Golf course and method to play same

Abstract

This invention relates to a golf course requiring the use of conventional rules and golf equipment, but that requires less space than a conventional golf course. This economy in space can be achieved by providing a centrally located clubhouse surrounded by circumferentially adjacent fairways disposed around the clubhouse. The fairways extend in a generally radial direction from the clubhouse, and are grouped in the pairs of adjacent fairways. In a pair of fairways, the first fairway having a plurality of radially inward tees and a radially outward green and the second fairway having a plurality of radially outward tees and a radially inward green. This golf course allows a method of playing golf wherein a group of players can start simultaneously from any radially inward tee or radially outward tee on the golf course.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

NONE

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

NOT APPLICABLE

REFERENCE TO A “MICROFICHE APPENDIX”

NOT APPLICABLE.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a golf course including a plurality of fairways, which are disposed in a surrounding relationship with a generally centrally located clubhouse and a method to play golf on this course.

2. Description of the Related Art

Various golf type games employing different rules or unconventional equipment are known. U.S. Pat. No. 5,505,452, Aguilera, U.S. Pat. No. 5,431,402, Ferns et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,395,115, Lenhart, U.S. Pat. No. 4,577,862, Magnuson, U.S. Pat. No. 4,129,300, Nitsche, U.S. Pat. No. 3,999,764.

Other golf courses have been disclosed that focus on reducing the time involved in playing 18 holes, but still employ, for the most part, standard equipment as accepted by the golf industry. For example, Benson, U.S. Pat. No. 5,213,330 discloses a golf course having a single fairway of conventional length common to at least three putting greens. The course having a single tee area designated for use in connection with the three greens. The golfer is provided with color-coded balls.

Rotolo in U.S. Pat. No. 3,719,361 discloses a conventional course on a small area. In the preferred embodiment, the course is of a circular outline and the tees and greens are arranged so that play is generally across the course along the diameter of the course. A circular cart path surrounds the course. The tee is adjacent to the green from the last hole. Balls, however, are flying in all directions across the course, which may, for safety reasons, limit the number of golfers on a course.

A need exists in the industry to create a golf course that uses less space than a conventional course, but still allows the use of conventional equipment and rules, but does not decrease the number of players on the course.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing need, the present invention is directed to a golf course requiring the use of standard golf equipment. This golf course includes a centrally located clubhouse and a plurality of circumferentially adjacent fairways. The plurality of circumferentially adjacent fairways extend in a generally radial direction from the clubhouse. The plurality of circumferentially adjacent fairways is made of a plurality of pairs of fairways, a pair of fairways being made of a first and second fairway, the first fairway including a plurality of radially inward tees and a radially outward green and the second fairway including a plurality of radially outward tees and a radially inward green.

Another aspect of this invention involves providing a method of playing golf wherein a golfer uses standard golf equipment. This method involves the steps of providing a centrally located clubhouse, a plurality of circumferentially adjacent fairways, the plurality of circumferentially adjacent fairways extending in a generally radial direction from the clubhouse; the plurality of circumferentially adjacent fairways being made of a plurality of pairs of adjacent fairways, the pairs of fairways having a first and second fairway; the first fairway having a plurality of radially inward tees and radially outward green and the second fairway having a plurality of radially outward tees and a radially inward green; commencing playing golf at one of the plurality of radially inward tees of the first fairway; driving a golf ball toward the radially outward green of the first fairway; continue playing golf by teeing off from the plurality of radially outward tees of the second fairway; driving the ball toward the radially inward green of the second fairway; and then continue playing golf in a clockwise direction by playing a substantially adjacent plurality of tees of the plurality of circumferentially adjacent fairways.

