Abstract: A golf green hole-making device has longitudinal, radial, and angular directions, and includes a cutting cylinder, a structure, a weight, a weight propulsion device, a soil expulsion piston, a piston driving mechanism, and an expulsion activating mechanism. The cutting cylinder has an open end that is freely movable longitudinally. The structure includes a guide with which the weight engages to move along a weight path between first and second endpoints, when propelled by the weight propulsion device, causing the weight to strike the cutting cylinder and urge the cutting cylinder in the longitudinal direction. The soil expulsion piston moves inside the cutting cylinder along its axis. The piston driving mechanism transfers force from the weight propulsion device to the soil expulsion piston to drive the soil expulsion piston towards the open end. The expulsion activating mechanism engages and disengages the piston driving mechanism in relation to the weight propulsion device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for lifting and setting a golf ball on a golf tee without bending include a shaft holding a lifter-setter tool to lift and set a golf ball onto a golf tee plus a parking tray with means for parking a lifter-setter tool upright on the parking tray. The lifter-setter tool is parked upright on the parking tray with Readily Dissociable Fasteners (RDFs) including an upright parking pin fastened to the parking tray and hook-and-loop fasteners, touch fasteners, and mushroom head fasteners, inter alia.

Abstract: A golf ball remover allows easy removal of a golf ball from a golf hole while the flagstick is left in place, thereby sparing physical strain on the golfer and potential damage to the hole. The golf ball remover may user the flagstick itself as a movement guide, with a ball grabbing component that is not kept within the hole, but instead is stored above the hole on the flagstick and is pushed down into the hole when used. The golf ball remover may be attached to a retractable cord and/or other movement component to automatically lift it out of the hole.

Abstract: The golf flagstick with ball retrieval attachment is designed to assist a player in removing a golf ball from a golf cup after the player has played the ball into the cup. The golf flagstick includes a flag mounted proximate a top end of the golf flagstick and a ball retrieval attachment mounted proximate a bottom end of the golf flagstick. The ball retrieval attachment includes a ball retrieval body mounted on the flagstick using a ball retrieval fastener and adjustment mechanism. The ball retrieval fastener and adjustment mechanism allows for height adjustable attachment of the ball retrieval body on the flagstick to compensate for different golf cup depths.

Abstract: A golf accessory for determining a gimme putt distance is disclosed. The golf accessory comprises a handle with a trigger, a telescoping rod mounted to the trigger including a length adjustment configuration, a hinge mechanism mounted to the telescoping rod and a base mounted to the hinge mechanism. The hinge mechanism is configured to allow the telescoping rod to fall horizontally on a ground surface upon activation of the trigger to determine a gimme distance in a golf game. The gimme is determined as positive if the telescoping rod covers a ball marker on the ground surface. The gimme is determined as negative if the telescoping rod fails to cover a ball marker on the ground surface.

Abstract: A golf putting game includes at least one putting green defining a putting surface and a plurality of putting cups disposed within the putting surface at a different location on the putting green. Each putting cup has an exterior housing and an interior core disposed within and removably attached to the exterior housing. The interior core is removable from the exterior housing with the putting cup disposed within the putting surface of the putting green. The interior core of each putting cup may be illuminated by a visible light having a predetermined color and each putting cup may be assigned a predetermined number of base points corresponding to the predetermined color. A player score may be determined from a number of putting strokes made by a player to putt a putting ball into the putting cup and the predetermined number of base points assigned to the putting cup.

Abstract: A yoga paddleboard may include a yoga board body having a hole extending therethrough. The hole may be formed at the approximate lateral and longitudinal center of the paddleboard. The hole may be sized and configured to support a yoga ball pressed in the hole to establish an interfacing friction connection therebetween. The yoga ball may be used to perform yoga exercises while floating on the paddleboard. Alternative embodiments may include yoga ball supports configured to support yoga balls of different sizes and/or multiple yoga balls for use with the paddleboard.

Abstract: A putting training system having: a) an alignment component; b) at least one frame configured to maintain the alignment component in a spaced relationship to a golf hole on a contoured putting surface with the at least one frame in an operative state upon the contoured putting surface; and c) at least one support configured to maintain the at least one frame in the operative state. The alignment component configured to be strategically spaced and located relative to a golf hole whereby a golf ball putted from a starting location spaced from the golf hole towards the alignment component will tend to track along the contoured putting surface towards the putting hole.

