Abstract: A golf information system which provides for automatic detection of a golf cart position on a golf course by either a golfer on the cart or personnel in a golf course clubhouse. In one embodiment, a differential global positioning satellite receiver (DGPS) is utilized to detect a golf cart position and the detected position is compared with a digital data map where it is further transmitted to a golf cart display as well as to a clubhouse display, either automatically in a timed manner, or upon prompting by a golfer or clubhouse personnel. The system can be further used to send speed of play messages to a golfer from a clubhouse in order to speed up play, and can also be used to send emergency and acknowledgement signals from a golfer to a clubhouse in response to emergencies or messages displayed to the golfer. Furthermore, advertizing messages can be displayed to a golfer from a clubhouse in response to clubhouse initiated signaling.

Abstract: A golf information system and method which provides yardage and other information to a golfer relative to landmarks on a golf course operating in a "hands-free" or passive manner. In one embodiment, a differential global positioning satellite receiver (DGPS) is utilized to calculate a golf cart position and each time the cart stops, the detected position is compared with positions of landmarks mapped to zones on holes of the course. A location of each landmark is predetermined and stored in a look-up table, afterwhich the golf cart position is compared with the pre-stored positions to obtain a distance between the golf cart and each landmark. The calculated distance is subsequently outputted, preferably on a visual display where it is observed by a golfer. The system can also be used to send speed-of-play messages to a golfer from a clubhouse in order to speed up play, and can also be used to send emergency signals, and advertisements to the golfer.

Abstract: A golf information system which automatically provides golfers with reference position and distance information from a number of points on a particular golf course hole. In one embodiment, radio frequency identification tags would be positioned along a golf cart path, for example, buried underneath the path, and a reading system carried by the golf cart would output an interrogation signal which would activate the tags causing the tags to output a coded signal which would be received by the reading unit, which would retrieve information about that location from memory and output it to the golfer. The system can further be used to display advertising messages and to provide golf course management features such as monitoring cart usage and speed of play.

Abstract: A golf information system which automatically provides golfers with reference position and distance information from a number of points on a particular golf course hole. In one embodiment, radio frequency identification tags would be positioned along a golf cart path, for example, buried underneath the path, and a reading system carried by the golf cart would output an interrogation signal which would activate the tags causing the tags to output a coded signal which would be received by the reading unit, which would retrieve information about that location from memory and output it to the golfer. The system can further be used to display advertising messages and to provide golf course management features such as monitoring cart usage and speed of play.