Abstract: A ground traversing, electrically driven drone travels along a preprogrammed path that corresponds to pass catcher's travel path during a play, matching the pass catcher's speed and run cuts. The play is wirelessly communicated to the drone by a handheld electronic device located remote of the drone. A target is located on the drone so that a quarterback can throw a football at the target in order to refine the quarterback's timing and accuracy for the play. Sensors onboard the drone track both the football's and quarterback's speed and travel trajectories so that such data can be collected, along with the drone's travel path, and stored onboard the drone's control unit and eventually fed into 3-D reconstruction software for analysis by the quarterback and coaching staff. The target rotates so that the target either faces in a fixed direction or constantly faces the quarterback during execution of drone's maneuvers.

Abstract: There is provided a skill level determination and management system and method. The system includes a sensor for automatically sensing shot data of a golf shot hit by a golfer on a range area towards a target on the range area. A comparing component is provided for comparing an end location of the golf shot to a target location and grading the shot, taking into consideration at least a difference between the end location of the golf shot and the target location, and a skill level associated with the golfer. A skill level management component is provided for updating the skill level associated with the golfer based on the grade.

Abstract: A ground traversing, electrically driven drone travels along a programmed path that corresponds to pass catcher's travel path during a play, matching the pass catcher's speed and run cuts. The play is wirelessly communicated to the drone by a handheld electronic device located remote of the drone. A target is located on the drone so that a quarterback can throw a football at the target in order to refine the quarterback's timing and accuracy for the play. Sensors located remote of the drone track both the football's and quarterback's speed and travel trajectories so that such data can be collected, along with the drone's travel path, and transmitted to the computer and eventually fed into 3-D reconstruction software for analysis by the quarterback and coaching staff. The target rotates so that the target either faces in a fixed direction or constantly faces the quarterback during execution of drone's maneuvers.

Abstract: A ground traversing, electrically driven drone travels along a preprogrammed path that corresponds to pass catcher's travel path during a play, matching the pass catcher's speed and run cuts. The play is wirelessly communicated to the drone by a handheld electronic device located remote of the drone. A target is located on the drone so that a quarterback can throw a football at the target in order to refine the quarterback's timing and accuracy for the play. Sensors onboard the drone track both the football's and quarterback's speed and travel trajectories so that such data can be collected, along with the drone's travel path, and stored onboard the drone's control unit and eventually fed into 3-D reconstruction software for analysis by the quarterback and coaching staff. The target rotates so that the target either faces in a fixed direction or constantly faces the quarterback during execution of drone's maneuvers.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention is a surface for playing a game based on the rules of American football using a golf putter and golf ball. The playing surface comprises two end zones and a grid representing the yard lines of a football field. A first down putting target is positioned adjacent to each yard line that is a multiple of ten, and a scoring putting target is positioned in each end zone. In another embodiment, the present invention is a method for playing the game. Two teams compete against one another and are given alternating offensive possessions. In each offensive possession, the offensive team has four downs to either putt the ball in a first down target, thereby obtaining a new set of four downs, or putt the ball in the scoring target. With each first down achieved, the ball advances closer to the scoring target.

Abstract: A method for conducting and scoring a golf video game, comprising determining the number of strokes it takes a team to complete a golf hole, wherein the team comprises of a plurality of players collectively playing one ball, allowing at least one player to take a strategic position further down the golf course ahead of where the ball is being played, and basing a score on the number of strokes the team collectively takes to complete the golf hole.

Abstract: A method for using visual indicia for teaching a student proper alignment and club selection for each of a plurality of different positions of a ball for a golf type game in which the ball is struck with a club toward a target. The method includes positioning sets of markers at different distances from the target wherein each distance is chosen to represent a particular type of stroke to be made with a club. Other markers are positioned on the putting green to represent a landing spot for a ball struck from a location off of the putting green. Thereafter, directional arrows are positioned along a preferential path for a ball to travel in order to reach the target. The student is aligned with the markers and arrows to create a visual reference to associate with the striking of the ball.

