Golf Based Card Game

Abstract

The present invention is a golf scenario game where the object is to obtain the lowest score. The game includes a plurality of score sheets each having a plurality of consecutively numbered hole sections to be played, each hole section having an indicator indicating the par for the that hole section. The game further includes a plurality of dice which can be rolled to determine a score when a hole section is played. Each dice has a side displaying an indicator selected from the group consisting of zero, 1, 2 and “card”. Finally, the game further includes a plurality of cards, each card having a side with a written scenario illustrating a rule of golf and having instructions for adjusting the score determined by the roll of the dice. The method of playing this game including the steps of first selecting a first hole section to be played from the score sheet and reading the par for said hole section. A plurality of dice equal to the par for the hole section being played is then selected, and the dice are rolled to display a core equal to the cumulative total displayed on the dice rolled. In the event the “card” symbol is rolled by a player, the player randomly selects a card and modifies the score on the hole by following the scoring instructions on the card.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to games which use dice and cards to simulate the playing of a golf game.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Simulated golf type games have been in existence for many years. Various board game based golf simulation games often include score sheets of the type generally used in real golf to help players record their score. In some simulated golf games, an elaborate board is used which incorporates a stylized image of part of a golf course, for example a particular hole. In other golf games, a player's score is determined by the player repeatedly engaging a random number generator type of device (such as a wheel or a plurality of multi-facetted dice). The random number generator will generate a number which can be used to help determine the players score. In U.S. Pat. No. 6,047,967 for example, the player uses a dice to determine how many “yards” a player has carried the ball, which in turn helps to determine the player's score on a particular hole.

While previous simulated golf games did attempt to incorporate various golf related scenarios and used the element of chance to help determine a player's score, the previous games were often difficult to play requiring a cumbersome game board as well as a variety of other game related items. The games were often complicated to play and took a fair length of time to play. As a result, an improved golf related game which overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art is still required.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a golf scenario game where the object is to obtain the lowest score. The game includes a plurality of score sheets each having a plurality of consecutively numbered hole sections to be played, each hole section having an indicator indicating the par for the that hole section. The game further includes a plurality of dice which can be rolled to determine a score when a hole section is played. Each dice has a side displaying an indicator selected from the group consisting of zero, 1, 2 and card. Finally, the game further includes a plurality of cards, each card having a side with a written scenario illustrating a rule of golf and having instructions for adjusting the score determined by the roll of the dice.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of playing a golf scenario game as defined above, the method including the steps of first selecting a first hole section to be played from the score sheet and reading the par for said hole section. A plurality of dice equal to the par for the hole section being played is then selected, and the dice are rolled to display a core equal to the cumulative total displayed on the dice rolled.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of playing the golf scenario game as defined above by one or more players wherein the method includes the steps of dealing a number of cards to each player at the start of game play, and then selecting a hole section to be played from the score sheet and then reading the par for said hole section. A number of dice equal to the par for the hole being played are then rolled to display a score equal to the cumulative total of the dice rolled, the score being adjusted by one of the players by applying the scoring instructions displayed on one of the cards dealt.

With the foregoing in view, and other advantages as will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which this invention relates as this specification proceeds, the invention is herein described by reference to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, which includes a description of the preferred typical embodiment of the principles of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is front view of a score sheet made in accordance with the present invention listing a plurality of hole sections and the par for each hole section.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view representing the 6 dice used in the game and illustrating the markings on each side of each of the dice.

