US3612534A

US3612534A - Simulated golf game

Info

Publication number: US3612534A
Application number: US726074A
Authority: US
Inventors: Edmond G Browne
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1968-05-02
Filing date: 1968-05-02
Publication date: 1971-10-12
Anticipated expiration: 1988-10-12

Abstract

A golf game comprised of a plane surface carrying a pictorial scaled configuration of a multihole golf course having fairways, greens having coded areas, and playing hazards on which is a moveable golf ball locating template having an index reference alignable with a simulated golf ball wherever it may lie on the golf course and having a plurality of coded golf ball possible destinations in spaced relation to the index reference with the particular destination being determined by a spinner associated with golf club cards wherein each card represents a different golf club and carries such portion of the destination identifying code markings with respect to the spinner as are realistic probabilities of golf ball destinations for the particular golf club represented by the selected card. Also included is a golf green to enlarged scale having intersecting lines and associated coded templates for identifying the lines so as to provide an intersecting line position for each of the golf course green coded areas for ready transfer of a golf ball from any of the golf course greens to an intersecting line position on the enlarged scale green for putting out each hole in cooperation with said spinner.

Description

United States Patent [72] Inventor Edmond G. Browne Medford, Mass. [21] AppLNo. 726,074 [22] Filed May2, 1968 [45] Patented Oct. 12,1971 [73] Assignee WalterJ.Kreske Newton Centre, Mass. a part interest [54] SIMULATEDGOLFGAME 10 Claims, 13 Drawing Figs.

[52] U.S.Cl ..273/l34CG [51] lnt.Cl A63f3/02 50 FieldofSearch 273 134 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,478,949 8/1949 Snyder 273/134UX- 3,410,561 11/1968 Ekstrand.. 273/134 811,347 1/1906 Whitlatch 273/134 1,316,048 9/1919 Massena... 273/134 1,546,837 7/1925 Johnson 273/134 1,605,739 11/1926 Jennings... 273/134 2,618,482 11/1952 Grogan 273/134 3,130,973 4/1964 Zapolski... 273/134 3,260,526 7/1966 Seitz 273/134 Primary Examiner-Delbert B. Lowe Attorney-Walter .l. Kreske ABSTRACT: A golf game comprised of a plane surface carrying a pictorial scaled configuration of a multihole golf course having fairways, greens having coded areas, and playing hazards on which is a moveable golf ball locating template having an index reference alignable with a simulated golf ball wherever it may lie on the golf course and having a plurality of coded golf ball possible destinations in spaced relation to the index reference with the particular destination being determined by a spinner associated with golf club cards wherein each card represents a different golf club and carries such portion of the destination identifying code markings with respect to the spinner as are realistic probabilities of golf ball destinations for the particular golf club represented by the selected card. Also included is a golf green to enlarged scale having intersecting lines and associated coded templates for identifying the lines so as to provide an intersecting line position for each of the golf course green coded areas for ready transfer of a golf ball from any of the golf course greens to an intersecting line position on the enlarged scale green for putting out each hole in cooperation with said spinner.

PATENTEUnm 12 |97| 3,512,534 SHEET 1 BF 5 INVENTOR. EDMOA/D 6. 320W! PATENTEUUEI 12 197i 3.612.534

X VM AWL-1 Jimmy INVENTOR. :pM (M417 6'- ZJPaWA/E BY I ABCDEFGHJ PATENTEDIJET l2 IQTI SHEET 5 OF 5 Fll 114 TIGJO INVENTOR. 6- 3 30 WW! DMOND nrmmrzr SIMULATED GOLF GAME This invention relates to golf and more particularly to a simulated golf game requiring substantially all of the club selection, scoring and playing judgements confronting a golfer without the need for physical skill or exertion involved in actual golf.

In general the most interesting and popular parlor games are those which are based on more than mere chance and require the player to use his own wisdom and judgment in areas of his personal interest. For example, the game of Bridge has found pronounced popularity among those with good memories and keen observation. Similarly, the game of Monopoly has gained wide popularity among those interested in financial transactions and investments.

While there are many people interested in golf, existing parlor games pertaining to golf are in general too dependent on chance along and fail to incorporate a sufi'rcient element of individual golfing judgement to provide the degree of realism needed to gain wide personal participation and popularity.

