Patent Publication Number: US-2011065534-A1

Title: Method and apparatus for a basketball and golf game

Description:
I. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     A. Field of Invention 
     This invention pertains generally to games and more specifically to games played on a basketball court, or anywhere there is a hoop. 
     B. Description of the Related Art 
     It is well known to play basketball on a basketball court and golf on a golf course. Each respective game has its rules, equipment, and method of scoring. In basketball, typically, the high score is the winner; however, in golf, typically the low score is the winner. 
     It is also known to play different types of shooting games on the basketball court to improve shooting skills. These games include “twenty-one”, “horse”, and “around the world” among others. Each of these games has their own scoring methods. 
     Therefore, what is needed is a method and apparatus for improving shooting skills on a basketball court using the scoring of golf. 
     II. SUMMARY 
     According to one embodiment of this invention, a method of playing a game includes the steps of: (A) arranging at least one marker on a surface into a configuration; (B) counting the number of strokes from the first marker comprising: 
     shooting a ball at a substantially cylindrical hoop from the first marker; shooting the ball from one of a rebounded location, a layup location, and a predetermined location, if the shot from the first marker is missed; shooting the ball from the first marker if the ball bounces out of bounds on the missed shot; continuing to shoot the ball until a shot is made, wherein each shot counts as one stroke; (C) totaling the number of strokes from the at least one marker for a total number of strokes for the configuration. The method may include arranging at least two markers, three markers, four markers, or five markers on the surface into the configuration. The method may further include (D) rearranging the at least one marker on the surface into a second configuration and repeating step (B) through step (C) for the second configuration. 
     According to another embodiment of this invention, a method of playing a game includes the steps of: (A) arranging a plurality of markers on a surface into a configuration, wherein the plurality of markers comprises at least a first marker and a second marker; (B) counting the number of strokes from the first marker comprising: shooting a ball at a substantially cylindrical hoop from the first marker; shooting the ball from one of a rebounded location, a layup location, and a predetermined location, if the shot from the first marker is missed; shooting the ball from the first marker if the ball bounces out of bounds on the missed shot; continuing to shoot the ball until a shot is made, wherein each shot counts as one stroke; (C) counting the number of strokes from the second marker comprising: shooting a ball at a substantially cylindrical hoop from the second marker; shooting the ball from one of a rebounded location, a layup location, and a predetermined location, if the shot from the second marker is missed; shooting the ball from the second marker if the ball bounces out of bounds on the missed shot; continuing to shoot the ball until a shot is made, wherein each shot counts as one stroke; (D) totaling the number of strokes from the first and second markers for a total number of strokes for the configuration. The method may also include (E) rearranging the plurality of markers on the surface into a second configuration and repeating step (B) through step (D) for the second configuration. The method may include predicting a type of shot from the first marker before taking a first shot from the first marker, wherein when the predicted type of shot matches the first shot taken, then the total number of strokes for the configuration is one stroke and the configuration is finished. The method may include predicting a type of shot from the first marker before taking a first shot from the first marker, wherein when the predicted type of shot does not match the first shot, but the first shot is made, then the shooter records the score of one stroke for the first marker. The type of shot may include a bank shot and a nothing but net shot. A “bank shot” is a shot that is aimed at a spot on a backboard so that it caroms, or “banks”, into a basket or hoop. A “nothing but net shot” is a shot that goes through a hoop without touching the hoop or backboard. The plurality of markers may be arranged according to a first scorecard diagram. The game may include eighteen configurations of the plurality of markers arranged according to eighteen scorecard diagrams, and wherein step (A) through step (D) is repeated for each configuration. The plurality of markers may include of three markers, four markers, and five markers. 