Abstract: A golf cup insert has a funnel shaped body including a wall. The wall defines a first aperture having a diameter D1 and a second aperture having a diameter D2. The diameter D1 is sized to fit within a regulation size golf hole; the diameter D2 is smaller than the diameter D1. The insert can be used in a golf ball retrieval system to lift a golf ball out of a golf hole to assist the user and to prevent damage to the hole; the system also eliminates the need for any outside ball retrieval device.

Abstract: A golf cup guard for placement on a golf cup. The body portion is conical and shaped to prevent material from entering a golf cup. There is a handle to assist in placement and removal of the golf cup guard. The golf cup guard may prevent excess paint, fertilizer, sand, or other materials from falling into the golf cup.

Abstract: A collapsible support assembly is provided, which is adapted for use with a golf flag pin in order to easily maneuver between a collapsed vertical position and an uncollapsed extended position. The collapsible support assembly includes an actuating sheath member, which, in combination with biasing means, is capable of extending or retracting a first leg and a second leg, so as to support the golf flag pin above the ground when in the extended position. The collapsible support assembly also includes a movable leg ring and a fixed leg ring, which is adaptable for attachment to the golf flag pin.

Abstract: A collapsible support assembly is provided, which is adapted for use with a golf flag pin in order to easily maneuver between a collapsed vertical position and an uncollapsed extended position. The collapsible support assembly includes an actuating sheath member, which, in combination with biasing means, is capable of extending or retracting a first leg and a second leg, so as to support the golf flag pin above the ground when in the extended position. The collapsible support assembly also includes a movable leg ring and a fixed leg ring, which is adaptable for attachment to the golf flag pin.

Abstract: A golf game system is provided, including at least one ball, at least one club and at least one hole area. The club has a striking sensor for sensing a striking action of the club on the ball, and a score display for displaying a score related to the striking action. The hole area has a tee for placing the ball and a hole for receiving the ball, wherein the hole has a ball-in-the-hole sensor for communicating with the club. Scores are automatically printed for players at game conclusion.

Abstract: A golf lighting system includes a golf cup light assembly having a cup housing sized to fit within a golf cup hole and a light source disposed within the housing and configured to illuminate a cup-shaped portion of the housing. The system also includes a plurality of partially removable lighting devices, each of which having a base portion fixed within the ground and a removable, riser-mounted light.

Abstract: A stand for supporting a golf flagpole in an inclined position includes a collar rotatably secured to the shaft of the flagpole and one or more legs pivotably coupled to the collar. The one or more legs hang generally parallel to the shaft when the flagpole is in an upright position. When the flag of the flagpole is tipped toward the green, the one or more legs swing outwardly away from the shaft to a position generally perpendicular to the shaft to support the flagpole in an inclined position. Regardless of the position or direction that the legs are facing when the flag is tipped toward the green, the collar rotates so that the legs extend to the green to support the flagpole.

Abstract: The rapid and economical replacement of golf flags to indicate the varying position of a flagstick with respect to a golf green is facilitated by a golf flag assembly which has a flag tube element with a radially extending stiff flange which extends from the tube wall. A flexible sleeve extends around the flag tube element to overlie the tube wall and the flange, and has an exterior margin with a first part of a two part hook and loop fastener positioned thereon. A flexible loose flag has an inner margin with a strip of the second part of the two part hook and loop fastener. The loose flag is releasably connected to the flag tube element on the sleeve, permitting it to be rapidly removed and replaced with another loose flag of different appearance indicating a different position of the flagstick on the green.

Abstract: A golf flagstick is provided with a metal ferrule having a cap. The cap is softer than the metal body of the ferrule. The cap reduces wear and tear on the golf cup into which it is placed. The cap may be applied to the metal ferrule by over molding.

Abstract: This golf course includes a fairway (11), tees (17), greens (1), holes (3) and bunkers (4), and other customary obstacles (6). As a particular feature, it has a special lighting arrangement, such that it also allows golf to be played during hours of darkness. To this end, at least the tees (17), the greens (1), the bunkers (4) and obstacles (6) are each equipped with a series of discrete or continuous light sources (12, 15, 18, 20, 36), preferably in the form of ground-installed LEDs or of OLEDs or LEDs. These lights extend along the edges of the objects in question and are installed flush with the ground. The holes (3) are illuminated internally by means of a light source, and the flagpoles (24) are designed as removable illuminating poles, such that the hole (3) remains lit even after removal of the flagpole. On a golf course equipped in this manner, the game of golf is played with an illuminating golf ball.

