GOLF COURSE AND METHOD OF PLAYING

Abstract

A golf course and stadium includes a common green area having one or more cups for receiving a golf ball played within the golf course and at least three fairways extending away from the common green area. The at least three fairways are separated each other and each include at least one tee box. Spectator stadium viewing includes a first spectator structure with tiered seating disposed about two lateral portions and a tee box of one of the at least three fairways and includes a second spectator structure with tiered seating disposed between lateral portions of the other two of at least three fairways. The common green area may be centrally located among the spectator seating structures, the tee boxes and the fairways.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/640,919, filed Mar. 9, 2018, the content of which is incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a golf course and stadium for spectator viewing. In particular, the present invention is directed to a golf course having multiple fairways with a centrally located green or multiple greens in centrally located area which is visible from the stadium for enhanced spectator viewing and enjoyment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Golf courses typically have multiple holes, with each hole having a teeing area, a fairway, a rough, one or more hazards, and a green with a hole or cup. Spectators wanting to view live golf at different holes typically must travel from one hole to another hole.

A stadium course, such as the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass in Florida, has areas between and around holes specifically for the movement of spectators. The stadium course may also specific areas, such as grassy berms, for viewing of a portion of a particular hole by spectators.

A golf course, such as the Waste Management Golf Course in Arizona used for the Phoenix Open, may include stadium or club areas surrounding or partially surrounding one of many holes of the golf course. While a spectator may have an enhanced view of one particular hole or a portion of the one particular hole, not all holes are so visible from the particular stadium or club areas.

Moreover, professional sports stadiums, such as baseball and football stadiums, have been modified for temporary use for golf. Parts of the turf or playing field located with the stadium have been converted into greens with different holes or cups, and different parts of the stadium seating area have been converted into tee areas. The golfers tee off from the stadium seating areas, often upper or elevated seating decks, and drive a golf ball towards one of the greens. Spectators are generally not in the seating areas of the stadium during such play.

While ease of spectator viewing has been addressed for a particular hole of a golf course, the configuration and design of the inventive golf courses described herein allow for observation of team play and of each hole in their entirety or substantially in their entirety from a spectator viewing structure.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed towards a golf course and method for playing golf that enhances enjoyment and excitement both for the golfers playing on the golf course and for the spectators viewing the players. The design of the golf course offers quick play, either by individual players or players of a team, within view of spectator stadium areas. For team play, such as two teams each having five players, a nine-hole course may be completed within just a few hours, e.g., two to three hours.

A golf course and stadium according to the present invention may include: a common green area located within the golf course, the common green area having one or more cups for receiving a golf ball; at least three fairways extending away from the common green area, the at least three fairways each having a proximal portion disposed towards the common green area, an opposed distal portion, and lateral portions opposed from one and the other; the lateral portions of the at least three fairways being separated from each other, for example by spectator portions; at least one tee box located within each of the distal portions of the at least three fairways; a first spectator structure with tiered seating disposed about the two lateral portions and the tee box of one of the at least three fairways; and a second spectator structure with tiered seating disposed between the lateral portions of the other two of at least three fairways.

The common green is desirably visible from the first spectator structure and the second spectator structure. Moreover, if there are multiple greens in an area generally central to the three tee boxes and/or the three fairways, then these multiple greens are also desirably visible from the first spectator structure and the second spectator structure. Furthermore, more than one hole, in total or in part, may be visible from the first spectator structure and the second spectator structure. For example, major portions of all three fairways are desirably visible from the first spectator structure and the second spectator structure, but all three tee boxes may or may not be totally visible from both the first spectator structure and the second spectator structure.

Desirably, the first spectator structure is separate from the second spectator structure to allow, for example, a portion of a fairway or fairways to be located between the separate structures. The first spectator structure may include an open shape having a plurality of sections where an endpoint of one section of the plurality of sections is not connected to an endpoint of a second section of the plurality of sections. In other words, the first spectator does not fully enclose a tee box, its associated fairway and the common green area. The open shape of the first spectator structure may include any suitable shape, for example, the plurality of sections may be selected from straight sections, curved sections, and combinations thereof, including, but not limited to, a U-shape, a V-shape, an open polygon shape, an open circular shape, an open elliptical shape, and combinations thereof.

The second spectator structure may also include an open shape such as a curved section, an arched section, a straight section, and combinations thereof.

The first spectator structure and the second spectator structure are typically spatially separated from one and the other. The tee box of one of the other two of at least three fairways may be disposed within a portion of the golf course located between the second spectator structure and the common green area. The tee box of one of the other two of at least three fairways may be disposed within a portion of the golf course located distally beyond an axis section defined between the second spectator structure and the common green area and distally away from the second spectator structure and the common green area. The tee box of another of the other two of at least three fairways may be disposed within a portion of the golf course located distally beyond an axis section defined between the second spectator structure and the common green area and distally away from the second spectator structure and the common green area.

The common green may include contours towards or away from the one or more holes or cups. The common green may further include a hazard, such as a bunker hazard or a water hazard. Furthermore, any or all of the at least three fairways may further include a hazard, such as a bunker hazard or a water hazard.

Any or all of the at least three fairways may further include a rough or roughs. Each of the at least three fairways has an associated par, where the pars may be the same or different.

A method of playing golf may include: accessing the golf course and stadium according to the present invention; driving a golf ball from the at least one tee box of one of the at least three fairways towards the common green; and driving or putting the golf ball towards the one or more holes or cups in the common green.