Abstract: A golf system that includes a tee or other area for striking a golf ball; and a golf green having a concave surface with a ball receptacle located at the lowest point in the surface so that a ball landing and remaining on the green will roll into the ball receptacle. The green includes a resiliently compressible layer coinciding with the concave surface. The resiliently compressible surface may include at least one layer of corrugated plastic material and may be covered with an artificial turf surface. The golf system may be used to play a unique game, wherein a plurality of balls are rolled on the green and travel in a spiral manner into the ball receptacle. The golf green may be mounted on a portable frame.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer readable media for changing and controlling settings for adjustable golf clubs are described. Such setting adjustment systems may alter one or more of: lie angle, loft angle, face angle, shaft stiffness, shaft kickpoint location, weighting, weight positioning, face flexibility, maximum face flex location, etc. These systems and methods may use various types of information to determine the appropriate settings, such as: ball launch monitor data, swing path data, weather input data, course condition input data for a location of play, course design input data for a location of play, daily course layout input data for a location and a time of play, golfer past performance data (e.g., recent past performance, past performances at the location of play, past performance during an ongoing round of golf (i.e., on earlier played holes), etc.), current adjustable club setting information, and information indicating specific holes to be played.

Abstract: A golf system that includes a tee or other area for striking a golf ball; and a golf green having a concave surface with a ball receptacle located at the lowest point in the surface so that a ball landing and remaining on the green will roll into the ball receptacle. The green includes a resiliently compressible layer coinciding with the concave surface. The resiliently compressible surface may include at least one layer of corrugated plastic material and may be covered with an artificial turf surface. The golf system may be used to play a unique game, wherein a plurality of balls are rolled on the green and travel in a spiral manner into the ball receptacle. The golf green may be mounted on a portable frame.

Abstract: A highly simulative golf device and method for performing the same is proposed. A device body of the device has an object display unit and a short grass area. The object display unit displays a beating objective point and the sensor set senses the falling point of a golf ball. Then the device body will calculate a distance difference between the beating objective point and the falling point so as to get next distance difference as a base for the following beating objective point. The method includes the following steps: a: displaying the beating objective point, b: sensing the falling point; c: calculating the distance difference; d: reset the beating objective point; e: re-sensing the falling point; the user can beat the golf ball repeatedly until the distance difference is smaller than zero or approaches to zero.

Abstract: A golf instruction campus. There is: a first field, having a first length; a second field, having a second length; a third field, having a third length; a fourth field, having a fourth length; and a fifth field, having a fifth length. A ratio of the first length over the second length is no greater than about 0.4 to about 0.6. A ratio of the second length over the third length is no greater than about 0.2 to about 0.4. A ratio of the third length over the fourth length is no greater than about 0.4 to about 0.6. A ratio of the fourth length over the fifth length is no greater than about 0.65 to about 0.85. Each of the third field, the fourth field, and the fifth field include a plurality of distance markers, configured to mark distance. There is also a field barrier.

Abstract: A golf type game for playing at a driving range, or other golf practice facility is provided consisting of a series of cards that simulate a series of golf holes. The cards are placed and moved within a handbook that has an opaque cover with a slot so that the player can determine his own position and make his own strategy decisions to determine his desired target and/or target line. Once closed, the handbook cover has grid markings that correspond to grid markings on the driving range so that a shot outcome can be transferred to said card. The player then plays a shot directly towards a target, and observes the shot outcome. A series of holes are provided on said cover through which the player can mark the shot outcome on the card, prior to opening the handbook. By being opaque, however, the player marks the card in an unbiased fashion.

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 instruction campus. There is: a first field, having a first length; a second field, having a second length; a third field, having a third length; a fourth field, having a fourth length; and a fifth field, having a fifth length. A ratio of the first length over the second length is no greater than about 0.4 to about 0.6. A ratio of the second length over the third length is no greater than about 0.2 to about 0.4. A ratio of the third length over the fourth length is no greater than about 0.4 to about 0.6. A ratio of the fourth length over the fifth length is no greater than about 0.65 to about 0.85. Each of the third field, the fourth field, and the fifth field include a plurality of distance markers, configured to mark distance. There is also a field barrier.