This important problem has been overcome by the present invention of a simulated golf game which not only incorporates the needed degree of a participants golfing judgment and realism, but also incorporates other desirable features and advantages. Among the other desirable features and advantages of the present invention is the provision of a simulated golf game having capacity to teach the novice proper individual golf club selection and playing strategy applicable to actual golf course play. Another desirable feature and advantage is that of providing a simulated golf game with capacity for matching the probable and achievable playing score to the actual golfing skill of the participant. Other desirable features and advantages include the providing of a substantially limitless variety of golf play problems of interest to the single player as well as the driving incentive in competitive golf for two or more participants; also the provision of a simulated golf game comprised of components which lend themselves to compact, light weight, hand portable packaging which is easily storable and in read condition for simple and rapid positioning for use and enjoyment in even small cramped areas.

A primary object of the present invention is the provision of a simulated golf game which achieves a high degree of golfing realism in its play.

Another object is the provision of a simulated golf game which lends itself to individual golf club selection and golf ball lie substantially the same as those actually encountered on a real golf course.

And a further object is the provision of a simulated golf game which lends itself to achievable golf scores comparable to a players actual golfing skill and particularly his wisdom in proper selection of clubs and direction of play under varying terrain conditions.

And a still further object is the provision of a simulated golf fame which inherently incorporates a degree of chance and golfing skill approximating that encountered in actual golf play on a real golf course.

Other objects include a simulated golf game comprised of components having capacity for compact packaging for ready storage or hand portability and ease in setting up for play by one or more participants.

These and other objects, features and advantages are achieved generally by providing a plane surface carrying a pictorial scaled configuration of a multihole golf course having fairways, greens and playing hazards, an elongated golf ball locating template having an index reference and a plurality of coded positions in spaced relation to the index reference and proportioned to the scaled configuration for representing possible golf ball destinations with respect to golf club hits at the index reference, an arrangement for aligning the index reference with any selected golf ball lie on the scaled configuration when carrying the template, and a structure providing for each of a plurality of golf clubs in the game a selection of such portions of the code as represent actual probabilities of achievable destination of a golf ball when hit at the aligned reference index by the associated golf club.

By making the structure in the form of a spinner device and an associated golf club card for each of the golf clubs with each golf club card having thereon in selectable relation to the spinner reproduction of such portions of the code as represent actual probability distribution with respect to the spinner of achievable golf ball destinations when hit at the aligned reference index by the associated club, an arrangement for realistic club golf for a particular golf ball lie on the scaled golf course configuration is thereby achieved.

By making the spinner device in the form of a manually rotatable pointer pivotally mounted on a base carrying a golf card positioning fixture for removably holding a selected golf club card in operative relation to the rotatable pointer, a sim' ple and inexpensive playing arrangement is thereby achieved with capacity for wide selection of golf clubs.

By providing in the golf course configuration fairways, rough, trees and sand traps, and in each of the golf club cards separately enumerated thereon portions of the code which provide actual probability distribution of achievable golf ball destinations separately for such fairways, rough, trees and sand trap lies for each of the clubs, a game requiring wisdom and skill in golf club selection for a particular golf ball lie on the course is thereby achieved.

By providing on the playing surface additionally a golf green to enlarged scale and an area code on all of the greens identifiable with a corresponding position on the enlarged scale green, an arrangement for ready transfer of a golf ball lie from a green on the course to a corresponding position on the enlarged scale green, added realism in putting is thereby achieved.

By making the coded golf green areas in the form of a grid encompassing square shaped areas forming similar rows and columns of such areas, simplicity of coding and area identification for accurate golf ball transfer to the enlarged scale green is thereby achieved.

By coding the rows with consecutive numbers and the columns with consecutive letters and providing grid lines on the enlarged scale green corresponding to the area rows and columns, and an L-shaped putting green template carrying a number-letter legend different for each hole and alignable with the grid lines on the enlarged scale green, an accurate transfer arrangement with realistic probabilities of putting green lie with respect to the cup is thereby achieved.

By providing the enlarged scale putting green with circles representing different distances from the cup and providing the golf club card for a putter with numbers arranged for probability distribution with respect to the spinner of putting strokes required to sink the ball in the cup for each such distance from the cup, realism in putting scores is thereby achieved.

