WO2001026743A2

WO2001026743A2 - Golf course and method of play

Info

Publication number: WO2001026743A2
Application number: PCT/CA2000/001160
Authority: WO
Inventors: Scott Mcbride; Edward Mcbride
Original assignee: Tri-Par Courses Inc.
Priority date: 1999-10-12
Filing date: 2000-10-11
Publication date: 2001-04-19
Also published as: US20060154736A1; CA2285799A1; WO2001026743A3; AU7636700A

Abstract

A golf course including a plurality of holes, where at least one of said holes includes a plurality of initial teeing areas displaced at similar, or different specific par distances from a target cup, and at different directions from a target cup such that plurality of teeing areas are disposed at different acute angles from the taret cup, and encompass different terrain and different trajectories to target cup. A gold hole of the present invention comprises a target green encompassing a target cup, and a middle area between a plurality of initial teeing areas and the target green. A method of playing the golf course and golf hole is also described. The method of sequentially playing a golf game on the present course results in a relatively inexhaustible number of different games of golf thereon.

Description

TITLE OF THE INVENTION

GOLF COURSE AND METHOD OF PLAY

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a golf course facility that offers an essentially unlimited number of different games of golf to an individual golf player, and a method of play whereby each day a different combination of specific pars for specific holes of the golf course may be selected and played. The golf course and method of play afford variety in the golf games that can be played on a single golf course such that golf players of various skill levels are constantly being challenged.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

The game of golf is an increasingly popular game in Canada and around the world. The game of golf traditionally consists of a playing area, which is a tract of land called a 'course' or 'links', and is made up of a series of 'holes', usually nine or eighteen holes. Each hole is traditionally made up of a 'tee', which is the point at which the golfer starts to play that unit of the course, a fairway and a target green having a 'cup' into which the golfer aims to propel the ball. Between the tee and the cup there may be many different obstacles including such hazards as water, tall grass, trees and sand traps. Usually the longer the distance from the tee to the cup, the more obstacles there are, and as a result the more difficult the hole is to score.

Although the game of golf is extremely popular around the world, the traditional game of golf played on traditional golf courses suffers from a number of disadvantages. A major disadvantage is that an individual golfer is limited to playing a particular game of golf on a particular golf course. As a result, a golfer who is a member at a particular golf links, will quickly become familiar with that particular course and, in consequence, will be able to play that course very well with the experience acquired. This may be agreeable if the golfing member is playing a competitor. However, if the golfing member wants to play a challenging game, the familiarized golfer will no longer be challenged by repeatedly playing the same links. Repeatedly playing the same layout on a particular links will tend to make the golf game tediously monotonous and relatively effortless for a member who has become familiarized with a particular links. It is for this reason that many avid golfers become members of a number of different golf facilities, so that their golf game can vary and as a result the golf game can continue to be challenging and pleasurable. Obviously, this involves significant additional expense to the golfer.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

Traditional golf courses are similar throughout the world. While they may differ in size, number of holes, difficulty of holes and in topography, they are similar in that conventional courses consist of a number of holes which are preconstructed to be a specific par. Normally, each hole is designed to be either a par 3, par 4, or a par 5 hole. A par 3 hole is usually a hole with a length of under 250 yards, a par 4 hole is a hole with a length of about 250 to 450 yards, and a par 5 hole is a hole with a length of over 450 yards. Although rare, there are par 6 holes which have a length of over 600 yards. Generally golf courses with 18 holes have a par of 72, that is the par lengths of the 18 holes consist of a combination of par 3, par 4 and par 5 holes that give a par 72 for a game of golf on an 18 hole golf course. For example, a golf course can have four par 3 holes, ten par 4 holes, and four par 5 holes, to accomplish a par 72 golf course. Although not all courses have the same par combinations for each hole, conventional courses are uniform in that each hole on a specific course is predetermined to be a specific par . For example, golf courses X and Y can each consist of 18 holes where the first three holes on conventional courses X and Y are specified as par 3, par 3, par 5 and par 4, par 3, par 4, respectively. Although hole #1 differs between course X and Y, golf course X will always have a par 3 hole #1 and golf course Y will always have a par 4 hole #1. As a result a golfer playing course X will be repeatedly playing the same game of golf. Although each hole may have additional tees (men' s, ladies, professional and championships tees) which may differ in location on a specified teeing area, and hence distance from the cup, each hole on a conventional course will be specified as being a singular specific par.