     According to another embodiment of this invention, a method of playing a game includes the steps of: (A) arranging a plurality of markers on a surface into a configuration, wherein the plurality of markers comprises at least a first marker, a second marker, and a third marker; (B) counting the number of strokes from the first marker comprising: predicting a type of shot from the first marker before taking a first shot from the first marker, shooting a ball at a substantially cylindrical hoop from the first marker, wherein when the predicted type of shot matches the first shot taken, the total number of strokes for the configuration is one stroke and the configuration is finished; shooting the ball from one of a rebounded location, a layup location, and a predetermined location, if the shot from the first marker is missed; shooting the ball from the first marker if the ball bounces out of bounds on the missed shot; continuing to shoot the ball until a shot is made, wherein each shot counts as one stroke; (C) counting the number of strokes from the second marker comprising: predicting a type of shot from the second marker before taking a first shot from the second marker, if the first shot from the first marker was made, but the prediction was incorrect; shooting a ball at a substantially cylindrical hoop from the second marker, wherein when the predicted type of shot matches the first shot taken, the total number of strokes for the configuration is two strokes and the configuration is finished; shooting the ball from one of a rebounded location, a layup location, and a predetermined location, if the shot from the second marker is missed; shooting the ball from the second marker if the ball bounces out of bounds on the missed shot; continuing to shoot the ball until a shot is made, wherein each shot counts as one stroke; (D) counting the number of strokes from the third marker comprising: shooting a ball at a substantially cylindrical hoop from the third marker; shooting the ball from one of a rebounded location, a layup location, and a predetermined location, if the shot from the third marker is missed; shooting the ball from the third marker if the ball bounces out of bounds on the missed shot; continuing to shoot the ball until a shot is made, wherein each shot counts as one stroke; (E) totaling the number of strokes from the first, second, and third markers for a total number of strokes for the configuration. The method may also include the step of (F) rearranging the plurality of markers on the surface into a second configuration and repeating step (B) through step (E) for the second configuration. The type of shot may include of a bank shot and a nothing but net shot. The plurality of markers may be arranged according to a first scorecard diagram. The game may include eighteen configurations of the plurality of markers arranged according to eighteen scorecard diagrams, wherein step (A) through step (E) is repeated for each configuration. It is to be understood that any number of configurations and scorecard diagrams can be used. 
     One advantage of this invention is the game can be played by anyone of any age, almost anywhere. The game can be played indoors or outdoors with one player or with several players. The game is completely portable and all that is needed is a ball, a hoop, and markers. Players can create their own course based upon the skill level of the players. 
     Another advantage of this invention is the game is great exercise while having a great time and improving shooting skills. Players can make the course as competitive as they want. Coaches can tailor the courses for individual players or for specific shooting skills. Players can compare scores from specific courses. 
     Still other benefits and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains upon a reading and understanding of the following detailed specification. 
    
    
     
       III. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangement of parts, embodiments of which will be described in detail in this specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  shows a scorecard for a first set of nine holes, according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  shows a scorecard for a second set of nine holes, according to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  shows a scorecard for a first set of nine holes, according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 4  shows a scorecard for a second set of nine holes, according to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a top view of a shooting spot, according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 6  is a flowchart of a Par 3 hole, according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 7  is a continuation of the flowchart shown in  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a continuation of the flowchart shown in  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a continuation of the flowchart shown in  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a continuation of the flowchart shown in  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a flowchart of a Par 4 hole, according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 12  is a continuation of the flowchart shown in  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a continuation of the flowchart shown in  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a continuation of the flowchart shown in  FIG. 13 ; 
         FIG. 15  is a continuation of the flowchart shown in  FIG. 14 ; and, 
         FIG. 16  is a continuation of the flowchart shown in  FIG. 15 . 