By providing small sphere for representing golf balls and carrying protruding pins for attaching the spheres to any position on the golf course, and providing the template aligning structure with a receptacle for the sphere at its reference index, a simple arrangement for convenient and rapid alignment of the template for any golf ball lie is thereby achieved.

By making the spheres of a different color for each player, ease in identification of respective contestant's golf gall lie is there by achieved.

By providing the plane surface on one face of a foldable, rigid base and including additionally a compartmentalized container for holding in respective compartments thereof the folded base with the scaled configuration thereon, the template, spinner device, spheres and golf club cards, a compact, storable and hand portable package which may be easily and rapidly set up for play in even cramped quarters is thereby achieved.

These and other features, objects and advantages of the present invention will be better understood from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings of a preferred embodiment of the invention and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a surface carrying a pictorial scaled configuration of a multihole golf course with a golf ball locating template schematically shown thereon with the index reference aligned with a sphere representing a golf ball in a simulated golf game in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front elevation of the FIG. 1 embodiment in folded position;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a spinner structure with a base fixture carrying a removable golf club card therein for operation with FIG. 1 in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a section on line 4-4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5A and 5B include a top and a bottom view of each of a plurality of golf clubs representing different golf clubs used with FIGS. 1 and 3 in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a plan view to enlarged scale showing the layout of a representative golf course green of FIG. 1 with numbered rows and lettered columns of areas therein;

FIG. 7 is a plan view to enlarged scale of a golf ball locating template shown schematically in FIG. 1 embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a side elevation of the golf ball locating template shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a plan view of a partially cutaway container with the components of FIGS. 1 through 8 therein;

FIG. 10 is a front elevation of the container shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is a plan view of 8 additional putting green golf ball locating templates showing variations in number and letter legends thereon found suitable for use in the FIG. 1 embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a side view of a spherical headed pin used as a golf ball in the FIG. 1 embodiment.

Referring to the drawings in more detail, each of the structures used cooperatively in the present simulated golf fame are hereinafter described individually as follows:

GAME BOARD A game board 10 on which the present simulated golf game is played is preferably comprised of two half sections 14 and 16 foldably joined at a centerline l2 and shown in unfolded, playing position in FIG. 1 and in folded position for easy, compact storage in FIGS. 2 and 9. The game board 10 is preferably of such material as pressed fiber having sufficient softness for penetration by pins for fixing simulated golf balls in place as will be hereinafter further described.

When unfolded as shown in FIG. 1, the game board 10 has on its top plane surface a scale configuration of a nine hole golf course 18. The golf course 18 has a layout such as found in real golf courses and includes seven distinct topographical areas, namely, trees 20 indicated by the areas carrying foliage indicating lines, rough 24 indicated by the plain darker green color coded areas, fairways 22 indicated by the light green color coded plain areas, sand traps 26 indicated by the encircled stipple areas, water 28 indicated by the liquid code line areas, tees 30 indicated by rectangles with each being light green similar to the fairway color coding and carrying on each end thereof a number identifying the particular hole to which it belongs and facing in the direction of play on the golf course 18, and putting greens 32 indicated by a lined gridwork forming rows of columns of 81 square shaped areas with the rows numbered consecutively 1 through 9 and the columns carrying alphabet letters A through .I, a number in the center of each green 32 identifying the particular hole to which it belongs on the golf course 18.

In addition to the above mentioned topographical areas, the game board 10 also carries at its lower left corner in FIG. 1 and enlarged scale putting green 34 having a cross hatching of nine vertical lines 36 and nine horizontal lines 38, and three

circles

40, 42 and 44 concentrically placed about a simulated golf ball receiving hole or cup 46 and representing distances of 8, and 35 feet, respectively, from the hole 46. The spacing between the vertical and

horizontal lines

36 and 38 is such that the

circles

40, 42 and 44 do not fall upon any of the intersections of the

lines

36 and 38.

PUTTING GREEN TEMPLATES For the purpose of transferring a golf ball from any one of the greens 32 to a corresponding position on the enlarged scale putting green 34, an L-shaped putting green template 48 of any suitable thin material is placed at the lower left corner border of the game board 10 in the manner shown in FIG. 1 such that each of the vertical lines 36 is identified by a number 1 through 9 on one leg of the L-shaped putting green template 48 and each of the horizontal lines 38 is identified by a letter A through .I on the other leg of the L-shaped putting green template 48. Thus, for example, if a golf ball happens to lie in the square areas identified by column lettered C and row numbers 2 on one of the greens 32, its transferred position on the enlarged scale putting green 34 with the putting green template 48 shown in FIG. 1 would be at point 50 which is the intersection of vertical line C and horizontal line 2 (as viewed from the left of FIG. 1) identified from the putting green template 48 in FIG. 1.

