US20180071602A1

US20180071602A1 - Golf Putting Game And Associated Methods

Info

Publication number: US20180071602A1
Application number: US15/817,299
Authority: US
Inventors: Thomas B. Burch
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-08-18
Filing date: 2017-11-20
Publication date: 2018-03-15
Also published as: US20170050095A1; WO2017031259A1

Abstract

A golf putting game includes a putting club, a putting ball and at least one putting green defining a putting surface and having a plurality of putting cups positioned at different locations on the putting surface. Each of the putting cups is illuminated with a visible light having a different color. Each of the putting cups is assigned a predetermined number of base points. A method of playing a golf putting game includes selecting one of the putting cups assigned a predetermined number of base points and making a number of putting strokes to putt the putting ball into the putting cup. A method of scoring a golf putting game includes calculating a player score based on the predetermined number of base points assigned to a putting cup selected by the player and a number of putting strokes made by the player to putt the putting ball into the putting cup.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to sports and entertainment games and activities. More particularly, the invention is a golf putting game and methods of playing and scoring a golf putting game.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The traditional game of golf involves driving a golf ball from a tee area onto a green and putting the golf ball into a cup positioned within a hole formed in the ground on the green. In most instances, one or more additional shots, also known as “strokes,” are required between the tee and the green from a fairway, rough or hazard area, such as a sand trap. A complete game, or round, of the traditional golf game usually consists of eighteen (18) different tee and green combinations, each referred to as a “hole.” A full round of traditional golf requires at least about three (3) hours, and often as much as four (4) or more hours, to play. Traditional golf is played for sport, entertainment, exercise and/or social purposes. In addition, traditional golf is oftentimes utilized as an opportunity to entertain existing and prospective business partners, clients and the like. Unfortunately, the amount of time that is typically required to complete a round of traditional golf has made the game less attractive for sport, recreation and business outings alike. Yet another limiting factor is the expense associated with traditional golf. The cost of equipment utilized to play traditional golf has increased dramatically as the technology of the game has advanced. At the same time, the cost to play a round of traditional golf has become prohibitive for many individuals and small businesses.
In response to the aforementioned concerns of time and expense, executive style golf has increased in popularity. A round of executive style golf usually consists of only nine (9) shorter-length holes. An executive style golf course is also referred to as a “par three” course since each hole is designed to ideally require only three shots, or strokes, to get the golf ball from the tee area onto the green and into the cup. Completing the hole in three strokes is referred to as making a “par” score. A par score is typically achieved by a single stroke, referred to as a “drive,” to get the golf ball from the tee onto the green and two strokes using a putter, referred to as “putts,” to get the golf ball into the cup on the green. For the foregoing reason, an executive style golf course is also known as a “drive and putt” or “pitch and putt” golf course. The amount of time required to play a round of executive style golf is significantly less than traditional golf due to the smaller number and shorter length of the holes, as well as the corresponding fewer number of shots that are typically needed to get the golf ball into the cup. The expense associated with executive style golf is also considerably less than traditional golf because less equipment is required to play. In addition, the cost of a round of executive style golf is usually lower than a round of traditional golf since the expense of establishing and maintaining an executive style golf course is significantly less than that of a traditional golf course.
Miniature golf is a sports and entertainment game and activity that provides a further reduction of time and expense compared to traditional golf and executive style golf. In addition, miniature golf provides an opportunity for a greater number of people to participate. A round of miniature golf usually consists of either nine (9) or eighteen (18) holes. However, each hole is essentially only a green with or without smaller sized obstacles and/or hazards, such as simulated water areas and sand traps. Accordingly, only putting strokes using a putter are required to play a round of miniature golf. As a result, the amount of time required to play a round of miniature golf is substantially less than either traditional golf or executive style golf. In addition, miniature golf does not require the amount of practice time and effort required to play traditional golf or executive style golf. Thus, miniature golf is available to be enjoyed by persons having various levels of experience, skill and ability. Typically, the putters and golf balls are provided by the operator of the miniature golf course. Thus, there is generally little or no expense to the players for the equipment required to play miniature golf. Furthermore, miniature golf courses do not require a large land area and are oftentimes constructed with artificial grass and features. Therefore, miniature golf courses are less expensive to build and require substantially less upkeep and maintenance to operate. Consequently, the cost to play a round of miniature golf is significantly less than the cost to play a round of traditional golf or executive style golf.