Abstract: An accessory for association with a standard golf up includes an adapter, a trapping portion and a rise. The adapter is configured to fit within the standard golf cup. The trapping portion is coupled to the adapter, has a recess and delimits a generally planar approach area that is greater in size than an approach area of a standard golf cup. The rise is coupled to the trapping portion.

Abstract: The apparatus and methods of the current invention utilize a device that is secured within a golf hole and comprises a series of tethers and or aiming rods as well as a ball retrieving mechanism. The purpose of the invention is to improve the user's putting ability.

Abstract: A golf flagpole and ferrule assembly for mounting in a golf cup hole is disclosed. The flagpole and ferrule both include cooperating coupling parts to form an attachment therebetween. A cap is applied over portions of the flagpole and the ferrule to couple to the retaining members and secure the flagpole to the ferrule.

Abstract: The invention described herein relates to golf cups and flag sticks. More particularly, the subject matter described herein relates to a system for improved golf flag stick stability and reduced golf cup and/or flag stick ferrule wear. The invention provides a ferrule, golf cup and methods to improve golf flag stick stability and reduce golf cup and/or flag stick ferrule wear. As such, the subject matter described herein relates to providing more consistent golf ball entry due to the stabilization of the flag stick.

Abstract: A golf flagstick is provided with a metal ferrule having a cap. The cap is softer than the metal body of the ferrule. The cap reduces wear and tear on the golf cup into which it is placed. The cap may be applied to the metal ferrule by over molding.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for identifying a pin position on a golf course. The apparatus includes light-emitting means coupled to a pin pole, configured to identify a pin position, and including a wireless transmit/receive portion and a unique ID, and a remote control unit remotely controlling lighting and lights-out of the light-emitting means in a wireless manner.

Abstract: The subject matter described herein includes a system for improved golf flag stick stability and reduced golf cup and/or flag stick ferrule wear. The system includes a ferrule locatable on an end of a golf flag stick that is inserted in a golf cup. The ferrule has a top portion, a bottom portion, and a sidewall located between the top portion and the bottom portion, where the sidewall tapers inward at an angle selected from the range of 5 degrees to 30 degrees from the top portion to the bottom portion. The system further includes a golf cup having a central aperture for receiving the flag stick. The central aperture is defined by a sidewall that is tapered inward at an angle corresponding to an angle of the ferrule.

Abstract: A golf flagpole and ferrule assembly for mounting in a golf cup hole is disclosed. The flagpole and ferrule both include cooperating coupling parts to form an attachment therebetween. A cap is applied over portions of the flagpole and the ferrule to couple to the retaining members and secure the flagpole to the ferrule.

Abstract: A ferrule (1) and a hole cup (2) for a golf flag (3), where the ferrule (1) is designed with a boring (4) in which a golf flag (3) is placed, and an upper part (5) having a greater diameter than a lower part (6) of the ferrule which is intended for disposition in a hole (7) in the hole cup (2), the hole cup (2) being formed by a cylindric wall (8) and a bottom (9) with a centre hole (7) having a shape and a depth for receiving the lower part (6) of the ferrule, where at least two replaceable elastic means (10) are provided between the lower part (6) of the ferrule and the centre hole (7) of the hole cup, where at least two fastening means (11) are correspondingly provided, each intended for retaining an elastic means (10), and each provided by an annular groove (15) on the ferrule (1), and where one or more longitudinal grooves (16) are provided in the ferrule (1).

Abstract: The subject matter described herein includes a system for improved golf flag stick stability and reduced golf cup and/or flag stick ferrule wear. The system includes a ferrule locatable on an end of a golf flag stick that is inserted in a golf cup. The ferrule has a top portion, a bottom portion, and a sidewall located between the top portion and the bottom portion, where the sidewall tapers inward at an angle selected from the range of 5 degrees to 30 degrees from the top portion to the bottom portion. The system further includes a golf cup having a central aperture for receiving the flag stick. The central aperture is defined by a sidewall that is tapered inward at an angle corresponding to an angle of the ferrule.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for identifying a pin position on a golf course. The apparatus includes light-emitting means coupled to a pin pole, configured to identify a pin position, and including a wireless transmit/receive portion and a unique ID, and a remote control unit remotely controlling lighting and lights-out of the light-emitting means in a wireless manner.