In the drawings like characters of reference indicate corresponding parts in the different figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The golf game made in accordance with the present invention consists of six dice, a plurality of score sheets and a plurality of rule cards. As shown in FIG. 1, the score sheets are modeled after a score sheet as found in the actual game of golf and lists the number of holes in the course (i.e. hole sections in the game), and the “par” for each hole. A space is provided adjacent each of the hole section to record a players score for each hole. The game may also include a plurality of pencils (or pens) for recording each player's score on the score sheet as the game is played.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, six separate dice are used, five of which are cubical six sided dice and the sixth dice being an eight sided dice. Each dice has a plurality of facets, with an indicator shown on each side. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the first dice, dice 1, has the word “card” appearing on four of its sides and the numeral “1” appearing on two of its sides. The second and third dice, dice 2 and 3 respectively, each has the numeral “1” appearing on each of their sides. Preferably, dice 1, 2 and 3 are the same color, namely white. The fourth dice, dice 4, has two sides with the numeral “1” appearing thereon and two sides with the numeral “2” appearing thereon. The remain two sides of dice 4 display an indicator for the value zero, in this ease a happy face; although any other suitable indicator, including the numeral “0” itself, may be used. The fourth dice is preferably a different color from the other dice, in this case green. The fifth dice, dice 5, has the numeral “1” appearing on each of its sides. Again, the fifth dice is a different color from the other dice, in this ease red. The remaining dice, dice 6 (also called the challenge dice) is eight sided and displays the numeral “3” on one of its sides, the numeral “2” on three of its sides and the numeral “1” on four of its sides. The challenge dice may also be colored differently than the other dice. A cup may be provided with the game to make it easier for a player to roll a number of dice at the same time.

The rule cards (also called golf cards) consist of several cards each card having a face side and a back side. A different rule of golf is written on the face side of many of the cards, with the back side of the cards each being identical. A great many of the cards have a unique rule of golf displayed thereon; however, it is possible to have several duplicate cards bearing the same instructions. Some of the cards have game playing instructions such as “pick another card”. The cards which illustrate a rule of golf each have instructions for adjusting the player's score for the hole being played. For example, some cards will illustrate a golf scenario and contain an indication that a point has to be added to or subtracted from the player's score. Other cards will indicate that a golf scenario has occurred but that there is no effect on the score for the hole. Some of the cards do not illustrate any particular rule of golf or golf scenario, but rather scoring instructions such as “your score stands”. The cards therefore replicate the various scenarios which can sometime occur in a real golf game and also replicates the effect of those scenarios on a player's score. Table 1 illustrates 40 different rules of golf and/or golf scenarios which could be reproduced on 40 different cards. Each of the cards illustrating one of these scenarios would contain instructions to add two strokes (two points) to the player's score for the hole when the card is drawn. Since drawing these cards raises a player's score by two strokes, these cards are referred to as penalty cards.

TABLE 1
Golf Scenarios Resulting in Two Stroke Penalty
1.  You made a mark on the putting green to point out your putting line.
2.  You teed off outside the teeing ground.
3.  You tested the condition of the sand prior to making your bunker shot.
4.  You spooned your ball with your wedge out of the long grass.
5.  You hit the wrong ball out of the hazard.
6.  You putted with your putter handle.
7.  Your putt hit another ball on the green.
8.  You replaced your moved ball in a different spot.
9.  You grounded your club in the hazard.
10. You took a drop three club lengths from an unplayable lie.
11. You lifted your ball for identification without announcing your intention.
12. You played your ball which was out of bounds.
13. You replaced a cut ball without announcing your intentions.
14. You putted a moving ball.
15. You putted while your opponents ball was still in motion.
16. You moved the tee markers with your stance.
17. Your putt hit the flagstick lying on the ground.
18. Your opponent counted 15 clubs in your bag on the first hole.
19. You dropped your ball closer to the hole on an unplayable lie.
20. You moved a loose impediment from the water hazard.
21. You moved your ball marker and did not replace your ball in the correct place.
22. You played your lost ball, found after five minutes.
23. You deliberately offered misleading advice regarding club selection.
24. You demonstrated how to play a stroke.
25. You asked for advice on how to make a stroke.
26. You removed and broke a stake protecting a young tree.
27. You bent back part of a boundary fence.
28. You shook a tree to remove water on the leaves.
29. You broke a branch which was interfering with your back swing.
30. You broke a branch while doing your back swing.
31. The wind was oscliating your ball on the ground and you pushed it down.
32. Your ball bounced off of a tree and hit your club.
33. Your backswing touched the sand while doing your bunker shot.
34. You moved the flagstick on the green to prevent a putt hitting it.
35. You brushed casual water off of the green with your towel.
36. You putted using your putter in a billiard type position.
37. You dug in the sand while not having a club to get a feel for the shot.
38. You touched leaves with your back swing while making a shot.
39. You knelt on a towel while making a shot to prevent your trousers from getting dirty.
40. You used two clubs for better impact our of the long grass.

