JP2007535992A - How to conduct multiple golf course performance competitions - Google Patents

Abstract

  In the present invention, a golfer inputs various golf performance information on various golf courses to a portable performance input device. This device has a wireless communication capability. Such performance information enables golfers who have achieved a predetermined golf performance target (such as hole-in-one) to be identified. This device can receive information that updates the golfer regarding the current status of the corresponding competition, and in particular can signal the end of the competition and / or information about the winner (or other corresponding information that can be selected). I will provide a.

Description

  The present invention relates generally to golf courses and to performance competitions related to golf performance.

  Golf games include well-understood activities. In general, in each of a series of holes, a golfer uses a golf club to strike a golf ball from the first tee area, and then continues to strike the golf ball and finally sunk the golf ball into a particular cup. Golfers often play games (both official and informal), and the winner is based on which individual golfer (or team of golfers) required the minimum number of hits to sink the golf ball into such a cup Determined.

  By definition, the minimum number of strokes required to sink a golf ball into the cup is one. Although a relatively rare occurrence, such an achievement is typically referred to as a hole-in-one (ie, sunk a golf ball into the hole with a single stroke). Often, golf courses or other organizations sponsor a hole-in-one competition where the first golfer who achieves such a performance event wins an award. However, since such achievement is a relatively rare event, it takes many (or longer) days for a golfer to achieve such a goal on a golf course. Such a waiting time between the start of a hole-in-one competition and its final conclusion makes the competition less effective, losing enthusiasm and interest in the competition.

  The above needs are at least partially met by the method and golf course communication system equipment described in the detailed description below with reference to the drawings.

  Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the elements in the accompanying drawings are drawn for brevity and are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some elements are exaggerated in the figures relative to other elements to aid in understanding various embodiments of the present invention. In other instances, well-known elements that are necessary or useful for commercial implementation in order to better illustrate the various embodiments of the present invention are sometimes not depicted. The terms and expressions used herein are understood to have the ordinary meaning given to their respective territories by those skilled in the art unless otherwise indicated herein.

  In general, with respect to various embodiments, all or some of the golfers on each of a plurality of golf courses are provided with a portable performance input device that, in the preferred embodiment, has wireless communication capabilities. Yes. And in order to give the received golf performance information, the golf performance information about such golfers is received (preferably transmitted by a portable performance input device). The latter is used to identify a golfer who has achieved a particular predetermined golf performance goal to provide an identified golfer. And the information regarding the golfer is notified to at least some of the plurality of golfers using the portable result input device.

  In one embodiment, the predetermined golf performance goal includes doing a hole-in-one in any of a plurality of golf courses. Constructed in this way, multiple golf course / hole-in-one competition is facilitated, and as a result, golfers on the multiple courses can effectively compete with each other to achieve hole-in-one first. The number of participating golf courses (and the number of competing golfers) is relatively limitless, so the probability that a golfer will achieve a hole-in-one within a reasonable period of time is related to one normal golf course Rise to considerable prospects. This will benefit everyone interested in the competition, excitement and attention.

  In one embodiment, the portable grade entry device includes a device that can be held in a hand that is at least somewhat similar in size to a personal digital assistant. Such devices may additionally serve other purposes such as score recording, tournament score display, golf course communication, distance measurement from the current ball position to the pin, and other game or course facility related tasks. it can. Such a device can use a display and / or audio alert to notify the message recipient of the competition status and / or results.

  If comprised in this way, in order to provide golf performance information, the golf performance of the several golf participant who is playing golf on the several golf course can be detected in an at least near real time aspect. The golf performance information can then be used to identify at least one golf participant who has achieved a specific predetermined golf performance goal to provide the identified golf participant. The information regarding the identified golf participant can then be communicated to other golfers. Such information about the participant can be detailed information (golfer name, golf course on which the golfer achieved hole-in-one, etc.) or general information (such as a simple message indicating that the corresponding game has ended).

