Abstract:
A golf game to be played on a local field comprising, a plurality of tee markers, a plurality of flag sticks, a plurality of simulated bunkers, a plurality of simulated water hazards, a plurality of holes or simulated holes, limited flight balls, and limited distance golf clubs, wherein the tee markers, flagsticks, simulated bunkers, simulated water hazards and holes or simulated holes are laid out on the field to simulate a golf course.

Description:
[0001]     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/691,207 filed Jun. 16, 2005 which application is incorporated herein by reference, in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     This invention relates to the game of golf, designed in a manner to be especially applicable to children, both for their enjoyment and as a way to teach them the game of golf without the need for a regulation golf course. The game may also be played, however, with great enjoyment, by adults.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     Golf is a wonderful and popular game, played by millions of people all over the world. Golf, however, is both a very expensive and very time-consuming hobby. Golf courses require many acres of land and very expensive upkeep. A “normal”golf course averages about 150-200 acres and even a three par course needs at least about 50 acres.  
         [0004]     It is very difficult to introduce children to the game of golf. The main reason is that most golf courses discourage children from playing because the courses are full with adult players, the courses and the individual holes are too long and difficult for children to play, children will often dig up and cause damage to the course and the grass and there is not available good equipment for children to use. As a result, to teach a child the game of golf, usually requires practice at a driving range, which gets boring for the child and does not provide the child with the fun and the experience of actually playing the game on a course.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0005]     This invention transforms any field that is at least about 80. yards by 60 yards ( a standard soccer field) into a an exciting and playable 9-hole golf course using completely portable obstacles, hazards and specialized equipment. By utilizing existing soccer or athletic fields, or any open field, which does not even have to be flat, the portable course brings access to the game of golf to neighborhoods everywhere. Kids experience playing 9 holes with special equipment which is fun and turf forgiving.  
         [0006]     This invention utilizes oversized plastic clubs and limited-flight balls and tees or launch pads which protect the field from divot-damage. A unique “hole” and flagstick also prevents damage to the field.  
         [0007]     A typical course of this invention is about 295 yards, and about a Par 34, challenging players through bunkers and over or around lakes. It features Par 3&#39;s, Par 4&#39;s and one or more Par 5&#39;s. The bunkers and lakes are made of a flexible material, such as tarp or plastic, laid out on the field, giving the course contour and excitement. When a ball is hit onto a bunker or a lake hazard, players must take a penalty, such as one-stroke, after retrieving their ball and placing it at the nearest point on the fairway. Out of bounds markers, tee markers, tee signs and scorecards with course maps can also be specially designed. A complete course kit may be carried in a small trailer portable by cars or trucks with a trailer hitch or in the back of a truck.  
         [0008]     Various programs may be developed for children to have competitions, for instance, a series of one-day events that provide access to golf for all ages. While this invention&#39;s primary focus is on making ‘golf available to children, it is also available for everyone, of all ages, and family groups, to learn about, play and enjoy the game of golf The fun, casual and uncomplicated atmosphere is fun for everyone; men, women, children, even grandparents.  
         [0009]     For instance, each child can pair up with an adult, and as a team they compete in a 9-hole, shotgun start, family scramble tournament. Everything that goes with a regulation golf course is provided. For instance, there may be optionally provided a Pro-Shop tent at the corner of the field which is a hub for checking in, signing up, information and questions and answers. The players may then be directed to a driving range where they can experience the use of the equipment and are given pointers on how to play. A starter&#39;s tent and a scorer&#39;s tent may be in the center of the field for collecting equipment, explaining the rules for the day, commencing play and collecting scores for a tournament.  
         [0010]     A tournament may begin when 18 two-person teams have signed up. Play begins with a shotgun start (with two teams on each hole). A round takes approximately 40-60 minutes to complete before teams turn in their scorecards and prizes are awarded.  
         [0011]     This invention brings the concepts, physical aspects, structure and unique challenges of the game of golf to all kids. Unlike other Junior Golf programs—structured programs only accessed through regulation golf courses or driving ranges—this game provides kids a way to get out and play the game. Traditionally, children&#39;s access to playing the game of golf is extremely limited because it requires access to golf courses, clubs or driving ranges, which are spread-out, geared towards adults and often membership organizations. Because of these problems, golf is simply not realistically available to most children. Unlike baseball, basketball and soccer, golf has never been well integrated into after-school programs or local leagues.  
         [0012]     Another feature made available by the golf game of this invention is providing a team based golf league for boys and girls 6-12 years old. This is the “Little League of Golf”. A standard 9-hole course may be the same laid out on any field, establishing a consistent game throughout the city, county, state and country. This consistency allows for fair local and national competitions.  
         [0013]     Summer golf camps are also available for kids wanting to learn golf or improve their skills as golfers. This golf game also offers a new element of learning and competition to the roster of Special Olympics programs, and lifelong fitness and activity for their athletes.  
         [0014]     Summer Camp programs may be set up through a Parks and Recreation Department which is looking to add a golf program to their summer schedule. This golf game may be made available for one-day demonstrations during PE classes and also for intramural competitions through schools or after-school programs. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0015]      FIG. 1  is a depiction of a layout of the golf course of this invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0016]     Referring in part to the drawing, there is shown a simulation golf course designed to fit on a standard athletic field, such as a soccer field, about 80 yards by 60 yards. The course consists of 9 holes. The configuration, as shown, has three Par 3&#39;s, (holes 3, 5 and 8) one Par 5 (hole 7) and the remaining five holes are Par 4&#39;s. There are simulated bunkers (15 total shown in outline) and lakes (6 total shown in dark gray). Both the bunkers and lakes are made of tarp material, although other material could be used, such as plastic, and are laid out on the field, which gives contour to the holes. The material used may have a hook and loop, or other type of surface, on one side which “catches” the ball when the ball lands on the surface.  