Abstract: A golf system that includes a tee or other area for striking a golf ball; and a golf green having a concave surface with a ball receptacle located at the lowest point in the surface so that a ball landing and remaining on the green will roll into the ball receptacle. The green includes a resiliently compressible layer coinciding with the concave surface. The resiliently compressible surface may include at least one layer of corrugated plastic material and may be covered with an artificial turf surface. The concave surface may be angled at approximately a 1:4 pitch, and the rear of the green may be approximately one-half times higher than the front thereof. The golf system may include a ball sensor that senses when a ball has been received in the receptacle. The golf green may be mounted on a portable frame.

Abstract: A golf practice green apparatus is provided which is capable of transforming between multiple configurations. A first configuration is best suited for actual use as a target green on a golf driving range or the like. In a second configuration the effective width or other dimension of the apparatus is significantly reduced to allow for practical and legal transportation of the golf practice green apparatus over a roadway.

Abstract: A golf driving range target (112) comprises pockets (150, 183) suspended for cables (146, 176), the pockets feeding received golf balls to a common receptacle. Between the exits (166) of the pockets and the common receptacle, the balls, which are coded, pass code-reading devices for identification. The pockets have walls (162, 165) which are shaped to direct received balls quickly to the exit (166) and may have internal ball-directing baffle members (163, 167). The pockets may be arranged concentrically or in an array.

Abstract: An outdoor bulls-eye target golf course comprises a natural surface, a single target area along the natural surface and a plurality of tee stations along the natural surface at various predetermined distances from a target hole of the target area. The target area includes a 0bulls-eye target with the target hole at its center and defined by a plurality of concentric target lines on a grassy area. A bulls-eye target golf game involves each player hitting a plurality of golf balls to the target hole from each tee station, eliminating the worst played ball hit from each tee station, and scoring the remaining balls hit from each tee station by assigning points to the balls depending on whether they land in the target hole, an inner target zone, an intermediate target zone, an outer target zone or outside of the target area.

Abstract: An outdoor bulls-eye target golf course comprises a natural surface, a single target area along the natural surface and a plurality of tee stations along the natural surface at various predetermined distances from a target hole of the target area. The target area includes a 0bulls-eye target with the target hole at its center and defined by a plurality of concentric target lines on a grassy area. A bulls-eye target golf game involves each player hitting a plurality of golf balls to the target hole from each tee station, eliminating the worst played ball hit from each tee station, and scoring the remaining balls hit from each tee station by assigning points to the balls depending on whether they land in the target hole, an inner target zone, an intermediate target zone, an outer target zone or outside of the target area.

Abstract: A golf driving range target (112) comprises pockets (150, 183) suspended for cables (146, 176), the pockets feeding received golf balls to a common receptacle. Between the exits (166) of the pockets and the common receptacle, the balls, which are coded, pass code-reading devices for identification. The pockets have walls (162, 165) which are shaped to direct received balls quickly to the exit (166) and may have internal ball-directing baffle members (163, 167). The pockets may be arranged concentrically or in an array.

Abstract: A portable all-weather golf driving range which is designed to removably cover a conventional golf driving range or fairway with a netting includes a number of ball receiving bores formed therein to permit balls to be conveniently and automatically collected through motion induced by gravity from the configuration of the netting. When in position, the netting is configured in its elevation by the plurality of netting sections, preferably in reticulated form, with support posts elevating the netting at distinct desired locations, such that the ball receiving bores are disposed at relatively lower positions between the support posts.

Abstract: A method for marking a fairway, having a teeing area associated therewith, to enable a golfer to judge distance and accuracy of golf balls struck onto said fairway from the teeing area, said method consisting of marking distance indicators on the fairway in the form of a first set of lines that are spaced from the teeing area and are spaced apart, with each line being a substantially constant distance from the teeing area, and marking accuracy indicators on the fairway in the form of a second set of lines that extend outwardly from the teeing area and are substantially normal to the teeing area.