There are various prior art proposals that aim to alter or customize the conventional golf course or the conventional game of golf such that various requirements are considered. United States Patent No. 1 ,851 ,423 issued to O. L. Ely on March 29, 1932 and United States Patent No. 2,003,074 issued to B. E. Gage on May 28, 1935 disclose golf courses with multiple holes which are located at different distances from a teeing area, thereby reducing the need to walk the ususal distance required in conventional play. Canadian Patent Application No.2, 106,298 filed January 17, 1992 by Ferns and Garner describes a golf course comprising a central tee-off area and a number of 'sectors' disposed around the tee-off area, where each 'sector' consists of a selection of targets to enable a player to simulate playing a hole of golf. Finally, Canadian Patent

Application No. 2,167,165 filed January 26, 1995 by R. T. Jones describes a golf course comprising at least one hole and a number of supplementary teeing areas located at different distances from an initial teeing area. Jones aims to eliminate the handicap scoring used in golf by providing supplementary teeing areas from which players of different ability tee-up according to their corresponding skill level. In addition, Jones aims to reduce the land area of a golf facility by providing a driving range with two opposing drive-teeing areas.

Although, there are many variations in the prior art that propose to alter the golf course or the method of play, there is no teaching of the specific arrangement of concepts disclosed by the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a golf course comprising: a plurality of golf holes, where each of the golf holes includes a plurality of initial teeing areas displaced at similar, or at different specific par distances from a target cup, at different directions from the target cup such that the plurality of initial teeing areas are disposed at different acute angles from the target cup, and encompass different terrain and different trajectories to the target cup; a target green encompassing the target cup for each hole; a middle area between the plurality of initial teeing areas and the target green; and including a border green comprising an area beside and behind the target green in relation to the initial teeing areas, such that the middle area and the border green comprise variable terrain of various surfaces, including cut and uncut grass, various contours, flat surfaces, gullies and mounds, and various obstacles including trees, water hazards, boulders and sand traps.

Therefore, a golf hole is provided, wherein the golf hole in accordance with the present invention comprises: a plurality of initial teeing areas, each displaced at similar, or at different specific par distances from a target cup, disposed in different directions from a target cup such that the plurality of initial teeing areas are at different acute angles from the target cup, and embody a plurality of different par lengths, terrain and trajectories to a target cup; a target green encompassing the target cup of the golf hole; a middle area between the plurality of initial teeing areas and the target green; and including a border green comprising an area beside and behind the target green in relation to the initial teeing areas, such that the middle area and the border green comprise variable terrain of various surfaces, including cut and uncut grass, various contours, flat surfaces, gullies and mounds, and various obstacles including trees, water hazards, boulders and sand traps.

In the present invention a golf course and a method of play are provided. Specifically, the golf course comprises a plurality of holes where some or all the holes include a plurality of specific initial teeing-areas displaced at specific distances and disposed in different directions, i.e. at different acute angles, from the target green for each hole of the golf course. Each such modified hole advantageously has a target green, a middle area comprising the area between the plurality of initial teeing areas and the target green, and a border green comprising the area beside and behind the target green in relation to the teeing areas also comprise the golf course of the present invention. The middle area and border green comprise variable terrain of various surfaces, including cut and uncut grass, various contours, flat surfaces, gullies and mounds, and various obstacles, including trees, water hazards, boulders and sand traps.

In accordance with the present invention, a plurality of initial teeing areas are displaced at specified distances and disposed in different directions from the target green for each hole of the golf course, such that each initial teeing area is designated as having a distinct par. The plurality of different par specific initial teeing areas for each hole that constitutes the golf course of the present invention are displaced such that these initial teeing areas embody different par lengths, different terrain and different trajectories to the target cup.

Normally speaking the golf course of the invention will comprise 18 or 9 holes, but the invention is not limited to this number. In addition, it is preferred that all or most of the holes will include a plurality of teeing areas. However, if desired, only some or a few of the holes (even a single hole) may be modified, with the balance of the holes being equivalent to conventional golf course holes. Moreover, since the use of the modified holes with multiple differently angled teeing areas significantly increases the number of ways of playing a given hole, a golf course of the invention may comprise a reduced total number of holes, i.e. from 1 to 8 holes.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides of a plurality of holes, such that each hole comprising the golf course of the present invention consists three distinct par teeing areas, for example each hole of the present invention may consist of a par 3 initial teeing area, a par 4 initial teeing area and a par 5 initial teeing area. The present invention, however, is not limited to only three initial teeing areas for each hole, each hole of the present golf course can consist of a plurality of initial teeing areas, i.e. two, three or more initial teeing areas.

The present invention also provides a method of playing a golf-course according to the present invention comprising a plurality of holes according to the present invention, such that the golf course in accordance with the present invention can be played in a plurality of different ways, thereby resulting in a golf course that allows for the play of a relatively inexhaustible number of different games of golf thereon. More specifically, a preferred method of play in accordance with the present invention comprises: the selection or assignment of a specific sequence of initial teeing areas designated for play at each hole, such that players tee up at the designated initial teeing area for each hole of the golf course layout; playing the holes sequentially by teeing up at the designated initial teeing areas for each hole of the golf course layout based on a golf game commissioned for play; at each successive hole players stroke a golf ball propelling it toward the target cup located on the target green of the hole being played, and proceeding sequentially to play the subsequent holes of the course in like manner.

