GB2314277A - Golf game and target for use therein - Google Patents

Abstract

A target for use in a golf game comprises, marking means (15) for indicating a target and ball receiving means, associated with the marking means, defining a scoring area and laid out in to act as a target for golf balls driven at them from a predetermined distance, the ball receiving means having a ball receiving area which is many times the area of a conventional golf hole. The invention also comprises a golf game including golf clubs, golf balls, and a plurality of targets as described above for providing a plurality of discrete scoring areas (1 to 9) laid out in a predetermined pattern to act as targets for golf balls driven at them from a predetermined distance in a predetermined order by the golf clubs. The handling means can be a rubber extrusion 11 which is inserted in the ground, a receptacle containing water and optionally means for extracting a ball, or an inclined net with ball collecting and transfer means.

Description

GOLF GAME AND TARGET FOR USE THEREIN This invention relates to a golf game and to a target for use therewith.

Driving ranges are very popular at the present time for practice in driving golf balls.

However, these ranges suffer from the disadvantage that there is very little competition which can be achieved. The present invention therefore seeks to provide a competitive golf game which is suitable for use on golf driving ranges or other suitable venues.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a target for use in a golf game comprising, marking means for indicating a target and ball receiving means, associated with the marking means, defining a scoring area and laid out in to act as a target for golf balls driven at them from a predetermined distance, the ball receiving means having a ball receiving area which is many times the area of a conventional golf hole.

The ball receiving means may be integral with the marking means and the indicating means may comprise a peripheral marking defining a closed area therewithin forming the ball receiving means.

In one embodiment of the invention the marking means and the ball receiving means are circular. The marking means comprises a flexible elongate element of a cross section comprising a transverse member for bearing on the surface of the ground and a downwardly extending member extending from the transverse member for insertion into the ground, the transverse member having a convex top surface and extending transversely beyond the downwardly extending member.

In a second embodiment of the invention, the ball receiving means comprises a receptacle containing water, the marking means comprising the periphery of the container. Means may be provided for extracting balls from the water in the container and may comprise a piece of netting having openings smaller than the diameter of the balls and adapted to lie in the bottom of the container, the netting being raisable out of the water with any balls which are present in the container.

In a third embodiment of the invention, the target comprises a raised structure containing the ball receiving means so that the ball receiving means is inclined to the ground on which it is placed with its highest part further in the intended direction of travel of the balls than the lowest part.

The lowest part of the target may be on ground level.

The ball receiving means may comprises the upper part of the target and may be separated from the lower part of the target by a gully into which a ball, hitting the target will be received. The lowest point of the gully may be provided with an aperture through which a ball, landing on the target will be guided off the ball receiving means.

Indicating means may be provided, actuated by a ball, passing through the aperture to indicate the presence of a ball. This indicating means may comprise a light actuated by an electronic trip switch as a ball passes it.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a golf game comprising golf clubs, golf balls, and a plurality of targets as described above for providing a plurality of discrete scoring areas laid out in a predetermined pattern to act as targets for golf balls driven at them from a predetermined distance in a predetermined order by the golf clubs.

The size of the ball receiving means and/or the marking means may vary, preferably increase, in dependence on the said predetermined distance over which the balls are driven to reach them.

Scoring means may be provided.

The invention will now be described in greater detail, by way of example, with reference to the drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a diagrammatic plan view of a golf driving range incorporating a golfing game; Figure 2 shows a cross-section through a marking means for a first embodiment of a target in accordance with the invention in its condition prior to insertion into the ground; Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 2 but showing the marking means inserted into the ground; Figure 4 is a diagrammatic plan view of a board of a score console; Figure 5 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a second embodiment of a target in accordance with the invention; Figure 6 shows a fragmentary section taken on the line VI-VI of Figure 5, and Figures 7, 8 and 9 are respectively a vertical section, a front elevation and a plan view of a third embodiment of a target in accordance with the invention.

The apparatus for the golfing game according to Figures 1 to 4 comprises:golf clubs golf balls a white rubber extrusion 225m. in length 9 flag poles signage score pads score consoles As shown in Figure 2, the rubber extrusion 11 is of a constant cross-section consisting of a horizontal, lower transverse member 11 a, an upwardly bowed, upper transverse member 11 b with a convex top surface 1 If, and two downwardly extending members 11 c which interconnect the members 11 a and 11 b and diverge downwardly away from each other at a slight angle to the vertical. The ends lid of the member 11 a protrude slightly beyond the respective members 11 c as do the ends lie of the member 11 b.