It will be noted that the point 50 on the putting green 34 is a very precise position and represents a golf ball lie in any part of the square area on the green 32 identified by column C and row 2. This is an important feature of the present invention to minimize ambiguities of golf ball position and thereby remove possible controversy during play. By this transfer arrangement, each golf ball transfer will always be to an intersection of a vertical and a horizontal line on the putting green 34 and thereby clearly defines the distance of the so transferred golf ball from the cup 46, which distance is easily recognized by the position of the golf ball with respect to the

concentric circle

40, 42, and 44, for purposes to be hereinafter described.

It will also be noted that while the numbers and letters identifying the rows and columns of areas on the greens 32 are consecutive, the numbers and letters on the putting green template 48 for identifying the vertical and

horizontal lines

36 and 38 on the enlarged scale putting green 34 are not consecutive. Also, there is preferably a different putting green template for each of the nine greens 32 and the arrangement of reference numbers and letters on each of the putting green templates is different. This is an important feature in simulating realism of golf play in the present invention in that it makes for a wide variety of approach shots and putting possibilities within the probabilities of realistic play as will become apparent as this description progresses.

Other letter and number arrangements found to provide realistic play probabilities for the remaining eight L-shaped putting green templates are shown in FIG. 11, providing a different one for each of the greens 32. It should be understood that while these varied letter and number arrangements have been found suitable for use with FIG. 1, they are not the only arrangement suitable for use in the present invention and are shown here only to provide complete disclosure and illustration of the principles of the invention and not for limitation.

GOLF BALL AND GOLF BALL LOCATING TEMPLATE A simulated golf ball is provided by a small colored glass, plastic or other suitable material sphere 68 (FIGS. 1, 9 and 12) with a protruding pin 70 for piercing the game board 10 to hold the golf ball 68 in place at any selected position on the golf course 18. At least two golf balls 68, preferably of the same color, are provided for each player for convenience in use with a golf ball locating template 72 (FIGS. 1, 7, 8 and 9) as will be hereinafter more fully described. Also, each of the players is preferably provided with different color golf balls 68 for ease in distinguishing them on the golf course 18 and putting green 34.

The golf ball locating template 72 has an elongated flat body 74 preferably of a transparent plastic material such as Lucite with diverging

sides

76 and 78 which result in a broadening area coverage in the direction of one end 80 from an index reference 82 and diminishing area coverage in the direction of opposite end 84 on the opposite side of the index reference 82. The rate of divergence of the

sides

76 and 78 is such as to accommodate a plurality of holes 86 through the body 74 representing in the measurement scale of the golf course 18 probabilities of destination of a golf ball hit by a golfer with each of the varied golf clubs available to a golfer at the reference index 82 and aimed by the golfer in the direction of the centerline 88. Fifty yard increments in the same measurement scales as that of the golf course 18 are marked along the sides of 76 and 78. Each of the golf ball destination holes 86 is coded with a letter-number combination for identification in golf play as will be hereinafter further described.

A hollow cylindrical golf ball receptacle 90 is fixed to the flat body 74 at the reference index 82 from which it protrudes downwardly for slidably and pivotally receiving therein the golf ball 68 which when fastened to the gameboard by the pin 70 provides a reference pivot for the placement of the template 72 on the golf course 18 for a simulated golf shot from the reference index 82 as will be hereinafter further described.

The elongated flat body 74 also has depending therefrom six support legs 92 for carrying the flat body and the hollow golf ball receptacle 90 above the plane surface of the game board 10 for easy sliding movement over the golf course 18 with the height of the flat body 74 above the gameboard l0 approximating the length of pins 70. Thus, upon insertion of golf balls 68 through destination holes 86 the pins 70 pierce the gameboard l0 and hold the golf ball 68 associated therewith in place on the golf course 18.

