Apparatus for table golf game

Abstract

The table golf game is a real golf simulating type game played on a table with a cue stick, a miniature golf ball and a life-like miniaturized-version of a golf course including: fairways; greens; elevated, self-contained holes; sand traps; water hazards; a scoreboard; and a storage area. Players of the game compete to locate their golf ball into a golf hole in as few strokes as possible.

Description

This utility application is a nonprovisional application of co-pending provisional application Ser. No. 60/574,536 filed May 26, 2004, the specification of which is incorporated herein by reference. The benefit of the filing date of this earlier filed application is claimed under 35 U.S.C. §119(e).

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to table golf More particularly, the present invention relates to a golf game played on a table with a cue stick, a miniature golf ball and a life-like miniaturized-version of a golf course including: fairways; greens; elevated, self-contained holes; sand traps; water hazards; a scoreboard; and a storage area.

BACKGROUND

Golf is one of the most widely enjoyed sports activities in the world and has strong support at both the recreational and professional levels. While golf has always been a popular game for both novices and professionals, the popularity of the game has exploded in recent years. Record numbers are flocking to beautiful courses worldwide to try their hand at the seemingly arduous task of putting a little white ball in a four inch hole located hundreds of yards away in as few shots as possible. The popularity of golf has inspired many simulated golf games, such as computer video games and other golf-related games such as Frisbee golf and miniature golf.

Some of these golf-related games are table golf games, played either on pool tables or on other, generic tables. While popular, these games lack the closeness in their similarity to golf This is in part because of the difficulty in simulating the terrain of a real golf course, which includes different surfaces for the tee area, fairway, putting green, and the “rough” and other hazards such as water, sand traps, bushes and trees. In addition, one of the more unique aspects of golf and also an aspect where the other table golf games have failed is in realistically duplicating the various slopes that exist on a golf course.

In addition to the above-mentioned problems, some table golf games do not have multiple holes on one table. As a result, a game with multiple holes requires a lot of space. Another problem is in physically separating each hole from each other. On a regular golf course, most holes are separated by natural borders such as trees and water that help to contain errant shots. However, in many table golf games, such barriers do not exist and, as a result, the miniature golf balls often travel freely in between the different holes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to table golf. More particularly, the present invention relates to a golf game played on a table with a cue stick, a miniature golf ball and a life-like miniaturized-version of a golf course including: fairways; greens; elevated, self-contained holes; sand traps; water hazards; a scoreboard; and a storage area.

Embodiments of the present invention take place in association with a table with a life-like miniaturized-version of a golf course, a cue stick and a miniature golf ball. In one embodiment, the table golf game closely resembles the real game of golf. In this embodiment, each hole is elevated and self-contained. This self-containment is accomplished in this embodiment by surrounding each hole by a hazard, such as a water hazard. In this embodiment, the holes do not intersect each other. Thus, it requires the skill of the player to keep the ball in play. Although all holes are self-contained on one table, the miniature golf ball used is reachable from all angles. Similar to a real golf course, this embodiment has multiple holes on each course, such as nine holes.

In addition, if the ball goes into the water hazard surrounding a hole, a penalty stroke can be charged. Additional hazards included in this embodiment include built-in sand traps as well as other hazards that can be added to increase the difficulty of play. These other hazards include; tree trunks, boulders, logs, fences, or bushes. In addition, other hazards can be created and used as needed. In order to closely resemble the actual game of golf, the transformation from the fairway to the green is noticeable. For instance, the fairway grass is slightly higher than the surface of the green to simulate the actual difference in a real golf course. However, the difference between the green and the fairway is not big enough to prevent the ball from rolling off of the green if it is hit too hard.

In some embodiments, a marble is used as the golf ball. In other embodiments, a miniature golf ball with dimples is used. In some embodiments of the present invention, one or more self-contained drawers are built into the frame of the game. These self-contained drawers store the multiple hazards, pool cues, and balls. Some embodiments of the present invention include manual score cards that allow the player to manually keep track of his or her score. Some embodiments of the present invention include a scoreboard. In one embodiment, the scoreboard is electronic. While one skilled in the art will recognize a wide variety of electronic scoreboards can be used, the electronic scoreboard in this embodiment uses a two-digit scoreboard, where the score accumulates at each hole and is manually controlled by three buttons. The first button allows the player to subtract numbers, the second allows the players to clear the score, and the third button allows the players to add a number to the score.