  Referring to the drawings, and in particular, FIG. 1, the facilitation process 10 provides a plurality of golfers on a plurality of golf courses with a portable grade input device (or a plurality of portable grade input devices) having wireless communication capabilities 11. According to one approach, each such golfer is given such a device. According to another approach, one such device is provided to multiple golfers (eg, one such portable device is assigned to two specific golfers (to share one golf cart with each other). Or assigned to four specific golfers (such as those who play individual holes as a group).

  The form factor of the portable grade input device can vary according to location needs and preferences. According to one approach, at least some of the portable grade input devices are devices that can be held in the hand. According to another approach, at least some of the portable grade input devices are devices that can be mounted on a golf cart. Such form factors and mounting choices are relatively well known to those skilled in the art and need no further explanation here.

  Regardless of the number of golfers assigned to one such portable device, it is often desirable to associate such golfers with the portable devices assigned to them. Once related in this way, data transmission from the device can be reliably correlated by a particular golfer. Such correlation is important to facilitate the consistency of competitions such as hole-in-one competitions.

  The process 10 then receives 12 golf performance information for a plurality of different golfers transmitted by the portable performance input device. In a preferred approach, the portable grade entry device serves as an electronic scorecard for one or more golfers. Configured in this way, golfers enter their score for each hole they play (typically not necessary, but at the end of each such hole). For example, when it is necessary to complete four strokes for a certain hole on a certain golf course, the golfer inputs “4” to the portable result input device. The use of a device similar to a personal digital assistant for the purpose of recording scores when playing golf is generally well understood and no further description is necessary here in this regard.

  In a preferred method, the portable result input device transmits such score information to, for example, the clubhouse base station of the golf course. This allows for a centralized score maintenance. This approach further ensures that the achievement of a hole-in-one by a golfer is reported to the center in a relatively quick manner. If desired, of course, general scoring information need not be reported in such a quick manner. Instead, the complete set of scores (or just the total cumulative score) can be transmitted at the end of the golf round (or if desired, the overall score of a golfer need not be transmitted at all). In such a case, this receipt 12 activity may essentially only include receipt of hole-in-one information for the corresponding golfer when achievement of the hole-in-one occurs.

  The process 10 then identifies golf participants who have achieved a specific predetermined golf performance goal (such as a hole in one for a specific hole or holes, or any hole on a golf course). Therefore, the received golf performance information is used 13. In a preferred competition mode, this includes the identification of golf participants who have achieved their performance goals after a certain predetermined start time (eg, through various means, the start time of the competition is announced and the participants and potential participation Advertised to the

  Such identification can be achieved in various ways. In a preferred approach, a portable input device is registered or otherwise associated with a golfer (or golfers), and transmission of performance achievement information by the portable performance input device is information about the achievement itself ( Information such as a score “1” indicating a hole-in-one) and certain specific or alias information that correlates achievement to a golfer. This allows achievement information to be correlated and given to the golfer. Other interesting information can also be provided. Of course, including golf course identification, hole where the achievement occurred, date and time, current local weather conditions, information about the golfer, golfer name, golfer gender or age, golfer handicap, etc. (Of course, such information about the golfer can be obtained in advance and such information can be kept in an available database). As another example, a golfer who has achieved the performance goal or someone who is accompanied by the golfer enters text into the portable performance input device regarding the environment of the achievement, which is then transmitted by the device to process 10 Can be received via.

  Process 10 communicates 14 information about the identified golf participant to at least some of the plurality of golfers using a portable performance input device. Such information can be short or complete as desired or appropriate to the needs of a given application. For example, such information may simply include an expression that indicates that achievement has occurred. This notifies other golfers that someone has achieved a hold-in-one, for example during a multi-golf course hole-in-one competition, without providing any other information regarding that achievement. This technique is useful, for example, for notifying a plurality of golfers that a golf performance competition has ended. In another example, such information may include other information, such as the name of the golf course where achievement of performance occurred and / or the name of the golfer who achieved that performance goal. Of course, other information and / or statistics on golfers, golf courses, environments that have achieved performance goals, etc. are available and can be provided if available.