To prepare a driving range 12 shown in Figure 1 to receive annular ground markers made forming marking means from the extrusion 11, a plurality of, in this case nine, annular trenches each of rectangular cross-section are dug vertically into the turf 13 of the range. The width of each trench is substantially equal to the distance between the upper ends of the members 11 c. The nine trenches encircle discrete, circular, scoring areas or ball receiving means 1 to 9 spaced differing distances from a driving-off line 14 of the range 12. The centres of the areas may, for example, be at 50 yards, 60 yards, 70 yards, 80 yards, 90 yards, 100 yards, 110 yards, 120 yards and 130 yards, from the driving-off line 14, and the areas themselves may be of 5 yards, 6 yards, 7 yards, 8 yards, 9 yards, 10 yards, 11 yards, 12 yards and 13 yards diameter, progressing away from the driving off line 14. The areas 1 to 9 can, as shown, be arranged approximately in the form of a W positioned sideways on to the line 14.

The extrusion 11 is then cut into lengths equal to the respective circumferences of the nine trenches and each length is then pressed firmly into its corresponding trench to form an annular ground marker 15 round each scoring area 1, 2 etc. and thus forming individual targets. The extrusion length is so pressed into the trench and the turf then packed firmly against the now annular extrusion length that each ground marker 15 thereby formed has the cross-section shown in Figure 3, in which the member 11 a and the lower parts of the members 11 c are pressed inwards, with the ends 11 e overlapping top surface portions 1 3a of the turf 13 at respective opposite edges of the trench 16, and the ends lid of the member 11a engaging beneath soil portions 1 3b of the turf 13 to anchor the marker 15 firmly in the ground, to deter lifting of the ground marker 15 by mowing machines or ballcollecting machines.

Referring to Figure 4, each score board carries a diagram 17 of the range, this being positioned at the middle of the board. To the left and right of the diagram 17 are respective tables 18 and 19 for first and second players, each table consisting of a listing 20 of the nine scoring areas (called "holes"), a column 21 of blank zones aligned with the "hole" numbers 1 to 9 for entry of the player's score for the "hole" and, at the bottom of the column 21, a blank zone 22 for entry of the player's total score. The items 17 to 19 are printed upon a sheet 23 laminated between a back plate (not shown) and a transparent plastics front plate 24 upon which the players can write their scores with drywipe pens.

The convex top surface 11 f of each ground marker 15 has a number of advantages.

Firstly, it discourages golf balls from coming to rest totally upon the ground marker itself, which could lead to arguments as to whether a ball is in or out of the scoring area encircled by the marker. Secondly, it renders the ground marker 15 more readily visible to the players than would be the case if the surface 11 f were not to protrude noticeably from the turf 13.

Referring to Figures 5 and 6, the golfing game apparatus includes, instead of the white rubber extrusion, nine splash ponds forming targets of diameters corresponding to the "hole" diameters. Each splash pond comprises a circular sheet 30 of white, waterproof, elastomeric material and of a diameter slightly larger than the "hole" diameter, a circular sheet 31 of netting of a diameter slightly less than the "hole" diameter and with its interstice width sufficiently less than the diameter of a conventional golf ball that the golf ball cannot pass through the interstice, a flexible thermoplastics tube 32 (which may be of approximately 10cm. diameter) having its ends joined together to form a ring, and a rope (not shown). The edge of the sheet 30 is formed with eyelets 33 distributed therearound and passes under and back over the ring, the rope being passed through the eyelets 33 and pulled tight in a circle to hold the edge zone of the sheet 30 against the outsida of the ring. The netting 31 is releasably connected by means (not shown) to the sheet 30 or to the tube 32 and is disconnected there from the ball collection. The pond is partially filled with water 34. Thus it will be appreciated that the edge of the splash pond (thermoplastics tube 32 etc.) forms a marking means while the water containing part constitutes ball receiving means. The splash ponds may be supplied to the purchaser in an assembled condition or in the form of 9 waterproof sheets with eyelets, rope for the eyelets, 9 netting sheets, releasable connectors for the netting, a length of thermoplastics tube and 9 tube end connectors.

The rules of the game are as follows: Each player is allowed, for each "hole", three balls for three shots from the line 14.

The "holes" are played in their numerical order 1 to 9 (even though the numerical order does not correspond to their order of distance from the line 14).

For his shot or shots at a hole, the player scores as follows, recording only the highest scoring shot at the hole:if his first ball finishes in the scoring area - 5 points if his second ball finishes in the scoring area - 4 points if his third ball finishes in the scoring area - 3 points If a player misses with all three balls a handicapping system is used to ascertain whether any points are awarded. If a player has a recognised golf handicap, his score for missing with all three balls at a hole could be calculated as follows: Handicapped All balls missed Under 9 = 0 points 9 to 18 = 1 point above 18 = 2 points Where players do not have a handicap, they agree among themselves as to whether handicapping should apply and, if so, the points awardable for missing with all balls.