A golf league may include a first team of players and a second team of players accessing the golf course and stadium according to the present invention. The first team of players, or a select number of players from the first team, may each drive an individual first golf ball from the at least one tee box of one of the at least three fairways towards the common green. The first team of players may then drive or putt the individual first golf balls or a select one of more of the individual first golf balls towards the one or more holes or cups in the common green. The second team of players, or a select number of players from the second team, may also each drive an individual second golf ball from the at least one tee box of one of the at least three fairways towards the common green. The second team of players may also drive or putt the individual second golf balls or a select one of more of the individual second golf balls towards the one or more holes or cups in the common green. The first team of players, or the select number of players from the first team, may drive or putt their individual golf balls towards the one or more holes or cups in the common green(s) before or after the second team of players, or the select number of players from the second team, drive their golf balls from the at least one, desirably the same, tee box. The scores for the first team of players and for second team of players may be calculated as the first team of players and the second team of players play the golf course. The scores may be on an individual player basis and on a team basis. For example, the scores of each individual player are cumulative as the golf course is being played, and each player's cumulative score is also cumulative to their respective team score. These scores may also be displayed to spectators viewing the golf team competition. The spectators may be enjoying the golf team competition from spectator stadiums having enhanced views of the competition.

A golf league may also include a first team of players and a second team of players accessing the golf course and stadium of the present invention, where the one or more cups in the common green(s) area may include a first cup, a second cup and a third cup. The first and second teams of players, or a select number of players from the first and second teams, may each drive an individual first golf ball from the first tee box of the first fairway towards the common green. The first and second teams of players, or a select number of players from the first and second teams, may then each strike or putt the individual first golf ball towards the first cup in the common green. The first team of players, or the select number of players from the first team, may drive or putt their individual golf balls towards the first cup in the common green(s) before or after the second team of players, or the select number of players from the second team, drive their golf balls from the first tee box. Points for the first team of players and for second team of players are calculated as the first team of players and the second team of players play the golf course. The first and second teams of players may each have a number of golfers on the team, and desirably five golfers. Not all of the golfers may be actively playing the course at any particular time. For example, the teams may include one or more substitute players who may be inserted into the game at the direction of, for example, a team coach, a team leader and/or team captain. The substitute player typically replaces one of the team players. Desirably, the teams include five players, with one of the five players being a substitute player. Rules for substituting a players or players may vary. For example, a team may utilize the strategy of inserting a substitute player only once during play over the course or holes, or a team may be allowed more than one substitution. Furthermore, substitution may occur at any point on the course, for example, a tee box, a fairway of a common green(s). The points for each player of the first and second teams may be calculated as plus-three for a double eagle, plus-2 for an eagle, plus-one for a birdie, zero for par, minus-one of a bogey, minus-2 for a double bogey. The points may be cumulative per player and per team. The team which accumulates the highest score, i.e., the highest number of points, wins the period, match and/or tournament. The first and second teams of players may all play nine holes on the golf course. The nine holes of team play may be played within just a few hours, for example about two and a half hours.

In another aspect of the disclosure, a golf complex may include three holes proximal to each other on one or more greens having putting surfaces. The putting surfaces may be at least partially surrounded by stadium seats. The stadium seats may have gaps to allow a golfer to have player access from one or more fairways to the one or more greens. The one or more greens may be centrally located within the three holes, for example, the holes may be configured in a spoked-array with the green(s) central to the spoked fairways.

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments thereof, which is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings. Corresponding reference element numbers or characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a golf course and spectator stadium according to the present disclosure.

FIGS. 4-6 depict different open shapes for a first spectator structure of the spectator stadium.

FIGS. 7-9 depict different open shapes for a second spectator structure of the spectator stadium.

FIG. 10A is a schematic illustration of tiered seating for the spectator stadium.

FIG. 10B is a schematic illustration the first and second spectator structures having interconnecting passageways.

FIG. 11 is a schematic illustration of a golf course having a dogleg fairway.

FIG. 12 is a schematic illustration of a golf course having additional tee boxes, fairways and holes.

FIG. 13A is a schematic illustration of a golf course having additional and separated common green areas.

FIG. 13B is a schematic illustration of a golf course having additional and interconnected common green areas.

FIG. 14 depicts a method for playing golf.

FIG. 15A depicts team play of golf on a golf course according to the present invention.

FIG. 16B depicts a scoring point system for team golf according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The golf course and stadium 10 or golf complex 10 of the present invention is schematically depicted in FIG. 1. The golf course and stadium 10 includes a golf course 12 and spectator or stadium portions 14. The spectator or stadium portions 14 are disposed within and/or around portions of the golf course 12. As described below, the spectator portions 14 may include at least first and second spectator structures 36, 40 from which spectators may view substantial portions of the golf course 12, including most, if not all, of the tee boxes, fairways and greens or a common green.