  In the preferred embodiment, referring to FIG. 2, the portable grade input device generates its own process 20 to support this entire process 10. In particular, the process 20 is suitable for use by golfers when playing golf on a golf course. This process 20 is used by golfers to provide golf performance information when playing golf on a golf course, and particularly when trying to achieve a predetermined golf performance (such as achieving a hole-in-one) by competing with other golfers. Input 21 to a portable grade input device.

In one optional approach, the portable grade input device can determine whether the entered grade information is one or more predetermined achievement goals. When this is true (such as when the achievement target includes achievement of hole-in-one and the entered achievement information indicates such achievement), the process will at least generate automatic transmission of achievement information. (Alternatively, instead of automatic transmission of such information, process 20 may wait for a special non-automatic transmission instruction from the user.)
For example, the device can display a message to the user indicating that it is ready to send a message regarding the achievement of the golfer's performance goal. In such an embodiment, the golfer has the option of rejecting the transmission if so desired. Such a technique supports an operating mode in which the device is not used to transmit all grade information input by the golfer. When configured in this way, the device is essentially ready to send or be ready to send only information related to achievement of the performance goal in more detail, rather than information about the golfer's game or other aspects of the performance.

  This decision mechanism 22 is only a selective technique as described above. If desired, such a determination step can be avoided and the portable performance input device can selectively (or not) automatically enter the golf performance information 21 input as described above. A transmission can be provided. That is, in one embodiment, all (or at least a predetermined portion) of entered golf performance information (and a predetermined golf performance goal as reflected by such information is achieved). Can be automatically transmitted), leaving it to the receiver to confirm or otherwise identify it. In another embodiment, all such data can be transmitted in response to a transmission command expressed by the user.

  Regardless of how the portable grade entry device sends and does not send such information, this process 20 may also be a radio that indicates when another golfer in the competition has achieved a predetermined golf grade. Provides for receiving a message sent in 24. For example, the device can receive a message indicating that a golfer on another golf course has achieved hole-in-one. Such a message can be complete or concise as desired. For example, such a message can simply indicate that the competition has now ended (this can be inferred that someone has achieved a predetermined goal). Or it can indicate in detail who has achieved that predetermined goal. Alternatively, information about individuals or teams that have achieved a predetermined goal, golf courses that have achieved the goal, etc. can be provided by nominating some of the many choices in this regard.

  Such messages, once received, are accommodated in various ways. For example, in one preferred but selective approach, the device displays this message 25 and / or provides some alert to otherwise attract the corresponding golfer to the device. Such an alarm can be visual (such as a flashing light), audible (such as a beep tone), tactile (vibration unit), or other known or later-developed alert mechanism. According to another embodiment, if desired, the synthesized speech can be used to provide a speech version of the text message to the user (or alternatively, the received wireless message itself can be simplified by the device. Can include audible synthetic messages or natural voice messages).

  Such a method is easy, for example, a multiple golf course competition where golfers compete with each other to first achieve a predetermined goal (hole-in-one, birdie, eagle, first drive equal to or exceeding a certain minimum). Promote. Although potentially geographically widely separated, such players can nevertheless participate in real-time urgent, timely, and real-time competitions. This greatly promotes and attracts interest in competition.

  Such a process as described above can be facilitated in various ways. Possible embodiments are described to support at least some such processes.

  Referring to FIG. 3, a typical golf course 30 includes one or more holes located within a perimeter 31 defined by the boundaries of the golf course 30 (each hole being a tee area, fairway, and green and pin ( Including various obstacles, bunker, trap etc)). The depicted embodiment shows nine golf courses. However, as will be readily appreciated, these teachings can be readily applied to golf courses of various sizes and designs, including larger and smaller golf courses. Such golf course 30 facilities typically include at least one central or main building including a clubhouse 32. Such clubhouse 32 provides facilities for so-called professional shops, dining and / or liquor areas, conference areas, maintenance areas, and the like. Other buildings and man-made structures are provided as needed for certain golf course embodiments.