Abstract: An educational golf facility is provided in accordance with the present invention. The facility includes a target chipping zone, at least one inclined chipping/putting lane and a putting zone. The chipping/putting facility includes an extended surface having a striking area in front of which a student may swing a golf club and strike a golf ball. The facility further includes an inclined surface extending from the striking area. The inclined surface has long strand oriented such that balls struck up the inclined surface are caught and returned to the student; The striking area which includes an enclosure protecting students in the vicinity of the striking area. The enclosure includes a forward horizontal bar and a rear horizontal bar, wherein the forward horizontal bar is positioned to control the permissible back swing of a student utilizing the chipping/putting facility and the rear horizontal bar provides a safety area.

Abstract: A system for facilitating the practicing or playing of golf may include, alone or in combination, a golf target subsystem, a detection subsystem, and a golf ball dispensing subsystem. The golf ball dispensing subsystem comprises a free standing device placed at the teeing area which may be configured to provide various functions, such as, for example, receiving and storing a quantity of golf balls, exposing non-illuminated golf balls to an illuminating source contained therein, and thereby illuminating the golf balls, and/or dispensing the illuminated golf balls to the golfer. The golf target subsystem is suitably configured to permit a golfer to locate and identify the target area while addressing the golf ball so that the golfer may attempt to land the golf ball within the target area. In addition, to facilitate the identification of the target during nighttime conditions, i.e., conditions without external lighting, the golf target is preferably illuminated.

Abstract: An educational golf facility is provided in accordance with the present invention. The facility includes a target chipping zone, at least one inclined chipping/putting lane and a putting zone. The chipping/putting facility includes an extended surface having a striking area in front of which a student may swing a golf club and strike a golf ball. The facility further includes an inclined surface extending from the striking area. The inclined surface is oriented such that balls struck up the inclined surface return to the student standing in the striking area. The striking area which includes an enclosure protecting students in the vicinity of the striking area.

Abstract: The invention concerns a golf hut arrangement comprising several golf huts arranged adjacent to each other, each of which has a floor panel and a covering panel, each with two narrow sides and two longitudinal sides, and where the floor and covering panels of neighboring golf huts are arranged adjacent to each other along their longitudinal sides. The floor panels and covering panels of all the golf huts are each formed as prefabricated components that are essentially uniform in shape, the narrow sides of which have a shorter length in the driving direction of a golf ball than each of the opposing narrow sides facing away from the driving opening of the hut, in such a way that a pre-determined number of golf huts will result in a partially closed or closed ring-shape arrangement, with a predetermined radius, of huts surrounding a driving range.

Abstract: A simulated golf game whereby a scale course map, rules of play and a ball locator device for plotting the location of each shot are used by a player in conjunction with actual shots taken at a conventional golf driving range. For each driving range shot, the player estimates its distance, and then uses a ball locator device to measure the angle of deviation and to plot the position of the ball on the course map.

Abstract: An all weather golf driving range which is designed to drape and or cover a conventional range with a netting having a number of ball receiving bores formed therein to permit balls to be conveniently and automatically collected through motion induced by gravity from the configuration of the netting. When in position, the netting is configured in its elevation by the plurality of conical members, preferably in reticulated form, with ground support posts holding the netting up to form apices, and with the ball receiving bores being formed at the lower juncture points along or at the mutually adjacent conical zones.

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: The invention monitors the driving range and tracks golf balls from users at the driving range and informs those users of characteristics such as driving distance. A solid state camera images the range, and preferably one or more tee-off positions, and collects frames of image data to track a ball's motion through space. Simulation routines augment that track and assist in isolating the start location as well as where the ball lands, or would have landed had it not been obstructed (e.g., by a net). Preferably, the invention also determines the ball's position in 3-D to increase the accuracy. In one technique, two or more solid state cameras are used, and synchronized, to specify stereoscopic imaging. In another technique, the ball's energy or physical extent is used to determine an absolute distance between the camera and the ball. A computer at the club house monitors the entire system and further manages a network including an array of displays at the several tee off positions.