Other embodiments of the present invention have manual scoreboards. In one embodiment, the manual scoreboard includes bars for each player Lining up horizontally and next to each other. In this embodiment, each player has two bars numbered one through ten. Using these bars, a player can track his or her score. An additional benefit of the present invention is that the table golf game is visually appealing and fits in most social environments, such as pool halls, bars, bowling alleys, recreation centers, golf course club houses, school student lounge areas, restaurants, cabins, homes, and offices.

An additional advantage of the present invention is that the present invention requires that the player us his or her skill in order to keep the ball in play. In contrast, other table golf games have bumpers or other borders that keep the ball in play. In one embodiment of the present invention, the fairways have simulated grass and the greens are made of felt, allowing the ball to roll smoothly on either surface. While some embodiments of the present invention are portable, others are not.

Another advantage of the self-contained aspect of the present invention is that the holes do not cross each other. In some embodiments of the present invention, the storage area aspect includes a storage compartment on the side of the pool table game that stores the cues. Another storage area included in this and other embodiments is a storage area on the top of the table that holds balls and removable hazards.

An additional advantage of the present invention is that the hazards used are big enough so that they can interfere with the line of the ball but are not so big that their size limits the players from using their cue sticks from any angle desired.

Construction of the table golf game can be done using varying levels of quality. For instance, one embodiment includes a hardwood frame and table legs. This embodiment also uses high quality grasses and water hazards. Other embodiments create the surface of the table with a plastic mold injection process. This process can be used to create the entire table or can be used to create individual holes attached to the base with either glue, spot welds or nuts and bolts.

An additional hazard gives the table golf game a more realistic feel and also makes it more challenging. This hazard can comprise a variety of different elevations and depressions in the surface of the table creating a variety of slopes over which the ball travels. For example, the fairways can have hills and slopes such that the greens are at a different elevation than the fairways. Thus in some embodiments, the playing surface of the table defines an undulating or compound contoured surface.

In some embodiments of the present invention the table height is the approximate height of a pool table. In other embodiments, the table height is custom-made according to the desire of the players. While some embodiments of the table golf game include multiple holes, these holes can be of varying lengths, shapes and overall configuration.

While the methods and processes of the present invention have been proven to be particularly useful in the area of table golf games, those skilled in the art can appreciate that the methods and processes can be used in a variety of different applications and manufactured in a variety of different ways to yield improved game simulations.

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be set forth or will become more fully apparent in the description that follows. The features and advantages may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the description that follows. Furthermore, the features and advantages of the invention may be learned by the practice of the invention or will be obvious from the description, as set forth hereinafter.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

In order that the manner in which the above recited and other features and advantages of the present invention are obtained, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that the drawings depict only typical embodiments of the present invention and are not, therefore, to be considered as limiting the scope of the invention, the present invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a representative table golf game;

FIG. 2 illustrates a plan view of a representative table golf game that includes an electronic scoreboard;

FIG. 3 illustrates a representative table golf game that includes a manual scoreboard;

FIG. 4 illustrates a close-up view of a representative electronic scoreboard;

FIG. 5 illustrates a close-up view of a manual scoreboard;

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the table golf game showing how the frame, base, and playing area are connected;

FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the table golf game showing a section of the green area;

FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the table golf game showing a section of the tee-off area;

FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the table golf game showing a section of a water hazard between fairways;

FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the table golf game showing a section of an electronic scoreboard area with the lid to the ball storage area closed;

FIG. 11 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the table golf game showing a section of the electronic scoreboard area with the lid to the ball storage area open;

FIG. 12 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the table golf game showing a section of the manual scoreboard area with the lid to the ball storage area closed;

FIG. 13 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the table golf game showing a section of the manual scoreboard area with the lid to the ball storage area open;

FIG. 14 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the table golf game showing a section of the fairway with a sand trap;

FIG. 15 illustrates a representative table golf game showing a supplemental compartment in a closed position;

FIG. 16 illustrates a representative table golf game showing a supplemental compartment in an open position that includes the first and second cue stick compartments and a supplemental compartment shelf; and

FIG. 17 illustrates a representative golf game showing a supplemental compartment shelf in an extended position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to table golf More particularly, the present invention relates to a golf game played on a table with a cue stick, a miniature golf ball and a life-like miniaturized-version of a golf course including; fairways; greens; elevated, self-contained holes; sand traps; water hazards; a scoreboard; and a storage area.