     
    
    
     IV. DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring to the drawings wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating embodiments of the invention only and not for purposes of limiting the same, and wherein like reference numerals are understood to refer to like components, a basketball and golf game can be played on many different types and styles of basketball courts including, but not limited to, regulation courts, playground courts, back yard courts, and drive way courts. The game can be played almost anywhere with almost any type of ball and any type of hoop. In one embodiment, the game is played with a basketball and a basketball basket or hoop. The object of the game is to complete the course in as few strokes as possible. The course may have at least one hole. A player receives strokes in various ways. The rules for the game will be discussed later in more detail. The game may include scorecards  10 , shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , and at least one shooting spot or marker  20 , shown in  FIG. 5 . The shooting spot  20  may have different colors to identify a specific team, and whatever shape or size desired. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the scorecards  10  for the game are shown according to one embodiment. Each hole or configuration on the scorecard  10  has a corresponding diagram  30  of a portion of a basketball court. In this embodiment, the scorecard has a scoring grid  12  similar to a golf score card. In this embodiment, the diagram  30  represents approximately one half of a basketball court, including a three point line  14 , a hoop  16 , a key  18 , and top of the key arc  26 . In this embodiment, the diagrams are displayed left to right, top to bottom (although it is to be understood that the diagrams can be displayed in any manner). The three point line  14  can be any type of three point line including, but not limited to, a high school three point line, a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) three point line, a National Basketball Association (NBA) three point line, a Women&#39;s National Basketball Association (WNBA) three point line, National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) three point line, the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) three point line, the National Wheelchair Basketball Association (NWBA) three point line, or an International Basketball Federation (FIBA) three point line (or any other version of three point line desired). The key  18  may also have several different dimensions including, but not limited to, a high school key, a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) key, a National Basketball Association (NBA) key, a Women&#39;s National Basketball Association (WNBA) key, National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) key, the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) key, the National Wheelchair Basketball Association (NWBA) key, or an International Basketball Federation (FIBA) key (or any other version of key desired). It is to be understood that any portion of the court used can be match any of the dimensions of the NCAA, WNBA, NBA, NFHS, AAU, NWBA, or FIBA. A player can arrange or configure shooting spots or markers  20  on each corresponding diagram  30 , which are represented by numbered marks  28 . The player can designate the type of shot from each shooting spot  20  including, but not limited to, a jump shot, a jump stop, dribbling/passing before the shot, a dunk, a hook shot, a half-court shot, and any number of trick shots. The player can arrange or configure any number of markers  20  on each diagram  30 . In one embodiment, the player arranges either three markers, four markers, or five markers on each diagram  30 . (It is to be understood, however, that more than five markers could be used, if desired). On the scorecard  10 , the left column is for entering or inserting the names of the players or teams. One or more players or teams can play the game. The row labeled “PAR” is for entering or inserting the number of markers for each respective configuration or hole. For a non-limiting example,  FIG. 3  show a “5” for configuration or hole  5  in the row labeled “PAR” because hole  5  has five markers, as shown on the second diagram  30  in the second row of diagrams. The player or team records the number of strokes for a hole or configuration in the row containing the player or team name and the column containing the respective hole or configuration number. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , scorecards  10  are shown according to another embodiment, in which each hole designated on the scorecards  10  has an arrangement or configuration of markers prearranged with either three markers, four markers, or five markers. The course may have any number of different configurations or holes. In the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , the course has eighteen different holes. In another embodiment, the course has nine different holes. In another embodiment, the course has thirty-six different holes. 
     The course may have any Par number for the holes including, but not limited to, Par 1, one shooting spot  20 , Par 2, two shooting spots, Par 3, three shooting spots, Par 4, four shooting spots, and Par 5, five shooting spots. The course may have all Par 2 holes, all Par 3 holes, or any combination of holes having different Par values. 
     The setup of the game will now be described. On a scorecard  10 , write the name of each player or team, or combinations of one or more players and one or more teams. If the scorecard  10  has prearranged configurations for the holes, then place the numbered markers  20  on the basketball court or shooting surface according to the diagram  30  for hole number  1 . If the scorecard  10  does not have prearranged configurations for the holes, then a configuration for hole number  1  is entered or inserted on the diagram  30  corresponding to hole number  1 , which is the first diagram  30  in the first row of diagrams. Once a configuration is entered or inserted on the diagram  30  for hole number  1 , then place the numbered markers  20  on the basketball court or shooting surface according to the diagram  30  for hole number  1 . The first player or team listed may shoot first from the marker  20  numbered  1 , or the player(s) and/or team(s) may decide the order in which the player(s) and/or team(s) shoot. In one embodiment, all the players and/or teams must make their shot from the first marker (marker numbered  1 ) before anyone shoots from the second marker (marker numbered  2 ). For a non-limiting example, all players and/or teams must make their shot from marker number  1  before anyone can shoot from marker number  2 . In one embodiment, the player(s) and/or team(s) must shoot from the shooting spots or markers  20  in the order the markers  20  are numbered. For example, the player(s) and/or team(s) shoot from marker number  1 , then marker number  2 , and then marker number  3  for a Par 3 hole. Each shot may be attempted from on or directly behind each of the markers  20 . After the first hole is complete, the player or team with the lowest score will shoot first on the next hole. For a non-limiting example, if player  1  completes the hole in four strokes and player  2  completed the hole in five strokes, then player  1  will go first on the next hole. 