         [0017]     The game is similar to the conventional game of golf and includes tee markers, tee signs, a hitting mat, a ball, a hole, a flagstick, one or more clubs and a scorecard.  
         [0018]     To play the game, the player hits the ball with the club in the direction of the hole. The object of the game is for the player to hit the ball so that it makes contact with the hole or goes into a hole as in the conventional game of golf. The ball is then deemed “holed”. Score is kept in the same manner as a conventional golf game, with the player counting each time the ball is struck until the ball is holed. The player who has the fewest strokes is the winner of the competition.  
         [0019]     The items used to set up the course are:  
         [0020]     Tarp or canvas material to simulate bunkers and lakes. 15 white bunkers and 6 blue lakes are shown, however this may be modified as desired. The tarp material may have hook and loop, or other material which is designed to have the ball stick to the surface when the ball lands on it.  
         [0021]     Sand snakes, if needed, may be used to secure the bunkers and lakes to the ground.  
         [0022]     Stakes may also be used to secure the bunkers and lakes to the ground, especially in windy conditions.  
         [0023]     Out-of-bounds markers that define the perimeter of the course may be used if desired.  
         [0024]     Tee markers define the starting point for each hole. These may be signs, posts or any other convenient marker.  
         [0025]     Tee signs, which provide hole information to the players, may be placed at each tee.  
         [0026]     Flagsticks are placed at each hole.  
         [0027]     Holes may be dug at each hole location or other markers or objects may be used instead of digging holes.  
         [0028]     Marks may be made on the ground with field paint, which define where the putting greens begin.  
         [0029]     Inflatable objects, such as rocks or trees may be added.  
         [0030]     Items used to play the game:  
         [0031]     Clubs: The clubs can be plastic or metal, such as steel. Plastic is preferred for the children. One hitting club is used to hit the ball towards the pin. One club (a putter) is used to roll the ball towards the pin once the ball has been deemed to be on the putting green (inside of the markers).  
         [0032]     A ball which can be:  
         [0033]     1. A rubber ball, such as a traditional golf ball or larger rubber ball.  
         [0034]     2. A limited flight ball, such as an “Almost Golf” ball.  
         [0035]     3. A material covered ball, such as a tennis type ball, which may use hook and loop type material on the outer surface.  
         [0036]     4. A “wiffel” type ball.  
         [0037]     5. A round ball with sticking ability outer surface.  
         [0038]     6. A foam or sponge ball.  
         [0039]     A flagstick at each hole which indicates where the hole is located.  
         [0040]     A hole, (9 as shown) which can be: 
    1. A hole cut into the ground, similar to the conventional game of golf. Its size can be altered depending on the size of the ball used and the skill of the players. With this apparatus the ball is deemed holed when it goes into the hole.     2. A flat material which lays flat on the ground, similar to the material used to make the bunkers and the lakes. Its size can be altered depending upon the skill level of the players. With this apparatus the ball is deemed to have been holed when it touches or sticks to the material.     3. A mechanism that is a three dimensional target (cylinder, cone, square) which has a bell that rings once it is hit. With this apparatus the ball is deemed to have been holed when the bell rings.     4. A three-dimensional target that employs the use of hook and loop material (or similar functioning material) with a ball with the same, or similar material, which sticks to the three-dimensional target (hole) when the ball hits the target. The ball is deemed to have been holed when it sticks to the target.    
 
         [0045]     A hitting pad, mat and/or tee which can be:  
         [0046]     1. A mat made of grass or simulated grass, rubber or plastic turf.  
         [0047]     2. A plastic tee which fits the ball being used.  
         [0048]     3. A mat and tee or a turf and tee combination.  
         [0000]     The general rules of the field golf game are:  
         [0049]     One group per hole. Groups can be one to four players.  
         [0050]     Players use one club to hit towards the pin. Once the ball crosses the putting green line, the player must use the putter to hole the ball.  
         [0051]     A mat and/or tee assembly for supporting the ball on the tee prior to hitting the ball with the club. This is used to protect the surface condition of the field and can be used every time the ball is hit, until it reaches the “green”.  
         [0052]     Out of bounds designated by stakes (a 1 or 2 stroke penalty can apply).  
         [0053]     Water hazards; Blue tarp material; a 1 stroke penalty can apply.  
         [0054]     Bunker hazards; White material; a 1 stroke penalty can apply.  
         [0055]     Putting greens. Defined by white chalk lines. Players must use a putter when on the “green” until the ball is “holed”.  
         [0056]     While a nine hole course set up on a soccer, football or baseball sized field has been described, the game can be played on smaller fields or in backyards. Any number of holes can be set up as desired by the players, based upon the size of the field available, although the idea is to allow children to play nine holes and learn the game. However, anyone can set up even one or two holes in their backyard for use or practice.  
         [0057]     The clubs should be made to feel as much like a real golf club as possible, even if they are made of plastic, so that the children can get the feel of the game. When the children are playing, plastic clubs and rubber, wiffle or tennis type balls are preferred to standard golf balls, for safety sake.  
         [0058]     Several tournaments utilizing the materials set forth above have been held. The children used plastic clubs, hitting tees for every shot, and wiffle type balls. The holes were flat pieces of material with the hole marked by chalk.  
         [0059]     While a nine-hole course has been described, the course can be set up with any amount of holes, usually 9 or 18 as in a traditional golf course. However, if only a smaller field is available, a course with only 2 or 3 or more holes can be set up. The number of bunkers and water hazards, as well as their placement, may vary at the choice of the course designer and the topography of the field.