SIMPLIFIED GOLF GAME AND PUTTING GREEN DEVICE THEREFOR

Abstract

A golf system has simplified rules relative to traditional golf to make it easier for golfers to get from tee to green. Once on the green, the golf system of the present technology further includes a ball-catching golf cup device making it easier to putt the ball into the hole relative to traditional golf.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This present technology relates to the game of golf, and in particular a golf game and putting green device for simplifying golf and making it more accessible to a wider range of people.

BACKGROUND

Golf is a popular sport with a rich history, but its inherent complexity and difficulty often discourage beginners and less experienced players. Traditional golf involves long courses, a full set of clubs, and stringent rules that can intimidate newcomers. Moreover, once a novice player finally makes onto the putting surface, the difficulty in putting the ball into a small cup can further prove frustrating and discouraging. What is needed is a simplified version of the game, tailored for immediate enjoyment by players of all skill levels.

SUMMARY

The present technology, roughly described, relates to a simplified golf game which may be played on a traditional golf course. The golf game of the present technology is simplified by way of comparison to traditional golf in at least two ways. First, the present golf game defines a simplified set of rules governing play on a traditional golf course. These simplified rules make it easier and less discouraging for a golfer to get from tee to green on a traditional course. Second, once on the green, the present technology includes an adjustable ball-catching golf cup device having a base which anchors in the cup. A pair of arms extend outward from the cup and are open wide so that a ball putted toward the hole may be captured between the arms and funneled toward and into the cup. This dual innovation simplifies the game, increases player success rates, and encourages continued participation.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. The claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any or all disadvantages noted in the Background.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Aspects of the present disclosure are illustrated by way of example and are not limited by the accompanying figures for which like references indicate the same or similar elements.

FIG. 1 is a golf hole modified for playing a golf game according to embodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 2 is a view of a ball teed up in the fairway according to embodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 3 is a view of a golf green including a ball-catching golf cup device according to embodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 4 a view of a golf green including a ball-catching golf cup device according to alternative embodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a ball-catching golf cup device according to embodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a ball-catching golf cup device positioned with a golf cup according to embodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 7 is a view of a ball-catching golf cup device in a stowed position according to embodiments of the present technology.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show more detail of a ball-catching golf cup device according to embodiments of the present technology.

FIGS. 10-12 show more detail of a ball-catching golf cup device according to alternative embodiments of the present technology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present technology will now be described with reference to the figures which in general relate to a golf system with simplified rules relative to traditional golf making it easier for golfers to get from tee to green. Once on the green, the golf system of the present technology further includes a ball-catching golf cup device making it easier to putt the ball into the hole relative to traditional golf.

It is understood that the present technology may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the technology to those skilled in the art. Indeed, the technology is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents of these embodiments, which are included within the scope and spirit of the technology as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, in the following detailed description of the present technology, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present technology. However, it will be clear to those of ordinary skill in the art that the present technology may be practiced without such specific details.

The terms “top” and “bottom,” “upper” and “lower” and “vertical” and “horizontal,” and forms thereof, as may be used herein are by way of example and illustrative purposes only, and are not meant to limit the description of the technology inasmuch as the referenced item can be exchanged in position and orientation. Also, as used herein, the terms “substantially” and/or “about” mean that the specified dimension or parameter may be varied within an acceptable manufacturing tolerance for a given application. In one embodiment, the acceptable manufacturing tolerance is ±0.15mm, or alternatively, ±2.5% of a given dimension.

For purposes of this disclosure, a physical or electrical connection may be a direct connection or an indirect connection (e.g., via one or more other parts). In some cases, when a first element is referred to as being connected, affixed, mounted or coupled to a second element (either physically or electrically), the first and second elements may be directly connected, affixed, mounted or coupled to each other or indirectly connected, affixed, mounted or coupled to each other (either physically or electrically). When a first element is referred to as being directly connected, affixed, mounted or coupled to a second element, then there are no intervening elements between the first and second elements (other than possibly an adhesive or melted metal used to connect, affix, mount or couple the first and second elements).