     The first turn of the game will now be described. The first player starts by shooting the basketball from the shooting spot  20  marked number  1 . If the player makes the shot, the player counts one stroke and moves on to the shooting spot  20  marked number  2 . In one embodiment, if the player misses the shot, the player must rebound the basketball. Unless the ball goes out of bounds before the player rebounds the ball, the player may choose to shoot from where the ball was rebounded, go in for a layup, or from a predetermined location. In one embodiment, the player must shoot from a predetermined location. If the ball goes out of bounds before the player rebounds the ball on a missed shot, then player adds a penalty stroke, returns to the shooting spot marked number  1 , and shoots again. In one embodiment, if the player misses the rebound shot, then the player must rebound the missed shot. The player continues to shoot until the player makes a shot. Each shot counts as one stroke. The player can move on to shooting spot  20  marked number  2  after the other player(s) and/or teams make a shot from the shooting spot  20  marked number  1 . In one embodiment, each player or team must make a shot from shooting spot  1  before moving on to shooting spot  2 . After all the player(s) and/or team(s) make shots from all the shooting spots in the numerical order of the shooting spots, then the hole is finished and the player(s) and/or team(s) record their stroke count on the scorecard  10 . 
     The next turn of the game will now be described. After the player(s) and/or team(s) have completed the first hole and marked their scores on the scorecard  10 , play continues to the next hole. To setup the next hole, place the shooting spots in the positions marked on the scorecard diagram  30 . The player or team with the lowest score for the previous hole goes first. Complete the next hole using the same procedure as the previous hole. When finished with the hole, the player(s) and/or team(s) mark their scores on the scorecard  10 . Continue setting up and playing each hole until all the player(s) and/or team(s) have completed the course. 
     The scoring of the game will now be described. The scoring of the game is similar to golf. Every shot counts as one stroke. Specifically, every shot taken from a shooting spot  20  counts as one stroke; every layup shot taken counts as one stroke; every rebound shot taken counts as one stroke; every missed shot that goes out of bounds counts as one penalty stroke. Each hole is classified by it Par, which is written on the scorecard  10 . Similar to golf, a player may score a Hole in One, an Eagle, a Birdie, a Par, and Bogeys. A Hole in One is scored when a hole is completed in one stroke. In one embodiment for a Hole in One, the player must correctly predict the type of shot as either a “Bank Shot” or “Nothing but Net” on the first attempt from the first marker (shooting spot  1 ) on a Par 2 or Par 3 hole. If the player correctly predicts and makes the shot on the first attempt, then the player scores a Hole in One, records one stroke for the hole, and finishes or completes the hole. An Eagle is scored when a hole is completed two strokes under or less than Par for the hole. In one embodiment for an Eagle, the player must correctly predict the type of shot as either a “Bank Shot” or “Nothing but Net” on the first attempt from the second marker (shooting spot  2 ) on a Par 4 hole or on the first attempt from the third marker (shooting spot  3 ) on a Par 5 hole. In some embodiments, the player must make all previous shots without any misses to be eligible to score an Eagle. If the player correctly predicts and makes the shot on the first attempt, the player scores an Eagle and either records two strokes for a Par 4 hole or three strokes for a Par 5 hole. The player has completed the hole. For a non-limiting example of an Eagle on a Par 4 hole, the player must make the shot from the first marker on the first attempt and then correctly predict and make the shot from the second marker on the first attempt. 