GOLF CLUB CARDS Selected groups of code letter-number combinations identifying respective golf ball destination holes 86 appear in circular configurations 94 on golf club cards 96 (FIGS. 3, 5a and 5b), each of which cards represents a golf club available in actual golf play. For convenience in golf club identification, each golf club card 96 carries at the top thereof the name of the golf club it represents together with a statement as to the average and maximum distances in yards of travel of a golf ball which may be expected when hit with such golf club. In the present invention the golf club cards 96 includes fourteen conventional golf clubs, namely: WOODS 1 through 4 and IRONS 2through 9, a WEDGE and a PUTTER.

All of the club cards 96, except those of the 1 WOOD and PUTIER, carry four circular configurations 94 of golf ball destination code letter-numbers for play in the fairways 22, sand traps 26, rough 24 and trees respectively. The fairway and sand trap circular configurations 94 appear on one side of .the golf club cards 96 and the rough and trees circular configurations on the other side. Since the 1 WOOD is used only from the tees 30, the 1 WOOD golf club card 96 has the same single circular configuration 94 on each of its sides for added convenience in use.

Each of the circular configurations 94 carries such code letter-numbers of golf ball destinations on template 72 as are probabilities of actual scaled destinations of a golf ball hit by the identified club from the respective designated fairway, rough, tress or trap on an actual golf course. Such coded letter-number circular configurations 94 for each of the golf club cards found suitable for producing weekend golfer grade of realistic play in conjunction with the golf ball locatingtemplate 72 are shown in FIGS. 3, 5a and 5b for all of the golf SPINNER Each of the golf club cards 96 has a slot 98 running to the center of the circular configurations and of a width to clear a pivot 100 rotatively carrying a spinnable pointer 102 at one end and at its other end being anchored in a base 104. The top surface of the base 104 is recessed and carries a metal plate 103 fastened by screws 105 to form a grooved receptacle for slidably receiving and holding any one of the golf club cards 96 with the pivot 100 located centrally of the circular configurations so that an indicator line 106 on the pointer 102 will always identify a number in the case of the PUTIER and for the other clubs a number-letter combination over which it may come to rest.

OPERATION In the operation of the present simulated golf game invention, one or more individuals may play together much as in an actual game of golf. After deciding upon the order in which the players will start, the first player then tees up his golf ball on the first tee. This is accomplished by sticking the pin 70 in any spot on the rectangular teeing area 30 carrying the numeral 1 so that the golf ball 68 is held in place as shown in FIG. 1. The golf ball 68 should be pressed down so that it rests flush on the gameboard 10. The golf ball locating template 72 is then placed with its hollow cylindrical golf ball receptacle over the golf ball 68 which thereby acts as a pivot for aiming the template 72 as desired, in this instance in the direction of the green 32 carrying the numeral 1. The player is now ready to select a golf club 96 and make his first golf shot. As in actual golf, the proper selection of golf club depends on the distance desired and the golf ball lie. With golf balls hit from a tee 30 or fairway 22, the most important fact to be considered is the desired distance. To assist in determining the distance desired, the template 72 has distance from the reference index 82 marked in 50 yard increments along the

edges

76 and 78. Also each golf club card 96 carries markings showing the average distance and maximum distance possible with that particular club when used for a fairway shot. Therefore, when the golf ball locating template 72 is positioned on a golf ball 68 as shown in FIG. 1, the player can then determine the distance from the reference index 82 which he desires to reach and then select the club that will result in that average distance. With the reference index 82 being on the first tee and the template 72 aimed at the first green as shown in FIG. 1 it is apparent that the first green is beyond the reach of any of the clubs 96 and therefore the club with the greatest distance capability is selected for the first shot.

The 1 WOOD (sometimes called the driver), being the club having the greatest distance capability, is the one selected for the first shot from the first tee 30. This is accomplished by inserting the 1 WOOD golf club card 96 in the spinner base 104 as explained above and spinning the pointer 102. The location of the ball as a result of the shot is determined by reading the hole designation (the letter-number combination to which the spinner points when it comes to rest) on the circular configuration 94. The golf ball locating template must not be moved after the pointer 102 has been spun. The player then locates the hole 86 in the template 72 having the code letter-number that was pointer to by the pointer 102, and places the alternate golf ball 680 through the so identified hole 86, sticking the pin 700 into the gameboard 10, being sure to imbed it firmly to hold the golf ball 68a in place. The golf ball 680 being slightly smaller than the holes 86 may pass therethrough and allow the template 72 to be subsequently removed without moving the ball.