The golf course 12 may include a common green area 20 having one or more cups 22. A plurality of fairways 24 lead towards the common green area 20. Each fairway 24 may include a proximal portion 26 disposed near, either directly or indirectly, the common green area 20. Each fairway 24 may also include an opposed, either directly or indirectly, distal portion 28. An indirectly opposed distal portion may be in the form of, but not limited to, a fairway having a dogleg. Each distal portion 28 may further include a tee box 34 from which a player strikes a golf ball towards the common green 20. The tee box 34 may include different areas (not shown) where distance to the cup 22 may vary and/or where an angle of approach to the common green area 20 may vary. The fairways 24 may further include side or lateral portions 30 disposed between the proximal and distal portions 26, 28. As used herein, the term proximal and its variants generally refer to a direction or orientation toward the common green area 20 or a cup 22 within the common green area 20. As used herein, the term distal and its variants generally refer to a direction or orientation away the common green area 20 or a cup 22 within the common green area 20. The lateral portions 30 may contain roughs 82. Roughs 82 generally include grass (not shown) that is cut higher than the fairways 24 to denote approaching out-of-bounds portions (not shown) of the golf course 12. The fairways 24 and/or the common green area 20 may further include a hazard 80 or multiple hazards 80. The hazards 80 may include a bunker hazard, such as a sand trap or the like, or a water hazard, such as pond, stream or the like.

As depicted in FIG. 1, the golf course 12 may include three holes. As used herein the term hole and its variants refer to a tee-box-fairway-cup combination. In other words, a hole is comprised of a tee box, a fairway and a green having a cup. As depicted in FIG. 1, the golf course 12 may include three holes, generally noted by 1, 2, and 3. The common green 20 may include three cups 22-1, 22-2 and 22-3, which may be played from three fairways 24-1, 24-2 and 24-3 and from three tee boxes 34-1, 34-2 and 34-3. Thus, as depicted in FIG. 1, hole 84-1, which is generally noted by reference number 1, may include a first tee box 34-1, a first fairway 24-1 and cup 22-1; hole 84-2, which is generally noted by reference number 2, may include a first tee box 34-2, a first fairway 24-2 and cup 22-2; and hole 84-3, which is generally noted by reference number 3, may include a first tee box 34-3, a first fairway 24-3 and cup 22-3. Moreover, a cup may be used for one hole or more holes. The number of cups 22 and the orientation of the cups 22 may vary depending upon, for example, the desired complexity or difficulty of a particular round of golf. Thus, each tee box 34, fairway 24 and cup 22 combination may have a par, which may be the same or different.

Par is defined as a number of standard strokes for a particular hole, generally assigned by the total length of the hole and the degree of difficulty for the hole. To be playing in regulation, a par generally allows for two putts. Thus, for example, to get onto the green on a par 4 hole, two standard strokes are allowed to get from the tee box onto the green and two putts to hole-out. This rule applies to all holes. Thus, for a par 3 hole one standard stroke is allowed to get from the tee box onto the green and two putts to hole-out; and for a par 5 hole three standard strokes are allowed to get from the tee box onto the green and two putts to hole-out.

The pars for the different tee box 34, fairway 24 and cup 22 combinations or holes 84 may be the same or different. For example, hole 84-1 may be, but not limited to, a par 5 hole; hole 84-2 may be, but not limited to, a par 4 hole; and hole 84-3 may be, but not limited to, a par 3 hole.

As schematically depicted in FIG. 1, the golf course and stadium 10 further includes spectator portions 14. The spectator portions 14 may include first and second spectator structures 36, 40. The first spectator structure 36 may include an open shape 50 having a plurality of sections 52, such as line or straight, including substantially straight sections 53, where an endpoint 54 of one section of the plurality of sections 52 is distally spaced apart from or not connected to, at least from a seating perspective, an endpoint 56 of a second section of the plurality sections 52. In other words, the first spectator structure 36 is an open structure 50 because spectator viewing and/or seating areas at one endpoint 54 are not joined at the second endpoint 56 so that unobstructed views from the first spectator structure 36 of the golf course 12 are substantially maintained and because the first spectator structure 36 does not fully encompass any particular hole 84.

As schematically depicted in FIG. 1, the first spectator structure 36 substantially encompasses the first tee box 34-3 and the first fairway 24-3, but may not encompass or substantially encompass the common green area 20. Moreover, the first spectator structure 36 is not limited to the schematically depicted structure of FIG. 1. For example, as schematically depicted in FIG. 2, the first spectator structure 36 may be or include a V-shape 62. Alternatively, or in addition to, the first spectator structure 36 may include a U-shape 60 as schematically depicted in FIG. 3; and/or an open circular shape 64 as schematically depicted in FIG. 4; and/or an open elliptical shape 66 as schematically depicted in FIG. 5. Moreover, as schematically depicted in FIG. 6, the first spectator structure 36 may be a complex open polygon-like shape 68 having any number of sections 52, which may be substantially straight or slightly curved, and/or any number of curved sections 58, which may be the same or different from the curved sections 58 as schematically depicted, but not limited to those, in FIGS. 4 and 5.

The second spectator structure 40 may be spatially separate or spaced apart from the first spectator structure 36. While the first spectator structure 36 may be disposed about the two lateral portions 30 and the tee box 34-3 of one of the third fairway 24-3, the second spectator structure 40 may be disposed between two of the at least three fairways 24 that are not partially of fully encompassed by the first spectator structure 36, such as being disposed between the first fairway 24-1 and the second fairway 24-2. The tee box 34 of one of the other two of at least three fairways 24, such as tee box 34-2, may be disposed within a portion of the golf course 12 located between the second spectator structure 40 and the common green area 20. In other words, a radial distance from a portion, such as a central portion, of the green 20 to the tee box 34-2 may be less than a radial distance from the second spectator structure 40 and the same portion of the green 20.

The tee box 34 of one of the other two of at least three fairways 24, such as tee box 34-1, may also be disposed within a portion of the golf course 12 which is located distally beyond the second spectator structure 40. In other words, a radial distance from a portion, such as a central portion, of the green 20 to the tee box 34-1 may be greater than a radial distance from the second spectator structure 40 and the same portion of the green 20.