Accordingly, the present golf course comprises a plurality of different initial teeing areas, thereby allowing each of the multiple holes on the present golf course to be played in a plurality of different ways, consequently resulting in a relatively inexhaustible number of different games of golf that can be played on the present golf course. As a result, the golf game of the present invention offers challenging diversity with each game to each player, regardless of skill or experience.

As described above, in the present golf course, there exist multiple initial tee-off areas for each hole, such that, on the hole being played, all players in the present golf game tee off from the designated teeing area at each hole and propel the ball toward the target green of the hole being played. By providing multiple initial tee-off areas of different specific lengths and hence different par values, the present invention provides a multiple number of ways a specific hole can be played. In addition to providing a golf course of a plurality holes, wherein each hole is not preconstructed to be a singular specific par, as is the case in the prior art, each hole on the golf course of the present invention is designed to consist of a plurality of different pars that differ in distance, and that result in different trajectories towards a target green, thereby allowing golfers to play each hole in a plurality of different ways, and accordingly providing a golf facility that offers variety and challenge to all players.

For example, holes that comprise a golf course of the prior art are preconstructed as being either a par 3 hole, or a par 4 hole, or a par 5 hole. Some prior art golf courses may suggest the inclusion of supplementary tee-off areas, such that these supplementary tee-off areas give a slight range of difficulty for a particular hole, for example, a men's and ladies tee-off areas can be included in the preconstructed teeing area of a particular hole. Nevertheless, although a hole on a prior art course may consist of supplementary tee-off areas, each hole on a prior golf course would be predesigned as being either a par 3 hole, or a par 4 hole or a par 5 hole. However, the golf course of the present invention includes multiple initial teeing areas displaced at specific par distances and disposed to yield different trajectories such that each hole on the present golf course may be constructed as a par 3 hole, as well as a par 4 hole, as well as a par 5 hole. As will be further discussed below, the par that is selected to be played for each hole can be assigned or can be selected randomly to yield the desired course layout sequence of initial teeing areas for the sequence of holes that constitute a game of golf.

In accordance with the golf course of the present invention there is normally a single target cup for each hole, such that regardless of the initial teeing area designated for play in a particular golf game, the aim of the golfer is to propel the golf ball from a designated specific initial teeing area toward the target cup in as few strokes as possible.

Since the golf course of the present invention consists of multiple holes, each of which may be made up of a plurality of different par teeing areas, the golf course of the present invention may require a larger amount of land than conventional prior art courses. Nevertheless, the larger land requirement is justified since the present golf course offers many advantages to its members, and as a result membership fees can be increased accordingly. The variety and challenge offered by the present golf course may well encourage a large membership base and would retain its membership base because the present course offers a relatively limitless range of golf games that can be played. Moreover, the golf course of the present invention may also include amenities offered at other traditional golf course facilities.

In addition to providing a golf course comprising a plurality of holes, wherein each hole consists of a plurality of teeing areas of different par lengths, the present invention also provides a method of play that offers variety and challenge with each game of golf for all golfers, regardless of skill level or experience. In accordance with the present method, players tee up at a specific, designated initial teeing area for each hole, the initial teeing area designated for play at each particular hole is selected or assigned based on the golf game commissioned that day for play, and not on an individual players ability. Therefore, the golf game layout, that is the sequence of initial teeing areas being played for each hole of the present golf course is always changing, such that the golfer playing a golf game on the course of the present invention is always challenged because the golf game is always changing.

The layout of the golf game, that is the sequence of initial teeing areas designated for play at each hole is a combination or permutation of the plurality of initial teeing areas for each hole.

Since the present invention provides a plurality of initial teeing areas for each hole that comprises the present golf course, there is a relatively limitless number of different golf games that can be played on the present course. For example, a preferred embodiment of the present golf course consists of an 18 hole course, where each hole encompasses three initial teeing areas, namely a par 3 initial teeing area, a par 4 initial teeing area and a par 5 initial teeing area, such that each initial teeing area is disposed in a different direction from the target green, thereby providing different trajectories along which the ball can be propelled from the designated initial teeing area to the target green. Therefore a golf course according to this preferred embodiment would yield 3¹⁸ different games of golf that can be played on a single course according to the present invention, or 387,420,489 different games of golf. Moreover, if one or more par 6 initial teeing areas are also included in the golf course, there would be hundreds of millions of additional different golf games that can be played on the present golf course.

An objective of the present invention is to provide a golf game that is continually different and as a result is continually challenging. The multiple combinations and permutations of initial teeing areas with specific holes yields a golf game sequence that is constantly new.

