Abstract: Golf putting practice devices and methods are described that can be used to practice putting indoors on a flat surface or in an opening in the floor. For example, some example golf putting practice devices described herein may include a ball receptacle, a frame, and a ramp. The ball receptacle has one or more walls defining a cavity sized to receive a golf ball. The frame has multiple openings to allow a flow of air when the device is placed over an opening in the floor, such as a duct outlet of a forced air circulation system. The ramp of the device may be adjustable between different lengths.

Abstract: A green simulation apparatus having a configurable upper surface with a changeable contour may comprise a covering forming the upper surface and a covering support assembly configured to support the covering. The support assembly may comprise a plurality of movable positioning elements having the covering resting thereon and positioned in an array extending in a reference plane and movable along axes extending substantially perpendicular to the reference plane. The support assembly may comprise a movement actuator configured to move at least one of the positioning elements independently of other positioning elements in the array. The plurality of positioning elements may include active positioning elements and passive positioning elements, with the active positioning elements being associated with a movement actuator and the passive positioning elements not being associated with a movement actuator.

Abstract: A golf putting apparatus that is portable and designed to enhance a golfer's skill level is presented. The apparatus includes a strip made of a flexible material that is configured to form an elongated flat surface in an extended position, and a carrier unit configured to detachably couple with the strip. The carrier unit has a first wall around which the strip is wound for storage, the first wall defining a cavity that is configured to catch a ball that travels off an end of the strip.

Abstract: A device for practicing putting of a golf ball includes: an elongate base with opposed first and second ends and an upper surface; an elongate rail with an upper surface and opposed first and second ends, the rail mounted to the base such that the upper surface of the rail is positioned above and generally parallel with the upper surface of the base; a locating feature positioned adjacent the first end of the rail, the locating feature configured to provide a resting place for a golf ball; and a target area positioned near the second end of the base panel located adjacent the second end of the rail. Such a device can provide immediate and accurate feedback on putting errors committed by the user.

Abstract: Training equipment to verify the quality of his/her putt comprising a base arrangeable on the ground and on which a player can place and hit a golf ball, means for receiving the ball in a first predetermined position, and at least one pair of obstacles arrangeable on the base in a plurality of second predetermined positions in which the obstacles define therebetween at least one gate adapted to be passed through by the ball when hit by the player; in which each obstacle is made by a plate adapted to interact with the ball and supported by the base by means of an elastically deformable stem including an upper end, which integrally supports the plate, and a lower end anchored to the base by means of a first and a second magnetic element adapted to be reciprocally attracted, the first carried integrally by the lower end of the elastically deformable stem and supported on a upper face of the base; and the second carried by the base, which is rotatably coupled with a support provided with a goniometric scale visib

Abstract: A weighted ball rebounder and method for increasing power on an athletic performance provide a trampoline member including a resilient sheet affixed to a peripheral frame pivotally coupled to a base and disposed on a substantially horizontal surface. Stabilizing members prevent the rebounder from moving along the surface when a weighted ball such as a 2–20 pound medicine ball, is rebounded therefrom. The trampoline member is angularly adjustable up to 180° in fixed positions. The method provides a user drawing a weighted ball in a direction away from the rebounder, then abruptly swinging the weighted ball toward the rebounder and releasing. The rebounder returns the weighted ball in flight, to the user.

Abstract: A practice putting device according to the present invention is an annular collar sized for a snug friction fit onto a conventional golf ball. The collar in use is placed on a putting surface so that the golf ball may be aimed at the collar opening when the collar is laid on its side. Upon a successful putt, a golf ball becomes frictionally lodged within the collar. The collar has a one inch depth which, when the putt has the correct weight, and is aimed exactly so as to lodge in the collar, the collar will flip up so that its opening is in a horizontal plane, and so as to hold the golf ball in the manner of an egg sitting in an egg cup.

Abstract: An indoor/outdoor, portable, modular practice golf simulation apparatus that can be modified to be used as a putting green or driving mat. The apparatus includes a plurality of modular frame pieces that are coupled together to form a frame. These modular frame pieces may be unitary structures or urethane foam supported structures. A golf simulation surface having varying length and color simulation grass is attached to the frame to allow for use as a putting green or a driving mat. A plurality of cups, with or with ball clearing ducts, may be molded in the frame pieces to provide a wide variety of golf practice situations.

Abstract: A golf practice device, for use in combination with a golf ball which simulates the performance of a real hole of a conventional golf course. The device has a planar base support with a base aperture formed in its top surface to accommodate an appropriately sized base rim for either stationary or rotational engagement therein. A deflector attached to the base rim with an inner surface curved to dissipate a determined amount of the total kinetic energy from the golf ball struck toward the device redirects the ball into or away from a base cavity depending upon the amount of force the ball possesses when it strikes and travels over the curved deflector. Additional dissipation of energy from the golf ball may be achieved by forming the deflector from material which will absorb some of the balls energy when striking the deflector.

Abstract: A combination putting green for golf putting training of the present invention has a base, which has two convex blocks at two sides thereof. A ball path unit disposes on the base, which has three supporting devices at bottom side thereof. The supporting devices respectively pivot to three supporting bases on the base, whereby the supporting devices can be turn to change the slopes of the ball path. A goal mounts on the ball path unit. Three press-typed inductors dispose on the base under the ball path unit. The inductors will be activated when a ball runs over the ball path unit. A speaker mounts in the base for broadcasting an audio message while the inductor is activated, and a power supply installs in the base to provide the necessary power.

Abstract: A putting practice system for aiding golfers in maintaining putting skill levels. The practice system includes a surface contour that is adaptable by a user by inflating one or more air bladders to offer putting challenges not provided by a smooth even putting surface.

Abstract: A golf putting practice device is provided which will enable a golfer to practice putts of varying distances in a small area. The device includes a base, a height indicator arm hingedly connected to the base, and a relatively short track (e.g., 6-7') along which a golfer putts. The track may be elevated at one end to a desired height and secured at that height to the height indicator arm. The height indicator arm is calibrated for the length of the track and the various heights to which the track is raised, such that when the track is raised to a certain height (e.g., 2'), a practice putt on the device will correspond to a putt of a desired distance (e.g., 30') on an actual putting green. The surface of the track can be altered to simulate a dry putting green or a wet putting green. Varying putting green conditions, i.e., varying frictional forces exerted against the ball by the putting green, can also be varied simply by varying the height to which the track is raised.

Abstract: A miniature golf game that utilizes hook and loop material commonly referred to as VELCRO to capture a ball rolled onto a green. The game includes a miniature green that has a simulated hole covered with VELCRO material. The VELCRO material can either be sewn into the green or attached to a disk that is placed onto the hole. The green may also have a sandtrap patch that has VELCRO material. A VELCRO covered ball is rolled onto the green with a golf club. The golf ball becomes attached to the simulated hole or patch when the ball is rolled into the simulated hole or patch areas. There is also disclosed a hook and loop baseball game that includes a miniature field which simulates a baseball diamond. The baseball game has a plurality of VELCRO covered disks located throughout the field. A player throws a VELCRO covered ball at the disks on the field. A disk is removed from the field when the ball strikes the disk. Each removed disk may represent a single, home run, out, etc.