GB2373736A - A golf practise game - Google Patents

Abstract

A golf practise device comprising a sloping ramp including a target hole which in practise returns a ball to a player whether the ball enters the hole or misses. Preferably rails and foam bunkers are provided on the sides of the ramp to return balls and keep them in play. Optionally a mole may stand by a mole hole and when hit by the player's ball may either retain the ball or release a ball. The device may be free standing and can be used to play a game.

Description

MOLE HOLE I Mole Hole is a simulated golf green and approach area, which can be used either as a competition game or as a form of practise for the serious golfer. It can be played by an individual or group and is suitable for use by persons of any age. The short game is one of the most important parts of golf. The approach shot is often the key to a good score and one which is often practised the least.

Players of Mole Hole can gain a valuable improvement to their game, at the same time having great fun either alone or competing against others on the simulated approach to the green.

Astro turf is laid over a layer of sponge covering a curving plywood ramp. A regular size golf hole is cut 3/4 of the way up the slope on a picture of a golf green. The intention of this is to practise shots in a confined space. The slope simulates the ball going further than space will allow. The second function of the slope is to return the balls to where the player stands. Any balls going down the hole are returned along the mole's tunnel under the green. The mole stands by its mole-hill holding a golf ball it retrieved from its burrow. If this is hit by the player's ball on landing the player can either lose a

ball trapped in the mole hole or receive an extra ball thrown out by the mole, or both.

There are rails and foam bunkers on the sides of the ramp to help to return balls and to keep them in play. The players take it in turns to play a ball each after deciding how many balls they are going to play. The player then has to decide which club to use in order for it

to land the ball on the green and for it to roll into the hole. The player can putt, chip or pitch the ball and every time the ball is returned to an agreed tee box area the ball can be played again.

Every shot sending the ball down the hole counts as one point towards the player's final score this ball is returned and can be played again. Every ball that is not returned is either lost, out of bounds or unplayable and cannot be played again. As soon as this happens it is the next players turn. If playing alone the player tries to get as many points with 10 balls, returning or not, and tries to beat his personal best score.

The Mole Hole is also free standing so no wall is required and could be played in the sports room, garage, garden, sports centres or any suitable space.

Larger premises like Sport Centres are intended to have larger scale versions enabling several people to play at the same time, like a golf range, with the added advantages of being able to practise indoors during the winter months with facilities to buy refreshments and to socialise.

Claims (1)

1. CLAIMS This is a quick way to improve the golfers short game. Balls are returned and set up in front of the golfer with such ease that it enables the golfer to get more shots practised in less time. The game can also be used by non-golfers and children. The game can be more or less difficult by changing the position of the hazards.

   The Mole Hole is different in that it does not use power and returns the balls whether they go into the hole or not, adding extra ease to the practise session. Practise does not become boring as eagerness is developed during the game to get a ball in the hole. I hope to claim that this is the first Golf simulation game of its kind. The patent should cover the design and registration of the trade name Mole Hole.