Since each hole has a plurality of initial teeing areas, there is an inexhaustible number of combinations of teeing areas for each hole that can be played. The sequence of initial teeing areas selected for play at each hole can be randomly assigned or can be selected based on specified preferences. For example, the clubhouse that manages a golf facility according to the present invention can set up a computer system that allows players to select and design their scorecard with a customized course layout according to their preference. Alternatively, the clubhouse may prefer to set up a computer system that randomly generates an effectively unlimited number of different scorecard combinations for each golf game, thereby assigning a different specific golf game for each day. Accordingly, the clubhouse may provide a system where players can choose whether they would like to play a game that incorporates their preferences, or whether they would like to play a game that is assigned by the computer system. Nevertheless, players tee up at a specific teeing area based on the golf game being played and not based on their skill level.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein :

FiG. 1 is a plan view of a layout for a typical hole of a prior art golf course; FiG. 2 is a plan view of a layout for a hole of a golf course according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FiG. 3 is a plan view of a layout for a hole of a golf course according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a golf facility including a plurality of holes for a golf course according a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a layout for one hole on a prior art golf course, which includes a teeing area (1) and a target cup (2) located on a green (3) at a distance from the teeing area. Between the teeing area (1) and the target cup (2) there may be located a number of obstacles, including tree areas (6), water hazards (4), and sand traps (5). Also shown in FIG. 1 is a proposed trajectory line (7) for propelling the golf ball from the teeing green (1) to the target cup (2). In the golf course of the prior art, the teeing area for each hole can be located at different distances for each hole.

FIG.2 illustrates a layout for a hole of a golf course according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in which each hole consists of three initial teeing areas (21 , 22, 23), each of which is disposed in a different direction from a target cup (24) and displaced a specific par distance from the target cup (24). Thus, the lines of direction between each initial teeing area and the cup are at acute angles to each other. Specifically, FiG.2 illustrates a hole of an embodiment of the present invention which consists or a par 3 teeing area (21), a par 4 teeing area (22) and par 5 teeing area (23). Unlike any prior art golf course, the golf course of the present invention comprises a plurality of holes, each of which includes multiple initial tee-off areas displaced at different specific distances and in different directions from a target cup (24). Also shown in FIG. 2 are proposed trajectories for each of the multiple initial teeing areas, namely the par 3 teeing area, par 4 teeing area and the par 5 teeing area, respectively.

Similar to the preferred embodiment in FIG. 2, FIG. 3 presents another layout for a hole of a golf course according to another preferred embodiment the present invention, and, similarly to FiG. 2, FIG. 3 illustrates three initial teeing areas displaced at a par 3 (31), par 4 (32) and a par 5 (33) distance from the target cup (35), and disposed in different directions or angles from the target cup (35). However, there can also be included for each hole of the present invention additional initial teeing areas displaced at specific par lengths from the target cup, for example a par 6 (34) initial teeing area can also be included for any given hole of the golf course of the present invention.

Since each hole of the present golf course consists of three initial teeing areas according to a preferred embodiment, i.e. a plurality of initial teeing areas, each hole can be played three different ways, i.e. a plurality of different ways, by a golfer playing on the disclosed golf course of the present invention. As a result there is diversity as to how each hole can be played and, therefore, the golf game of the golf course of the present invention will offer a challenging diversity to each player regardless of skill or experience.

Prior art golf courses have suggested the inclusion of a different number of supplementary tee-off areas, for various holes on a prior art golf course, such that these supplementary tee-off areas give a slight range in difficulty for a hole on the prior art golf course; for example a men's, ladies, professional and championship tees have been proposed in the prior art. A hole on such a prior art course could consist of tees that vary in distance from the target green. Nevertheless, each hole on a prior art course would be designated with the same par value, i.e. either a par 3 hole, a par 4 hole or a par 5 hole with supplementary tee-offs. However, the golf course of the present invention includes multiple initial teeing areas displaced at specific par lengths and disposed in different directions from the target cup such that each initial teeing area results in different par values and hence different methods of playing each hole. A hole on the golf course of the preferred embodiment would be designated a par 3 hole and a par 4 and a par 5 with additional tee-offs within each of these initial teeing areas.

In accordance with the present invention, each hole on the present golf course may include additional tee-off areas within each of the plurality of initial teeing areas, such that an additional tee can be played from within the initial teeing area designated for play. The additional tees that can be included within each of the multiple initial teeing areas can be a men's, ladies, professional, championship or other required tees. It should be noted that an individual player tees-off from the designated initial teeing area at a particular hole based on the game being played that day, and not based on the players ability. For example, all players playing a particular golf game would tee off from the same initial teeing area designated for play. Accordingly, the additional tee-off area that is played from within the assigned initial teeing area is selected based on the golf game being played that day. For example, in a professional game, all players would tee-off from the professional teeing area present at the initial teeing area designated for play at each hole of the golf game. Therefore, it is the golf game commissioned for play that decides the sequence of initial teeing areas to be played, and not a players ability.

The golf course of the present invention consists of a plurality of holes, each of which consists of three initial teeing areas, i.e. a plurality of initial teeing areas, such that each hole can be played three different ways. The golf game according to the present invention consists of a designated sequence of initial teeing areas for a plurality of consecutively played holes. Since there is variety as to how each hole can be played, a golf game on a golf course of the present invention will offer a challenging diversity to each player regardless of skill or experience. This is clearly illustrated in FiG. 2 and in FiG_.3, where each initial teeing area gives rise to different trajectories, therefore an individual golfer can golf a particular hole three different ways depending on the designated initial teeing area they tee-off from.