Despite its advantages of time, expense and opportunity, miniature golf has not become a widely accepted alternative to traditional golf and executive style golf. The most likely reason is that miniature golf is not perceived to involve a sufficiently high level of strategy or challenge, particularly for tournaments and competitive sporting events. It is therefore apparent a need exists for a sports and entertainment game and activity that overcomes the disadvantages and deficiencies of traditional golf, executive style golf and miniature golf. A more particular need exists for a golf game and activity that takes less time to complete than traditional golf or executive style golf. A further particular need exists for a golf game and activity that is less expensive to play than traditional golf or executive style golf. A still further need exists for a golf game and activity that is readily available to people of various levels of experience, skill and ability. Regardless, a need exists for a golf game an activity that is suitable for recreational and business outings, yet at the same time is more challenging for tournaments and competitive sporting events than miniature golf. In addition, a novel and unique method of playing and scoring a golf game and activity is needed.
Certain aspects, objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be made apparent, or will be readily understood and appreciated by those skilled in the relevant art, by the exemplary embodiments of the invention described in greater detail hereafter and illustrated in the accompanying drawing figures. It is intended that all such aspects, objects, features and advantages of the invention envisioned by this disclosure of exemplary embodiments be encompassed by the scope of protection of the appended claims, given their broadest reasonable construction and interpretation in view of any relevant prior art. These aspects, objects, features and advantages of the invention, as well as others not expressly disclosed, may be accomplished by any of the exemplary embodiments described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawing figures. However, it should be appreciated that the drawing figures are for illustrative purposes only, and that many modifications, changes, revisions and substitutions may be made to any of the exemplary embodiments without departing from the general concepts of the invention as they may be broadly construed and interpreted.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the present invention is embodied by a golf putting game that includes a putting club, a putting ball, and at least one golf putting green having a plurality of putting cups positioned at different locations on the putting green with each putting cup configured for receiving the putting ball therein. The putting ball is received within the putting cup when the putting ball is struck with one or more putting strokes of the putting club. In one embodiment, at least one of the putting cups positioned on the putting green is illuminated. In another embodiment, each of the putting cups is illuminated. In yet another embodiment, each of the putting cups is illuminated with a visible light having a different color. In yet another embodiment, each of the putting cups is illuminated by at least one light-emitting-diode (LED).
In another aspect, the present invention is embodied by a golf putting game including at least one putting green defining a putting surface and a plurality of putting cups with each putting cup positioned at a different location on the putting surface of the putting green. In one embodiment, each of the putting cups is assigned a predetermined number of base points for scoring the golf putting game. In a further embodiment, the plurality of putting cups includes five (5) putting cups that are assigned ten (10) base points, eight (8) base points, six (6) base points, four (4) base points and two (2) base points, respectively. In another embodiment, the predetermined number of base points is multiplied by a number of putting strokes to determine a player score. In yet another embodiment, the number of putting strokes is a number of putting strokes made by a player to putt a putting ball into a putting cup corresponding to the predetermined number of base points.
In yet another aspect, the present invention is embodied by a method of playing a golf putting game. The method includes providing at least one putting green defining a putting surface and providing a plurality of putting cups with each putting cup positioned at a different location on the putting surface of the putting green. The method further includes providing a putting club and a putting ball to a player of the golf putting game. The method further includes the player selecting one of the putting cups into which the player will attempt to putt the putting ball. The method further includes the player making at least one putting stroke using the putting club to putt the putting ball into the one of the putting cups selected by the player. In another embodiment, the method further includes illuminating at least one of the plurality of putting cups with a visible light. In yet another embodiment, the method further includes illuminating each of the plurality of putting cups with a visible light having a different color.
In yet another aspect, the present invention is embodied by a method of scoring a golf putting game. The method includes providing at least one putting green defining a putting surface and providing a plurality of putting cups with each putting cup positioned at a different location on the putting surface of the putting green. The method further includes providing a putting club and a putting ball to a player of the golf putting game. The method further includes assigning a predetermined number of base points to each of the plurality of putting cups. The method further includes calculating a player score based on the predetermined number of base points assigned to one of the putting cups. In another embodiment, calculating the player score further includes multiplying the predetermined number of base points assigned to one of the putting cups by a number of putting strokes. In yet another embodiment, the number of putting strokes corresponds to a number of putting strokes made by the player to putt the putting ball into the one of the putting cups.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The aforementioned aspects, objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more fully understood and appreciated when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a golf putting game according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a putting green of a typical hole of the golf putting game of FIG. 1 showing a plurality of putting cups positioned at different locations on the putting green.

