying diameters. The targets are positioned on different levels. A fairway structure extends from the target area towards the tee area. The player or players stroke the ball towards selected targets. The targets are assigned varying points, depending upon difficulty.

Abstract: A simulated golf game including a substantially reduced size course in which each "hole" (10) and its respective tee marker (40) is separated from each other by a minimum of about fifty (50') feet and a maximum of about one hundred and fifty (150') feet for "holes" having pars "3" to "5" (FIG. 7), that can be played, for example, in the yard of the user, including regulation size balls (20) that are of relatively light weight; "holes" in the form of, for example, relatively large, outer diameter [e.g. twenty (20") inch] and relatively large, inner diameter [e.g. fifteen (15") inch] ramp rings (10, FIGS. 1A & 1B) substantially spaced about on the ground, each having an easy-entry/reluctant-exit hoop configuration; miniature flags (30, FIGS. 3A-C) associated with the "holes", and tee markers (FIGS. 4A-4D) and tees. The ball has an effective "maximum" range of about fifty (50') feet and is formed of an aerated, hollow, plastic hemisphere with a weight of about a tenth (0.1 oz) of an ounce.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to enable practicing of a putting stroke on an actual green surface. A putting cup post is positioned upright in the putting cup, and a stabilizing post is put into the green surface so as to be upstanding therefrom adjacent to a putting location. An alignment cord is extended from an upper end of the stabilizing post to the upper end of the putting cup post, and an alignment cord is extended between the two posts. For a breaking putt, an alignment post is positioned to provide an initial alignment section of the cord that is aligned with the initial path of travel of the ball from the putting location along the intended putting path. The ball is placed at a putting location near the stabilizing post, and the golfer uses proper putting techniques to strike the ball, using the initial portion of the alignment cord to putt the ball in the proper direction.

Abstract: An artificial golf green is designed for use at driving ranges. The target green structure is formed at an incline to provide users of the golf range the appearance of a much larger target surface due to the perspective effects when viewing an inclined object from a distance. The construction of the target green is sectional to facilitate transportation. The landing surface includes artificial turf and an energy absorbing pad for more realistic performance.