The present invention, however, is not so limited. For example, any of the tee boxes 34-1, 34-1 may be radially distanced from the common green area 20 to a greater extent, a lesser extent or even a similar extent to that of the radial distance from the second spectator structure 40, or a portion of the second spectator structure 40 from the common green area 20.

The shape of the second spectator structure 40 may be the same or different from the shape of the first spectator structure 36. For example, the shape of the second spectator structure 40 may not include portions that substantially traverse lateral portions 30 of a fairway 24 or fairways 24, thereby not substantially obstructing spectator views of portions of the golf course 12, in particular substantial portions of the fairways 24 and the common green area 20. The second spectator structure 40 may also be described as an open-shaped structure 70 as it does not fully or substantially encompass portions of play on the golf course 12.

The second spectator structure 40 is not limited to the schematically depicted structure of FIG. 1. For example, the open shape 70 of the second spectator structure 40 may include an arched shape 74 as schematically depicted in FIG. 7, a curved and/or semi-circular shape 72 as schematically depicted in FIG. 8, a line or straight section or sections 76 as schematically depicted in FIG. 9, and/or combinations thereof.

The first spectator structure 36 and the second spectator structure 40 of the spectator portions 14 of the golf course and stadium 10 may include tiered seating 38 as schematically depicted in FIG. 10A. The tiered seating 38 is depicted as being an inclined arrangement of seats 39. Lower seats on the inclined arrangement may be disposed proximally toward the golf course 12 as compared as compared to higher seats on the inclined arrangement. The base 41 of the tiered seating 38 may be substantially closed, partially open or substantially open (not shown). The tiered seating 38 may be permanent, substantially permanent or temporary, i.e., moveable or capable of being rearranging, if desired. Desirably, but not necessarily, the tiered seating 38, the first spectator structure 36 and/or the second spectator structure 40 may be permanent or substantially permanent in either a fixed, substantially fixed or movable configuration.

FIG. 10B schematically depicts connecting passageways, corridors or walkways between first spectator structure 36 and the second spectator structure 40. The passageways, corridors or walkways may be above ground, below ground, or even at ground level. For example, above ground passageway 44 may be above ground level or grade 42 so as not to substantially interfere with play if a portion of the passageway 44 is over a fairway 24. A ground level passageway 45 between the first spectator structure 36 and the second spectator structure 40 may have temporary access across a fairway 24 when play is not that fairway 24. The ground level passageway 45 may also be looped as to avoid a fairway 24. A below ground or below grade passageway 46 may be disposed within the soil or underground 41 below grade 42. Any or all of the passageways may have amenities, such as food or drinks, etc. The passageways 44, 45, 46 should not substantially interfere with the play of golf; however, the passageways 44, 45, 46 may be presented as a hazard against the play of golf. For example, a penalty stroke against a player may be invoked for striking the passageways 44, 45, 46.

While the fairways 24 in FIG. 1 are generally depicted as being substantially straight, the golf course and stadium 10 is not so limited. A fairway 24 or a hole 84 may be curved to provide a dogleg 86 as schematically depicted in FIG. 11. Further, any of the greens 20 (or the below described greens 98A-98E) may include a contour 23 or contours 23 towards or away from the cup 22.

Moreover, while the golf course 12 in FIG. 1 is schematically depicted as having three holes 84-1, 84-2, 84-3, the present invention is not so limited. The golf course 12 may include additional holes 94, each including tee box 90, fairway 96 and cup 92 and/or combinations thereof, as schematically depicted in FIG. 12.

Furthermore, while the golf course 12 in FIG. 1 is schematically depicted as having one common green area 20, the present invention is not so limited. As schematically depicted in FIG. 13A, the common green area 20 may include more than green, such as greens 98A, 98B. The greens 98A, 98B may be spatially separated as schematically depicted in FIG. 13A. The present invention, however, is not limited to a plurality of spatially separated greens 98A, 98B. For example, as depicted in FIG. 13B, the common green area 20 may include a plurality, such as two or more, greens 98C, 98D, 98E that have connecting areas 98F therein between. The connecting areas 98F may be suitable for putting, e.g., smooth and short grass typical of a green, may present a handicap to putting, e.g., higher grass than normal green grass. Each of the greens 98A to 98E may have one or more cups 20 (not shown)

FIG. 14 depicts a method 110 for playing golf on the golf course 12. At step 112, after accessing or entering the golf course 12, a player selects a tee box 34 and strikes or hits a golf ball with a golf club towards one of the at least three or more fairways 24 or towards the common green 20 or greens 98A-98E. At step 114, a player further strikes or hits the golf ball onto the common green 20 or onto at least one of the greens 98A-98E. At step 116, a player further hits or putts the golf ball into a cup 22, 92. Any of the steps 112-116 may be combined, for example a hole-in-one would combine steps 114-116. At step 118, is the player finished playing golf? If no, then the player returns to step 112, typically selecting a different tee box 34 and or hole 84. If yes, then the player has finished playing the course at step 120. The steps 112-118 may be performed for any number of players or teams of players and for any number of holes, courses or pars for the golf course 12.

Typically, a group or groups of players may play on the golf course 12. The group or groups of players may or may not represent team play. Furthermore, not every player has to hit their own ball. For example, a group of players may decide to play the best ball or just a select ball on any particular part of a hole 84. Having each player play their own ball, however, is one desirable method of individual, group, and/or team play. Often the total numbers of strokes for each player or groups of players are cumulative for a total score.