FIG. 3 is another perspective view of the putting green of the hole of the golf putting game of FIG. 2 showing the plurality of putting cups as viewed from the opposite side of the putting green.

FIG. 4 shows a chart listing a predetermined number of base points corresponding to each of the plurality of putting cups positioned at different locations on a putting green of a hole of a golf putting game according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows a chart illustrating a method for calculating a player score using the predetermined number of base points listed in FIG. 4 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a typical kiosk configured for use with a golf putting game according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is another perspective view of the kiosk of FIG. 6 illustrating a method for recording a player score according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Various exemplary embodiments of a golf putting game and methods of playing and scoring the golf putting game according to the present invention are described in greater detail hereafter and illustrated in the accompanying drawing figures. The golf putting game of the present invention is commercially known as “HiLo” due to the unique combination of strategy and skill available for playing and scoring the game.
More specifically, HiLo combines the strategy of high points scoring with the skill of a low number of golf putting stokes. HiLo is designed to be a less time consuming, more affordable and practical alternative to traditional golf, executive style golf and miniature golf, while at the same time providing enjoyment and challenge to persons having various levels of experience, skill and ability. The HiLo golf putting game utilizes a unique scoring system that allows players to select a level of difficulty of a particular putting cup on the putting green of each hole, and thereby execute a strategy for maximizing his or her score based on the player's putting ability. As a result, players having different levels of experience, skill and ability are able to compete with one another at the same time and on the same course in an enjoyable and challenging manner.
FIG. 1 shows a golf putting game according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention referred to herein as “HiLo”. The HiLo golf putting game consists at least one, and preferably, a plurality of holes 10 with each hole typically having a corresponding putting green 20, also referred to herein merely as a “green.” However, if desired, two or more of the holes 10 may utilize the same putting green 20. A complete game, or round, of HiLo may consist of any desired number of holes 10. By way of example, the HiLo golf putting game preferably comprises at least about nine (9) holes 10, but not more than about thirty-six (36) holes 10. In a particularly advantageous embodiment that will be described in greater detail herein, the HiLo golf putting game consists of twenty (20) different holes 10 with each hole comprising a corresponding putting green 20 defined by a periphery, perimeter, outer boundary or the like 22 (see FIG. 2). Consequently, each hole 10 requires only the use of a putting club (not shown) and a putting ball (not shown). If desired, the putting club and the putting ball may be a conventional golf putter and conventional golf ball for use in a known manner. Alternatively, a putting club and/or a putting ball may be provided that is unique to the HiLo golf putting game. By way of example and not limitation, the putting club may have any desired configuration including a putting head of any desired size and shape suitable for striking, referred to as “putting,” the putting ball on the putting green. Likewise, the putting ball may have any desired configuration. By way of example and not limitation, the putting ball may be larger or smaller in circumference than a conventional golf ball. Furthermore, the putting ball may include one or more sources of optical light, such as light-emitting-diodes (LEDs), for illuminating the putting ball to enhance the aesthetics of the golf putting game and/or to facilitate playing the golf putting game in relatively low ambient light conditions, such as is typically encountered with nighttime play.