The present technology has two aspects. A first aspect relates to rules defining a simplified golf game, and a second aspect relates to a device to facilitate a low number of strokes once a golfer is putting on the putting surface. The simplified golf game is designed for play on standard golf courses without requiring alterations to the course layout. It is intended for recreational and competitive play by beginners and experienced golfers alike.

Novel Golf Game

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a conventional golf hole 100 from a conventional golf course, on which the simplified golf game of the present technology may be played. A traditional golf hole may typically include conventional tee boxes 102 and hazards which come into play on the golfer's first or subsequent shots. These hazards include sand traps 104, long grass or bushes 105 and water hazards 106. There may be additional hazards, such as swamps, valleys, gulleys, etc. In conventional golf, golfers use one of the tee boxes 102, which may for example be between 300 yards and 400 yards from a green 108 for an average par 4 hole. A par 4 hole means a good/expert golfer is expected to take four strokes to complete the hole-two strokes to reach the green, and two putts to sink the ball in the hole. The long distance, and the presence of the hazards 104, 105 and 106, make it difficult, and at times frustrating, to accomplish this, even for good golfers.

In accordance with the present technology, regardless of the length of the conventional hole, golfers tee off from a tee box 110 which is located a predefined shortened distance from the green 108. In embodiments, this distance may be fixed at 150 yards for each hole. It is understood that the distance may be greater or lesser than 150 yards in further embodiments, with the understanding that the distance to the green 108 from the tee box 110 is shorter than the distance to the green from any of the tee boxes 102. Generally, the tee box 110 will be in the fairway, while the tee boxes 102 will not be positioned before the fairway.

In further embodiments, the distance of tee box 110 from the green 108 may vary from hole to hole, again with the understanding that the distance to the green from a given tee box 110 is shorter than the distance to the green from any of the tee boxes 102 on that hole. In one such embodiment, the distance may vary between 125 yards to 175 yards, though the distance to the hole may be greater or lesser than these ranges on a given hole in further embodiments. In a further embodiment where the distance to the hole varies from hole to hole, the tee box 110 of the present technology may be set at 50% closer to each hole 108 than the traditional tee boxes 102, reducing the length of each hole by half. It is understood that this percentage may vary in further embodiments, for example 25% closer or 75% closer. Other percentages are possible.

Golf courses typically include shorter par 3 holes. These holes are often less than 150 yards from the traditional tee boxes 102 to the green 108. However, on these holes, the green 108 is often well guarded by hazards 104, 105 and/or 106 adding to the difficulty of these holes. In embodiments, the tee box 110 of the present technology may be set at 100 yards from the hole 108 in par 3s. In further embodiments, the tee box 110 may be set 50% closer to the hole than one of the traditional tee boxes 102 on that hole, as described above. Other percentages are possible. Again, moving the tee box 110 closer to par 3s often removes one or more hazards from play, or makes it less likely that a golf shot will end up on one of the hazards. In any event, moving the tee box 110 closer to the greens on par 3s can make for a more enjoyable experience for golfers of different levels.

Golf courses also typically include par 5s. On these holes, the traditional tee boxes 102 are generally greater than 400 yards from the green 108. On these holes, the tee boxes 110 of the present technology may be set at a fixed distance from the green, for example 150 yards, as described above for par 4s. In further embodiments, the tee boxes 110 of the present technology on par 5s may be set 50% (or some other percentage) closer to the hole than the traditional tee boxes 102 as described above.

Thus, for par 3s, par 4s and par 5s, moving the tee box 110 closer to the hole 108 in accordance with the present technology often removes one or more hazards from play (such as the sand trap 104a in FIG. 1). In any event, the reduction in the distance to the green 108 reduces the challenge of reaching the green as compared to golf from tee boxes 102, encouraging new players and making for a more enjoyable experience for golfers of many levels.