All equipment used, other than the targets and the golf clubs, is standard driving range equipment A further form of target is shown in figures 7 to 9. Here, the target 51 comprises a raised structure 53 having an upper and generally inclined surface 55 containing a ball receiving area 57 which occupies the top part of the surface 55. As can be seen in figure 7 the ball receiving area 57 is rather more inclined than the rest of the surface 55 so that a gully 59 is provided to receive balls which have hit the ball receiving area 57. The gully 59 itself slopes towards the centre, at which point it is provided with an aperture 61 through which balls, received in the gully 59. can pass.

Beneath the aperture 61 is a ball receiving hopper 63 which leads the balls into an expulsion tube 65 by means of which the balls can be lead off outside the target area for collection.

The target is formed with an indicating means in the form of a light 67 situated at the upper edge of the surface 55. This light 67 is powered by a battery 69 and is energized by balls passing down the expulsion tube 65 which actuate an electronic trip switch 71 situated adjacent to the expulsion tube 65.

Operation of the light 67 can either be momentarily, as the ball passes the switch 71, or may be rendered operative for a timed period built into the light circuit.

Alternatively, the light 67 may be actuated by the switch 71 and remain illuminated until switched off by further switch means (not shown).

In general constructional terms, this target 51 may be constructed on a tubular steel frame 73 supporting a fabric surface 55 arranged to absorb the impact of the ball and prevent the ball from bouncing off, steel plates 75 being bolted to the frame 73 to form the gully 59.

It is to be noted that the lower end of the surface 55 extends down to ground level.

The provision of the target 51 with the light indicator 67 provides the possibility of additional scoring incentives. Thus, when the light 67 is illuminated the player gains a bonus point. Correctly hit lofted shots will be caught by the ball receiving area 57, with the balls trickling down through the aperture 61 to activate the light. Correctly hit chip and run shots will cause the ball to trickle up the lower area of the surface 55 and enter the gully 59 to also pass through the aperture. This will provide a positive discrimination against those players who play the game with too much force or the wrong club, providing a greater test of skill and judgment.

Claims (21)

1. A target for use in a golf game comprising, marking means for indicating a target and ball receiving means, associated with the marking means, defining a scoring area and laid out in to act as a target for golf balls driven at them from a predetermined distance, the ball receiving means having a ball receiving area which is many times the area of a conventional golf hole.

2. A target as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ball receiving means are integral with the marking means.

3. A target as claimed in claim 1 wherein the indicating means comprise a peripheral marking defining a closed area therewithin forming the ball receiving means.

4. A target as claimed in claim 3, wherein the marking means and the ball receiving means are circular.

5. A target as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the marking means comprises a flexible elongate element of a cross section comprising a transverse member for bearing on the surface of the ground and a downwardly extending member extending from the transverse member for insertion into the ground, the transverse member having a convex top surface and extending transversely beyond the downwardly extending member.

6. A target as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the ball receiving means comprises a receptacle containing water, the marking means comprising the periphery of the container.

7. A target as claimed in claim 6 wherein means are provided for extracting balls from the water in the container.

8. A target as claimed in claim 7, wherein the extracting means comprise a piece of netting having openings smaller than the diameter of the balls and adapted to lie in the bottom of the container, the netting being raisable out of the water with any balls which are present in the container.

9. A target as claimed in claim 1 and comprising a raised structure containing the ball receiving means so that the ball receiving means is inclined to the ground on which it is placed with its highest part further in the intended direction of travel of the balls than the lowest part.

10 A target as claimed in claim 9, wherein the lowest part of the target is on ground level.

11. A target as claimed in claim 9 or 10, wherein the ball receiving means comprises the upper part of the target and is separated from the lower part of the target by a gully into which a ball, hitting the target will be received.

12. A target as claimed in claim 11, wherein the lowest point of the gully is provided with an aperture through which a ball, landing on the target will be guided off the ball receiving means,

13. A target as claimed in claim 12, and comprising indicating means actuated by a ball, passing through the aperture to indicate the presence of a ball.

14, A target as claimed in claim 13, wherein the indicating means comprise a light actuated by an electronic trip switch as a ball passes it.

15. A target as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein tube means are provided for guiding a ball received in the aperture out of the target region for collection.

16. A golf game comprising golf clubs, golf balls, and a plurality of targets as claimed in any preceding claim for providing a plurality of discrete scoring areas laid out in a predetermined pattern to act as targets for golf balls driven at them from a predetermined distance in a predetermined order by the golf clubs.

17. A game as claimed in claim 16, wherein the size of the ball receiving means and/or the marking means varies in dependence on the said predetermined distance over which the balls are driven to reach them.

18. A game as claimed in claim 17 wherein the ball receiving means andlor the marking means have a size which increases with said predetermined distance.

19. A game as claimed in any of claims 16 to 18, wherein scoring means are provided.

20. A target for use in a golf game and substantially as described herein with reference to the drawings.

21. A golf game substantially as herein described with reference to the drawings.