While such cumulative scoring is useful for personal or group play, the present invention is also directed towards team play. FIG. 15A depicts a team sport 122 or a method 122 of playing team golf on the golf course 12. A first team, such as Team A, of five players, such as Player-1, Player- . . . , to Player-n, and a second team, such as Team B, of five players such as Player-1, Player- . . . , to Player-n, accesses the golf course 12. While the team sport 122 is described as comprising two teams and five players, the team sport 122 may include any suitable number of teams and any suitable number of layers on each team. For example, a major league golf league may include more than two teams, such as but not limited to three to ten or more teams. Furthermore, the number of players on each team may vary from 2 to 10 or more players, from 3 to 9 players, from 4 to 8 players, and the like. Typically, two teams will play on the golf course 12 at one time. The present invention, however, is not so limited and more than two teams may play on the golf course at one time or substantially at one time. Desirably, the team sport 122 will last for any a few or several hours, such as two to three hours, on any particular day or evening.

The teams of players may include a substitute player or more than one substitute player on each team. For example, a team of five players may include one substitute player. In such a case the non-substitute or active players, which in this example includes four non-substitute players, play the course. The substitute player may enter play at the direction of a team coach, team captain or team leader. The substitute player replaces one of the active players. The substitute player may enter team play at any time during the course, e.g. at any hole, tee box, fairway, or common green(s). Desirably, each substitute player may enter the team game only once, thereby making the active player being replaced for the remaining holes. The present invention, however, is not so limited, and the number of active team players and the number of substitute team players may vary. Further, the rules for substitution may vary. For example, there may be only one substitution allowed per team per course or there may be more than one substitution allowed per team per course or even per hole. The substitute player(s) may be allowed to rotate into and out of play as desired.

The players of a first team, or a select number of players from the first team, each strike an individual first golf ball from at least one tee box 34 of one of the fairways 24 towards the common green 20 having the cups 22. Assuming no hole-in-one, the first team of players then each strike or putt their individual first golf balls towards a particular cup 22 in the common green 20 and eventually into the particular cup 22. The second team of players, or a select number of players from the second team, each strike an individual second golf ball from the at least one tee box 34 of one of the fairways 24 towards the common green 20 having the cups 22. Assuming no hole-in-one, the second team of players then each strike or putt their individual second golf ball towards a particular cup 22 in the common green 20 and eventually into the particular cup 22. The first team of players, or the select number of players from the first team, may drive or putt their individual golf balls towards the first cup in the common green(s) before or after the second team of players, or the select number of players from the second team, drive their golf balls from the first tee box. Desirably, two players for the first team play their golf balls, followed by two players for the second team playing the golf balls. This pattern may be repeated until all active players on each team have played the hole(s). Points for the first team of players, both individually an on a team basis, and for second team of players, both individually and on a team basis, are calculated as the first team of players and the second team of players play the golf course 12 as schematically depicted in FIG. 15. As depicted in FIG. 15A, team play may include play over nine holes. Using the golf course 12 of FIG. 1, each of the two teams would play each of the three holes 84 three times for an overall 9-hole course.

As depicted in FIG. 15B, points are awarded for a players' performance. The points may be relative to the number of shots over or under par for a particular hole or course of holes. For example, points may be awarded as follows: double eagle: +3 points; eagle: +2 points; birdie: +1 point; par: 0 points; bogey: −1 point; double bogey: −2 points; triple bogey: −3 points, and the like. Such point values are non-limiting, and other point systems may be used. Points may be cumulative per player and/or per team. Groups of holes may be played within periods with optional breaks between periods, which may or may not include entertainment for the spectators. For example, period 1 may include holes 84-1, 84-2, 84-3 being played by the two teams, followed by period 2 and period 3. Periods 2 and 3 may include the same holes 84-1, 84-2, 84-3 or may include different holes such different combinations of cups 22 with the particular tee box 34/fairway 24 arrangements.

The cumulative points and/or scores of individual players and/or individual teams may be viewed by the spectators in the stadium 14 at scoreboard 48. While one scoreboard 48 is depicted in FIG. 1, the golf course and stadium 10 may include more than one scoreboard 48. Further, the scoreboard 48 is not limited to just displaying cumulative points and/or scores of individual players and/or individual teams, but other information including, entertainment, live or previously recorded videos, team standings, player and/or team statistics, league information, etc.

The steps described above in conjunction with FIGS. 14 and 15A-15B may further include additional steps or plays on a golf ball. For example, a player may have to play a ball from a hazard 80 or a rough 82 or even be penalized for playing a ball into a water hazard, etc.

While various embodiments of the present inventive technology are specifically illustrated and/or described herein, it will be appreciated that modifications and variations of the present inventive technology may be effected by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and intended scope of the inventive technology. Further, any of the embodiments or aspects of the invention as described in the claims or in the specification may be used with one and another without limitation.

The following embodiments or aspects of the invention or inventive technology may be combined in any fashion and combination and be within the scope of the present invention, as follows:

Embodiment 1

A golf course and stadium (10) comprising:

a golf course (12) comprising:

a common green area (20) located within the golf course (12), the common green area (20) having one or more cups (22) for receiving a golf ball;

a first fairway (24-1), a second fairway (24-1) and a third fairway (24-3) each extending away from the common green area (20), the first, the second and the third fairways (24-1, 24-2, 24-3) each having a proximal portion (26) disposed towards the common green area (20), an opposed distal portion (28), and lateral portions (30) opposed from one and the other;

the lateral portions (30) of the first, second and third fairways (24-1, 24-2, 24-3) being separated from each other;

a first tee box (34-1) located within the distal portion (28) of the first fairway (24-1), a second tee box (34-2) located within the distal portion (28) of the second fairway (24-2), and a third tee box (34-3) located within the distal portion (28) of the third fairway (24-3); and

a stadium (14) comprising:

a first spectator structure (36) with tiered seating (38) disposed about or proximal to the two lateral portions (30) of the first fairway (24-1) and about or proximal to the first tee box (34-1) of the first fairway (24-1); and

a second spectator structure (40) with tiered seating (38) disposed between or proximal to one of the lateral portions (30) of the second fairway (24-2) and one of the lateral portions (30) of the third fairway (34-3).

Embodiment 2

The golf course and stadium (10) of embodiment 1, wherein the common green (20) is visible from the first spectator structure (36) and the second spectator structure (40).

Embodiment 3

The golf course and stadium (10) of any preceding embodiment, preferably embodiment 1, wherein the common green (20) is a centrally located area relative to the first tee box (34-1) of the first fairway (24-1), the second tee box (34-2) of the second fairway (24-2), and the third tee box (34-3) of the third fairway (24-3).

Embodiment 4

The golf course and stadium (10) of any preceding embodiment, preferably embodiment 1, wherein the tiered seating (38) of first spectator structure (36) is separate from the tiered seating (38) of the second spectator structure (40).

Embodiment 5

The golf course and stadium (10) of any preceding embodiment, preferably embodiment 1, wherein the first spectator structure (36) comprises an open shape (50) having a plurality of sections (52) where an endpoint (54) of one section of the plurality of sections (52) is not connected to an endpoint (56) of a second section of the plurality of sections (52).

Embodiment 6

The golf course and stadium (10) of any preceding embodiment, preferably embodiment 5, wherein the plurality of sections (52) of the first spectator structure (36) is selected from the group consisting of straight sections (53), curved sections (58), and combinations thereof.

Embodiment 7

The golf course and stadium (10) of any preceding embodiment, preferably embodiment 1, wherein the first spectator structure (36) comprises a geometric shape (50) selected from the group consisting of a U-shape (60), a V-shape (62), an open polygon shape (68), an open circular shape (64), an open elliptical shape (66), and combinations thereof.

Embodiment 8

The golf course and stadium of (10) any preceding embodiment, preferably embodiment 1, wherein the first spectator structure (36) and/or the second spectator structure (40) comprise an open sided polygon (68).

Embodiment 9

The golf course and stadium (10) of any preceding embodiment, preferably embodiment 1, wherein a shape (70) of the second spectator structure (40) comprises a curved section (72), an arched section (74), a straight section (76), and combinations thereof.

Embodiment 10

The golf course and stadium (10) of any preceding embodiment, preferably embodiment 1, wherein the first spectator structure (36) and the second spectator structure (40) are spatially separated from one and the other.

Embodiment 11

The golf course and stadium (10) of any preceding embodiment, preferably embodiment 1, wherein the first spectator structure (36) separates the first fairway (24-1) from the second fairway (24-2) and from the third fairway (24-3).

Embodiment 12

The golf course and stadium (10) of any preceding embodiment, preferably embodiment 1, wherein the second spectator structure (40) separates the second fairway (24-2) from the third fairway (24-3).

Embodiment 13

The golf course and stadium (10) of any preceding embodiment, preferably embodiment 1, wherein the third tee box (34-3) of the third fairway (24-3) is disposed within a portion of the golf course (12) located between the second spectator structure (40) and the common green area (20).

Embodiment 14

The golf course and stadium (10) of any preceding embodiment, preferably embodiment 1, wherein the second tee box (34-2) of the second fairway (24-2) is disposed within a portion of the golf course (12) located distally beyond the second spectator structure (40).

Embodiment 15

The golf course and stadium (10) of any preceding embodiment, preferably embodiment 1, wherein the tiered seating (38) of the first spectator structure (36) and tiered seating (38) of the second spectator structure (40) are spatially separated from one and the other.

Embodiment 16

The golf course and stadium (10) of any preceding embodiment, preferably embodiment 15, further comprising a walkway (44, 45, 46) connecting the first spectator structure (36) and the spectator structure (40).

Embodiment 17

The golf course and stadium (10) of embodiment 16, wherein the walkway (44, 45, 46) does not obstruct play on the golf course (12).

Embodiment 18

The golf course and stadium (10) of embodiments 16-17, preferably embodiment 17, wherein the walkway (44, 45, 46) in a below-ground walkway (46).

Embodiment 19

The golf course and stadium of embodiments 16-17, preferably embodiment 17, wherein the walkway (44, 45, 46) in an above-ground walkway (44).

Embodiment 20

The golf course and stadium (10) of any preceding embodiment, preferably embodiment 1,

wherein the one or more cups (22) in the common green area (20) comprise a first cup (22-1), a second cup (22-2) and a third cup (22-3);

wherein the first tee box (34-1), the first fairway (24-1) and the first cup (22-1) comprises a first hole (84-1) having a first par;

wherein the second tee box (34-2), the second fairway (24-2) and the second cup (22-2) comprises a second hole (84-2) having a third par;

wherein the third tee box (34-3), the third fairway (24-3) and the third cup (22-3) comprises a third hole (84-3) having a third par; and

wherein the first par, the second par and the third par may be the same or different.

Embodiment 21

The golf course and stadium (10) of embodiment 20,

wherein the first par is a par five or a par four;

wherein the second par, which may be the same or different from the first par, is a par four or a par five; and

wherein the third par is a par three.

Embodiment 22

A method of playing golf, comprising:

accessing the golf course and stadium (10) of any preceding embodiment, preferably embodiment 1;

hitting a golf ball from the at least one tee box (34, 34-1, 34-2, 34-3) of one of the at least three fairways (24, 24-1, 24-2, 24-3) towards the common green (20); and

hitting or putting the golf ball towards the one or more cups (22, 22-1, 22-2, 22-3) in the common green (20).

Embodiment 23

A method of playing golf, comprising:

a first team of players and a second team of players accessing the golf course and stadium (10) of any preceding embodiments 1-21, preferably embodiment 1;

wherein the first team of players each strike an individual first golf ball from the first, the second or the third tee box (34, 34-1, 34-2, 34-3) of first, or second or third fairways (24, 24-1, 24-2, 24-3) towards the common green (20);

wherein the first team of players strike or putt the individual first golf balls or a select one of more of the individual first golf balls towards the one or more cups (22, 22-1, 22-2, 22-3) in the common green;

wherein the second team of players each strike an individual second golf ball from the first, the second or the third tee box (34, 34-1, 34-2, 34-3) of first, or second or third fairways (24, 24-1, 24-2, 24-3) towards the common green (20);

wherein the second team of players strike or putt the individual second golf balls or a select one of more of the individual second golf balls towards the one or more cups (22, 22-1, 22-2, 22-3) in the common green (20); and

wherein scores for the first team of players and for second team of players are calculated as the first team of players and the second team of players play the golf course (12).

Embodiment 24

A golf league comprising:

a first team of players and a second team of players accessing the golf course and stadium (10) of any preceding embodiments 1-21, preferably embodiment 1;

wherein the one or more cups (22-1, 22-2, 22-3) in the common green area (20) comprises a first cup (22-1), a second cup (22-2) and a third cup (22-3);

wherein the first team of players each drive an individual first golf ball from the first tee box (34-1) of the first fairway (24-1) towards the common green (20);

wherein the first team of players each strike or putt the individual first golf ball towards the first cup (22-1) in the common green (20);

wherein the second team of players, either before or after the first team of players each strike or putt the individual first golf ball towards the first cup in the common green, each strike an individual second golf ball from the first tee box (34-1) of the first fairway (24-1) towards the common green (20);

wherein the second team of players each strike or putt the individual second golf ball towards the first cup (22-1) in the common green (20); and

wherein points for the first team of players and for second team of players are calculated as the first team of players and the second team of players play the golf course (12).

Embodiment 25

The golf league of embodiment 24, wherein the first team of players has four active golfers and one substitute player, and the second team of players has four active golfers and one substitute player.

Embodiment 26

The golf league of any preceding embodiments 24-25, preferably embodiment 24, wherein the points for each player of the first and second teams are calculated as plus-three for a double eagle, plus-2 for an eagle, plus-one for a birdie, zero for par, minus-one of a bogey, minus-2 for a double bogey; and wherein the points are cumulative per player and per team.

Embodiment 27

The golf league of any preceding embodiments 24-26, preferably embodiment 24, wherein the first team of players and the second team of players all play nine holes on the golf course (12); and wherein the nine holes are played within a few hours.

Embodiment 28

A golf complex comprising:

three holes (84-1, 84-2, 84-3) proximal to each other on one or more greens (20, 98A-98E) having putting surfaces, the putting surfaces being at least partially surrounded by stadium seats (38), the stadium seats (38) having gaps to allow a golfer to have player access from one or more fairways (24-1, 24-2, 24-3) to the one or more greens (20).

Embodiment 29

The golf complex of embodiment 28, wherein the one or more greens (20, 98A-98E) are centrally located within the three holes (84-1, 84-2, 84-3).

Embodiment 30

The golf course and stadium of any of the preceding embodiments 1-21, preferably embodiment 1, further comprising a scoreboard (48) visible from the first spectator structure (36), the second spectator structure (40) or from both the first and second spectator structures (36, 40).

Claims

1. A golf course and stadium comprising:

a golf course comprising:

a common green area located within the golf course, the common green area having one or more cups for receiving a golf ball;

a first fairway, a second fairway and a third fairway each extending away from the common green area, the first, the second and the third fairways each having a proximal portion disposed towards the common green area, an opposed distal portion, and lateral portions opposed from one and an other;

the lateral portions of the first, second and third fairways being separated from each other;

a first tee box located within the distal portion of the first fairway, a second tee box located within the distal portion of the second fairway, and a third tee box located within the distal portion of the third fairway; and

a stadium comprising:

a first spectator structure with tiered seating disposed about or proximal to the two lateral portions of the first fairway and about or proximal to the first tee box of the first fairway; and

a second spectator structure with tiered seating disposed between or proximal to one of the lateral portions of the second fairway and one of the lateral portions of the third fairway;

wherein the first spectator structure and the second spectator structure are spatially separated from one and the other; and

wherein the first spectator structure separates the first fairway from the second fairway and from the third fairway.

2. The golf course and stadium of claim 1, wherein the common green is visible from the first spectator structure and the second spectator structure.

3. The golf course and stadium of claim 1, wherein the common green is a centrally located area relative to the first tee box of the first fairway, the second tee box of the second fairway, and the third tee box of the third fairway.

4. The golf course and stadium of claim 1, wherein the tiered seating of first spectator structure is separate from the tiered seating of the second spectator structure.

5. The golf course and stadium of claim 1, wherein the first spectator structure comprises an open shape having a plurality of sections where an endpoint of one section of the plurality of sections is not connected to an endpoint of a second section of the plurality of sections.

6. The golf course and stadium of claim 5, wherein the plurality of sections of the first spectator structure is selected from a group consisting of straight sections, curved sections, and combinations thereof.

7. The golf course and stadium of claim 1, wherein the first spectator structure comprises a geometric shape selected from a group consisting of a U-shape, a V-shape, an open polygon shape, an open circular shape, an open elliptical shape, and combinations thereof.

8. The golf course and stadium of claim 1, wherein the first spectator structure and/or the second spectator structure comprise an open sided polygon.

9. The golf course and stadium of claim 1, wherein a shape of the second spectator structure comprises a curved section, an arched section, a line section, and combinations thereof.

10.-11. (canceled)

12. The golf course and stadium of claim 1, wherein the second spectator structure separates the second fairway from the third fairway.

13. The golf course and stadium of claim 1, wherein the third tee box of the third fairway is disposed within a portion of the golf course located between the second spectator structure and the common green area.

14. The golf course and stadium of claim 1, wherein the second tee box of the second fairway is disposed within a portion of the golf course located distally beyond the second spectator structure.

15. The golf course and stadium of claim 1, wherein the tiered seating of the first spectator structure is spatially separated from the tiered seating of the second spectator structure.

16. The golf course and stadium of claim 15, further comprising a walkway connecting the first spectator structure and the second spectator structure.

17. The golf course and stadium of claim 16, wherein the walkway does not obstruct play on the golf course.

18. The golf course and stadium of claim 17, wherein the walkway is a below-ground walkway.

19. The golf course and stadium of claim 17, wherein the walkway is an above-ground walkway.

20. The golf course and stadium of claim 1,

wherein the one or more cups in the common green area comprise a first cup, a second cup and a third cup;

wherein the first tee box, the first fairway and the first cup comprises a first hole having a first par;

wherein the second tee box, the second fairway and the second cup comprises a second hole having a second par;

wherein the third tee box, the third fairway and the third cup comprises a third hole having a third par; and

wherein the first par, the second par and the third par may be the same or different.

21. The golf course and stadium of claim 20,

wherein the first par is a par five or a par four;

wherein the second par, which may be the same or different from the first par, is a par four or a par five; and

wherein the third par is a par three.

22. A method of playing golf on the golf course and stadium of claim 1, comprising:

accessing the golf course and stadium of claim 1;

hitting a golf ball from the at least one tee box of one of the at least three fairways towards the common green; and

hitting or putting the golf ball towards the one or more cups in the common green.

23. A method of playing golf on the golf course and stadium of claim 1, comprising:

a first team of players and a second team of players accessing the golf course and stadium of claim 1;

wherein the first team of players each strike an individual first golf ball from the first, the second or the third tee box of first, or second or third fairways towards the common green;

wherein the first team of players strike or putt the individual first golf balls or a select one of more of the individual first golf balls towards the one or more cups in the common green;

wherein the second team of players each strike an individual second golf ball from the first, the second or the third tee box of first, or second or third fairways towards the common green;

wherein the second team of players strike or putt the individual second golf balls or a select one of more of the individual second golf balls towards the one or more cups in the common green; and

wherein scores for the first team of players and for second team of players are calculated as the first team of players and the second team of players play the golf course.

24. A golf league utilizing the golf course and stadium of claim 1 comprising:

a first team of players and a second team of players accessing the golf course and stadium of claim 1;

wherein the one or more cups in the common green area comprises a first cup, a second cup and a third cup;

wherein the first team of players each drive an individual first golf ball from the first tee box of the first fairway towards the common green;

wherein the first team of players each strike or putt the individual first golf ball towards the first cup in the common green;

wherein the second team of players, either before or after the first team of players each strike or putt the individual first golf ball towards the first cup in the common green, each strike an individual second golf ball from the first tee box of the first fairway towards the common green;

wherein the second team of players each strike or putt the individual second golf ball towards the first cup in the common green; and

wherein points for the first team of players and for second team of players are calculated as the first team of players and the second team of players play the golf course.

25. The golf league of claim 24, wherein the first team of players has four active golfers and one substitute player, and the second team of players has four active golfers and one substitute player.

26. The golf league of claim 24, wherein the points for each player of the first and second teams are calculated as plus-three for a double eagle, plus-2 for an eagle, plus-one for a birdie, zero for par, minus-one of a bogey, minus-2 for a double bogey; and wherein the points are cumulative per player and per team.

27. The golf league of claim 24, wherein the first team of players and the second team of players all play nine holes on the golf course; and wherein the nine holes are played within a few hours.

28. A golf complex comprising:

three holes proximal to each other on one green having a putting surface or on a plurality of greens having putting surfaces, the putting surface or the putting surfaces being at least partially surrounded by stadium seats, the stadium seats having gaps to allow a golfer to have player access from one or more fairways to the one green or to the plurality of greens.

29. The golf complex of claim 28, wherein the one green is centrally disposed within the golf complex or the plurality of greens are centrally disposed within the golf complex.

30. The golf course and stadium of claim 1, further comprising a scoreboard visible from the first spectator structure, the second spectator structure or from both the first and second spectator structures.