It will be readily understood that the components of the present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of the embodiments of the system and method of the present invention is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, but is merely representative of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a table golf game 10 comprises a frame 12, a base 14, a playing area 16, and an electronic scoreboard 18. In this presently preferred embodiment, playing area 16 further comprises a tee-off area 20, a fairway 22, a sand trap 24, a green area 26, a hole 28, and a water hazard 30. In the presently preferred embodiment of the present invention, a player 32 (not shown) places a ball 34 (not shown) on the tee-off area 20. The player 32 then strikes the ball 34 using a cue stick 36 (not shown). In some embodiments, the cue stick 36 may comprise the shape of a miniature golf club.

Player 32 continues to strike ball 34 until player 32 successfully directs ball 34 into hole 28. The player's 32 purpose is to direct ball 34 into hole 28 using as few strikes or hits as possible. This purpose is made challenging by hazards, which in this embodiment include sand trap 24 and water hazard 30. Playing area 16 can comprise a variety of different elevations and depressions, creating a variety of slopes over which the ball travels. For example, the fairways 22 can have hills and slopes such that the green areas 26 are at different elevations than the fairways 22.

In addition, water hazard 30 separates each hole from other holes. Thus, different holes do not intersect each other due to the containment characteristic provided by water hazard 30. Similar to an actual golf course, the grass on fairway 22 is slightly higher than the grass on green area 26. Thus, player 32 must strike ball 34 with greater force on the fairway 22 than on green area 26.

In addition, water hazard 30 is physically separated from a playing surface 38 of playing area 16 because playing surface 38 is elevated. Upon the successful delivery of ball 34 into hole 28, player 32 uses electronic scoreboard 18 to keep track of his or her score and then proceeds to the next hole. In some embodiments of the present invention, the player uses manual score cards (not shown) that allow the player to manually keep track of his or her score.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the playing area 16 also includes flags 108 (see FIG. 15) located at the holes 28. Each of the flags 108 preferably comprises: a base that fits inside the hole 28, a pole that is inserted into the base, and a banner located at the top of the pole to represent the current hole 28 that is in play. The flags 108 are preferably removable when putting; they can also be removed if needed in order to hit or strike the ball 34. The flags 108 simulate the flags that identify the holes in a real golf course and provide yet another way to preserve the sense of playing real golf.

FIG. 2 shows a plan view of table golf game 10 that includes electronic scoreboard 18. In this embodiment, a non-limiting example is given showing how nine differently configured holes can fit within table golf game 10. One skilled in the art will recognize that a wide variety of various configurations is possible.

FIG. 3 shows another plan view of a presently preferred embodiment of the present invention which includes the manual scoreboard 40.

FIG. 4 shows a close-up view of electronic scoreboard 18 that includes a subtract button 50, a clear button 52, and an add button 54. This embodiment is configured such that four different players can track their scores at one time. Each time player 32 strikes ball 34, he or she presses add button 54. If player 32 inadvertently presses the add button 54 too many times, he or she corrects the score by using subtract button 50. Upon completion of the game, player 32 then presses clear button 52 which returns the score to zero. Electronic scoreboard 18 can be configured using methods well know to one skilled in the art of electronics.

FIG. 5 shows a close-up view of manual scoreboard 40 which includes a first bar 60 and a second bar 62, which are used to track the score of each player. In this embodiment, first bar 60 and second bar 62 have numbers one through 10 in order to track each player's score.

Moving now to FIG. 6, FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of table golf game 10 that illustrates how frame 12, base 14 and playing area 16 are connected. In this embodiment, frame 12 and base 14 are directly connected to, water hazard 30. In addition, base 14 is also connected to the base of green area 70. The preferred embodiments of the table golf game 10 are designed to be portable so that the player can conveniently carry it to a variety of venues.

One skilled in the art will recognize that a wide variety of configurations can exist connecting the various parts of table golf game 10. For instance, frame 12 can also be connected to tee-off area 20 or water hazard 30. Also, while this particular embodiment of the present invention shows frame 12 firmly attached to playing area 16, other embodiments of the present invention allow playing area 16 to be removably attached to frame 12 so that table golf game 10 is portable. In some embodiments of the present invention, the frame 12 is designed to be placed on top of a table (not shown), whether the latter table is included as part of the table golf game 10 or is any sort of pre-existing table available to the player. Thus, a player who lacks sufficient floor space can opt to place the frame 12 on top of the table, thereby saving space and allowing the player to play the game in a greater variety of areas.