     A Birdie is scored when a hole is completed one stroke under or less than Par for the hole. In one embodiment for a Birdie, the player must correctly predict the type of shot as either a “Bank Shot” or “Nothing but Net” on the first attempt from the second marker (shooting spot  2 ) on a Par 3 hole, on the first attempt from the third marker (shooting spot  3 ) on a Par 4 hole, or on the first attempt from the fourth marker (shooting spot  4 ) on a Par 5 hole. In some embodiments, the player must make all previous shots without any misses to be eligible to score a Birdie. If the player correctly predicts and makes the shot on the first attempt, the player scores a Birdie and records two strokes for a Par 3 hole, records three strokes for a Par 4 hole, or records four strokes for a Par 5 hole. The player has completed the hole. For a non-limiting example of a Birdie on a Par 4 hole, the player must make the shot from the first marker on the first attempt, then make the shot from the second marker on the first attempt, and then correctly predict and make the shot from the third marker on the first attempt. A Par is scored when a hole is completed with the number of strokes equal to Par. In one embodiment, Par is scored when the player makes the first shot from each of the shooting spots in the numerical order of the shooting spots. For a non-limiting example of a Par score on a Par 4 hole, the player must make the first shot from each of the four shooting spots in the numerical order of the shooting spots. A Par could be scored by different methods. A Bogey is scored when a hole is completed one stroke over Par. A Double Bogey is scored when a hole is completed two strokes over Par. A Triple Bogey is scored when a hole is completed three strokes over Par. At the end of nine holes, the player(s) and/or team(s) can add up the number of strokes for the front nine (OUT). At the end of eighteen holes, the player(s) and/or team(s) add up the number of strokes for the back nine (IN), and then add the OUT and IN scores together for the final score (TOT). The player or team with the lowest score (least amount of strokes) for the course wins the game. 
     Variations of the game will now be described. One variation is Match Play, in which the player who has the least of amount of strokes for a hole, wins the hole and receives one point. The player with the most points wins the game. Another variation is Greensome, a two-on-two team game, in which each team chooses the best result from shooting spot  1 , and then alternate shots from that point on the rest of the hole. Another variation is Stableford, in which points are awarded based upon your score for each hole: Hole in One (8 points), Eagle (5 points), Birdie (2 points), Par (0 points), Bogey (−1 point), Double Bogey or worse (−3 points). The player with the highest score at the end of the course wins the game. Another variation is Alternate Shot, a two-on-two team game, in which the players on each team alternate shooting from different shooting spots on every hole. Each team rotates which player shoots first from each hole so the same player does not shoot from the shooting spot  1  every time. Another variation is Best Ball, in which the best individual score among teammates is used as the team score for the hole. Those scores are applied in a stroke play format to decide which team wins the round. In other embodiments, almost any traditional golf game can be played with the basketball and golf game. 
     Modifications of the game will now be described. The blank scorecards shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  can be used to create your own Par 36 course (18 Par 2 holes), Par 54 course (18 Par 3 holes), or any number and combination of Par 2, Par 3, Par 4, and Par 5 holes. Younger or newer players may move in one or more steps in front of the shooting spot  20  before shooting. Players may use ball fakes, jump stops, dribble stops, make certain cuts, or receive various types of passes before shooting. In one embodiment, opposing players may not move around or talk while the player is shooting. In another embodiment, no physical contact is allowed between the players. In another embodiment, opposing players may put one hand or two hands in the shooter&#39;s face. For scoring, penalty strokes may be added for players who do not rebound the ball within one or more bounces. In one embodiment, a penalty stroke is added for every bounce after the first bounce on a missed shot. A maximum score for a hole may be set for younger players or beginning players. Opposing players can predict the type of shot as either a “Bank Shot” or “Nothing but Net” for Hole in One, Eagle, or Birdie attempts. Coaches can create courses for players based on the player&#39;s position and monitor the player&#39;s improvement. For a non-limiting example, shooting guards may play different courses than post players. Physical Education teachers can differentiate difficulty of courses based on grade level or student skill set. 