Table 2 lists a series of golf rules and golf scenarios which result in no strokes being added to the player's score. These cards illustrate that common (or in some cases uncommon) events in the real game of golf have no effect on the score, although they may make the game more exciting and interesting.

TABLE 2
Golf Rules and Scenarios That Do Not Effect Score
1.  You were too close to your opponent while they were teeing off.
2.  You failed to replace your divot.
3.  You failed to repair your ball mark on the green.
4.  You teed off one club length behind the markers.
5.  You were talking while your opponent was teeing off.
6.  You were giggling while your opponent was putting.
7.  Your ball fell off of the tee while you were addressing it.
8.  Your shorts or skirt ware deemed too short.
9.  You failed to rake the bunker.
10. You putted with your sand wedge.
11. You putted from off of the green without removing the flag.
12. You cleaned your ball after properly marking it on the green.
13. You removed a loose impediment on the green.
14. You replaced your opponents divot.
15. You failed to use a tee while teeing off with an iron.
16. The Marshall instructed you to speed up the game.
17. You watched your opponents putting line from the side.
18. You had fourteen clubs in your bag.
19. You stepped on your opponents putting line.
20. Your ball hit the Marshalls golf cart.
21. Your ball was stolen by a seagull.
22. Your ball hit a tree and bounced back ten yards.
23. You broke your five iron in anger.
24. Your cell phone rang while your opponent was putting.
25. You substituted your damaged ball and told your opponent.
26. You left your empty pop can on the side of the green.
27. You repaired two ball marks on the green.
28. You forgot to replace the flagstick after all had putted.
29. You did not ground your sand wedge in the bunker.
30. You grounded your putter prior to putting.
31. You teed off while the group in front of you were still in range.
32. Your chip shot hit another ball on the green.
33. You failed to shout “Fore” when your ball landed close to another
    player.
34. You damaged the cup while replacing the flag.
35. You played your ball from a divot on the fairway.
36. You failed to shake hands with your group after the round of play.

In addition, there are a number of different cards which are referred to as challenge cards, each of which illustrate a possible golf scenario which carries a penalty determined by rolling the challenge dice. These challenge cards may be invoked by a player to modify an opposing player's score at a hole. A plurality of these challenge cards may be dealt out to each player at the beginning of a game in the event the players wish to play “challenge golf” (as further described below).

TABLE 3
Scenarios of Golf Carrying a Randomly Selected Penalty -
Challenge Cards
1.  Your ball is plugged in the bunker.
2.  You have a fifty foot putt.
3.  Major tree problems.
4.  Fourty mile per hour winds, par 3.
5.  Fairway bunker woes.
6.  Serious branched to deal with.
7.  Problems, very long grass.
8.  Dog leg, wrong club selection.
9.  In bound slice under a willow tree.
10. Serious hook into the second cut of grass.
11. What a shank, in play.
12. Unsuccessful fade.

Several cards will have a golf scenario which is “positive” in that it instructs the player to lower their score on a hole by one or more strokes, and completely over rule the players accumulated score on a given dice roll. Such cards could include “hole in one” cards, “Eagle” cards and “Double Eagle” cards. Other positive cards that may be referred to as “etiquette cards” will permit the dice roll to result positively as a par, birdie or eagle since the card will instruct the player that their roll stands. Alternatively, another class of cards, referred to as “Mulligan cards”, when applied, will give the player a pass in the event a dice roll is unacceptable and the player opts to roll again. These “mulligan cards” may also be used when a negative card is drawn, though the player will have to chose another card. These mulligan cards may be positive in some instances or negative in others.