Referring now to FIG. 7, FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of a green area 26. This view shows a portion of the fairway 22 that has a difference in height 72 and leads up to green area 26 and hole 28. This embodiment of the present invention shows how playing area 16 of the table golf game 10 is constructed to mirror the difficulties faced by a golfer on a real golf course. For instance, just as on a real golf course a golfer must negotiate uneven surfaces, here, player 32 must also negotiate ball 34 around uneven surfaces such as the difference in height 72 shown in this embodiment.

In addition, this cross-sectional view shows how green area 26 has a smoother surface than fairway 22. This allows ball 34 to play similar to a real golf ball in that ball 34 will be met with less resistance when traveling along green area 26 than when it is traveling along fairway 22.

FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of a tee-off area 20. In this particular embodiment, tee-off area 20 includes an indent 80, in which ball 34 sits before player 32 strikes ball 34. This embodiment again shows how table golf game 10 is similar to the actual game of golf. In this instance, just as in the real game of golf, the tee-off area comprises different surface than that of fairway 22; here also the tee-off area 20 is made of different material than that of fairway 22. In addition, just as many tee-off areas in the real game of golf are elevated, the tee-off area in FIG. 28 is also elevated.

FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of table golf game 10 that illustrates a section of water hazard 30 between two fairways 22. As shown in FIG. 9, water hazard 30 separates two different holes. As discussed above, this water hazard 30 ensures that each hole is a self-contained independent hole. When player 32 errantly directs ball 34, ball 34 does not travel onto the playing area of other holes but rather finds itself in water hazard 30.

One skilled in the art can recognize that other hazards such as trees, shrubs, sand traps, or other barriers can be used to separate the holes from each other. In addition, water hazard 30 can also be used for non-separating functions. For instance, water hazard 30 can also be used to isolate green area 26 from the fairway 22 of a hole.

FIG. 10 shows a cross-section of electronic scoreboard 18. This cross-sectional view shows circuitry 90 found directly beneath electronic scoreboard 18. In addition, this figures shows ball storage area 92 and ball storage lid 94 in a closed position. This embodiment shows how table golf game 10 can conveniently and unobtrusively store both the circuitry to electronic scoreboard 18 and balls or other things needed to play table golf game 10.

FIG. 11 shows ball storage lid 94 in an open position.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of table golf game 10 that includes manual scoreboard 40. This embodiment also shows ball storage area 92 as well as ball storage lid 94. Because manual scoreboard 40 requires no circuitry, this embodiment also shows an additional compartment 96. This additional compartment 96 can be used to store other things relevant to the table golf game 10. Access to additional compartment 96 is achieved by removing scoreboard support 98.

FIG. 13 shows the embodiment of FIG. 12 where ball storage lid 94 is in an open position.

FIG. 14 shows a cross-sectional view of table golf game 10 that includes fairway 22 and sand trap 24. This view shows how sand trap 24 works together with fairway 22 to provide a challenge similar to the challenge in the real game of golf of avoiding sand traps. This is because when ball 34 travels through sand trap 24 it will most likely end up lodged in sand trap 24 instead of traveling onto the other side of sand trap 24 and towards hole 28.

FIG. 15 through 17 show how a supplemental compartment 100 is incorporated into the present invention. FIG. 15 shows a cover 102 in a closed position that hides supplemental compartment 100 when in a closed position. FIG. 16 shows cover 102 in an open position. When in an open position, player 32 can access supplemental compartment 100, as well as any other compartments that may exist behind cover 102. For instance, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 16, two additional compartments exist. First, a first cue stick compartment 104 and second, a second cue compartment 106. These cue stick compartments are used to house cue sticks 36 among other things. Supplemental compartment 100 is used to house all other items needed for table golf game 10, such as hazards, balls and flags 108.

FIG. 16 shows a supplemental compartment shelf 110 in a storage position, whereas FIG. 17 shows supplemental shelf 110 in an extended position.