FIG. 2 shows a typical putting green 20 of a hole 10 for the golf putting game of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 shows the typical putting green 20 from the perspective of the opposite side of the putting green. Like traditional golf, executive style golf and miniature golf, the putting green 20 of each hole 10 includes a designated starting area 24, commonly referred to as a “tee area” or “tee box.” However, since only a putting club is used in the HiLo golf putting game, the designated starting area 24 may be referred to as a “putting box” instead of or in addition to a “tee box.” If desired, the lateral boundaries of the putting box 24 may be defined by one or more, and preferably by a pair, of spaced-apart markers 26, commonly referred to as “tee markers,” or alternatively referred to as “putting markers” for the purpose of the HiLo golf putting game. Unlike traditional golf, executive style golf and miniature golf, each hole 10 of the HiLo golf putting game includes a plurality of putting cups 30 positioned at different locations on the surface of each putting green 20. Each of the plurality of putting cups, also referred to herein merely as cups 30, is configured (i.e., sized and shaped) to suitably receive the putting ball in a conventional manner. More specifically, each putting cup 30 has a sufficient diameter and depth to capture and retain the putting ball therein when the putting ball is struck (putted) by the putting club into the putting cup. The plurality of cups 30 on each green 20 may have the same configuration, or if desired, may have one or more different configurations. By way of example and not limitation, the putting cups 30 on each putting green 20 may have different diameters for the purpose of requiring a variable level of skill and ability to successfully guide the putting ball into the cup, thereby introducing an additional level of strategy and skill to the golf putting game, as will be described in greater detail hereinafter.
In the exemplary embodiments depicted in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the putting green 20 has a total of five (5) different putting cups 30. Each of the putting cups 30 is positioned at a discrete different location relative to the putting box 24. Preferably, each cup 30 is positioned on the green 20 at a different location that requires a unique level of skill and/or ability to putt the putting ball into the putting cup from the putting box 24. The unique level of skill and/or ability may, for example, be due to the distance of the putting cup 30 from the putting box 24. Alternatively, the level of skill and ability required to putt the putting ball into the putting cup 30 may result from undulations or other natural obstructions formed in the surface of the putting green 20. If desired, the putting cups 30 may be identified by conventional alphanumeric characters, for example numbers, such as 1-5, or letters, such as A-E. Alternatively, the putting cups 30 on each putting green 20 may be identified by a combination of alphanumeric characters, for example a number indicating the hole 10 of the golf putting game and a letter indicating the particular putting cup 30 of the putting green 20 of the hole. By way of example and not limitation, the putting green and the putting cup 30 for the twenty (20) holes 10 of the golf putting game may be identified with alphanumeric characters from 1A-1E up to and including 20A-20E. The alphanumeric characters may be assigned to a corresponding putting cup 30 in any suitable manner, for example by painting the identifier on the surface of the green 20 adjacent to the corresponding putting cup 30, or alternatively or in addition, by printing the identifier on a flag attached to a flagstick that is placed within the putting cup 30. In a preferred embodiment, however, each putting cup 30 one each putting green 20 is identified by a unique color, as described next.
In a particularly advantageous embodiment, each putting cup 30 on each green 20 is associated with and identified by a different color. By way of example and not limitation, each putting cup 30 may be painted with a preselected color. Alternatively or in addition, each putting cup 30 may be illuminated with a preselected color of visible light. In a preferred embodiment, each putting cup 30 is provided with one or more light-emitting-diodes (LEDs) that illuminate the putting cup, and hence, the area above the putting cup with a preselected color of visible light. In addition to indicating the location of a putting cup 30 on the surface of the putting green 20, illuminating each cup on each green enhances the aesthetics of the HiLo golf putting game and facilitates play in relatively low ambient light conditions, such as is typically encountered with nighttime play. In another embodiment, the putting cup 30 may be provided with a contact sensor, impact sensor, vibration sensor or the like operable for determining that a putting ball has been received by the putting cup. In addition, the putting cup 30 may be comprise a control circuit and a timer operably coupled with the aforementioned sensor and configured for cycling the illumination (e.g., flashing) of the putting cup for a desired period of time to thereby indicate a successful putt and completion of a hole 10 of the HiLo golf putting game by a particular player.
