Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically scoring a golf player includes detecting and recording the golf player at a golf tee pad by an identification reading device at the golf tee pad reading an identification device of a golf club that is used by the golf player. Movement of a golf ball after it is hit by the golf club is detected. A location of the golf ball when the golf ball stops is recorded and the golf player is credited with a stroke. Subsequently, each time movement of the golf ball is detected, the location of the golf ball is updated and the golf player is credited with another of the stroke.

Abstract: A golf putting practice device/simulator and ball return with no moving parts, and method for a golfer to practice putting a golf ball in which the device is located in close proximity to the golfer and the intended target can be of any normal putting distance allowing one to practice golf putts indoors of greater length than indoor spaces normally allow. The device accomplishes this by detecting the speed and the position of the golf ball as it approaches the device. The device is programmed and configured in such a way to accurately approximate the distance and to display the direction the golf ball would have traveled had the path of the ball not be interrupted by device. The practice device can be configured to account for a coefficient of resistance commonly know as the Stimp of the green in its calculations. The device receives and returns the ball to the user then evaluates the putt data. The results are then displayed on the digital display.

Abstract: A golf putting practice device/simulator and ball return with no moving parts, and method for a golfer to practice putting a golf ball in which the device is located in close proximity to the golfer and the intended target can be of any normal putting distance allowing one to practice golf putts indoors of greater length than indoor spaces normally allow. The device is programmed and configured in such a way to accurately approximate the distance and to display the direction the golf ball would have traveled had the path of the ball not be interrupted by device. The practice device can be configured to account for a coefficient of resistance commonly know as the Stimp of the green in its calculations.

Abstract: A golf ball receptacle and optional directionality system that wirelessly integrates actual golf equipment and sports implements with a computer and the internet to allow players to practice and improve their golfing skills, play a competitive game with one or more players locally, or if desired engage players remotely located from one another to play a competitive real or simulated game of golf. An individual player may opt to play solo or practice to improve basic golfing techniques. The system includes smart golf clubs, a golf ball receptacle and a golf club motion sensing device, all containing circuits and contact or motion sensors coupled with signal processing and radio frequency transmitter circuitry, to thereby wirelessly communicate game performance information to a remote receiver-computer.

Abstract: A compact, low profile golf putting practice apparatus includes a two-part flipper including a longitudinal flipping member and a coaxially mounted base section supporting the flipper member. A torsion spring pivots the flipper from its retracted position into an extended position whereby it propels a ball forwardly from a pocket area, and a powered retractor reversely pivots the flipper from its extended orientation into its retracted orientation. For safety, the two sections of the flipper are normally coupled together for movement as a unit by a resilient coupler which is capable of expanding temporarily when the flipper encounters an obstruction to its movement from the extended orientation to the retracted orientation.

Abstract: An apparatus for uniquely identifying a golf ball at a target includes a simulated golfing green having one or multiple target area apertures therein. A ball collector is mounted under each aperture. A ball identification means cooperates with the ball collector for identifying uniquely identified game balls from non-uniquely identified golf balls and transmits identity information corresponding to each game ball of the game balls to a remote processing station for correlating the identity of a golfer with the identity information. A surveillance means cooperates with the first target area so as to provide for remote monitoring of the first target area. A first signal means is provided for signalling the golfer and a remote monitor when a uniquely identified game ball has entered the aperture. A first sensor means is provided for detecting when a uniquely identified game ball lands in the first target area and for signalling the golfer and a remote monitor upon such detection.

Abstract: A golf putting training controls golf ball momentum into a delivery site by first absorbing momentum of indeterminate magnitude and thereafter allowing the ball to move along a controlled or sloped path under influence of gravity. As a result, the ball enjoys consistent momentum and alignment upon arrival at the delivery site. The delivery site can be a kick-back device operating more consistently when receiving a ball moving along a consistent approach path and with consistent momentum. The delivery site can also be a golf ball return area whereat a golf ball is desirably returned consistently to a given region thereof.

Abstract: A system for facilitating the practicing or playing of golf may include, alone or in combination, a golf target subsystem, a detection subsystem, and a golf ball dispensing subsystem. The golf ball dispensing subsystem comprises a free standing device placed at the teeing area which may be configured to provide various functions, such as, for example, receiving and storing a quantity of golf balls, exposing non-illuminated golf balls to an illuminating source contained therein, and thereby illuminating the golf balls, and/or dispensing the illuminated golf balls to the golfer. The golf target subsystem is suitably configured to permit a golfer to locate and identify the target area while addressing the golf ball so that the golfer may attempt to land the golf ball within the target area. In addition, to facilitate the identification of the target during nighttime conditions, i.e., conditions without external lighting, the golf target is preferably illuminated.

Abstract: A golf putting practice device (10) having a ball tray (16) that can be pivoted from the normally flat position for ball retrieval to fold substantially upright against the body of the main housing (12) for compact storage or transport. A spring-powered flipper device (28) is pivotally mounted between the base (14) and main housing (12) top and horizontally disposed along the rear face of the ball tray (16) to return the ball to the person making the putt.

Abstract: A golf putting practice device (10) having a main housing (12), a substantially flattened ball tray (16) to receive putted balls that is retractable and removable, and a flipper device (28) disposed in a position along the rear face of the ball tray (16) to automatically return the putted balls from the ball tray (16) back to the person making the putt.

Abstract: A golf putting green and associated ball return system are disclosed. The ball return system returns a ball generally to the original point of the putt. As a ball is hit and rolls into a target hole or gutter, it falls by gravity through an air gate and enters an air duct channel. The gate closes after the ball falls through it. A gutter is provided for missed putts. The gutter slopes to a hole that also includes an air gate, which momentarily opens to allow missed putt balls to enter the air duct channel. Using the force of air generated by an air producing unit, the ball is gently propelled through the channel, which extends uprange along the putting surface, and returns the ball at the end of the channel onto the putting area. As the ball exits the channel with momentum generated by the airflow, it follows along a curved frame structure, positioned around the periphery of one side edge of the putting area, which acts to deliver the ball to the point of the original putt.

Abstract: A training device for pushing a golf ball comprises a tilt ball seat, a grass pad, and a multiple layer paddle. The tilt ball seat has a slope surface at the upper end thereof. A front end of the slope surface is formed with a ball hole; and a lower end of the tilt ball seat is installed with a multiple layer paddle the length of which is changeable. The grass pad is a long extending piece; and a front end thereof is formed with an opening with respect to the ball hole of the tilt ball seat. Therefore, the grass pad is adhered to the upper end of the tilt ball seat and then extended to a selected length to the rear side. If necessary, the height of the multiple layer paddle is adjustable for changing the slope of the tilt ball seat.

Abstract: A line marking system for installing permanent field lines in natural grass fields is disclosed. The system comprises a line fixed to a backing sheet which is installed under the grass sod. The backing sheet is preferably a mesh which allows the grass to grow through the backing sheet thereby anchoring the line to the ground.