Thus as discussed herein, the embodiments of the present invention embrace a table golf game with self-contained holes and other features similar to the real game of golf It will be noted that some embodiments of the table golf game 10 may be made of materials that allow it to be played in an outdoor environment as well as in an indoor environment.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims

1. A golf game kit configured to simulate an actual golf course, said kit comprising: a playing surface, at least one ball, a plurality of ball receiving holes formed in said playing surface defining at least a first hole and a second hole, at least one natural hazard simulating hazard formed in said playing surface, and a ball actuation instrument, wherein said playing surfaced is configured such that said first hole is separated from said second hole by said at least one hazard such that when said ball is caused to roll on said playing surface in any direction by said ball actuation instrument, said ball is prevent from rolling from said first hole to said second hole by said hazard, and wherein said hazard defines a discrete detachable object attached to said playing surface.

2. The kit of claim 1, wherein said natural hazard simulating hazard defines at least one hazard of the following group of hazards consisting of a water simulating hazard, a river simulating hazard, a sand trap simulating hazard, a tree simulating hazard, a boulder simulating hazard, a log simulating hazard, a fence simulating hazard, a brush simulating hazard, a bush simulating hazard, a hedge simulating hazard, a hill simulating hazard, and a mountain simulating hazard.

3. The kit of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of said playing surface defines a compound contoured surface.

4. The kit of claim 1, wherein said ball actuation instrument defines at least one instrument of the following group of instruments consisting of a billiard stick, a miniature billiard stick, a golf club, and a miniature golf club and wherein said ball defines at least one ball of the following group of balls consisting of a marble, a golf ball, and a miniature golf ball.

5. The kit of claim 1, wherein each of said ball receiving holes includes a hole specific playing area formed in said playing surface, and wherein said hole specific playing area includes a tee-off area, a fairway area, a rough area, and a putting green area.

6. The kit of claim 5, wherein said tee-off area, said fairway area, said rough area, and said putting green area define different elevations of said playing surface, and wherein said fairway area, said rough area, and said putting green area define playing surfaces having different thicknesses of simulated turf connected thereto.

7. The kit of claim 1, wherein said playing surface includes at least one auxiliary storage compartment having an openable and closeable door and being connected to said playing surface, and wherein said auxiliary storage compartment contains at least one item of the following group of items consisting of a billiard stick, a miniature billiard stick, a golf club, a miniature golf club, a marble, a golf ball, a miniature golf ball, and a detachable hazard.

8. The kit of claim 1, wherein said playing surface includes at least one scoreboard connected to said playing surface, and wherein said scoreboard defines an electronic scoreboard that electronically displays a score, and wherein said electronic scoreboard includes a plurality of input buttons including a first button, a second button, and a third button, and wherein the pressing of said first button causes the score displayed on the scoreboard to be decreased, and wherein the pressing of said second button causes the score displayed on the scoreboard to be cleared, and wherein the pressing of said third button causes the score displayed on the scoreboard to be increased.

9. The kit of claim 1, wherein said playing surface defines an assembled modular playing surface comprising a plurality of assembled playing surface members, and wherein said assembled playing surface is assembled to a frame, and wherein said frame is connected to a table.

10. A golf game kit configured to simulate an actual golf course, said kit comprising: a playing surface, at least one ball, at least one ball receiving hole formed in said playing surface, and at least one auxiliary storage compartment having an openable and closeable door and being connected to said playing surface.

11. The kit of claim 10, wherein said kit includes at least one detachable natural hazard simulating hazard defining a discrete object attached to said playing surface, and wherein said auxiliary storage compartment contains at least one item of the following group of items consisting of a billiard stick, a miniature billiard stick, a golf club, a miniature golf club, a marble, a golf ball, a miniature golf ball, and a detachable hazard.

12. The kit of claim 10, wherein said kit includes a plurality of ball receiving holes formed in said playing surface defining at least a first hole and a second hole, and at least one natural hazard simulating hazard formed in said playing surface, and wherein said playing surfaced is configured such that said first hole is separated from said second hole by said at least one hazard such that when said ball is caused to roll on said playing surface in any direction by said ball actuation instrument, said ball is prevent from rolling from said first hole to said second hole by said hazard.

13. The kit of claim 10, wherein said natural hazard simulating hazard defines at least one hazard of the following group of hazards consisting of a water simulating hazard, a river simulating hazard, a sand trap simulating hazard, a tree simulating hazard, a boulder simulating hazard, a log simulating hazard, a fence simulating hazard, a brush simulating hazard, a bush simulating hazard, a hedge simulating hazard, a hill simulating hazard, and a mountain simulating hazard.