In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the putting cups 30 on each green 20 of each hole 10 are illuminated with a preselected color of visible light that corresponds to a predetermined number of base points for scoring the HiLo golf putting game. The predetermined number of base points corresponding to a particular putting cup 30 is also referred to herein as the “value” of the putting cup in the HiLo golf putting game. FIG. 4 shows a chart 40 that lists the predetermined number of base points for each of the putting cups 30 on each of the putting greens 20 of the HiLo golf putting game. By way of example and not limitation, the putting cup 30 requiring the greatest amount of skill and/or ability to putt the putting ball into the cup is illuminated with visible light having the color gold and is assigned a value of ten (10) base points. The putting cup 30 on each putting green 20 requiring the next greatest amount of skill and/or ability is illuminated with visible light having the color red and is assigned a value of eight (8) base points. Similarly, the next most difficult cup 30 on each green 20 is illuminated with visible light having the color blue and is assigned a value of six (6) base points. The next most difficult cup 30 on each green 20 is illuminated with visible light having the color green and is assigned a value of four (4) base points. Finally, the putting cup 30 on each putting green 20 that requires the least amount of skill and/or ability to putt the putting ball into the cup is illuminated with visible light having the color white and is assigned a value of only two (2) base points.
FIG. 5 shows a chart 45 that illustrates a method for calculating a player score using the predetermined number of base points listed in FIG. 4 according to an exemplary embodiment of a method of scoring a golf putting game according to the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 5, putting the putting ball into a putting cup 30 in a single putting stroke (referred to herein as a “Hole in 1”) results in a player score of the predetermined number of base points assigned to the putting cup multiplied by two (2). For purposes of the HiLo golf putting game, the predetermined number of base points is also referred to as the “cup value.” By way of example and not limitation, if a player selects the putting cup 30 illuminated with visible light having the color red (indicated in FIGS. 2-4 with vertical lines) and the player makes a Hole in 1, the player score for the hole 10 is calculated as the cup value corresponding to the red putting cup (8 base points) multiplied by two (2). Consequently, the player score for the hole 10 is equal to eight (8) base points multiplied by two (2), or sixteen (16) total points. Alternatively, if a player selects the white putting cup 30 (indicated in FIGS. 2-4 with no lines) and the player makes a hole in 1, the player score is calculated as the cup value (2 base points) multiplied by two (2), or four (4) total points. However, if the player needs 2 putting strokes to putt the putting ball into the putting cup 30 (shown in FIG. 5 and referred to herein as a “Hole in 2”), the player score is equal to the cup value assigned to the putting cup. For example, a player that selects the putting cup 30 illuminated with visible light having the color gold and makes a Hole in 2 receives a player score of ten (10) total points. Similarly, a player making a Hole in 2 into the green putting cup 30 receives a player score of only four (4) total points. For purposes of the HiLo golf putting game, a Hole in 2 resulting in the cup value of the putting cup 30 selected by the player is considered to be a “par” score.
In the event that a player requires three (3) putting strokes (shown in FIG. 5 and referred to herein as a “Hole in 3”), the player score is calculated by dividing the cup value of the putting cup 30 by two (2). By way of example and not limitation, selecting the putting cup 30 illuminated with visible light having the color blue and making a Hole in 3 results in a player score of six (6) base points divided by two (2), or three (3) total points for the hole 10. On the other hand, a player that makes a Hole in 3 into the putting cup 30 illuminated with visible light having the color gold receives a player score of ten (10) base points divided by two (2), or five (5) total points. If a player putts the putting ball off of the surface of the putting green 20, or alternatively, requires four (4) or more putting strokes to putt the putting ball into the putting cup 30 by the player, a player score of zero (0) total points is received for that hole 10 of the HiLo golf putting game.