Abstract: An all weather golf driving range which is designed to drape and or cover a conventional range with a netting having a number of ball receiving bores formed therein to permit balls to be conveniently and automatically collected through motion induced by gravity from the configuration of the netting. When in position, the netting is configured in its elevation by the plurality of conical members, preferably in reticulated form, with ground support posts holding the netting up to form apices, and with the ball receiving bores being formed at the lower juncture points along or at the mutually adjacent conical zones.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for separating golfers on a practice range. The present invention specifically provides an apparatus for improved safety from errant golf balls as well as “amenities,” such as golf bag and drink storage, and which provides the practice range operator an additional advertising medium. The present invention provides an apparatus which is stable when struck by errant golf balls or during windy weather, however, the apparatus is constructed for quick and easy repositioning when reconfiguring the practice range tee area.

Abstract: The invention monitors the driving range and tracks golf balls from users at the driving range and informs those users of characteristics such as driving distance. A solid state camera images the range, and preferably one or more tee-off positions, and collects frames of image data to track a ball's motion through space. Simulation routines augment that track and assist in isolating the start location as well as where the ball lands, or would have landed had it not been obstructed (e.g., by a net). Preferably, the invention also determines the ball's position in 3-D to increase the accuracy. In one technique, two or more solid state cameras are used, and synchronized, to specify stereoscopic imaging. In another technique, the ball's energy or physical extent is used to determine an absolute distance between the camera and the ball. A computer at the club house monitors the entire system and further manages a network including an array of displays at the several tee off positions.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices, systems and methods for aiding a golfer in properly aligning his stance prior to hitting a golf ball at any one of a plurality of pre-sighted targets; the principal feature of the invention is a golf mat designed to be pivotally attached to a support surface and having a pattern of lines visible to the golfer, the pivotal lines and mat positioned with respect to a plurality of pre-sighted targets so the golfer may properly align has stance prior to hitting a golf ball at the target.

Abstract: A bag-shaped sword blade section having a throttled opening formed of a sealing and elastic material such as rubber is fitted onto and closely attached to a tip end of a cylindrical-shaped grip formed of a hard material such as wood, a hard rubber, plastics and metals. A gas such as air is filled in the sword blade section to define a cavity. Accordingly, a soft sword is made uniform in quality, and undergoes less degradation in quality even after an extended use.

Abstract: A golf driving range for use with floating balls including a water reservoir having a front edge, a rear edge, and two side edges; a plurality of practice tees along the front edge; a plurality of island greens in the reservoir; a pump system adjacent an edge of the reservoir to pump water onto the surface of water in the reservoir, the pump system including a pump, a water inlet conduit extending into the reservoir, and at least one water outlet conduit extending toward the reservoir; and a ball retriever adjacent an edge of the reservoir on the opposite side of the reservoir from the pump system, the water outlet conduit being positioned to project water substantially parallel to the surface of water in the conduit and generally in the direction of the ball retriever, whereby balls floating in the reservoir float toward, and are retrieved by, the ball retriever.

Abstract: A safety device is used to protect golfers located in blind areas of a golf course from balls being driven, for example, off the tee. The safety device is manually activated by a push-button switch once the golfers enter the blind area. The switch initiates a low current drain, high-intensity, strobe light blinking at a 1 Hz rate that is visible from both the tee and blind areas even in bright sunshine. An electronic timer deactivates the strobe after N minutes. A wireless transmitter link located outside the blind area can be used to recycle the timer prior to the elapsed time (minutes) for those golfers who play more quickly.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for automatically teeing up golf balls having a hopper, a teeing up device and a control panel. The hopper is operatively connected to the teeing up device to supply golf balls to the automatic teeing up device. The teeing up device comprises a piston moving between a lowermost and an uppermost position within a guide cylinder below the ground level. Golf balls are selected and allowed on a tee one at the time. The tee is adjustable in height to simulate a tee off lie or a fairway lie. A detector is located under the tee to detect the presence of a golf ball on the tee to automatically tee up another golf ball when needed. The control panel activates, controls or deactivates the automatic teeing up device.

