Abstract: A golf ball having an identification device (10) embedded in it comprises an aerial (14) and a coded chip (12), which are associated with a resilient member (16) arranged to dampen shock form impact. The resilient members is in the form of a diaphragm (16), to which the chip (12) and aerial (14) are separately connected. The above components, mounted on an insulating plate (11), are moulded in a capsule (20) which is then placed at the center of a golf ball core.

Abstract: A golf game employing r.f-tag coded golf balls has a playing area with r.f. antennae located underneath to enable the number of strokes taken by a player to be counted. Separate antennae are provided for the tee area and hole, respectively, and the antennae around the hole are smaller to improve resolution. The antennae are connected to a computer which monitors successive moving and stationary phases of a golf ball to count the number of strokes taken by a player.

Abstract: In a golf driving range (10, FIG. 1 not shown) golf balls (21) incorporating uniquely-coded passive transponders are collected by means of a device having a receiving channel (22) which directs the balls past a reader (25) employing RFID technology which reads the codes and supplies this information via a link (32) to a central computer for subsequent display. The reader (25) also actuates a gate (28) to direct the balls to a “reject” receptacle (29) or an “accept” receptacle (30). Similar devices are used for dispensing golf balls (50, FIG. 4 not shown) or supplying balls to an automatic tee device (70, FIG. 5 not shown). Alternatively balls can be identified on or near a tee (84, FIGS. 6 and 7 not shown) on a mat (70).