This invention provides for another method of playing golf wherein a golfer uses standard golf equipment. This method involves the steps of providing a centrally located clubhouse, a plurality of circumferentially adjacent fairways, the plurality of circumferentially adjacent fairways extending in a generally radial direction from the clubhouse; the plurality of circumferentially adjacent fairways being made of a plurality of pairs of adjacent fairways, the pairs of fairways having a first and second fairway, the first fairway having a plurality of radially inward tees and radially outward green and the second fairway having a plurality of radially outward tees and a radially inward green; commencing playing golf at one of the plurality of radially outward tees of said second fairway of a first pair of fairways; driving a golf ball toward said radially inward green of said second fairway; continue playing golf by teeing off from one of said plurality of radially inward tees of said first fairway of a second pair of fairways; driving the golf ball toward said radially outward green of said first fairway; and then continue playing golf in a clockwise direction by playing a substantially adjacent plurality of tees of said plurality of circumferentially adjacent fairways.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims and accompanying drawing wherein:

FIG. 1A is a plan view of the golf course illustrating various aspects of the invention.

FIG. 1B is a plan view of the golf course illustrating various aspects of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a single pair of fairways.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of an alternate embodiment of a single pair of fairways.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate the configuration of a golf course 21, according to one embodiment of the present invention. The golf course 21 includes a plurality of circumferentially adjacent fairways 1-18, which are disposed in a generally radial direction surrounding a centrally located clubhouse 19. In the illustrative embodiment, the plurality of circumferentially adjacent fairways 1-18 form nine pairs of circumferentially adjacent fairways, 30-38, although fewer number of pairs of circumferentially adjacent fairways may be used to make a golf course 21. Each pair of circumferentially adjacent fairways 30-38 are bisected by a cart path 23. A cart path 23 is a paved area for carts or service vehicles. The cart path 23 is sufficiently wide to allow carts to pass adjacent to each other.

More specifically, each fairway 1-18 includes a plurality of tees T1-T18. For example, fairway 1 includes a plurality of tees T1 and green G1, while fairway 2 includes a plurality of tees T2 and green G2. In the preferred embodiment there are 18 fairways 1-18 with corresponding plurality of tees T1-T18 and greens G1-G18. In another embodiment, fewer pairs of circumferentially adjacent fairways may be used to make up the golf course (not shown). In this embodiment, 18 holes of golf can be still played, but a number of the pairs of fairways are repeated to achieve the total number of holes to provide a conventional game of golf.

The fairways 1-18 also include a variety of sand traps 20, water hazards 22, foliage 24 and bunkers 26, as are typically found on known golf courses. The water hazard 22, in one embodiment, is no more than 18 inches in depth with a 5% grade toward the periphery of the water hazard 22. Balls collect at the periphery of the water hazard, so players to not lose balls.

The plurality of circumferentially adjacent fairways 1-18 of golf course 21 are arranged such that for each circumferentially adjacent pair of fairways 30-38, either the plurality of tees or the green is disposed substantially adjacent to clubhouse 19 for one of the pair of fairways, while the opposite is true for the other adjacent fairways 1-18 of the pair 30-38. More specifically, a plurality of radially inward tees T1, T3, T5, T7, T9, T11, T13, T15 and T17 are located substantially adjacent the clubhouse 19 and are preferably located 30 to 40 yards from the clubhouse 19. Similarly, a plurality of radially outward tees T2, T4, T6, T8, T10, T12, T14, T16 and T18 are located around the periphery of golf course 21. The player can commence play at any of the radially inward tees T1, T3, T5, T7, T9, T11, T13, T15 and T17 that are located surrounding the clubhouse 19 and drive the ball toward the corresponding radially outward green G1, G3, G5, G7, G9, G11, G13, G15 or G17. The next hole to be played is the circumferentially clockwise direction adjacent fairway having a plurality of radially outward tees T2, T4, T6, T8, T10, T12, T14, T16 and T18, that are located around the periphery of golf course 21. Alternatively, the player can commence play at any of the radially outward tees T2, T4, T6, T8, T10, T12, T14, T16 and T18 that are located around the periphery of golf course 21 and drive the ball toward the corresponding radially inward green G2, G4, G6, G8, G10, G12, G14, G16 and G 18. The next hole to be played is the circumferentially clockwise direction adjacent fairway having a plurality of radially inward tees T1, T3, T5, T7, T9, T11, T13, T15 and T17 that are located surrounding the clubhouse 19. Play is generally in the clockwise direction so the circumferentially adjacent fairway to fairway 1 is fairway 2 and the circumferentially adjacent fairway to fairway 2 is fairway 3. Fairway 1 and fairway 2 form fairway pair 30. If play commences on T2, T4, T6, T8, T10, T12, T14, T16 or T18, the next hole to be played will be in the circumferentially adjacent pair of fairways.