In one embodiment of a method of scoring a golf putting game according to the present invention, a player score for the first hole 10 of the golf putting game is calculated as described hereinabove and recorded in any suitable manner, such as manually on a conventional scorecard. The player score for each successive hole 10 of the golf putting game is calculated and recorded in the same or similar manner. If desired, the player score for each successive hole 10 may be added to the previous player score to determine a running, or total, player score for a player. When all of the holes 10 of the golf putting game have been completed, for example twenty (20) holes, the total player score for each player is determined and the player with the highest total player score is the winner of that round of the golf putting game. With respect to the unique methods of playing and scoring the HiLo golf putting game described and illustrated herein, the player having the highest total player score may also be the player having the lowest number of putting strokes. However, depending on the strategy employed by players of various levels of experience, skill and ability, the player having the highest total player score may not be the player that required the lowest number of putting strokes to complete that round of the HiLo golf putting game.
If desired, the HiLo golf putting game may include one or more score modifiers to increase the strategy employed by players of various levels of experience, skill and ability. In one embodiment, the HiLo golf putting game includes one or more wild cups. The wild cup(s) may be a preselected putting cup 30 of a particular color on one or more of the putting greens 20, or alternatively, may be one or more putting cups 30 that are selected at random, or in a random manner. By way of example and not limitation, an official of the HiLo golf putting game may announce at any time during a round of the golf putting game that a particular putting cup 30, for example the putting cup 30 illuminated with visible light having a blue color (i.e., “the blue cup”), is the wild cup. Regardless, each wild cup provides a player with the opportunity to obtain an enhanced player score for the corresponding hole or holes 10. By way of example and not limitation, if a player knowingly or unknowingly selects the putting cup 30 that is the wild cup and makes a Hole in 1, the player may receive a player score equal to twenty (20) total points for the corresponding hole 10. However, if the player fails to make a Hole in 1, the player receives a player score of zero (0) points for that hole 10. Alternatively, if desired, the player score calculated in the manner described hereinabove may be doubled in the event that the player selects the putting cup 30 that is designated to be the wild cup.
In yet another embodiment, each player may be provided with one or more optional opportunities to obtain an enhanced player score for one or more holes 10 of the HiLo golf putting game. By way of example and not limitation, each player may be provided with an opportunity during a round of the HiLo golf putting game to enhance their player score at a predetermined or randomly determined hole 10 by designating a particular putting cup 30 to be a wild cup and making a Hole in 1. For example, a player may select the white putting cup 30 on a particular hole 10 to be a wild cup. If the player makes a Hole in 1 in the wild cup selected by the player for that hole (i.e., the white putting cup 30), the player receives a player score of twenty (20) total points for the hole. However, if the player fails to make a Hole in 1, the player receives a player score of zero (0) points for the hole. In this manner, a player may strategically increase their total player score during a round of the HiLo golf putting game. On the other hand, a player may elect to forgo the opportunity to increase their total player score and rely instead on the aforementioned standard means for calculating a player score for that hole 10. In a particular embodiment, each player is provided with two opportunities to select a wild cup at the putting green 20 of two different holes 10 in an effort to increase their total player score. This optional modification to the standard HiLo golf putting game is commercially referred to as “deuces wild.”
FIG. 6 shows an exemplary embodiment of a typical kiosk 50 configured for use with a golf putting game according to the present invention. More particularly, the kiosk 50 is configured for use with the HiLo golf putting game shown and described herein. In one embodiment, each player is provided with a HiLo identification card operable for use with the kiosk 50. The HiLo identification card may include magnetic media (e.g., a magnetic stripe or strip) or transmission media (e.g., radio frequency transmission capability, such as “near field communication (NFC), “Bluetooth” or the like) for communication with the kiosk 50. Alternatively, the identification card may include an identification code that can be manually input to the kiosk 50 via a keyboard, keypad, touch screen or the equivalent. Regardless, the identification card identifies the player and associates the player with data input, recorded and stored by the kiosk for use in conjunction with the HiLo golf putting game. In one embodiment, the kiosk 50 identifies the player from the identification card and displays information relating to the player and the HiLo golf putting game on a display screen 52 of the kiosk 50. For example, the kiosk may display the hole 10 of the HiLo golf putting game that the player is about to play and the player score for the previous hole 10 and/or the running (total) player score for the current round of the HiLo golf putting game.