14. The kit of claim 10, wherein at least a portion of said playing surface defines a compound contoured surface.

15. The kit of claim 10, wherein said ball actuation instrument defines at least one instrument of the following group of instruments consisting of a billiard stick, a miniature billiard stick, a golf club, and a miniature golf club and wherein said ball defines at least one ball of the following group of balls consisting of a marble, a golf ball, and a miniature golf ball.

16. The kit of claim 10, wherein said at least one ball receiving hole includes a hole specific playing area formed in said playing surface, and wherein said hole specific playing area includes a tee-off area, a fairway area, a rough area, and a putting green area.

17. The kit of claim 16, wherein said tee-off area, said fairway area, said rough area, and said putting green area define different elevations of said playing surface, and wherein said fairway area, said rough area, and said putting green area define playing surfaces having different thicknesses of simulated turf connected thereto.

18. The kit of claim 10, wherein said playing surface includes at least one scoreboard connected to said playing surface, and wherein said scoreboard defines an electronic scoreboard that electronically displays a score, and wherein said electronic scoreboard includes a plurality of input buttons including a first button, a second button, and a third button, and wherein the pressing of said first button causes the score displayed on the scoreboard to be decreased, and wherein the pressing of said second button causes the score displayed on the scoreboard to be cleared, and wherein the pressing of said third button causes the score displayed on the scoreboard to be increased.

19. The kit of claim 10, wherein said playing surface defines an assembled modular playing surface comprising a plurality of assembled playing surface members, and wherein said assembled playing surface is assembled to a frame, and wherein said frame is connected to a table.

20. A golf game kit configured to simulate an actual golf course, said kit comprising: a playing surface, at least one ball, at least one ball receiving hole formed in said playing surface, at least one scoreboard connected to said playing surface, at least one natural hazard simulating hazard defining a discrete detachable object attached to said playing surface, and at least one auxiliary storage compartment having an openable and closeable door and being connected to said playing surface.

21. The kit of claim 20, wherein said scoreboard defines an electronic scoreboard that electronically displays a score, and wherein said electronic scoreboard includes a plurality of input buttons including a first button, a second button, and a third button, and wherein the pressing of said first button causes the score displayed on the scoreboard to be decreased, and wherein the pressing of said second button causes the score displayed on the scoreboard to be cleared, and wherein the pressing of said third button causes the score displayed on the scoreboard to be increased.

22. The kit of claim 20, wherein said kit includes a plurality of ball receiving holes formed in said playing surface defining at least a first hole and a second hole, and wherein said playing surfaced is configured such that said first hole is separated from said second hole by said at least one hazard such that when said ball is caused to roll on said playing surface in any direction by said ball actuation instrument, said ball is prevent from rolling from said first hole to said second hole by said hazard.

23. The kit of claim 22, wherein said natural hazard simulating hazard defines at least one hazard of the following group of hazards consisting of a water simulating hazard, a river simulating hazard, a sand trap simulating hazard, a tree simulating hazard, a boulder simulating hazard, a log simulating hazard, a fence simulating hazard, a brush simulating hazard, a bush simulating hazard, a hedge simulating hazard, a hill simulating hazard, and a mountain simulating hazard.

24. The kit of claim 20, wherein at least a portion of said playing surface defines a compound contoured surface.

25. The kit of claim 20, wherein said ball actuation instrument defines at least one instrument of the following group of instruments consisting of a billiard stick, a miniature billiard stick, a golf club, and a miniature golf club and wherein said ball defines at least one ball of the following group of balls consisting of a marble, a golf ball, and a miniature golf ball.

26. The kit of claim 20, wherein said at least one ball receiving hole includes a hole specific playing area formed in said playing surface, and wherein said hole specific playing area includes a tee-off area, a fairway area, a rough area, and a putting green area.

27. The kit of claim 26, wherein said tee-off area, said fairway area, said rough area, and said putting green area define different elevations of said playing surface, and wherein said fairway area, said rough area, and said putting green area define playing surfaces having different thicknesses of simulated turf connected thereto.

28. The kit of claim 20, wherein said auxiliary storage compartment contains at least one item of the following group of items consisting of a billiard stick, a miniature billiard stick, a golf club, a miniature golf club, a marble, a golf ball, a miniature golf ball, and a detachable hazard.

29. The kit of claim 20, wherein said playing surface defines an assembled modular playing surface comprising a plurality of assembled playing surface members, and wherein said assembled playing surface is assembled to a frame, and wherein said frame is connected to a table.