In the preferred embodiment, the player tees off from one of the radially inward tees T1, T3, T5, T7, T9, T11, T13, T15 or T17 or one of the radially outward tees T2, T4, T6, T8, T10, T12, T14, T16 or T18 and drives the ball toward the corresponding green G1, G3, G5, G7, G9, G11, G13, G15 or G17 or G2, G4, G6, G8, G10, G12, G14, G16 or G18 respectively. If the players starts at tee T1, for example, the ball is driven towards corresponding green G1. The player continues to play by moving in the clockwise direction to T2, a radially outward tee T2, and drives the golf ball toward radially inward green G2. The player has thus played fairway pair 30. The player continues playing golf course 21 playing from radially inward plurality of tees T3 by driving the ball toward green G3. From green G3, the player can move to the plurality of tees T4 and drive the ball toward green G4. The golfer has thus played fairway pair 31. Accordingly, standard rules of golf may be applied when playing the golf course 21.

Additionally, with reference to FIG. 1, a plurality of lighting units 40 such as lights on poles are placed along the plurality of cart paths 23. A plurality of lighting units 40 can light a pair of fairways. With this arrangement of parallel adjacent fairways 1-18, night golf becomes more practical as it is possible to light a fairway economically and without introducing obstacles into the flight path of the ball. A parking structure 41 is located adjacent to the golf course. Carts can be supplied here for use on cart paths 23.

Additionally, a plurality of communication means (not shown) such as telephones are placed substantially adjacent to the plurality of radially outward tees T2, T4, T6, T8, T10, T12, T14, T16 and T18 located on the periphery of the golf course 21. Such communication means allows the golfers to communicate with the clubhouse 19 regarding the golfers' needs, such as ordering food and drink to be received at the succeeding radially inward green G2, G4, G6, G8, G11, G12, G14, G16 and G18. A plurality of taping means, such as a video camera or a digital camera, are placed substantially adjacent to the plurality of inward and outward greens G1, G2, G3, G4, G5, G6, G7, G8, G9, G10, G11, G12, G13, G14, G15, G16, G17 and G18 located on golf course 21. Such taping means will be positioned so as not to obstruct the field of play.

Referring also to FIG. 2 with regard to the first fairway identified as fairway 1, fairway 1 includes a plurality of tees T1A, T1B, and T1C, which are located in an area which is radially inward to and in relatively close proximity to the clubhouse 19, whereas the green G1 of the first fairway 1 is disposed radially outward from the clubhouse 19. The function of the plurality of tees T1A, T1B and T1C is to shorten or lengthen the distance to the green depending on the golfer's ability. Accordingly, when a golfer plays fairway 1, the ball is driven from one of the plurality of radially inward tees T1A, T1B or T1C away from the clubhouse 19, towards the radially outward green G1. T1A is in the closest proximity to the clubhouse 19 and provides the greatest distance to G1, while T1B of the plurality of tees provides a middle distance to G1, while TIC provides the shortest distance to G1. T1A, T1B and T1C, referred to collectively as a plurality of radially inward tees and can be collectively identified as T1, and are all in relatively close proximity to clubhouse 19. A golfer plays the next hole, by moving clockwise around golf course 21. The golfer tees off from one of the plurality of radially outward tees T2A, T2B or T2C, located on the second fairway 2. In playing this hole, the ball is driven generally towards the clubhouse 19 with play terminating on radially inward green G2, which is disposed in relatively close proximity to the clubhouse 19.

Now referring to FIG. 3, a pair of fairways 30 is shown. The greens G1 and G2 are disposed at an angle 48 from the adjacent fairway of around 135°. This angle can vary from 90° to 180°, but is preferably around 135°. The 135° angle is preferable in that it provides a measure of safety to the golfers playing different holes. For example, if golfers are playing a hole starting at T1, the flight of the ball toward G1 is disposed away from golfers playing a hole starting at T2. This arrangement of the green being at an angle to the adjacent fairway can be copied through the golf course 21.