Golfers traditionally “tee up” the golf ball for their first shot-that is, they place the golf ball on a golf tee. In traditional golf, golfers are prevented by the rules from teeing up any other shot on a golf hole. In accordance with the present technology, golfers are allowed to tee up any golf shot short of the green 108. FIG. 2 shows a golfer teeing up their golf ball from a fairway 112 on a tee 114 after their first shot from tee box 110. This feature allows for consistent ball placement, improving shot accuracy and confidence.

In a further feature of the present technology, golfers are equipped with a reduced number of golf clubs as compared to traditional golf. In one embodiment, golfers may carry up to four clubs. There may be more or less than four clubs in further embodiments, with the understanding that there are less clubs than the 14 clubs in a traditional golf bag. The four clubs may consist of oversized heads and flexible shafts, carefully chosen for ease of use.

It is a further feature of the golf rules of the present technology that when a player lands in a hazard such as sand 104, grass/bushes 105 or water 106, the player may move their next shot to a safe location, free of the hazard, without penalty, and use a tee to simplify their next shot. Unlike conventional golf, a golfer may actually move the ball closer to the hole on their next shot free and clear of the hazard, without penalty. In a further feature, to maintain pace of play, a maximum stroke limit per hole (e.g., 10 strokes) is enforced, after which the hole is concluded.

Each of the above-described features, taken individually or in combination, make the game of golf more fun and rewarding for beginners and golfers of different levels. Moreover, the golf game of the present technology may be played on a conventional golf course. Thus, one group may be playing golf according to the present technology while golfers in the groups ahead and/or behind may be playing conventional golf on the same holes. Similarly, some golfers within a given group may be playing golf according to the present technology while other golfers in the group are playing conventional golf.

The Golf Cup Device

The ball-catching golf cup device introduces a system for funneling wayward putts toward the golf cup, thereby enhancing putting success and enjoyment. The device is universally compatible with existing golf holes, ensuring seamless integration into current courses. FIG. 3 shows an example of a ball-catching golf cup device 120 positioned in a golf cup 122 on a putting green 108. In a further embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the ball-catching golf cup device 120 may instead be removably affixed to a traditional golf flag 124. The device 120 in this embodiment may include a post clip or bracket for affixing the device 120 to the flag 124.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show additional detail of a ball-catching golf cup device 120, As seen in FIG. 5, the device 120 includes a central housing 125. A cup shaft 126 extends from the bottom of the housing 125, and a pair of arms 128a, 128b extend from a circumferential edge of the housing 125. A ferrule 130 is mounted at an end of the cup shaft 126. The ferrule 130 is the size and shape of the conventional ferrule at the bottom of the golf flag 124. The ferrule 130 mounts the device 120 in the cup the same way the flag ferrule mounts the flag 124 in the cup.

The device 120 is configured to be rotatable about 360 degrees so that, during gameplay, the device 120 may be positioned with the arms 128a, 128b facing the player's approach to the cup. As shown in FIG. 6, cup shaft 126 has a length such that, once the ferrule 130 is affixed within the cup base, the arms 128a, 128b rest just on or over the grass of the green 108. In this way, the device 120 may be rotated in cup 122, and/or the angle between arms 128a, 128b may adjusted as explained below, without damaging the green 108.

As indicated in FIG. 6, the angle, θ, between arms 128a, 128b is adjustable. In embodiments, one of the arms, for example arm 128a, may be fixedly mounted to the housing 125. The other of the arms, 128b in this example, may be mounted on a rotatable hub within the housing (not shown). The housing 125 may include a spring-loaded locking button 125a affixed to a locking pin (not shown) within the housing. In its normal (unbiased) position, the locking pin engages the hub to prevent its rotation within the housing. When the button 125a is pressed, the locking pin disengages from the hub, allowing rotation of the hub and rotation of the arm 128b toward or away from arm 128a. In this way, the arms 128 may be spread apart more (to catch more golf putts) or less (to catch less golf putts). This allows the arms to be adjusted, depending for example on the level of skill of the golfer, with beginners having the arms spread wider, and the arms being placed closer together the better the golfer gets. It is understood that the distance between the arms 128a, 128b may be made adjustable by other schemes in further embodiments. As one such further embodiment, both arms 128a, 128b may be adjustable.