  According to these embodiments, a plurality of wireless access points 38 are located within the golf course. In the exemplary embodiment, substantially all of the plurality of wireless access points are located within the outer periphery 31 of the golf course 30. However, if desired, one or more wireless access points can be located outside this outer periphery 31, as indicated here by the wireless access point having reference numeral 39.

  In general, these wireless access points 38 preferably support the appropriate protocol and modulation to allow sufficient support of the desired communication load and traffic. For example, 802.11 (a), (b) or (g) (or combinations thereof) compatible wireless communications can be easily used in such scenarios. Such protocols and platforms that support them are well known to those skilled in the art and are not described in further detail for the sake of brevity, except where otherwise useful in the description herein.

  If desired, a single wireless access point can be used to provide communication access for the entire golf course 30. However, in many cases, multiple lower power access points for these purposes can be conveniently and inexpensively deployed for these purposes. For example, the club house 32 (or shelter, or selected location, other building) houses a first wireless access point 33 that provides wireless communication within the service area 34 of the first corresponding zone. On the other hand, different parts of the golf course 30 are served by a second wireless access point 35 having a service area 36 in the second corresponding zone.

  At least a portion of the resulting wireless communication resource capability is dedicated to supporting the golf course 30's own facility communication. This part is easily used to support synchronous or asynchronous communication (to best match the operability of a given wireless facility) that facilitates the transmission and reception behavior of the processes described above.

  Referring to FIG. 4, a golf course local area network 41 is constructed together from various parts and elements that constitute the network in a successful manner. These elements include those well known in the art such as computers, printers, scanners, routers and the like. In one embodiment, this local area network 41 is also coupled to one or more external nets such as the Internet 42. When configured in this way, various elements of the local area network can access other elements, eg, remote servers, via an external network connection. According to a preferred approach, this system is a wireless access point for golf course local area network 41 (although only one such base station is depicted in FIG. 4 for simplicity, The preferred embodiment includes at least one golf course base station 43 that serves as a plurality of such base stations).

The golf course base station 43 supports wireless communication with one or more portable devices 44. The latter includes, for example, one-way or two-way units that can be held in a hand that supports voice and / or data communication or can be mounted on a golf cart. In particular, these communications typically include golf course facility information. Such communications typically include messages that interact with one or more elements of the golf course network 41 (via the internet 42, where interaction is also supported if necessary). Such information includes information related to real time and / or planned or scheduled data or instructions related to golf course status, operation, or maintenance. Such information
-Pin location information (including current, past and / or planned location);
-Meal order information (including available menus, ordering methods, ask for help, order status, etc.);
-Product order information (including purchase or rental of various items of golf equipment and consumables or souvenirs);
-Score information (past or current score information for a particular individual, team, tournament play, player on other golf course, etc.); and / or -score card print information (eg clubhouse or other selected Including, but not limited to, a score submission or confirmation message to facilitate the printing of certain scorecards at the location.

  It is understood that such golf course facility information 25 includes user-initiated transmission and / or automatic transmission. Regarding the latter, pin position information including relatively new pin position information can be automatically broadcast according to the first broadcast schedule. On the other hand, relatively old pin position information can be automatically broadcast according to a different second broadcast schedule. For example, the first broadcast schedule includes transmitting new pin location information about every 60 seconds at about five minute intervals. The second broadcast schedule can include old pin position information about once every 10 minutes.

  In accordance with a preferred approach, the golf course base station 43 also serves to support communication to and from the portable device 44 as described above. In particular, the performance information input to the portable device 44 is wirelessly transmitted to the golf course base station 43 and relayed to another location via the golf course / local area network 41 and the Internet 42, and so on. Performance information is stored, analyzed, and / or otherwise used to facilitate a given performance-related competition. Similarly, information regarding the game can be transmitted to the portable device 44 via the golf base station 43.