The different initial teeing areas embody holes that can be played in a variety of ways, this variety at each hole translates into a golf game that consists of a sequence of initial teeing areas that is continually changing for all players of all skill levels. For example, a member at a golf course of the present invention could play the same course three times a day for an entire year, or go golfing 1095 times (3 x 365) in one year and never play the same golf game twice. Furthermore, a golf course according to a preferred embodiment comprises a plurality of holes, for example, an 18 hole course where each hole consists of three initial teeing areas, a par 3 teeing area, a par 4 teeing area and a par 5 teeing area, yield a course that offers 387,420,489 different game of golf (that is 3¹⁸ different ways of playing 18 holes with 3 different initial teeing areas). In addition, if a par 6 initial teeing area was included at a hole, there would be over 500 million ways to play the golf course of the present invention. For example, if only one hole on an 18 hole golf course of the present invention includes a par 6 initial teeing area, then there would be 516,560,652 different golf game combinations that can be played. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to only one hole with par 3, par 4, par 5 and par 6 initial teeing areas, instead the golf course of the present invention can include any number of holes, one, many, or all holes, that encompasses a plurality of initial teeing areas wherein each hole can include a different number of initial teeing areas.

Thus, in another embodiment of the invention one or more holes of the golf course may include a plurality of differently angled holes, two or more of which are the same par (but from different directions with respect to the cup). For instance, a hole could comprise two teeing areas at a par 3 distance and one at a par 4 (i.e. 3,3,4), or other combinations such as 3,3,5; or 3,4,4; or 3,5,5; or 4,5,5; and so on.

Furthermore, contrary to the golf courses of the prior art in which golfers play approximately a par 72 for an 18 hole game, players on the golf course of the present invention can play a plurality of games encompassing a range of par lengths on the same golf course, as illustrated in Table II below. That is, the course yardage varies according to the game combination being played, for example, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a player can play a par 54 game by playing all par threes for each of the 18 holes, or can play a par 90 game by playing all par fives for each of the 18 holes; correspondingly any range between a par 54 to a par 90 game can be played, and the range in course yardage varies according to the golf game combination that day, that is the sequence of initial teeing areas designated for play at each day.

Referring now to FIG.4, there is shown an embodiment of an entire golf facility according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, including a golf course ( 100), a putting green (102) and a driving range (104). The golf course (100) illustrated comprises 18 holes of the type illustrated in FiG.2 and in FiG.3 that include a succession of holes numbered #1 through to #18 and that are arranged as in a typical golf course with the target green of one hole lying adjacent to the teeing area of the hole bearing the next higher number, with no hole overlapping any part of the terrain associated with any other hole. FIG. 4 illustrates that, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each hole of the present golf course can be comprised of the same number of multiple initial teeing areas or of a different number of initial teeing areas. For example, three initial teeing areas, a par 3, a par 4 and a par 5 teeing area can constitute each hole of the golf course according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. However, a par 3, par 4 and par 5 initial teeing area, or any combination of initial teeing areas can constitute one hole, or a plurality of holes, or all the holes on the golf course of the present invention.

Moreover, a golf course according to the present invention can contain a hole that is comprised of a plurality of initial teeing areas, for example, a golf course where only one hole contains more than one initial teeing area whereas the remaining holes that constitute the present golf course can contain only one initial teeing area. In addition, the holes of the present invention need not all be comprised of the same number of initial teeing areas, for example hole #1 can encompass three initial teeing areas (par 3 , par 4, par 6), hole #5 can encompass four initial teeing areas (par 3, par 4, par 5, par 6), while hole #17 can encompass one initial teeing area (par 5). Therefore, the present invention is not limited to a golf course comprised of three or more initial teeing areas at each hole, but instead the golf course of the present invention is comprised of at least one hole that encompasses one or more than one initial teeing area displaced at different distances and disposed in different directions and angles from the target cup. However, it is a preferred embodiment of the present invention that a plurality of holes incorporate a plurality of initial teeing areas such that there is a large variety in the different golf game combinations that can be played on the present invention.

Therefore, the golf course of the present invention is comprised of a plurality of holes where one hole, or more than one hole, or all holes can encompass a plurality of initial teeing areas. Accordingly, the golf course in accordance with the present invention can consist of only one hole with a plurality of initial teeing areas. Furthermore, the golf course in accordance with the present invention can consist of a course in which all holes contain a plurality of initial teeing areas. Nevertheless, the present invention is not limited to a golf course comprised of holes that all contain the same number of initial teeing areas, instead the present invention can also encompass holes that contain different numbers of initial teeing areas.