The template 72 may now be removed, together with the original golf ball 68, and the alternate golf ball 68a pressed down to imbed the pin 70a firmly in the gameboard 10. The next player is then ready to tee up from the first tee as explained with regard to the first party.

If the pointer 102 at any time comes to rest on the insertion slot 98, the party may spin again with no penalty. When all the players have taken their turn hitting from the first tee, the player whose ball is furtherest from the first green 32 should play his shot. In the case of the golf ball 68a being in the rough 24, which on a golf course generally consists of tall grass and underbrush, judgment is required as to choice of a club with loft to more easily clear the rough versus sacrifice of distance need to reach the green. Such use of judgement is required for almost all shots in the present golf game invention. For example, if the ball is in a sand trap, which is generally .a depressed area with soft sand and with a ridge obstruction in the direction of the green, the high trajectory possible with a WEDGE golf club improves the chances of hitting out of such sand trap. If the distance is too great for a WEDGE, the player may chose a longer hitting IRON with less loft, but his chances of successfully hitting from the trap will be decreased.

In hitting from traps, trees, or rough, the player is free to select any club he desires, including a wood, but he should realize that in doing so he is taking a calculated risk because the probabilities of a successful shot are thereby reduced. If on a golf club card the pointer comes to rest in a space containing a line rather than a letter-number combination, it indicates that the ball was not successfully hit from that lie. That stroke should be counted in the score and the player should try again. In each instance when it is the players next turn to shoot, he should place the receptacle 90 of the golf ball locating template 72 over the current location of his golf ball 68 and repeat the above procedure, aiming the template and selecting his club as desired. He must always use the circular configuration 94 corresponding to the area in which his ball is located, namely, fairway, rough, trees, or sand trap.

When the golf balls of all the players are on the green, the balls should then be transferred to the enlarged scale putting green 34 in the lower corner of the game board 10. To accomplish such transfer, place on of the L-shaped putting green golf ball transfer templates 48 or 52 to 66 gameboard position at the lower left border of the gameboard 10 to identify the letter and number the

grid lines

36 and 38 on the enlarged scale putting green 34 as shown in HO. 1 by the template 48. It is suggested that, prior to starting play, the nine L-shaped putting green golf

ball transfer templates

48, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62, 64 and 66 be stacked in random order and placed to one side. They should then be used, for each of the nine holes, in the order in which they are stacked.

Each of the 81 squares on the green is designated by a letter-number combination indicating column and row, respectively, and for each of the 81 squares there is a corresponding letter-number combination of intersecting

lines

36 and 38 on the enlarged scale putting green 34, as identified by the L-shaped putting green golf ball transfer template used. Each players golf ball 68 should be so transferred from the small square in which it is located on a green 32 to the corresponding intersection on the enlarged scale green 34. Because the letter-number combination is changed for each of the nine holes to be player (except for the end letters A,B,H,J and end numbers l,2,8,9, which preferably remain unvaried), the intersection point for each small square inside the outer two rows and columns of a green 32 will be in a different location on the enlarged scale putting green 34 for each of the nine holes of the golf course 18.

When all of the golf balls are transferred to the enlarged scale putting green 34, the players should then putt out. The player whose ball is furthest from the hole 46 should place the PU'ITER golf club card 96 in the spinner base 104 with the proper circular configuration 95 facing up, depending on the distance between his golf ball and the hole 46. He should then spin the pointer 102. The number to which the pointer points when it comes to rest is the number of putts which that player has taken on that green.

When all players have holed out" (have finished putting), the players should then proceed to the tee for the next hole and play that hole in the same manner in which the previous hole was played.

To determine the order in which the players hit from the tee 30 in all holes other than the first, the player should hit in the ascending order of the scores achieved on the previous hole. The player who scored the fewest strokes on the previous hole is the first to tee off" and he is said to have the honor." If

two or more players had the same score the previous hole, they should tee of in the same order that they played from the previous tee.

If a players ball should land in water, the player should play his next shot from the point, on land, where the ball entered the water. Assume that the ball traveled in a straight line between the reference index 82 and its resting place in the water. As a penalty the player should add one stroke to his score for that hole.