  A more detailed description of the embodiment will be given with reference to FIG. A golf course remote from the base station 43 can include a wireless access point 31 (an access point as provided by YDI Wireless Inc.). Such an access point can easily accommodate, for example, 802.11 (a), (b), (g) or a combination of those protocols. In this embodiment, the base station 43 is also a differential global positioning satellite receiver 53 (BAE Systems) that receives GPS signals from global positioning satellites in orbit as is well known to those skilled in the art. -Including a star box GPS receiver). A base station controller 52 is operatively coupled to help control the operation of the access point 51 and the DGPS receiver 53. In addition to the base station 43, one or more repeaters 58 (proxim repeaters) can be deployed with respect to a given golf course to provide computer service and sufficient service coverage. Those skilled in the art will note that such repeaters can differ from each other in terms of the number of radios, antenna configuration, and / or antenna steering, and the average radiated power to accommodate different service range needs and challenges. Can be recognized.

  Such base station 43 and repeater 58 communicate with computer 55 (in this case, a clubhouse computer, ie a computer such as a personal computer located in a clubhouse for a golf course) via an appropriate link. To do. In this embodiment, the link includes a radio frequency channel supported by a transceiver 54 that also supports the wireless protocol used by the base station 43 to transmit user data and its protocol to the computer 55. A YDIWLAN adapter can be used to implement this embodiment. When configured in this way, the base station 43 and the repeater 58 can easily transmit and / or receive the above-mentioned golf course facility information including performance achievement information related to the multi-course competition with the clubhouse computer 55. You can configure the network. Such elements as described above are well known to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, details regarding such elements are not provided for the sake of brevity.

  The clubhouse computer 55 is operatively connected to an external net such as the golf course area network 41 and / or the Internet 42 (the latter connection is available via the local area 4121 and / or to the computer 55 (Achieved via a more direct connection) (Those skilled in the art will recognize that the computer 55 will in fact include part of the golf course local area network 41. However, these two The elements are shown here in a separate manner for illustrative purposes).

  Depending on the needs of a given application, the clubhouse computer 55 can print a clubhouse scorecard printer 56 (which can print and provide a scorecard for the playing golfer, and / or Or a specific element such as a kitchen printer 57 (which can print orders received from a golfer via a two-way data or voice connection and act accordingly) Can connect. Such elements can be connected directly to the clubhouse computer 55 as shown, or can be accessed via its network 41 (selection of such configurations is well understood by those skilled in the art). .

  When configured in this way, the portable device 44 is routed via a supported radio frequency communication link to gain access to desired services such as scorecard printing or food ordering via the clubhouse computer 55. Thus, communication with the base station 43 can be easily performed. This same link can also be used to support the needs of other facilities, including tournament announcements, score updates, etc. As another example, when the portable device 44 is GPS capable (eg, distance calculation from a golfer's current position to a pin), more accurate distance calculation is possible as well understood by GPS technology and methods Differen calculated at a GPS enabled base station 43 such as described above and / or clubhouse computer 55 (or other computing platform available locally or remotely) to Shar GPS correction factor can be provided to the portable device 44 via this link.

  Moreover, if comprised in this way, these same base stations can service the necessity for communication, the competition communication mentioned above. As one approach, the portable device 44 can receive and send messages from the competition server 59 via, for example, the Internet 42 connection that these embodiments provide to the portable device 44. Such a competition server 59 is useful for generating a centralized view of the process. It can then communicate with various portable devices on various golf courses 60 to facilitate such a process.

  As described above, it is important to ensure the consistency of a competition such as a hole-in-one competition. There are various ways to promote such consistency. According to one approach, video information relating to at least one portion of the golf performance is taken and recorded. Such video information can be used to confirm certain grade claims.

There are various ways to take such video information. In the preferred approach, referring to FIG. 6, three video cameras 60, 61 and 62 are arranged to obtain useful information regarding hole-in-one performance. The camera itself can be mounted in any conventional manner and preferably includes a digital camera that takes video information as digital information. In this embodiment, a tee box scene of the tee box area 63 of the hole where the first camera 60 is located is taken. The second camera 61 takes a green view of the green 64 in the same hole. The third camera 62 takes a close-up pin sight of the cup 65 in this hole. Arranged in this way, a simultaneous view of a golfer's golf swing and the resulting course of the golfer's golf ball are taken to provide video information.
In one approach, such video information can be stored locally. For example, each video camera is essentially completely independent and the video taken is kept in each camera. In such an approach, it is useful to record a time code or some similar information along with the video information to facilitate later review and review for auditing purposes.

  By another approach, such video information can be stored remotely. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, each video camera includes a wireless video camera known to those skilled in the art. In a preferred embodiment, these cameras continuously transmit the video information they have taken through the golf course's wireless facilities. Such video information can be stored in a recorder 66 operatively connected to the above-described golf course / local area network, for example. In a preferred approach, the recorder 66 includes a digital multitrack recording platform that can store video feeds from each video camera separately. Such an approach can facilitate synchronized review of captured video information when attempting to validate and audit specific golf performance claims. There are various recording platforms suitable for such work. However, in the preferred approach, the recorder 66 includes an anti-interference platform such as that used in video surveillance security systems.

  The use of such video information offers other options. For example, when someone successfully achieves a predetermined golf performance, the video information can be transferred to another golf course where the same competition is being held (eg, using the Internet 42). When received, the video information can be screened at a local golf course / clubhouse and / or transmitted to other competitors' portable devices in the same manner as winning.

  Other steps can be taken to help ensure the integrity of such competitions. For example, automatic image analysis and / or recognition techniques can be used to allow some degree of unsupervised consistency verification and / or performance achievement alerts. As another example, a device such as a wireless cup sensor can be used to detect the presence of a golf ball. Such detection can be used, for example, to store a video corresponding to a predetermined time window (eg, 10 seconds) that causes the golf ball to sink into the cup. If comprised in this way, in order to memorize | store only the image | video relevant to the golf performance of interest, a memory | storage request | requirement can be reduced.

  Those skilled in the art will readily understand how such a facility will perform multiple golf course performance competitions, including detecting the golf performance of multiple golf participants playing on multiple golf courses in at least near real-time mode. Easy to understand to support. Such use of golf performance information can also identify at least one golf participant who has achieved a specific predetermined golf performance goal. And corresponding information can be notified to at least some of the plurality of golf participants. As mentioned above, this general approach is very flexible and accommodates many variations. In addition, this general method is an easy-to-use method and can be applied actively as well as enabling a large and widely distributed user population.

  Those skilled in the art will recognize that a wide variety of modifications, variations, and combinations may be made with respect to the embodiments described above without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Such modifications, variations and combinations should then be viewed as being within the boundaries of the inventive concept.

3 is a flow diagram constructed in accordance with various embodiments of the invention. 3 is a flow diagram constructed in accordance with various embodiments of the invention. 1 is a schematic plan view of a golf course constructed in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a block diagram configured in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a detailed block diagram configured in accordance with various embodiments of the invention. 2 is a top plan view and block diagram constructed in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. FIG.

Claims (28)