Since the golf course according to the present invention consists of multiple holes, each of which can consist of a plurality of different par teeing areas, a golf course of the present invention may require a larger amount of land. For example, conventional golf courses usually range from 6,500 yards to 7,000 yards. However, the golf course of the present embodiment may exceed 10,000 yards, since each hole on the present golf course is made up of a plurality of different initial teeing areas each of which disposed in different directions from the target hole. Nevertheless, the large land requirement can be counterbalanced by the advantages that the present golf course can offer, for example, members at a golf course according to the present embodiment can play an inexhaustible number of different games of golf regardless of their skill level or experience.

In accordance with the present invention, a golf course may consist of a limited number of holes, such that there is not a large land requirement for a golf course of the present invention, in which each hole encompasses a plurality of initial teeing areas displaced at different distances and different angles from a target cup, such that a golf game layout may involve consecutively playing said limited number of holes repeatedly. For example, a golf course according to the present embodiment that is comprised of six holes, each of which encompass a plurality of initial teeing areas displaced at different distances and different angles from a target cup, can be consecutively played three times, such that with each rotation of the six holes, a different or similar sequence of initial teeing areas are played for each hole, thereby resulting in an equivalent

18 hole golf game of consecutively different holes. A golf course according to the present embodiment that could also reduce the land requirement could be, for example, a nine-hole golf course that is consecutively played twice, in which the second rotation of the nine-holes involves playing a different or similar sequence of initial teeing areas for each hole, thereby resulting in an 18 hole golf game of consecutively different holes.

The golf course according a preferred embodiment of the present invention can consist of an 18 hole golf course, however, the present invention is not limited to 18 holes. That is, a golf course of the present invention can comprise a plurality of holes and is not limited to being a golf course of 18 holes. A golf course according to the present invention may comprise a plurality of holes some or all of which consist of a plurality of initial teeing areas. For example, another embodiment of the present invention can consist of a golf course comprised of 9 holes which consists of a plurality of initial teeing areas such that the land requirement for a course according to the present invention is not large. Nevertheless, a nine-hole golf course according to the present invention where, for example, each hole consists of three initial teeing areas will embody a golf course that offers 19,683 different games of golf , while a golf course of the prior art would only offer one golf game on a specified prior golf course. Furthermore, another embodiment of the present invention is a golf course comprised of any number of holes at least one of which consists of a plurality of initial teeing areas.

The variety and challenge that the present golf course can offer would encourage and generate a large membership base of players that want to remain members at a golf facility that offers a limitless range in the different games of golf that can be played. The variety and challenge offered at a golf course of the present invention would further justify a higher membership fee since the presently disclosed golf course is unique to all prior art courses since it offers unlimited variety and challenge in the possible games of golf that can be played, and would accordingly be attractive to avid golfers who want to improve their golf game. Furthermore, the golf course of the present invention may include amenities such as a clubhouse, restaurants, shops, or any other additional accommodations the golf facility or its members desire.

In addition to providing a golf course according to the above described embodiments, the present invention also provides a method of play that offers variety and challenge to each individual player, regardless of skill level or experience. The method of play according to the present invention involves the designation of an initial teeing area for play at each hole on the present golf courses, an initial teeing area is selected for each hole that comprises the golf course, this sequence of play designated teeing areas constitutes the layout of the golf game to be played. For example, if the golf game being played is an 18 hole golf game, then a sequence of 18 initial teeing areas are selected for holes 1 through 18, then players tee up at the designated initial teeing area of the 1^st hole through to the designated initial teeing area of the 18^th hole. The golf game according to the present invention consists of a designated sequence of initial teeing areas for a plurality of consecutively played holes. Therefore, the golf game layout, that is the sequence of designated initial teeing areas being played for each hole is always changing, and as a result, the golfer playing a golf game on the course of the present invention is always challenged because the golf game is always changing. The selection of the initial teeing area that will be played for each hole may be selected based on the golf game commissioned that day and not on an individual player's ability. Therefore, the sequence of initial teeing areas for each of the 18 holes is always changing (over 300 million possible sequences for 18 holes with 3 initial teeing areas), such that the golfer on the golf course of the present invention is always challenged because the golf game is always changing. The present invention is continually challenging because with each new game sequence the target cup is viewed differently, depending on the initial teeing area selected or assigned for each hole. As a result the golfer can play millions of different course layout combinations, and this results in a golf game that is challenging for players of all skill levels and experience.

The clubhouse that administers the golf course according to the present invention can set up a computer system that allows players to select or design their scorecard with a customized course layout according to their preferences. For example, a player may wish to play a par 75 layout and may instruct the computer to generate a course layout of an 18 hole game sequence that results in a par 75 golf game. Additionally, a player may wish to play a particular number of par 5 holes, par 4 holes or par 3 holes, in which case the player would instruct the computer to generate a course layout of 18 holes, with for example, five par 5 holes, ten par 4 holes and three par 3 holes. Furthermore, a golfer may select to play specific initial teeing areas at specific holes, for example, a player may request that the par 5 initial teeing area be the designated tee at the 15^th hole or that any other specified requests be taken into account in the generation of the course layout desired. Whether a course layout according to the present method is generated at random or is generated taking into account other specified criteria, the present golf course and method of play thereon results in a substantially unlimited number of different scorecard game combinations.