The arrangement of the pair of circumferentially adjacent fairways of the golf course 21 in surrounding relationship with the centrally located clubhouse 19, with tees T1-18 and greens G1-18 of circumferentially alternating pair of fairways 30-38 being disposed in relatively close proximity to the clubhouse 19, is a central feature of the present invention and results in several advantages.

One of the advantages of this golf course 21 is in the method of play. A large number of golfers can safely play this course. Golfers can start at each fairway of each pair of circumferentially adjacent fairways 30-38 from clubhouse 19. For example, groups of golfers can start simultaneously at T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7, T8, T9, T10, T11, T12, T13, T14, T15, T16, T17 and T18 and progress around the golf course 21 in a clockwise direction.

Another advantage of a golf course 21 configured in this manner relates to safety features in the event of an accident, sickness, or bad weather. A golfer can reach the clubhouse much more quickly than on a conventional course.

Another advantage of a golf course 21 according to the present invention is it is economical to build and operate.

Although the present invention has been described and illustrated with respect to a preferred embodiment and a preferred use thereof, it is not to be so limited since modifications and changes can be made therein which are within the full intended scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A golf course requiring the use of standard golf equipment comprising:

(a) a centrally located clubhouse; and

(b) a plurality of circumferentially adjacent fairways, said plurality of circumferentially adjacent fairways extending in a generally radial direction from said clubhouse; said plurality of circumferentially adjacent fairways being comprised of a plurality of pairs of adjacent fairways, said plurality of pairs of fairways having a first and a second fairway, said first fairway comprising a plurality of radially inward tees and a radially outward green and said second fairway comprising a plurality of radially outward tees and a radially inward green.

2. The golf course in claim 1 wherein said plurality of radially inward tees of said first fairway are disposed in relatively close proximity to said clubhouse.

3. The golf course of claim 1 wherein said radially inward green of said second fairway is disposed in relatively close proximity to said clubhouse.

4. The golf course of claim 1 wherein said plurality of radially inward tees of said first fairway are substantially adjacent to the radially inward green of said second fairway.

5. The golf course of claim 1 wherein said radially outward green of said first fairway is substantially adjacent said plurality of radially outward tees of said second fairway.

6. The golf course of claim 1 wherein there are nine pairs of fairways.

7. The golf course of claim 1 wherein a radially outward green of said first fairway is at an angle of about 135° from said second fairway.

8. The golf course of claim 1 wherein a radially inward green of said second fairway is at an angle of about 135° from said first fairway.

9. The golf course of claim 1 wherein said pair of circumferentially adjacent fairways is separated by a cart path.

10. The golf course of claim 1 wherein a lighting means is located along a cart path.

11. The golf course of claim 10 wherein said lighting means illuminates a pair of fairways having a first and second fairway.

12. The golf course of claim 1 wherein a communication means is located substantially adjacent to said plurality of radially outward tees.

13. The golf course of claim 1 wherein a taping means is located substantially adjacent to said plurality of radially inward greens and radially outward greens.

14. The golf course of claim 1 wherein a plurality of water hazards are located on the fairways, wherein said water hazards are configured to collect golf balls.

15. The golf course of claim 14 wherein said water hazards have a depth no greater than eighteen inches, wherein said depth has a five percent grade toward the periphery of said water hazard.

16. A method of playing golf wherein a golfer uses standard golf equipment, comprising:

(a) providing a centrally located clubhouse, a plurality of circumferentially adjacent fairways, said plurality of circumferentially adjacent fairways extending in a generally radial direction from said clubhouse; said plurality of circumferentially adjacent fairways being comprised of a plurality of pairs of adjacent fairways, said pairs of fairways having a first and second fairway; said first fairway comprising a plurality of radially inward tees and radially outward green and said second fairway comprising a plurality of radially outward tees and a radially inward green;

(b) commencing playing golf at one of said plurality of radially inward tees of said first fairway;

(c) driving a golf ball toward said radially outward green of said first fairway;

(d) continue playing golf by teeing off from said radially outward tee of said second fairway;

(e) driving the ball toward said radially inward green of said second fairway; and

(f) then continue playing golf in a clockwise direction by playing a substantially adjacent plurality of tees of said plurality of circumferentially adjacent fairways.