A method for performing a plurality of golf course performance competitions,
-Detecting golf performance of a plurality of golf participants playing golf on a plurality of golf courses in at least a near real time manner to provide golf performance information;
Using the golf performance information to identify at least one golf participant who has achieved a certain predetermined golf performance goal to provide an identified golf participant;
Notifying information about the identified golf participant;
A method comprising the steps of:   The method of claim 1, wherein detecting comprises receiving a transmitted message regarding at least some of the golf performance of the plurality of golf participants.   The method of claim 2, wherein receiving a transmitted message comprises receiving a transmitted wireless message.   The method of claim 1, wherein the specific predetermined golf performance goal includes achieving a hole-in-one.   5. The method of claim 4, wherein the specific predetermined golf performance goal includes being the first of a golf participant to achieve a hole-in-one.   6. The method of claim 5, wherein the specific predetermined golf performance goal includes being the first golf participant to achieve a hole-in-one on any one of a plurality of golf courses.   The method of claim 1, wherein notifying information about the identified golf participant comprises notifying the information to at least some recipients using a wireless message. The method of claim 1, further comprising: taking video information regarding at least some golf performance.   The method of claim 8, wherein the step of taking video information further comprises taking video information from a plurality of viewing angles. Taking video information from multiple viewing angles
The method of claim 9, further comprising: taking video information relating to at least one of: a tea box scene, a green scene, a pin-up view.   9. The method of claim 8, wherein taking the video information further comprises transmitting the video information wirelessly to provide the transmitted video information.   The method of claim 11, wherein taking the video information further comprises storing at least a portion of the transmitted video information. A method for performing a plurality of golf course performance competitions,
Providing a plurality of golfers on a plurality of golf courses with a portable grade input device having a wireless communication function;
-Receiving golf performance information about various golfers transmitted by the portable performance input device, and providing the received golf performance information;
Using golf performance information to identify a golf participant who has achieved a particular predetermined golf performance goal to provide an identified golf participant;
Notifying information about golf participants identified to at least some of the plurality of golfers using a portable performance input device;
A method comprising the steps of:   The step of providing a portable score input device to a plurality of golfers on the plurality of golf courses further includes providing a portable score input device mounted on a golf cart to a plurality of golfers on the plurality of golf courses. 14. A method according to claim 13 characterized in that   The step of providing a portable score input device to a plurality of golfers on the plurality of golf courses further includes providing a portable score input device that can be held by hand to a plurality of golfers on the plurality of golf courses. 14. A method according to claim 13 characterized in that   The method of claim 13, wherein providing a portable performance input device to a plurality of golfers on the plurality of golf courses further comprises providing a portable performance input device to each of the plurality of golfers. .   14. The step of providing portable performance input devices to a plurality of golfers on the plurality of golf courses further includes providing a single portable performance input device to a plurality of assigned golfers. The method described.   14. The step of providing portable performance input devices to a plurality of golfers on the plurality of golf courses further comprises associating at least one of the plurality of golfers with a single portable performance input device. The method described in 1.   Wireless communication in which the step of providing a portable performance input device having a wireless communication function to a plurality of golfers on the plurality of golf courses is compatible with a wireless communication protocol that operatively supports automatic update of golf course facility information 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising providing a portable result input device having a function to a plurality of golfers on a plurality of golf courses.   Using the golf performance information to identify a golf participant who has achieved the specific predetermined golf performance goal further comprises using the golf performance information to identify a golf participant who has achieved a hole-in-one. The method according to claim 13.   Using the golf performance information to identify the golf participant who achieved the hole-in-one uses the golf performance information to identify the golf participant who first achieved the hole-in-one on any of a plurality of golf courses 21. The method of claim 20, further comprising:   Using golf performance information to identify a golf participant who first achieved hole-in-one on any of the plurality of golf courses, golf that first achieved hole-in-one on any of the plurality of golf courses after the start time The method of claim 21, further comprising using golf performance information to identify a participant.   Notifying information about golf participants identified to at least some of the plurality of golfers using the portable performance input device further communicating information about golf performance of the identified golf participants 21. The method of claim 20, comprising.   Notifying information about golf participants identified to at least some of the plurality of golfers using the portable performance input device further communicating information about golf performance of the identified golf participants 21. The method of claim 20, comprising. A method of using a portable grade input device having wireless communication capability when golfing on a golf course by a golfer,
-Entering golf performance information when playing golf on the first golf course during a competition to achieve the specified golf performance with other golfers including other golfers on other golf courses Inputting into the device;
Receiving a wirelessly transmitted message on a portable performance input device indicating a predetermined golf performance achieved by another golfer during the competition;
A method comprising the steps of: -Wirelessly transmitting golf performance information using a portable performance input device;
26. The method of claim 25, further comprising:   The step of transmitting the golf performance information wirelessly using a portable performance input device automatically transmits the golf performance information wirelessly using the portable performance input device when inputting the golf performance information. 27. The method of claim 26, further comprising:   When the golf performance information is automatically transmitted wirelessly using a portable performance input device when the golf performance information is input, the golf performance information indicates that the predetermined golf performance is achieved. 28. The method of claim 27, further comprising automatically transmitting the golf performance information wirelessly using a portable performance input device upon entry of the information.

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