In another version of the playing method of the invention, the particular teeing area to be played by each player on a given hole may be selected and changed on an ongoing basis by the players themselves as the round progresses. For instance, with two players, the player losing a given hole (or the player behind in the scoring at any point in the round) may be entitled to designate the particular teeing area to be used on the next hole by the opponent. If the opponent is good at putting, but poor at driving, the golfer behind in the scoring may require the opponent to play from the par 5 or par 6 initial teeing area, or vice versa. This would tend to even matters somewhat to tighten the competition. Similarly, the leading player could be compelled to shoot from the teeing area angled from the cup such that the shot is more into the wind, or from a tee that is shielded from the cup, i.e. the losing player chooses the least desirable teeing location for the opponent to assist in closing the lead in the game at that point. Accordingly, these similar principles and variations in the playing method can be applied to more than two players.

Table I An illustrative 18 hole golf game that can be played on a conventional golf course

The above table outlines the course layout of two illustrative conventional golf facilities.

In conventional golf courses, players are limited to playing a single golf game according to the layout of the holes at the golf facility of the prior art. For example, as illustrated in Table I, a member at a conventional golf facility, designated Club A, is limited to playing a predetermined golf course layout, specifically the holes that constitute the golf course at Club A, which consist of predetermined specific tees for each hole, that is hole #1 is a par 3 hole and hole #18 is a par 4 hole, etc. A player may want to play a par 5 on hole #1 at Club A, but because Club A has preconstructed hole #1 to be a par 3, the golfer is limited to play Club A's layout. Club A may incorporate additional teeing areas for the par 3 at hole #1 to accommodate different players, for example a mens and a ladies par 3 tee-off area at hole # 1 , nevertheless, hole #1 at Club A is specified as a par 3 hole and can only be played as a par 3 hole. Therefore, experienced members at conventional Club A that have become familiar with the layout of this course will learn to play this course very well. However, continually playing the same course may soon become somewhat monotonous and the golf game at Club A will become tedious and will no longer be challenging. It is for this reason that many avid golfers change the golf facility to which they are member after they become accustomed to playing the same course, or obtain memberships at a variety of golf clubhouses so that the golf game being played is not constantly the same. As discussed above, these limitations are completely avoided by utilizing a golf curse facility according to the present invention. In addition, members of a golf course according to the present invention may receive incentives, for example, discounts to play at other golf courses according to the present invention, so that their golfing experience man be further enhanced.

Table II

Six illustrative 18 hole golf games that can be played on a single golf course according to the present invention

* indicates the par of the initial teeing area selected for play at the specified hole

Table II above illustrates six possible golf game layouts of a golf course according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention which consists of 18 holes, each of which is comprised of three initial teeing areas, a par 3 teeing area, a par 4 teeing area, and a par 5 teeing area. This is just an illustrative table showing various combinations of a sequence of initial teeing areas for various 18 hole golf games that can all be played on a single course according to preferred embodiments of the present invention. As can be seen, golf games A, B, and C consist of different sequences of initial teeing areas that yield different course layouts. These different golf games offer a variety of challenges, and differ in course yardage for a specific game, specifically games A, B, and C play a par 64, par 71 and par 74 course respectively. Games D, E, and F are representative of games in which only the par 3 initial teeing area is played for all 18 holes, only the par 4 initial teeing area is played for all 18 holes, and only the par 5 initial teeing area is played for all 18 holes, respectively. As stated above, the sequence of initial teeing areas for a golf game according to the present invention can be generated at random by a computer, or can be generated with specific criteria such that the course layout sequence meets desired specifications. An objective of this invention is to offer an extensive assortment of golf games that can be played on a single golf course.

It is understood that the present invention is not limited to the various embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims. For example, additional embodiments could be such that the present invention be applied to a miniature golf course or any other specialized course. Furthermore, the scope of the present invention is not limited only to the game of golf or to any other physical games, instead the concepts of the present invention may also be applied to a wide range of other games, such as electronic games, for example, Sega® and Nintendo® or other electronic based games, computer games, CD ROMS, video games, Internet games, board games, or any other game, whether physical or virtual, in which the spirit and principles of the present invention can be applied.

While preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be understood that there is no intent to limit the invention to such disclosure, but rather it is intended to cover all modifications and alternate constructions falling within the spirit and scope of the invention.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The invention enables the playing of an essentially unlimited number of different games of golf on a single golf course, thereby affording a variety of different golf games to individuals of various skill levels.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A golf hole characterized by: a plurality of initial teeing areas, each displaced at similar, or at different specific par distances from a target cup, disposed in different directions from a target cup such that said plurality of initial teeing areas are at different acute angles from said target cup, and embody a plurality of different par lengths, terrain and trajectories to a target cup, a target green encompassing said target cup of said golf hole, and a middle playing area between said plurality of initial teeing areas and said target green.

