Abstract: The present invention relates to a ball picking robot, comprising a walking mechanism, a ball picking mechanism, a ball pushing mechanism and a ball storage mechanism. The ball picking mechanism comprises a ball picking basket, an air cylinder used for driving the ball picking basket to move up and down, an air storage tank used for providing an air source for the air cylinder, a solenoid valve arranged at the air outlet of the air storage tank, a micro air pump connected to the air storage tank, and a shielding assembly arranged at an opening in the rear end of the ball picking basket. A first gear is mounted at the input end of the micro air pump. The ball pushing mechanism comprises a rotary ball discharging assembly, comprising an either-rotation motor, a rotary impeller connected to a first output shaft of the either-rotation motor through a belt assembly.

Abstract: A golf system includes a striking area; a target area including a plurality of physical targets positioned at different locations relative to the striking area; and at least one sensing device for sensing parameters regarding the travel of a physical golf ball. A processor is configured to: access a database including golf hole data, the golf hole data defining relative positions of a tee-off location and a pin location for a virtual golf hole; based on the one or more parameters regarding the travel of the physical golf ball struck from the striking area, update a virtual location of a virtual golf ball on the virtual golf hole; and generate signals to provide an indication of which of the plurality of physical targets represents a direction of the pin location based on the virtual location of the virtual golf ball and the locations of the physical targets.

Abstract: A green complex comprising of a universal design concept and entities that support this concept are disclosed therein. The universal design concept is to stimulate a golfer by offering a method of operation that combines traditional golf and disc golf that can be played at any time; day or night. These design entities are inclusive to, but not limited to, the variation of colors of the target structure, flag, and corresponding synthetic green, and the illuminating concept for the green perimeter, cup, structure, and flag. A golf course with a plurality of holes, that includes the present invention, would be arranged as to where each hole contains a theme that is inclusive to the universal design concept.

Abstract: A golf green measuring device according to the present invention includes a plurality of spaced apart rails attached to an enclosed structure. The structure includes a control unit including a microcontroller, circuitry, a battery, a display and a level indicator. The rails include infrared emitters and detectors that sense a golf ball traveling through the enclosed structure. The microcontroller measures the elapsed time the golf ball travels between a pair of detectors disposed at the rail front end and the elapsed time the golf ball travels between another pair of detectors disposed at the rail rear end. The change in velocity or deceleration of the golf ball is determined based on the measured time intervals and converted into a speed value. The computed speed value is displayed on a device display. The device may include an optional printer to provide a hardcopy of the measurement.

Abstract: A ball bat includes an aluminum, or other metal, tubular sleeve co-molded or post-mold bonded onto a predominantly cylindrical composite, or other non-metal, ball bat handle. An aluminum, or other metal, knob is attached to the metal tubular sleeve, via welding or another suitable attachment method. A barrel end closure, e.g. a barrel cap, may be attached to the end of the bat barrel in a similar manner. In such a case, a metal insert is co-molded, or post-mold bonded, onto the barrel end of the bat. A metal barrel cap is then welded to the metal insert to close the end of the ball bat. Alternatively, a cap retention device may be co-molded, or post-mold bonded, onto the barrel end of the bat. A plastic, or other suitable material, cap is then attached to the cap retention device.

Abstract: A simulated golf green for practicing variably positioned long distance approach shots on a golf driving practice range; in the form of a mobile golf practice green, ball pickup and return apparatus, having a golf ball impact mat and sensor with a display therefor, having a stray ball gathering and collecting pickup, and having a stationary golf ball return conveyor for reuse of said balls at a golfer's tee. Mobility for positioning the green and for ball collection and for ball return being manual by remote control or by computer programming for routing and positioning the golf practice green, and maneuverability embodied either in a steerable ground supported wheeled vehicle, or in a movable and positionable floating vehicle supported on a water pond golf range trap.

Abstract: An interactive golf driving range and practice facility including an apparatus and method for detecting the down range impact of golf balls, for processing information derived from the impact data, for providing the golfer with statistical information, and for providing the golfer with feedback relating to accuracy and distance and for displaying useful information while presenting the golfer with a variety of skill challenging, instructional and competitive options. The present invention further provides for selective video recording and playback of the golfer's swing for instructional use and for improving swing mechanics.

Abstract: A golf park including a golf course having a single fairway with multiple greens. At least two greens are provided, at opposite ends of the fairway. One or more additional greens may be provided between the first two greens and along the fairway. Also, multiple tees are provided for the one fairway. At least one tee is provided at each end of the fairway, the tee facing down the fairway towards the green at the opposite end of the fairway. Each green may be the target of two or more tees disposed at different locations on the fairway. The golf course is occupied for a predetermined limited period of time by an individual or a single group of golfers. The individual or single group of golfers plays back and forth along the fairway, for as long as they have reserved the course. They can play at their own pace, undisturbed by other golfers because there are no other golfers on the course. The only limitation is duration: eventually they will have to stop because their reserved interval of play has terminated.

Abstract: A movable simulated golf green enables the practicing of approach shots on a golf driving range, or other location. The apparatus is constructed as part of a motorized vehicle so as to be driven about to various selected locations on the range. The green surface is made of a flexible sheet material laid over, but only connected to a structural under layer along its periphery. Thus an air layer pumped between the flexible sheet and the under layer causes the flexible layer to rise to a position slightly above the structural surface. The inner facing surfaces of these layers each have a metallic contact layer on them so that when they contact each other an electrical circuit may be closed. The electrical circuit provides a power source and several lamps for illuminating when a golf ball contacts the green surface and forces the metal layers into contact momentarily.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to enable practicing of a putting stroke on an actual green surface. A putting cup post is positioned upright in the putting cup, and a stabilizing post is put into the green surface so as to be upstanding therefrom adjacent to a putting location. An alignment cord is extended from an upper end of the stabilizing post to the upper end of the putting cup post, and an alignment cord is extended between the two posts. For a breaking putt, an alignment post is positioned to provide an initial alignment section of the cord that is aligned with the initial path of travel of the ball from the putting location along the intended putting path. The ball is placed at a putting location near the stabilizing post, and the golfer uses proper putting techniques to strike the ball, using the initial portion of the alignment cord to putt the ball in the proper direction.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to enable practicing of a putting stroke on an actual green surface. A putting cup post is positioned upright in the putting cup, and a stabilizing post is put into the green surface so as to be upstanding therefrom adjacent to a putting location. An alignment cord is extended from an upper end of the stabilizing post to the upper end of the putting cup post, and an alignment cord is extended between the two posts. For a breaking putt, an alignment post is positioned to provide an initial alignment section of the cord that is aligned with the initial path of travel of the ball from the putting location along the intended putting path. The ball is placed at a putting location near the stabilizing post, and the golfer uses proper putting techniques to strike the ball, using the initial portion of the alignment cord to putt the ball in the proper direction.