Abstract: A portable golf practice game consisting of a wall having a front face, rear face, and base. The wall includes a plurality of openings along the base for the entry of an object there-through. Each opening includes an opening sensor to detect the presence of an object there-through. The wall further includes proximity sensors along the base to detect the presence of an object not passing though an opening. The sensors emit a signal which is detected by a processor connected to the wall. Each opening has a corresponding graphic element which displays a value interpreted by the processor. A user chooses a game on the input device, then propels an object toward the wall, a sensor emits a signal, the processor interprets the signal and the graphic element displays an assigned value.

Abstract: An illuminated golf flagpole is disclosed. One embodiment comprises a frosted polycarbonate tube coated or continuous covering with electoluminescent film. Another embodiment provides a plurality of LEDs externally mounted to a flagpole tube and covered with a translucent shell. Yet another embodiment provides a range finder mounted to a flagpole tube for transmitting data to a golfer via a portable remote control device or GPS receiver regarding such golfer's distance from a flagpole pin. Luminescence levels and colors may be adjusted to meet golf association and course rules and provide data regarding distance from a flagpole pin. Still yet another embodiment provides an anemometer and a wind direction detector mounted to a flagpole tube to transmit information about wind direction and speed at the pin to the golfer at each hole using such remote control device or remote receiver.

Abstract: The golf putting cup lighting system is a regulation golf cup having an open top, a cylindrical wall and a closed bottom, the regulation cup being secured on the green. The bottom of the cup is fabricated with a light capable of shining upward through the open top. A power source is included to provide electrical power for the light. A dimmer/switch is provided to activate the light at desired times, such as dusk and nighttime. When the illuminated golf putting cup is activated, players may continue playing under low light conditions.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the subject matter described herein, a golf putting practice device is provided. The golf putting practice device includes an upper portion for extending from a bottom of a golf cup and being viewable by a golfer during putting practice. A bottom portion is insertable into a socket of the golf cup. A flange is located above the bottom portion and configured to rest on the bottom of the golf cup that surrounds the socket for preventing the bottom portion from extending into the socket beyond a predetermined depth. An elongate portion joins the upper portion and the flange and has a diameter less than the diameter of the golf cup. At least one visual target is located in or on the upper portion of the golf putting practice device for providing an area of visual focus for a golfer during putting practice.

Abstract: An illuminated golf cup is internally lighted by a light source disposed within the cup. The light source is suspended in the bottom of the cup by being secured to the underside of an insert in the cup. The light source is directed upward from the bottom of the cup to cast light up and out of the cup. The light illuminates the opening of the cup and the flag in the cup, making the golf cup more visible from a distance and in low light.

Abstract: An illuminated golf cup is internally lighted by a light source disposed within the cup. The light source is suspended in the bottom of the cup by being secured to the underside of an insert in the cup. The light source is directed upward from the bottom of the cup to cast light up and out of the cup. The light illuminates the opening of the cup and the flag in the cup, making the golf cup more visible from a distance and in low light.

Abstract: A ferrule (1) and a hole cup (2) for a golf flag (3), where the ferrule (1) is designed with a boring (4) in which a golf flag (3) is placed, and an upper part (5) having a greater diameter than a lower part (6) of the ferrule which is intended for disposition in a hole (7) in the hole cup (2), the hole cup (2) being formed by a cylindric wall (8) and a bottom (9) with a centre hole (7) having a shape and a depth for receiving the lower part (6) of the ferrule, where at least two replaceable elastic means (10) are provided between the lower part (6) of the ferrule and the centre hole (7) of the hole cup, where at least two fastening means (11) are correspondingly provided, each intended for retaining an elastic means (10), and each provided by an annular groove (15) on the ferrule (1), and where one or more longitudinal grooves (16) are provided in the ferrule (1).

Abstract: A mounting device for the end of a flag pole that provides an enhanced coupling of the pole within a golf cup is provided. The mounting device includes a securement rib that fastens to the pole without adhesive or secondary fasteners. The mounting device also includes features to minimize sticking to the golf cup and provides for a more upright presentation of the flag pole even in windy or breezing conditions.

Abstract: A ferrule and coupling member assembly for mounting a flag pole is disclosed. The ferrule and coupling member are both formed from a non-metallic material, such as a ceramic composite material, which aids in wear-resistance and provides a low coefficient of friction between the surfaces. In addition, debris will be less likely to become lodged in a gap between the ferrule and coupling member and particulate matter on the golf course will not be able to gouge or scratch the ferrule or the coupling member.