2. A golf hole according to claim 1 , characterised in that said golf hole comprises a border green comprising an area beside and behind said target green in relation to said initial teeing areas, such that said middle playing area and said border green comprise variable terrain of various surfaces, including cut and uncut grass, various contours, flat surfaces, gullies and mounds, and various obstacles including trees, water hazards, boulders and sand traps.

3. A golf course characterized by: a plurality of golf holes, where each of said golf holes includes a plurality of initial teeing areas displaced at similar, or at different specific par distances from a target cup, in different directions from said target cup, such that said plurality of initial teeing areas are disposed at different acute angles from said target cup, and encompass different terrain and different trajectories to said target cup, a target green encompassing said target cup for each said plurality of holes, and a middle playing area between said plurality of initial teeing areas and said target green.

4. A golf course according to claim 3, characterized in that said golf course comprises a border green comprising an area beside and behind said target green in relation to said initial teeing areas, such that said middle area and said border green comprise variable terrain of various surfaces, including cut and uncut grass, various contours, flat surfaces, gullies and mounds, and various obstacles including trees, water hazards, boulders and sand traps.

5. A golf course according to claim 3 or 4, characterized by: a plurality of golf holes each having a teeing area, a target green with a target cup thereon, and a fairway portion located between said teeing area and said target green, each of said golf holes having a designated par value; and at least one of said golf holes being provided with a plurality of teeing areas positioned at different distances and in different directions from the target cup such that at least two of such teeing areas qualify for different par values, or are disposed to encompass different specific directions or different views and trajectories to and from the target green.

6. A golf course according to claims 3, 4 or 5, characterized by: a plurality of holes, wherein at least one, or some, or all of said holes comprise a plurality of initial teeing areas.

7. A golf course according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that said golf course comprises nine (9), eighteen (18), or any other desired number of holes, wherein at least one, or some, or all of said holes comprise a plurality of initial teeing areas.

8. A golf course according to claim 7, wherein at least one, or some, or all of said initial teeing areas qualify for any combination of par 3, par 4, par 5, or any other specific par value.

9. A golf course according to any one of claims 3 to 8, characterized in that at least one, or some, or all of said initial teeing areas comprise one or more additional teeing areas within said initial teeing area.

10. A golf course according to claim 9, wherein said one or more additional teeing areas may be a men' s tee, a ladies tee, a professional tee, or any other preferred additional teeing area within said initial teeing area.

11. A method of playing a golf-course of the type defined in any one of claims 3 to 10, comprised of a plurality of holes according to claim 1 or 2, that can be played in a plurality of different ways, thereby resulting in a golf course that allows for the play of a relatively inexhaustible number of different games of golf thereon, the method of play characterized by: the selection or assignment of a specific sequence of initial teeing areas designated for play at each hole, such that players tee up at a designated initial teeing area for each hole of the golf course layout, playing the holes sequentially by teeing up at the designated initial teeing areas for each hole of said golf course layout based on a golf game commissioned for play, at each successive hole players stroking a golf ball to attempt to propel it toward the target cup located on the target green of the hole being played, and proceeding sequentially to play the subsequent holes of the course in like manner.

12. A method according to claim 11, characterized in that players tee up at the designated initial teeing areas that comprise the golf course layout to be played, such that the golf course layout can be commissioned by: a golf clubhouse that administers the golf facility such that each golf game can be selected to encompass a specifically selected game layout, or can be selected to encompass a randomly selected game layout, a computer system that randomly generates an unlimited number of different, randomly generated golf game layout sequences, a computer system that generates different golf game layout sequences according to the preference of the clubhouse administrators or the preference of players, and opponent players such that initial teeing areas are designated for play at specific holes according to players prior to the commencement of a golf game or during the progression of a golf game.

13. A golf course characterized in that it comprises a limited or restricted number of holes, some or all of which comprise a plurality of initial teeing areas, wherein each such plurality of initial teeing areas being displaced at similar, or at different specific par distances from a target cup and disposed in different directions from the target cup, such that said plurality of initial teeing areas are at different acute angles from said target cup, and embody a plurality of different par lengths, terrain and trajectories to a target cup, whereby a player may play said limited or restricted number of holes at a specified initial teeing area for each of said holes, and then may consecutively play said limited or restricted number of holes at another initial teeing area for each of said holes, thereby allowing a player to play an extended or complete game of golf with each hole different from all others, while utilizing said limited or restricted number of holes.

14. A golf course according to claim 13, wherein the limited or restricted number of holes is 9 and a golfer plays each hole twice utilizing different initial teeing areas each time, thereby allowing a player to play an 18 hole game of golf with each hole different from all others .

15. A golf course according to claim 13, wherein the limited or restricted number of holes is 6 and a golfer plays each hole three times utilizing different initial teeing areas each time, thereby allowing a player to play an 18 hole game of golf with each hole different from all others.