If a player's ball should go out of bounds, the player should play his next shot from the same point from which he played the shot that went out of bounds. Out of bounds" is defined as off the printed part of the game board (either on the border around the board or completely off the board) and also the enlarged scale green 34 which is appropriately marked. As a penalty, the player should add one stroke to his score for that hole.

The only restriction on the use of clubs are that the l WOOD may only be used when teeing off on a hole, and the PU'ITER is used only on the enlarged scale putting green 34.

A conventional score card (FIG. 9) such as customarily used in actual golf and preferably having a plurality of columns for identifying the hole being played, yardage from the tee to the green, and par for the hole and providing accommodation for recording four player scores, respectively, is suitable for use with the present invention.

All of the components herein described may be conveniently stored and hand carried in a rectangular container 112 suitably compartmentalized by divider walls 114 to receive and retain the various components in place as shown in F IG. 9 where the folded gameboard l0 and a cover 116 are shown partially cut away to provide a clearer view of the interior storage arrangement.

This invention is not limited to the particular details of construction or operation described as equivalents will suggest themselves to those skilled in the art.

What l claim is:

1. In a simulated golf game apparatus, the combination of a plane surface carrying a pictorial scaled configuration of multihole golf course having fairways, playing hazards and greens having coded areas, an elongated golf ball locating template having an index reference and a plurality of coded positions in spaced relation to the index reference and proportioned to said scaled configuration for representing possible golf ball destinations with respect to golf club hits of all of the golf clubs except the PUT'IER at said index reference, means for aligning said index reference with any selected golf ball lie on said scaled configuration when carrying said template, chance means for providing for each of a plurality of golf clubs in the game a selection of one coded position from a group of such positions which represent achievable destinations of a golf ball when hit at the aligned index reference by the associated golf club, a golf green configuration to enlarged scale with intersecting lines providing an intersecting line position on said enlarged scale green configuration for each of said coded areas for ready transfer of golf ball play from a green to a corresponding position on said enlarged scale green configuration, and means for providing a selection of one number from a group of numbers which represent reasonable possibilities of required numbers of golf putts from said corresponding intersecting line positions.

2 The combination as in claim 1 wherein said chance means include a spinner device and an associated golf club card for each of said golf clubs, each golf club card having thereon in selectable relation to said spinner device reproductions of such coded positions as provide a realistic probability distribution with respect to said spinner of achievable golf ball destinations when hit at said aligned index reference by the associated golf club.

3. The combination as in claim 2 wherein said spinner device includes a manually spinnable pointer pivotally mounted on a base carrying a golf club card positioning fixture for removably holding said card for each of the golf clubs in operative relation to said spinnable pointer.

4. The combination as in claim 2 wherein the playing hazards of said golf course configuration include rough, trees and sand traps and said golf club cards include thereon separately enumerated such coded positions which provide a realistic probability distribution with respect to said spinner device of said achievable golf ball destinations when said reference index is aligned with a golf ball in said respective fairways, rough, trees and sand traps.

5. The combination as in claim 2 wherein said plane surface is one face of a foldable rigid base, and including additionally templates for identifying the intersecting lines of said enlarged scale green configuration, small spheres with protruding pins for representing golf balls, and a compartmentalized container for holding in respective compartments thereof said folded base with the scaled configuration thereon, said templates spinner device, spheres with protruding pins and golf club cards as a compact, storable and hand portable package.

6. In a simulated golf game apparatus, the combination of a plane surface carrying a pictorial scaled configuration of a multihole golf course having fairways, playing hazards and greens, each green having a coded areas in the form of a grid comprised of sets of similar square areas arranged in rows and columns, an elongated golf ball locating template having an index reference and a plurality of coded positions in spaced relation to the index reference and proportioned to said scaled configuration for representing possible golf ball destinations with respect to golf club hits at said index reference, means for aligning said index reference with any selected golf ball lie on said scaled configuration when carrying said template, chance means for providing for each of a plurality of golf clubs in the game a selection of one coded position from a group of such positions which represent achievable destinations of a golf ball when hit at the aligned index reference by the associated golf club, and a golf green to enlarged scale carrying a set of lines corresponding to said rows and transversely thereto a set of lines corresponding to said columns and positioned to cross said first mentioned set of lines to form intersection points.