Using the cards, score sheets and dice as described above, the method of playing the game shall now be discussed. Firstly, there are four separate types of games which can be played with the game, namely Challenge Golf, Stroke Play, Match Play and Skins. Regardless of which game is played, the basics of the method of play are as follows. Firstly, the cards are shuffled prior to each game. Each player selects a hole portion of the game to play, for example the first hole. There are generally eighteen hole portions per game; however, if a shorter game is desired, then a lesser number of holes can be selected (such as nine holes). All players play each of the holes selected. The par value of each hole (or hole portion) is defined in the score sheet. Essentially, each hole could be a par 3, a par 4 or a par 5, indicating that the par for the hole portion is 3, 4 and 5, respectively. The par for each hole portion determines the number of dice which are to be thrown by each player for that hole. A par three hole requires that dice 1, 2 and 3 be thrown. A par four hole requires that dice 1, 2, 3 and 4 be thrown by each player. A par five hole requires that dice 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 be thrown by each player. When a player throws the required number of dice for a hole, the dice will display a plurality of numerals or indicators. In a par three for example, the dice may come up “1” (for dice 1), “1” for dice 2 and “1” for dice 3 (it will be appreciated that dice 2 and 3 will always show the numeral “1”). The player's score for that hole is the cumulative total of the numerals displayed on the dice, in this case three. Hence, the player has a score of 3 on that hole. This score is then recorded for the player in the score sheet and a second player then takes a turn for that hole. The second player again throws dice 1, 2 and 3, with the dice depicting “card”, “1” and “1”. The second player's score is again the cumulative total displayed by the dice, in this case 2 (i.e. the player has received a score of 2 on this hole). However, the second player also threw a “card” indicator on dice 1 (the only dice which contains the indicator), so the player must then pick a card. The card is read and any scoring instructions contained on the card must be followed. If the card drawn is a penalty card, then the card will contain instructions to adjust the player's score by adding one or more strokes to the score. If a two stroke penalty card is drawn, then the player's score is 2 (as read from the dice thrown) plus 2 from the card, for a total of 4 (one over par for that hole). This score is then recorded and the next player takes a turn at the hole until all players have played the hole. When all players have played the hole, then the first player proceeds to play the next hole by selecting the dice corresponding to the par of the next hole.

If the hole is a par 4, then in addition to throwing dice 1, 2 and 3, each player must also throw dice 4. It should be recalled that dice 4 can come up “zero” (or happy face). Hence, the result of a throw of the dice on a par four can be “1”, “1”, “1”, “0” or “1”, “1”, “1”, “1” or “1”, “1”, “1”, “2” or “card”, “1”, “1”, “1” and so on. Again, the score for the throw of the dice is the cumulative total of the numerals displayed on the rolled dice as modified by the card instructions if the “card” indicator is shown on the rolled dice.

If a hole is a par 5, then in addition to throwing dice 1, 2, 3 and 4, dice 5 is also thrown. As with the above example in a par 4, the total score is the cumulative total of the numerals displayed on the rolled dice as modified by the card instructions of the card picked by the player in the event the “card” symbol is rolled.

In this way, each player plays each hole and the players' scores are recorded in the score sheet. The winner is the player with the lowest score. Additional rules can be applied to the basic game to make it more interesting. For example, if one or more dice are rolled off the table, the score is not effected but the dice will have to be re-thrown. Also, each player may be dealt one or more “mulligan cards” which a player may invoke in the event the player draws a “challenge” or “penalty” card. In addition to this basic game play, additional game steps are used for different games, as better explained below.

Challenge Golf

At the beginning of each nine holes, all players are dealt three cards each, face down which may be kept and played at their discretion throughout the 18 holes. They may be played in the following manner. Following each roll, players must announce their cumulative score. Ex: −3. The following players in order have the option to issue a “Challenge” by playing a Challenge card requiring the player to roll the Challenge dice, a two stroke penalty card, or a one stroke penalty card. The outcome is final.

Under Challenge the player may not use their Bonus cards, Hole in Ones, Eagles, Double Eagles and Mulligan cards. These cards are used by the player to strategically better their own score. Only one Challenge is permitted per roll.

Stroke Play

This game can be played by two or more players. 18 holes are played recording each players score. The player with the fewest strokes is the winner. Ties may be resolved with sudden death holes. In sudden death on each consecutive holes, only the tied low scores continue and those with the greater scores are eliminated and have lost.

Match Play

Match Play consists of two players playing against each other. Each hole is recorded and won by the player with the lowest score. A hole is halved when each player has the same score.