Abstract: A ferrule and coupling member assembly for mounting a flag pole is disclosed. The ferrule and coupling member are both formed from a non-metallic material, such as a ceramic composite material, which aids in wear-resistance and provides a low coefficient of friction between the surfaces. In addition, debris will be less likely to become lodged in a gap between the ferrule and coupling member and particulate matter on the golf course will not be able to gouge or scratch the ferrule or the coupling member.

Abstract: A golf cup is provided that has a cylindrical wall defining an interior. The golf cup includes an insert formed from a non-metallic material positioned in the interior to form two chambers. The insert and chambers are arranged and configured to effect an audible indication upon an object, such as a golf ball, being dropped into the interior of the golf cup through the receiving opening. In one form, the audible indication is similar to that obtained from a golf ball being dropped into a metallic golf cup that is buried in the ground.

Abstract: A mounting device for the end of a flag pole that generally cleans a golf cup hole as the flag pole is removed from the golf cup. In one form, the mounting device includes an annular flange at one end that has a diameter and configuration to permit the mounting device to retain and remove debris from the cup as the flag pole is removed from the cup.

Abstract: A mounting device for the end of a flag pole that provides an enhanced coupling of the pole within a golf cup is provided. The mounting device includes a securement rib that fastens to the pole without adhesive or secondary fasteners. The mounting device also includes features to minimize sticking to the golf cup and provides for a more upright presentation of the flag pole even in windy or breezing conditions.

Abstract: A ferrule that includes a ledge having an underside with indentations. The indentations cooperating with a golf putting cup that has a ferrule socket formed by a plurality of primary fins. The ferrule and ferrule socket cooperating to prevent spinning of the flag, resist wear, and provide a straight standing flagstick.

Abstract: A golf flagstick with telescoping sections displays patterns, colors, or other visual indicators on sections. A given visual indicator may be displayed by extending a section or hidden by retracting the section. By extending and retracting combinations of specific sections, linear sequences of visual indicators corresponding to different hole positions on a golf green may be displayed to distant golfers, assisting the golfers in aiming drives to optimize ball placement.

Abstract: A golf club and golf pin stand having a main body support bracket and a pair of leg members which, when attached to a golf pin, supports the golf pin above the ground in a tripod configuration. The main body support bracket is adapted to connect to the shaft of the golf pin. The leg members are pivotally attached to the main body support bracket and move freely relative to the main body support bracket between a retracted position when the golf pin is in a vertical position and an extended position when the golf pin is in a horizontal position.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a system, method and device for attachment to a golf flagstick. Through interaction with a golf hole cup, the invention prevents indentation damage to the earthen rim of the golf hole, and abrasion damage to the flagstick itself. It also provides a means for retaining the flag in the cup, preventing high winds or other lateral pressures from unwanted removal from the cup.

Abstract: The present invention provides a self-recording golf ball having an inner core defined by an outer cover, said golf ball further comprising a microprocessor, a power source, a receive and transmit device, and a piezo sensor electrically connected to one another and housed within said inner core of said golf ball; wherein the microprocessor further is programmed to record data corresponding to strokes received by the ball and to transmit the data, via the receive and transmit device, to a second microprocessor.

Abstract: A ball target assembly into which a rolling ball is directed and the associated method of playing a game using the ball target assembly. The ball target assembly has a base section wherein at least one ramp extends from the base section. A cup is disposed in the top surface of the base section. The ramp provides a surface upon which a rolling ball approaching the base section can roll to reach the cup. A flag indicator is provided that is selectively positionable between a down position and a raised position. The position of the flag indicator is controlled by an activation mechanism. The activation mechanism moves the flag indicator from its down position to its raised position when a ball is received in the cup. As such, when a ball rolls into the cup, the flag indicator automatically is raised.

Abstract: A golf hole device having an advertisement printed on the upper surface thereof, wherein the device is placed at the bottom of a standard golf hole cup, thus permitting viewing of the advertisement upon retrieval of a golf ball from the golf hole.

Abstract: A golf cup bell is provided including a bell and a bracket coupled to the bell for supporting the bell interior a golf cup such that a golf ball entering the golf cup strikes the bell causing the bell to move relative to the bracket producing an audible ring for indicating the golf ball's entry into the golf cup. The golf cup bell is designed to be mountable in a standard golf cup. In one embodiment the bell defines a central opening for receiving a flag stick therethrough. Also disclosed is a golf cup including a cylindrical housing and a golf cup bell as described above.