Abstract: A method for determining a shot trajectory of a trackable golf ball is disclosed, wherein substantially real-time position information transmitted by the ball for a time period is received and processed to determine a shot trajectory for a golf shot, wherein a velocity value and an acceleration value is determined, and wherein an initial and final location of the shot trajectory is determined based on at least one of the acceleration and velocity values. Also disclosed is a method for determining a spin rate of a trackable golf ball, wherein the shot trajectory and a profile of the shot trajectory are determined, wherein at least one of an initial velocity, a maximum height, an initial shot angle, a curvature of the trajectory, and an in-air shot distance are calculated using the shot trajectory, and wherein the spin rate is determined based on the calculated values.

Abstract: A virtual golf training and gaming system and method are disclosed. According to one aspect of the invention, real-time shot information obtained from a trackable golf ball is compared with and used to determine a correlation with one or more training shots displayed to a golfer over a display, and wherein the correlation is used to provide training advice and assistance to the golfer. According to another aspect of the invention, the real-time shot information is converted into one or more game parameters which can then be used within the game environment of a virtual game. According to yet another aspect of the invention, the real-time shot information is used to determine an initial shot location for a golf shot and to identify the golfer based on the initial shot location, and this identification can be used in connection with the virtual training and/or gaming system and method.

Abstract: A caddy system and method of providing a shot recommendation to a golfer is disclosed wherein real-time shot information, including the current location of a golf ball on a golf course, as well as golf course information, are used to provide a recommended golf shot to the golfer. According to another aspect of the invention, a golfer's shot history is used, in addition to the current location of the golf ball and the golf course information, to provide a shot recommendation to the golfer. According to yet another aspect of the invention, a caddy system and method of providing real-time shot information are disclosed, wherein the real-time information may be displayed alone or in conjunction with certain information about a golf course being played, including the display of the golf ball location in relation to a digital course map.