The arms 128a, 128b are shown with right angle bends along their length. Referring to FIG. 7, the arms 128a, 128b may be provided with a rotatable joint 132 at the bend that allows the arms to fold downward, parallel to each other and the cup shaft 126. The device 120 may be easily stowed in this position, for example in a golf bag. In further embodiments, the device 120 may instead or additionally have a foldable joint in the cup shaft 126 so that the shaft 126 may fold and stow into position with arms 128a, 128b.

FIGS. 8-9 are images of a first embodiment of a ball-catching golf cup device 120 deployed on a miniature green 108 in the same way it would be deployed on a regulation green 108 on a golf course. In this embodiment, the arms 108a, 108b may be simple tubular members, though they may be other cross-sectional shapes in further embodiments. The arms (after the right angle bends) may be straight, though they may be curved and concave in further embodiments. As shown in FIG. 9, when a putt in the direction of arrow A contacts one of the arms 128a, 128b, the arm redirects the ball along arrow B toward and into the cup. The material of the arms 128a, 128b may be selected to dampen a responsive force when struck by the golf ball so that the ball rolls along the arm (direction B) instead of bouncing off the arm. In embodiments, the arms 128a, 128b may be formed of hollow metal tubing or wood, possibly with a foam cushion for deadening impact by a golf ball.

FIGS. 10-12 illustrate a further embodiment of the ball-catching golf cup device 120. As seen in FIGS. 10 and 11, this embodiment includes arms 128a and 128b. However, in this embodiment, each arm comprises a ramp 140, a track 142, and a rear wall 144. When a golf ball 150 reaches an arm 128a, 128b, it rides up the ramp 140 and gets caught in track 142. The ramp 142 may be made of a pliant material such as rubber to allow it to be positioned and moved on the putting green without damaging the grass on the green. The flexible ramp 140 also self-adjusts to minor variations in the putting surface or device manufacturing tolerances to ensure smooth ball movement. Track 142 may be made of a hard low friction material such as metal or plated wire. The track 142 is provided with a slight slope downward toward the cup so that, once in the track 142, the ball rolls along the track toward the cup as a result of gravity and the kinetic energy of the ball upon entering the track. There is also a pleasing effect to the golfer as the ball lands in the track 142 and rolls toward the cup. This effect is unique and attractive to the golfer.

Rear wall 144 is provided in case the ball reaches ramp 140 with a high velocity. In this case, the ball will ride up the ramp, past the track and strike the rear wall 144. The rear wall is formed of a material, and is shaped, to dampen a responsive force when struck by the golf ball so that the ball falls into track 142 instead of bouncing off the wall. In embodiments, the rear wall 144 may be formed of hollow metal tubing, plated metal wire or wood, possibly with a foam cushion for deadening impact by a golf ball.

As shown in FIG. 10, when a ball 150 putted in the direction of arrow A reaches one of the arms 128a, 128b with sufficient velocity, the ball rides up ramp 140 into track 142. At that point, the ball rolls along track 142 in the direction of arrow B into the cup. In the event a ball reaches an arm 128a, 128b with insufficient velocity to ride up ramp 140 into track 142, the ramp 140 itself will redirect the golf ball 150 in the direction of arrow B into the cup. If necessary, a further putt may be performed within the arc of the arms 128, which additional putt may go straight into the cup or engage a ramp 140 and/or track 142 to then ride into the cup using the kinetic energy of the ball and/or gravity.

The ball-catching golf cup device 120, by itself or in combination with the simplified golf rules described above, make the game easier and more accessible to beginner and other golfers. Moreover, the device 120 may be used on a traditional golf course. The device 120 may be used by one group, or certain golfer in the group, while other golfers play traditional golf without using the device 120.

It is understood that the arms 128a, 128b may have different configurations in further embodiments.

In summary, the present technology relates to a golf system, comprising: a golf hole comprising: a fairway, a first set of one or more tee boxes at one end of the hole and spaced from the fairway, a green at a second end of the hole, the green comprising a cup; and a second set of one or more tee boxes in the fairway and closer to the green than the first set of one or more tee boxes; and a ball-catching golf cup device configured to be mounted at the cup on the green, the ball-catching golf cup device comprising a pair of arms for guiding putted balls into the cup.

In a further aspect, the present technology relates to a golf system for use at a cup on a green of a golf hole, the golf system comprising: a ball-catching golf cup device configured to be mounted at the cup on the green, the ball-catching golf cup device comprising: a hub, a first arm extending from the hub, a second arm extending from the hub and forming an angle with the first arm, the arms together configured to catch a putted ball and guide the putted ball into the cup.

The foregoing detailed description has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the subject matter claimed herein to the precise form(s) disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The described embodiments were chosen in order to best explain the principles of the disclosed technology and its practical application to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the technology in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope be defined by the claims appended hereto.

Claims

1. A golf system, comprising:

a golf hole comprising:

a fairway,

a first set of one or more tee boxes at one end of the hole and spaced from the fairway,

a green at a second end of the hole, the green comprising a cup; and

a second set of one or more tee boxes in the fairway and closer to the green than the first set of one or more tee boxes; and

a ball-catching golf cup device configured to be mounted at the cup on the green, the ball-catching golf cup device comprising a pair of arms for guiding putted balls into the cup.

2. The golf system of claim 1, wherein the second set of one or more tee boxes comprise a single tee box positioned 150 yards from the green.

3. The golf system of claim 1, wherein the second set of one or more tee boxes comprise a single tee box positioned between 25% and 75% closer to the green than the first set of one or more tee boxes.

4. The golf system of claim 1, wherein the second set of one or more tee boxes comprise a single tee box positioned 50% closer to the green than the first set of one or more tee boxes.

5. The golf system of claim 1, wherein the ball-catching golf cup device comprises a ferrule for mounting the ball-catching golf cup device at a bottom of the cup.

6. The golf system of claim 1, wherein the ball-catching golf cup device comprises a mounting bracket for mounting to a conventional golf pin seated within the cup.

7. The golf system of claim 1, wherein the ball-catching golf cup device is configured to be rotatable about 360 degrees to be positioned to face an incoming putted ball.

8. The golf system of claim 1, wherein the arms of ball-catching golf cup device are configured with a variable angle with respect to each other to be wider and catch more putted balls or narrower and catch less putted balls.

9. The golf system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the arms or cup shaft are collapsible so that the arms and cup shaft align parallel to each other.

10. A golf system for use at a cup on a green of a golf hole, the golf system comprising:

a ball-catching golf cup device configured to be mounted at the cup on the green, the ball-catching golf cup device comprising: a hub, a first arm extending from the hub, a second arm extending from the hub and forming an angle with the first arm, the arms together configured to catch a putted ball and guide the putted ball into the cup.

11. The golf system of claim 10, wherein the first and second arms comprises a tubular members having straight sections to catch and dampen putted balls.

12. The golf system of claim 10, wherein at least one of the first and second arms comprise:

a ramp,

a track, and

and rear wall,

wherein the ramp is configured to catch and feed putted balls into the track, the rear wall is configured to redirect putted balls into the track, and the track is sloped to direct putted balls into the cup.

13. The golf system of claim 12, wherein the ramp uses at least one of gravity and kinetic energy of a putted ball to guide a putted ball into the cup.

14. The golf system of claim 10, wherein the ball-catching golf cup device comprises a ferrule for mounting the ball-catching golf cup device at a bottom of the cup.

15. The golf system of claim 10, wherein the ball-catching golf cup device comprises a mounting bracket for mounting to a pin seated within the cup.

16. The golf system of claim 10, wherein the ball-catching golf cup device is configured to be rotatable about 360 degrees to be positioned to face an incoming putted ball.

17. The golf system of claim 10, wherein the first and second arms of ball-catching golf cup device are configured with a variable angle with respect to each other to be wider and catch more putted balls or narrower and catch less putted balls.