FIG. 7 shows the kiosk 50 and illustrates a method of using the kiosk to record a player score for the HiLo golf putting game according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. By way of example and not limitation, the display screen 52 of the kiosk 50 is configured as a conventional touch screen and a player enters their player score by selecting the color of the putting cup 30 and the number of putting strokes (1, 2 or 3) made by the player to putt the putting ball into the putting cup of a particular hole 10. In the example illustrated in FIG. 7, the kiosk 50 is used to input the player score for the hole number one (#1) of the HiLo golf putting game. First, the color (i.e., gold, red, blue, green or white) of putting cup 30 selected for the previous hole 10 is input into the player account stored on the kiosk from the display screen 52, via for example a touch screen. Next, the number of putting strokes that the player made to putt the putting ball into the putting cup 30 (i.e. 1, 2 or 3) is input into the player account stored on the kiosk 50 from the display screen 52, via for example the touch screen. By way of example and not limitation, if the player made a Hole in 2 (two putting strokes) into the putting cup 30 illuminated with visible light having the color green, the player selects the line indicating the green putting cup and then selects the number indicating two (2) putting strokes. The kiosk 50 then calculates a player score of four (4) total points corresponding to a “par” for the putting cup having a predetermined number of base points, or cup value, equal to four (4).
The kiosk 50 may then display the player score of four (4) points for the hole 10 on the display screen 52 and/or the running (total) player score for the round of the HiLo golf putting game. If applicable, the kiosk 50 may also include a “WILD” indicator on the display screen 52. If the player selected a putting cup 30 designated or selected to be a wild cup, the player inputs the WILD indicator on the display screen 52 and then inputs the number of putting strokes made by the player, which indicates whether or not the player made a Hole in 1. The kiosk 50 then calculates, records and displays on the display screen 52 either a player score of twenty (20) points or zero (0) points for the corresponding hole 10. In another embodiment, the kiosk 50 may be operable for allowing a player to compare his or her player score to a previously recorded player score. In this manner, the player can play a round of the HiLo golf putting game against his or her prior score, or alternatively, against a previously recorded player score of a real or fictitious (virtual) player. In yet another embodiment, the kiosk 50 may be configured to display player statistics on the display screen 52 and/or to allow the player to purchase an additional round of the HiLo golf putting game and/or HiLo merchandise to be charged to a credit card or account associated with the identification card assigned to the player.
Regardless of the foregoing detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, the optimum configuration of the article of manufacture, apparatus, device or system, and the manner of use, operation and steps of the associated methods, as well as reasonable equivalents thereof, are deemed to be readily apparent and understood by those skilled in the art. Accordingly, equivalent relationships to those shown in the accompanying drawing figures and described in the written description are intended to be encompassed by the present invention and the broadest reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, the foregoing being considered as illustrative only of the general concept and principles of the invention(s). Furthermore, as numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, the exemplary embodiments are not intended to limit the invention to the specific configuration, construction, materials, manner of use and operation shown and described herein. Instead, all reasonably predictable and suitable equivalents and obvious modifications to the invention should be construed as falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims given their broadest reasonable construction and interpretation in view of the accompanying written description and drawing figures.