The match is won at the time a player leads by a greater number of holes than there are left to play. In the event of a tie, additional holes are played in a sudden death format.

Skins

Skins may be played by two or more players. The player with the lowest score on each hole wins the Skin. In the event the lowest score is tied by another player, the skin is carried over to the next hole, no player is eliminated, The carry overs continue until there is an outright winner of the accumulated skins. 18 holes are completed in this manner and recorded on a scorecard, In the event of a tie on the final hole, sudden death holes are played in the same manner until there is an outright winner of the 18^th skin or accumulated skins on the 18^th hole. The one exception in sudden death holes, only the lowest tied scores continue.

A specific embodiment of the present invention has been disclosed; however, several variations of the disclosed embodiment could be envisioned as within the scope of this invention. It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. (canceled)

2. A method of playing a golf scenario game by one or more players comprising the steps of:

a. Providing a plurality of score sheets each having a plurality of consecutively numbered hole sections to be played, each hole section having an indicator indicating the par for that hole section;

b. Proving a plurality of dice which can be rolled to determine a score when a hole section is played each dice having a side displaying an indicator selected from the group consisting of zero, 1, 2 and card;

c. Providing a plurality of cards, each card having instructions for adjusting the score determined by the roll of the dice;

d. Selecting the first hole section to be played from the score sheet and reading the par for said hole section;

e. Selecting a plurality of dice equal to the par for the hole section being played;

f. Rolling the selected dice to display a score equal to the cumulative total displayed on the dice rolled.

3. The method of claim 2 further comprising the step of selecting a card when one of the dice rolled displays the card indicator, and then adjusting the score for the hole section played according to the scoring instructions displayed on the card selected.

4. A method of playing a golf scenario game by one or more players comprising the steps of:

a. Providing a plurality of score sheets each having a plurality of consecutively numbered hole sections to be played, each hole section having an indicator indicating the par for that hole section;

b. Proving a plurality of dice which can be rolled to determine a score when a hole section is played, each dice having a side displaying an indicator selected from the group consisting of zero, 1, 2 and card;

c. Providing a plurality of cards, each card having instructions for adjusting the score determined by the roll of the dice;

d. Dealing a number of cards to each player at the start of game play;

e. Selecting the first hole section to be played from the score sheet and reading the par for said hole section;

f. Selecting a plurality of dice equal to the par for the hole section being played;

g. Rolling the selected dice to display a score for the hole section equal to the cumulative total displayed on the dice rolled;

h. One of the players adjusting the score for the hole section by applying the scoring instructions displayed on one of the cards dealt.

5. A method of playing the golf scenario game by a plurality of players comprising the steps of:

a. Providing a plurality of score sheets each having a plurality of consecutively numbered hole sections to be played, each hole section having an indicator indicating the par for that hole section;

b. Proving a plurality of dice which can be rolled to determine a score when a hole section is played, each dice having a side displaying an indicator selected from the group consisting of zero, 1, 2 and card;

c. Providing a plurality of cards, each card having instructions for adjusting the score determined by the roll of the dice;

d. Selecting the first hole section to be played from the score sheet and reading the par for said hole section;

e. selecting the first to third dice only if the par for said hole section is 3, selecting the first to fourth dice only if the par for said hole section is 4 and selecting all five dice only if the par for said hole section is 5;

f. rolling the selected dice and adding the numbers displayed on the rolled dice to obtain a score for that hole section;

g. selecting a card if the first dice displays the card indicator when it is rolled and then adjusting the score for that hole section by following the instructions on the selected card;

h. recording the score for that hole section on the score sheet;

i. repeating steps b through e for the next hole section until all the holes are played, and

j. recording a final score for each player by summing the scores recorded for all of the hole sections played.

6. The method of playing as defined in claim 5 further comprising the steps of dealing a plurality of cards to each player at a start of game play and then allowing players to effect the score of opposing players during game play by allowing the players to apply one of their dealt cards on an opposing player.

7. The method of playing as defined in claim 6 further comprising the step of allowing a player to apply one of the dealt card to themselves during game play.