7. The combination as in claim 6 wherein said rows have identifying code numbers and said columns have identifying code letters, said numbers and letters being arranged in the same order on all said golf course greens, and a plurality of separate templates carrying said code numbers and code letters in a variety of arrangements for identifying said areas of each golf course green as an intersection of said lines on said enlarged scale green.

8. The combination as in claim 7 wherein said enlarged scale green has additionally concentric circles about the cup in said enlarged scale green, each concentric circle representing a different distance from said cup, and for a PU'ITER comprising means with a plurality of sets of numbers of PU'ITER strokes, said sets arranged for cup distances from said intersections bounded by respective ones of said concentric circles and having a realistic probability distribution with respect to said additional chance means of numbers of PUTTER stroked for sinking a golf ball in said cup from corresponding distances from the cup.

9. The combination as in claim 1 having additionally small spheres representing golf balls and pins protruding from said spheres for fixing the sphere to any selected position on said pictorial configuration, and said index reference aligning means including a receptacle for a fixed sphere at said index reference.

10. The combination as in claim 9 with each of said small spheres being a different color for ease in identifying each different contestants golf ball lie.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 35612 53 Dated October 12, 1971 Inventofls) Edmond o Rrnwne It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 1, line 39, "read" should be --ready--.

selection Column 3, line 33, "fame" should be --g;ame---;

Column 2, line 8, first occurrence of g;olf" should be line "of" shoul be --and--;

line 67, "and should be -an--.

Column 4, line 13, "areas" should be --a.rea--;

"numbers" should be -numbered--; lines 30 & 31, "circle" should be --circles--.

Column 5, line 57, "tress" should be -trees-.

Column 5, line 58, first occurrence of "pointer" should be --pointed--.

Column 7, line 3, need" should be --needed--;

line 31, "on" should be -one--; line 32, "66" should be followed by --in--; line 33, identify" should be followed by -by--; line 52, "player" should be --played-.

Column line ID, "of" should b followed by --a--;

Column 10, line 161, "and" should be followed by --additional chance selection means--.

Signed and sealed this 16th day of May 1972.

(SEAL) A tte st 2 EDWARD I LFLTJTCHERJR. ROBERT GOT'ISCIIALK Attes Lying; Officer Commissioner of Patents 'ORM PC40 (10-69) USCOMM-DC 60376-P69 Q U 5 GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 1969 0-3664!

Claims

1. In a simulated golf game apparatus, the combination of a plane surface carrying a pictorial scaled configuration of multihole golf course having fairways, playing hazards and greens having coded areas, an elongated golf ball locating template having an index reference and a plurality of coded positions in spaced relation to the index reference and proportioned to said scaled configuration for representing possible golf ball destinations with respect to golf club hits of all of the golf clubs except the PUTTER at said index reference, means for aligning said index reference with any selected golf ball lie on said scaled configuration when carrying said template, chance means for providing for each of a plurality of golf clubs in the game a selection of one coded position from a group of such positions which represent achievable destinations of a golf ball when hit at the aligned index reference by the associated golf club, a golf green configuration to enlarged scale with intersecting lines providing an intersecting line position on said enlarged scale green configuration for each of said coded areas for ready transfer of golf ball play from a green to a corresponding position on said enlarged scale green configuration, and means for providing a selection of one number from a group of numbers which represent reasonable possibilities of required numbers of golf putts from said corresponding intersecting line positions. CM,2Ombination as in claim 1 wherein said chance means include a spinner device and an associated golf club card for each of said golf clubs, each golf club card having thereon in selectable relation to said spinner device reproductions of such coded positions as provide a realistic probability distribution with respect to said spinner of achievable golf ball destinations when hit at said aligned index reference by the associated golf club.

8. The combination as in claim 7 wherein said enlarged scale green has additionally concentric circles about the cup in said enlarged scale green, each concentric circle representing a different distance from said cup, and for a PUTTER comprising means with a plurality of sets of numbers of PUTTER strokes, said sets arranged for cup distances from said intersections bounded by respective ones of said concentric circles and having a realistic probability distribution with respect to said additional chance means of numbers of PUTTER stroked for sinking a golf ball in said cup from corresponding distances from the cup.

10. The combination as in claim 9 with each of said small spheres being a different color for ease in identifying each different contestant''s golf ball lie.