17. The method in claim 16 wherein said plurality of radially inward tees of said first fairway are disposed in relatively close proximity to said clubhouse.

18. The method of claim 16 wherein said plurality of radially inward tees of said first fairway are substantially adjacent to the radially inward green of said second fairway.

19. The method of claim 16 wherein said radially inward green of said second fairway is disposed in relatively close proximity to said clubhouse.

20. The method of claim 16 wherein said radially outward green of said first fairway is circumferentially adjacent to said plurality of radially outward tees of said second fairway.

21. The method of claim 16 wherein there are nine pairs of fairways.

22. The method of claim 16 wherein said radially outward green of said first fairway is at an angle of about 135° from said second fairway.

23. The method of claim 16 wherein said radially inward green of said second fairway is at an angle of about 135° from said first fairway.

24. The method of claim 16 wherein said pair of circumferentially adjacent fairways is separated by a cart path.

25. The method of claim 16 wherein a lighting means is located along a cart path.

26. The method of claim 25 wherein a lighting means illuminates a pair of fairways having a first and second fairway.

27. The method of claim 16 wherein a communication means is located substantially adjacent to said plurality of radially outward tees.

28. The method of claim 16 wherein a taping means is located substantially adjacent to said plurality of radially inward greens and radially outward greens.

29. The method of claim 16 wherein a plurality of water hazards are located on the fairways, wherein said water hazards are configured to collect golf balls.

30. The method of claim 29 wherein said water hazards have a depth no greater than eighteen inches, wherein said depth has a five percent grade toward the periphery of said water hazard.

31. A method of playing golf wherein a golfer uses standard golf equipment, comprising:

(a) providing a centrally located clubhouse, a plurality of circumferentially adjacent fairways, said plurality of circumferentially adjacent fairways extending in a generally radial direction from said clubhouse; said plurality of circumferentially adjacent fairways being comprised of a plurality of pairs of adjacent fairways, said pairs of fairways having a first and second fairway; said first fairway comprising a plurality of radially inward tees and radially outward green and said second fairway comprising a plurality of radially outward tees and a radially inward green;

(b) commencing playing golf at one of said plurality of radially outward tees of said second fairway of a first pair of fairways;

(c) driving a golf ball toward said radially inward green of said second fairway;

(d) continue playing golf in a clockwise direction by teeing off from one of said plurality of radially inward tees of said first fairway of a substantially adjacent second pair of fairways;

(e) driving the ball toward said radially outward green of said first fairway; and

(f) then continue playing golf in a clockwise direction by playing a substantially adjacent plurality of tees of said plurality of circumferentially adjacent fairways.

32. The method in claim 31 wherein said plurality of radially inward tees of said first fairway are disposed in relatively close proximity to said clubhouse.

33. The method of claim 31 wherein said plurality of radially inward tees of said first fairway are substantially adjacent to the radially inward green of said second fairway.

34. The method of claim 31 wherein said radially inward green of said second fairway is disposed in relatively close proximity to said clubhouse.

35. The method of claim 31 wherein said radially outward green of said first fairway is circumferentially adjacent to said plurality of radially outward tees of said second fairway.

36. The method of claim 31 wherein there are nine pairs of fairways.

37. The method of claim 31 wherein said radially outward green of said first fairway is at an angle of about 135° from said second fairway.

38. The method of claim 31 wherein said radially inward green of said second fairway is at an angle of about 135° from said first fairway.

39. The method of claim 31 wherein said pair of circumferentially adjacent fairways is separated by a cart path.

40. The method of claim 31 wherein a lighting means is located along a cart path.

41. The method of claim 40 wherein a lighting means illuminates a pair of fairways having a first and second fairway.

42. The method of claim 31 wherein a communication means is located substantially adjacent to said plurality of radially outward tees.

43. The method of claim 31 wherein a taping means is located substantially adjacent to said plurality of radially inward greens and radially outward greens.

44. The method of claim 31 wherein a plurality of water hazards are located on the fairways, wherein said water hazards are configured to collect golf balls.

45. The method of claim 44 wherein said water hazards have a depth no greater than eighteen inches, wherein said depth has a five percent grade toward the periphery of said water hazard.