Claims

1-20. (canceled)

21. A method of playing a golf putting game, comprising:

providing at least one putting green defining a putting surface;

providing a plurality of putting cups with each putting cup being positioned at a different location on the putting surface of the putting green, and with each putting cup being assigned a different predetermined number of base points;

making at least one putting stroke to putt a putting ball into one of the plurality of putting cups; and

calculating a player score from the number of putting strokes made to putt the putting ball into the one of the plurality of putting cups and the predetermined number of base points assigned to the one of the plurality of putting cups.

22. The method according to claim 21, further comprising calculating the player score to be equal to the predetermined number of base points assigned to the one of the plurality of putting cups multiplied by two (2) when the number of putting strokes made to putt the putting ball into the one of the plurality of putting cups is one (1).

23. The method according to claim 21, further comprising calculating the player score to be equal to the predetermined number of base points assigned to the one of the plurality of putting cups when the number of putting strokes made to putt the putting ball into the one of the plurality of putting cups is two (2).

24. The method according to claim 21, further comprising calculating the player score to be equal to the predetermined number of base points assigned to the one of the plurality of putting cups divided by two (2) when the number of putting strokes made to putt the putting ball into the one of the plurality of putting cups is three (3).

25. The method according to claim 21, further comprising calculating the player score to be zero (0) when the number of putting strokes made to putt the putting ball into the one of the plurality of putting cups is at least four (4).

26. The method according to claim 21, further comprising illuminating each of the plurality of putting cups with a visible light having a different color.

27. The method according to claim 26, further comprising illuminating each of the plurality of putting cups with at least one light-emitting diode (LED).

28. The method according to claim 21, wherein the number of the plurality of putting cups is at least two (2) and the predetermined number of base points assigned to each of the plurality of putting cups is an integer multiple of two (2) base points.

29. The method according to claim 21, wherein the number of the plurality of putting cups is five (5) and the predetermined number of base points is an integer multiple of ten (10), eight (8), six (6), four (4), and two (2) base points, respectively.

30. The method according to claim 21, wherein the number of the plurality of putting cups is five (5) and the putting cups are assigned ten (10) base points, eight (8) base points, six (6) base points, four (4) base points, and two (2) base points, respectively.

31. The method according to claim 21, further comprising providing a kiosk having a display for indicating the one of the plurality of putting cups, the predetermined number of base points assigned to the one of the plurality of putting cups, and the number of putting strokes made to putt the putting ball into the one of the plurality of putting cups.

32. The method according to claim 31, further comprising using the kiosk to record the player score determined from the number of putting strokes made to putt the putting ball into the one of the plurality of putting cups and the predetermined number of base points assigned to the one of the plurality of putting cups, and to indicate the player score on the display of the kiosk.

33. A method of scoring a golf putting game, comprising:

providing at least one putting green defining a putting surface;

providing a plurality of putting cups with each putting cup positioned at a different location on the putting surface of the putting green, and with each putting cup assigned a different predetermined number of base points;

making at least one putt of a putting ball into one of the plurality of putting cups; and

calculating a player score based on the predetermined number of base points assigned to the one of the plurality of putting cups and the number of putts made.

34. The method according to claim 33, wherein the player score is equal to the predetermined number of base points multiplied by two (2) when the number of putts made is one (1).

35. The method according to claim 33, wherein the player score is equal to the predetermined number of base points when the number of putts made is two (2).

36. The method according to claim 33, wherein the player score is equal to the predetermined number of base points divided by two (2) when the number of putts made is three (3).

37. The method according to claim 33, wherein the player score is equal to zero when the number of putts made is at least four (4).

38. The method according to claim 33, wherein the plurality of putting cups is five (5) and the predetermined number of base points assigned to the five (5) putting cups is ten (10) base points, eight (8) base points, six (6) base points, four (4) base points, and two (2) base points, respectively.

39. The method according to claim 33, wherein the plurality of putting cups is at least two and the predetermined number of base points assigned to each of the plurality of putting cups is an integer multiple of two (2) base points.

40. The method according to claim 33, wherein the plurality of putting cups is five (5) and the predetermined number of base points is an integer multiple of ten (10) base points, eight (8) base points, six (6) base points, four (4) base points, and two (2) base points, respectively.