Abstract: A method and a facility for playing a game with a golf club and golf balls, the facility comprising:a site having a range area visibly divided into a plurality of contiguous target regions, each said target region being associated with a target identifier, and a tee area having a plurality of contiguous tees from which golf balls may be hit toward said range area;scoring means located at said site for scoring a game, said scoring means setting out a sequence of said target identifiers so as to establish a corresponding sequence of designated target regions to which golf balls are to be hit from the tee with a golf club in order, and said scoring means providing means for recording a point score for each time a player hits a golf ball; anda scoring system associated with said scoring means for awarding a point score according to the observed resting position of the golf ball relative to the designated target region.

Abstract: A tee divider for a golf ball driving range is provided of unitary construction having an upstanding wall and a console-like formation at one end thereof provided with outwardly opening storage pockets for articles, said pockets having drains for eliminating liquid accumulating in said pockets and grooves in a surface of said formation for holding a golf club in a vertical position. The divider has laterally protruding flanges for anchoring it at the site of the tee provided on the golf driving range.

Abstract: An artificial golf green is designed for use at driving ranges. The target green structure is formed at an incline to provide users of the golf range the appearance of a much larger target surface due to the perspective effects when viewing an inclined object from a distance. The construction of the target green is sectional to facilitate transportation. The landing surface includes artificial turf and an energy absorbing pad for more realistic performance.

Abstract: A golf ball receiving area can be the size of a conventional golf driving range, and is coordinately subdivided in area by pluralities of uniformly spaced latitude and longitude markers used for measuring both distance along and lateral deviation from an intended line of flight. At least one hitting area, small relative to the size of the receiving area, is adjacent the receiving area for simulating grassy driving areas of a golf course, e.g. a tee and a fairway. The intended line of flight preferably extends from the hitting area across the receiving area parallel to the longitude markers. Preferably near each hitting area is a small sand filled area, such as a small sand box, from which a player makes a sand shot. The sand areas simulate sand trap environments of a golf course. A score card depicts a birds-eye view of some or all the holes of a conventional golf course, and each hole depiction has longitudinal and latitudinal graduations.

Abstract: A limited space enclosed driving range is provided having a field, a multiplicity of golfing bays, golf bay enclosing netting, a golf ball collection device and an enclosure raising, holding and lowering device. The multiplicity of golfing bays from which golfers hit golf balls is arranged on a front part of the field. The golf bay enclosing netting has three side nets that surround the field and has a top net that extends over the field and above the multiplicity of golfing bays for substantially enclosing the field and the multiplicity of golfing bays to contain golf balls being hit by the golfers. The golf bay enclosing netting is made from material that is lightweight, durable and flexible enough to contain the golf balls being hit by the golfers. The golf ball collection device for collecting golf balls being hit by the golfers is arranged on a back part of the field.

Abstract: A golf driving range system for golfers to practice their driving skills is provided. The driving range system includes a plurality of tee boxes. Each tee box has a renewable ball stock and an automatic golf ball tee-up machine. The balls in the ball stock of each tee box have identifying characteristics for relating the balls to the particular tee box. The system has a yard and ball return gutters. The yard has sloped surfaces to cause any golf balls landing on the yard to roll toward the ball return gutters. At least one target is positioned in the yard. The target has a winning ball identification apparatus for sensing the identifying characteristics of a ball hitting the target and relaying this information to a scoring device. The ball return gutters deliver balls landing in the yard to a ball distribution apparatus, which has a return ball identification apparatus for sensing the identifying characteristics of a ball and distributing the ball back to the renewable ball stocks of the tee boxes.

Abstract: A tee divider for a golf ball driving range is provided of unitary construction having an upstanding wall and a console-like formation at one end thereof provided with outwardly opening storage pockets for articles, said pockets having drains for eliminating liquid accumulating in said pockets and grooves in a surface of said formation for holding a golf club in a vertical position. The divider has laterally protruding flanges for anchoring it at the site of the tee provided on the golf driving range.