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 6-10 , a non-limiting example of play for a Par 3 hole will now be described. The player places shooting spots  1 ,  2 , and  3  on the court according the diagram  30  on the scorecard  10  for the hole. The player starts at shooting spot  1 . The player may predict the shot as either a “Bank Shot” or “Nothing but Net”. The player has the option whether to predict the shot or not. If the player predicts correctly and makes the shot, the player is finished with the hole. The player scores a Hole in One for the hole and the player&#39;s score for the hole is one stroke. The player writes the number one in the corresponding box on the scorecard  10 . However, if the player makes the shot, but the prediction is incorrect, the player counts one stroke and moves to shooting spot  2 . If the player does not make the shot from shooting spot  1 , the player rebounds the ball and then either shoots from the location where the player rebounded the ball, goes in for a layup, or shoots from a predetermined location. If the player misses the rebound shot or layup, the player continues to shoot from each successive rebound location, shoot layups, or shoot from the predetermined location until the player makes the shot. The player counts one stroke for every shot taken. If a missed shot goes out of bounds, the player adds one penalty stroke and returns to the shooting spot  20  where the shot began. The player continues to shoot until the player makes the shot, rebound shot, or layup. When the player makes the shot, the player totals the strokes for the shooting spot  20  and then continues to the next shooting spot  20  until the hole is complete. The player then totals the strokes from the three shooting spots and the writes the number in the corresponding box on the scorecard  10 . When the player makes the shot on shooting spot  1  on the first attempt, but the prediction is incorrect, the player now has a chance for a Birdie from shooting spot  2 . The player may predict the shot from shooting spot  2  as either a “Bank Shot” or “Nothing but Net”. The player has the option whether to predict the shot or not. If the player predicts correctly and makes the shot, the player is finished with the hole. The player scores a Birdie for the hole and the player&#39;s score for the hole is two strokes. The player writes the number two in the corresponding box on the scorecard  10 . For a non-limiting example of Par for the Par 3 hole, the player must make the first shot from each of the three shooting spots in the numerical order of the shooting spots. In one embodiment, unless the player makes a Hole in One or a Birdie on the hole, the player does not complete the hole until the player makes a shot from each shooting spot in the numerical order of the shooting spots. 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 11-16 , a non-limiting example of play for a Par 4 hole will now be described. The play is similar to the Par 3 hole. The player places shooting spots  1 ,  2 ,  3 , and  4  on the court according the diagram  30  on the scorecard  10  for the hole. The player starts at shooting spot  1 . If the player makes the shot, the player counts one stroke and moves to shooting spot  2 . If the player does not make the shot from shooting spot  1 , the player rebounds the ball and shoots from the location where the player rebounded the ball, goes in for a layup, or shoots from a predetermined location. If the player misses the rebound shot or layup, the player continues to shoot from each successive rebound location, shoot layups, or shoot from the predetermined location until the player makes the shot. The player counts one stroke for every shot taken. If a missed shot goes out of bounds, the player adds one penalty stroke and returns to the shooting spot  20  where the shot began. The player continues until the player makes the shot, rebound shot, or layup. When the player makes the shot, the player totals the strokes for the shooting spot  20  and then continues to the next shooting spot  20  until the hole is complete. The player then totals the strokes from the three shooting spots and the writes the number in the corresponding box on the scorecard  10 . When the player makes the shot on shooting spot  1  on the first attempt, then the player now has a chance for an Eagle from shooting spot  2 . The player may predict the shot from shooting spot  2  as either a “Bank Shot” or “Nothing but Net”. The player has the option whether to predict the shot or not. If the player predicts correctly and makes the shot, the player is finished with the hole. The player scores an Eagle for the hole and the player&#39;s score for the hole is two strokes. The player writes the number two in the corresponding box on the scorecard  10 . When the player makes the shot on shooting spot  1  on the first attempt and makes the shot on shooting spot  2  on the first attempt, but the prediction for shooting spot  2  was incorrect, the player still has a chance for a Birdie from shooting spot  3 . The player may predict the shot from shooting spot  3  as either a “Bank Shot” or “Nothing but Net”. The player has the option whether to predict the shot or not. If the player predicts correctly and makes the shot, the player is finished with the hole. The player scores a Birdie for the hole and the player&#39;s score for the hole is three strokes. The player writes the number three in the corresponding box on the scorecard  10 . For a non-limiting example of Par for the Par 4 hole, the player must make the first shot from each of the four shooting spots in the numerical order of the shooting spots. In one embodiment, unless the player makes an Eagle or a Birdie on the hole, the player does not complete the hole until the player makes a shot from each shooting spot in the numerical order of the shooting spots. In another embodiment, even if the player incorrectly predicts the type of shot at either or both shooting spot  2  and shooting spot  3 , the player can still make Par by making the first shot at each shooting spot in the numerical order of the shooting spots. 
     Numerous embodiments have been described, hereinabove. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the above methods and apparatuses may incorporate changes and modifications without departing from the general scope of this invention. It is intended to include all such modifications and alterations in so far as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof. 
     Having thus described the invention, it is now claimed: