Abstract:
A single golf stroke achievement is forensically validated with minimal observer influence by digitally or electronically identifying a golfer and a golf ball, producing video recordings of the golf stroke, a subsequent flight of the ball, and arrival of the ball (if this occurs) at a target area which contains a golf cup, and detecting and recording entry of the golf ball into the cup (if this occurs).

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    This invention relates to a system for evaluating a golfer&#39;s claim of a single stroke achievement such as a hole-in-one, a nearest-to-the-pin, or other single stroke performance, and to a method of forensic identification giving effect to the system while minimising observer impact. 
         [0002]    The rules of golf allow a player to accept a prize for a hole-in-one without a limit in the value of the prize and, in the case of an amateur player, without affecting the player&#39;s amateur status. Since a prize for an achievement such as a hole-in-one may include a substantial cash amount, a car, a boat, a holiday and a house (by way of example) the importance of being able to verify a player&#39;s claim of this type of achievement is evident. 
         [0003]    Generally, in a golf game, only other players or witnesses to an event can substantiate or repudiate a player&#39;s claim of a particular achievement. Due to human factors a player&#39;s claim or a witness report of a particular event can vary or be in error. 
         [0004]    It is therefore desirable to be able, with forensic reliability, to identify an achievement and substantiate or repudiate a player&#39;s claim with empirical evidence using scientific observation techniques without introducing an observer effect or non-standard equipment into a golf game. 
         [0005]    Various attempts have been made to address the aforementioned situation. In the applicant&#39;s view such earlier attempts can, conveniently, be categorised as follows: 
         [0000]    (1) Driving range systems—prior art in this category teaches observation systems and methods that are not suitable for regular golf courses. The prior art includes U.S. Pat. No. 5,370,389, U.S. Pat. No. 5,445,374, U.S. Pat. No. 5,653,642, U.S. Pat. No. 6,012,987 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,607,123.
 
(2) Practice systems—prior art in this category teaches observations in which the influence of observers is increased due to the use of non-standard equipment, or equipment which is only suitable for practising the game of golf. The prior art in this category includes U.S. Pat. No. 5,743,815, U.S. Pat. No. 6,398,670, US20030005004 and U.S. Pat. No. 8,398,500.
 
(3) Human verification—prior art in this category teaches human intervention processes such as manual measurements, manual entries into recording devices or post evaluations by third parties. Such techniques are subject to human error or confirmation bias. Examples of prior art in this category include U.S. Pat. No. 4,880,232, US20010021673, US20050250590, US20060084529 and US20110034223.
 
(4) Blind verification—prior art in this category relies on switches and sensors which perform object detection but which do not necessarily provide a conclusive means of distinguishing between a foreign object and a golf ball in play. The prior art in this category includes U.S. Pat. No. 3,104,879, U.S. Pat. No. 4,922,222 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,354,052.
 
(5) Visual verification—prior art in this category complements the use of switches and sensors with photographic evidence. However the applicant is unaware of any prior art in this category which discloses a technique of uniquely identifying a standard golf ball—an aspect which is considered to be essential in addressing a situation in which a foreign golf ball could be introduced into a target area either intentionally or inadvertently. The prior art in this category includes U.S. Pat. No. 4,934,705, U.S. Pat. No. 5,102,140, U.S. Pat. No. 5,413,345, U.S. Pat. No. 5,884,913, US20030195052, US20040166948, US20050192124 and US20090305803.
 
         [0006]    A need exists for a technique which can evaluate a golfer&#39;s claim of a single stroke performance and which can be implemented with minimal observer influence on a game. According to the rules of golf no achievement is possible while a golf ball is in flight or in motion. In practice, in the current context, this implies that a fundamental requirement of an effective evaluation system must include a forensically reliable capability for validating the identity of a standard golf ball before, and after, a stroke in which the ball is addressed, and of identifying a single stroke achievement. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The invention addresses the aforementioned requirements through the use of various techniques and hardware. 
         [0008]    In the first instance the invention provides a system for monitoring a stroke by a golfer who, with the stroke, drives a golf ball from a launch area towards a golf cup at a target area, the system including:
       (i) a golf ball identifier mechanism for detecting and recording at least one characteristic on a surface of the golf ball which is unique to the golf ball,   (ii) a launch monitor which produces a video recording, at least, of the stroke at the launch area,   (iii) at least one target monitor which produces a video recording, at least, of the target area, including the golf cup, at least for a defined first time period which is dependent on the time of the stroke at the launch area, and   (iv) a golf cup monitor at the target area which, at least, detects a status change of or in the golf cup, or which produces an image of a status change of or in the golf cup.       
 
         [0013]    Preferably the system includes a flight monitor which produces a video recording, at least, of a space above and adjacent the target area, and of the target area, at least for a defined second time period which is dependent on the time of the stroke at the launch area. 
         [0014]    The system may include a timing arrangement for controlling operation of, at least, the launch monitor, the target monitor and the golf cup monitor according to a predetermined timing schedule. 
         [0015]    The timing arrangement may be used for recording, on a time basis, operation of at least the launch monitor, the target monitor and the golf cup monitor. 
         [0016]    The launch monitor may include at least one camera that produces a video feed for a video recorder. 
         [0017]    The launch monitor may include a global positioning system (GPS) module. 
         [0018]    The launch monitor may include a storage unit for storing, at least, data relating to the video feed. 
         [0019]    The system may incorporate a central control unit and respective communication links may be established between the launch monitor and the central control unit, and between at least one target monitor and the central control unit, and between the golf cup monitor and the central control unit. 
         [0020]    A communication link may be established between the golf ball identifier mechanism and the central control unit. 
         [0021]    Similarly a communication link may be established between the central control unit and the flight monitor. 
         [0022]    Although it falls within the scope of the invention for such communication links to be established by means of conductors (wires) it is preferred to make use of radio techniques to minimize impact of the system on the normal play of golf. In this respect it is preferred to make use of direct or dedicated radio links between the respective components in the system. 
         [0023]    A primary application of the invention lies in providing a capability to evaluate a player&#39;s claim of achieving a hole-in-one. However the principles of the invention can be used with equal effect in making a determination of any similar event e.g. a nearest-to-pin stroke. To give effect, at least, to the latter aspect the system of the invention may include at least two target monitors at or near the target area and each target monitor may produce, at least, a respective video recording of the target area during a time period in which golf ball movement is expected. Through the use of appropriate digital techniques the distance between the position of a golf ball that lands, and which is stationary, at the target area, and a golf cup at the target area, can be calculated automatically from images produced by the monitors. Such calculation can be validated if appropriate by means of manual measurements. 
         [0024]    According to a different aspect the invention provides a golf ball identifier mechanism which includes structure defining a golf ball path, an inlet to the golf ball path, an outlet from the golf ball path and at least one sensor positioned to detect at least one mark on a surface of the golf ball as it moves along the golf ball path from the inlet to the outlet. 
         [0025]    The golf ball identifier mechanism may include at least one marking device and the golf ball path may be configured to direct the golf ball as it moves along the golf ball path into contact with the marking device whereby the marking device imparts an identifier mark to the surface of the golf ball. 
         [0026]    The identifier mark may be of any suitable nature. The mark may be invisible in that the mark may only be discerned by the human eye, with the aid of external assistance. For example the mark may be made with a fluorescent ink which only fluoresces when it is subjected to excitation at an appropriate frequency e.g. by the use of a suitable radiation emitting device such as a fluorescent tube or a selected light emitting diode. These aspects are exemplary and non-limiting. 
         [0027]    Two or more marks may be applied to the golf ball surface. Each mark may be applied by a respective marking device. The marking devices may be spaced from one another along the golf ball path. An intention in this respect is that markings which are applied to the golf ball shall be at random locations on the golf ball surface. 
         [0028]    Through the use of the golf ball identifier mechanism a golf ball is marked prior to a stroke being played and, after the stroke has been played, if a particular achievement is claimed, it is possible to validate the identity of the golf ball in question by examining the golf ball surface for the appropriate markings. 
         [0029]    As an alternative or additional approach the golf ball marking device may sequentially change markings which are applied to successive golf balls. For example the marking device may increment numerically so that a first number is applied to a first golf ball, a second different number is applied to a second golf ball, and so on. These approaches and techniques can be adapted to enhance the marking of the golf ball in a manner which can be used to establish a unique identity for a given, standard golf ball. 
         [0030]    Further at least one sensor may be responsive to at least one mark on the surface of the golf ball. The mark may for example be selected from the following: a dimple arrangement on the golf ball surface, a manufacturer&#39;s marking on the golf ball surface, a spatial relationship between the manufacturer&#39;s marking and a dimple arrangement on the golf ball surface, wear and tear marks on the golf ball surface, and at least one identifier mark which is applied to the golf ball surface e.g. as it traverses the golf ball path moving from the inlet to the outlet. 
         [0031]    The golf ball identifier mechanism may include at least one camera which records one or more images of the golf ball surface or a succession of images of the movement of the golf ball in such a way that surface features of the golf ball are visible and are recorded in at least one image. 
         [0032]    Additionally the golf ball identifier mechanism may include a sensor arrangement for determining at least one of the following: the mass of the golf ball, the volume of the golf ball and the density of the golf ball. 
         [0033]    One benefit of the invention lies in the fact that a conventional golf ball can be employed. This is due to the use of the aforementioned golf ball identification process. Various techniques can be employed, alone or in any appropriate combination, in this respect. Thus, in one approach, the temperature of a golf ball is measured before and immediately after play and a variation in the temperature of the golf ball, as a result of airflow across the surface of the golf ball during flight, is used as a control parameter. 
         [0034]    As indicated surface characteristics which may exist on a golf ball or which may be applied, for the purpose, to the golf ball can be used with benefit in establishing an identity for a golf ball. It also falls within the scope of the invention for the number of dimples in an area on the golf ball surface to be determined. This is conveniently done through the use of one or more cameras that scan the golf ball surface. Through the use of suitable computer-implemented character recognition techniques each dimple can be “identified” or categorized as to its nature, and the dimples in a given area on the golf ball surface can be counted. Processing techniques such as de-skewing, de-speckling, binarisation, normalizing aspect or scale with character isolation, and pattern or matrix matching, constrained by an application specific lexicon, can be used to enhance recognition processes. 
         [0035]    The fluorescent or other index marks that may be applied to the golf ball surface, prior to playing a stroke, may be detected and recorded through the use of an appropriate sensor. The position of such a mark may be compared with the location of a manufacturer&#39;s marking applied to the golf ball surface and may be viewed against a background of surface dimples in order to establish unique identification parameters. 
         [0036]    The sensors which are used in the golf ball identification mechanism may be responsive to other surface characteristics such as impact marks, scuff marks or discolouration which may arise from wear and tear during normal play or from other causes. Through the use of Circle Hough Transform (CHT) techniques, typically carried out on a pixel by pixel basis, a unique image of all or a part of a golf ball surface can be created and recorded and can be used as a reliable control parameter. 
         [0037]    According to another aspect the invention also provides a golf cup structure which includes a hole liner with a mouth and a camera which in use is positioned below the mouth of the liner and which is orientated for producing an image or images, e.g. a video record, of events above the camera. 
         [0038]    A transparent partition may be located between the camera and at least a part of the hole liner. 
         [0039]    The golf cup structure may include a flagstick mounting support. The golf cup structure may also include a load sensor for providing a measure of the mass of an object that enters the hole liner through the mouth. The golf cup structure may include a communication module for establishing a communication link between, at least, the camera and an external control unit. 
         [0040]    The invention also provides a method of controlling and monitoring play by a golfer who strikes a golf ball at a launch area thereby to drive the golf ball from the launch area towards a golf cup in a target area, the method including the steps of: 
         [0000]    (1) establishing an identity for the golfer,
 
(2) detecting at least one mark on a surface of the golf ball which is unique to the golf ball,
 
(3) if a first-defined status prevails at the launch area and a second-defined status prevails at the target area then allowing the golfer to play the stroke at the launch area,
 
(4) producing a first video recording at least of the golfer&#39;s stroke at the launch area,
 
(5) producing at least one video recording of the target area including the golf cup, during a first defined time period which is dependent on the time of the golfer&#39;s stroke at the launch area, and
 
(6) monitoring the golf cup to detect a status change of or in the golf cup during at least a second defined time period which is dependent on the time of the golfer&#39;s stroke at the launch area.
 
         [0041]    The invention may include the step of producing a video recording of, at least, the flight of the golf ball after the golfer&#39;s stroke at the launch area. 
         [0042]    Each video recording should commence at the latest at the time the golfer plays the stroke. Preferably though each video recording commences before the stroke is played and continues thereafter for a time period which is long enough to ensure that movement of the golf ball (due to the stroke) has ceased, before the video recording terminates. Compliance with this requirement is achieved through the use of a centrally located timing mechanism that ensures that the operations of the video recordings are effectively and reliably synchronized. 
         [0043]    The period of time taken by a golf ball to travel from the launch area to a location at or near the target area provides a useful and reliable control parameter and can be used to ensure authenticity of results. For example each target monitor could produce a video recording at least for a defined first time period after the stroke at the launch area. However, each video recording may extend from the time the ball is stroked at the launch area, or from some time instant before then. To ensure synchronous operation a timing arrangement may be initiated to ensure that video recordings are produced to cover all relevant time periods before, during and after a player&#39;s stroke, and to ensure that these video recording are made against a single time line. 
         [0044]    The principles of the invention, which to a substantial extent are implemented through the use of timing and telemetry techniques for control and synchronization purposes, and through the use of camera and video machines for visible, reviewable record purposes can be used to monitor play by a single player at a single hole or at a plurality of holes, or play by a plurality of players at a single hole or at several holes or during regular or match play. The method can be implemented at one golf course or at each of a plurality of golf courses, during controlled, predetermined time periods to enable challenge events to be contested. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0045]    The invention is further described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0046]      FIG. 1  illustrates in perspective from above a single golf hole at a golf course at which the invention is implemented, 
           [0047]      FIG. 2  depicts a launch monitor that is used at a launch area at the golf hole, 
           [0048]      FIG. 3  depicts components of a golf ball identifier mechanism that is used in the invention, 
           [0049]      FIG. 4  is an exploded view in perspective of components of a golf cup monitor used in the invention, 
           [0050]      FIG. 5  is a block diagram representation of components included in the launch monitor of  FIG. 2 , 
           [0051]      FIG. 6  is a block diagram representation of components that are included in a target area monitor used in the invention, 
           [0052]      FIG. 7  is a block diagram representation of components of a flight monitor that is used in implementing the invention, 
           [0053]      FIG. 8  illustrates diagrammatically aspects of the golf ball identifier mechanism of  FIG. 3 , 
           [0054]      FIG. 9  illustrates schematically various aspects of the golf cup monitor shown in  FIG. 4 , 
           [0055]      FIG. 10  is a block diagram representation of the system of the invention, 
           [0056]      FIG. 11  illustrates steps which are carried out during the implementation of the method of the invention, before a golf stroke is played, and 
           [0057]      FIG. 12  depicts steps that occur after a golf stroke has been played. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0058]      FIG. 1  of the accompanying drawings illustrates in perspective and from above a portion of a golf hole or green  10  in which the system of the invention is implemented. The green is of a conventional construction and includes a tee-off location referred to herein as a launch area  12 , a fairway  14  and a putting green which is referred to herein as a target area  16 . 
         [0059]    The target area  16 , which is flanked by bunkers  18 , contains a golf cup  20  which, in normal play, accommodates a flagstick  22 . 
         [0060]    The aforementioned aspects are conventional. 
         [0061]    A launch monitor  30  is located at the launch area  12  and a first target monitor  32  and a flight monitor  34  are positioned at the target area  16 . 
         [0062]      FIG. 2  illustrates external aspects of the launch monitor  30  while  FIG. 5  illustrates, in block diagram form, various components of the launch monitor. 
         [0063]    The launch monitor  30  includes a housing  40  with a card-input slot  42 , a control device  44 , in this example in the form of a key-activated lock which can be used to put the launch monitor  30  into an operational condition or to place it in an inoperative condition, a viewing window or aperture  45  for a camera  46  ( FIG. 5 ), and an audio/visual display screen  50 . 
         [0064]    In this form of the invention the launch monitor  30  includes, as an integral element, a golf ball identifier mechanism  52  (not shown in  FIG. 5 ) but aspects of which are shown in  FIG. 3  and in  FIG. 8 . It is convenient to provide the golf ball identifier mechanism  52  in combination with the launch monitor  30  but this is not essential. These elements could be provided as separate or stand-alone constructions 
         [0065]    The launch monitor  30  (see  FIG. 5 ) includes a processor  60 , a GPS unit  62 , a power supply  64 , a player identifier component  66 , the camera  46  (already referred to), a memory unit  68  for data storage, an audio visual construction which includes a loudspeaker system  70  and which is coupled to the display screen  50 , and a communication module  72  which includes a transmitter/receiver. An antenna  74  of the communication module  72  is embodied in the housing  40 . 
         [0066]    The player identifier component  66  is linked to the card-input slot  42 . A player who wishes to participate in the system is beforehand issued with an encoded card or such credentials  320  that uniquely identify the player. This is exemplary only. In other forms of the invention use may for example be made of biometric techniques which validate a player&#39;s fingerprints or the player&#39;s iris or facial features, or the like. 
         [0067]    The housing  40  is orientated so that the camera  46  faces directly onto the launch area  12  ( FIG. 1 ). The camera  46  is operable under the control of the processor  60  to record video images (moving images) and to supply a video feed to the memory unit  68  in which data pertaining to the images is stored. Additionally the video feed is routed via the processor  60  to the communication module  72  for transmission to a central control unit  80 , referred to hereinafter with particular reference to  FIG. 10 . 
         [0068]    The GPS unit  62  provides precise geographical co-ordinates of the location of the launch monitor  30 . This is to ensure that the launch monitor  30  can be used only at an authorized launch area. If the launch monitor  30  were to be placed at a different location it could not be placed into an operative condition without prior controlled authorization 
         [0069]    As indicated, in this instance, the launch monitor  30  is provided integrally with the ball identifier mechanism  52  shown in  FIGS. 3 and 8 . The housing  40  has an inlet  84  to a conduit  86  that defines a golf ball path  88  on which a golf ball is guided for movement, inside the housing, and which terminates in an outlet  90  at a lower region of the housing. The conduit, inside the housing, is transparent or light transmissive. A golf ball  92  pushed into the inlet  84  is movable under gravity action through the conduit along the path  88  to the outlet  90 . The mechanism  52  is used to establish a unique identity for a conventional golf ball  92  which a player might be using. This is an important feature of the invention in that there is no requirement for a dedicated or distinct golf ball, which might have been engineered for the purpose, to be used. The conduit  86 , as shown in  FIG. 3 , has at least two right angle bends  96  and  98  respectively. A marking device  100  is fixed to the conduit  86  at a strategic position at the bend  96 , and a second marking device  102  is fixed to the conduit at the bend  98  at a strategic position ( FIG. 8 ). 
         [0070]    The conduit  86  is configured so that the golf ball  92 , moving under gravity action along the path  88 , will strike the marker  100  and then move away from the marker  100  and then into contact with the marker  102 , moving at all times under gravity action. The markers  100  and  102  are identical. Each marker  100 ,  102  includes a respective reservoir of fluorescent ink  104  and a pad  106  which is moistened by the ink. The pad  106  is positioned so that when the golf ball  92  impacts the pad  106 , a quantity of fluorescent ink is transferred to an external surface of the golf ball  92 . Movement of the golf ball  92  along the path  88 , although dictated by gravity action, is in one respect random in that no control is exercised over which areas on the golf ball surface will strike the ink pads  106  of the markers  100  and  102 . 
         [0071]    Fluorescent light sources  110  and  112  are used to illuminate the golf ball path  88 . Cameras  114  and  116  are positioned to produce video images on a continuous basis of the golf ball  92  during its passage along the path  88 . The images that are produced by the cameras  114 ,  116  are applied to a processor  118  that makes use of appropriate software  120  to carry out a character recognition process which, without being restrictive, monitors practically all surface features on the golf ball surface. These features include, at least, the following: a manufacturer&#39;s markings, dimple shape and density on the golf ball surface, markings on the golf ball surface which may be due to external wear and tear, the fluorescent markings referred to, and the like. Of particular importance is that the software  120  is capable of distinguishing the size and shape of a mark on the golf ball surface and the position (spatial location) of a mark relative to any other mark on the golf ball surface. The data produced from this examination process is used as an identifier that in effect uniquely establishes the identity of the golf ball  92 . Data pertaining to the golf ball&#39;s identity is stored in a memory  124 . 
         [0072]    As a further identification factor the mechanism  52  includes a temperature monitor  128  that detects the temperature of the golf ball  92  when it reaches the outlet  90 . At this stage the golf ball  92  is momentarily held stationary and a load cell  130  is used to measure the mass of the golf ball  92 . The mass and temperature measurements are loaded into the processor  118 . Thereafter the golf ball  92  is released from the outlet  90  by the action of a solenoid  132  and falls into a cage  134 , see  FIGS. 2 and 3 , so that the golfer can collect the golf ball  92 . 
         [0073]    Data collected by the golf ball identifier mechanism  52  can be transmitted to the central control unit  80  ( FIG. 10 ) via a communication module  138 . Similarly, data can be transmitted from the central control unit  80  to a receiving element in the module  138 . In this way effective control over the operation of the golf ball identifier mechanism  52  can be exercised from a central location. 
         [0074]    The golf ball identifier mechanism  52  can include an on-board power supply (not shown) or can be powered from the supply  64  shown in  FIG. 5 . 
         [0075]    The target area monitor  32  shown in  FIG. 1  has several similarities to the launch monitor  30 . Components of the target area monitor  32  are shown in block diagram form in  FIG. 6 . The monitor  32  includes a power supply  150 , a processor  152  which works under the control of software  154 , a memory module  159  which is used for the storage of data supplied to or collected by the monitor  32 , a GPS unit  158 , a communication module  160  which is connected to an appropriate antenna  162 , and at least one video camera  164 . The target area monitor  32  is orientated so that the camera  164  faces the target area  16  but it is positioned so that it cannot interfere with normal play at the target area  16 . The various components shown in  FIG. 6  are mounted inside a housing  170 . The camera  164 , under the control of the processor  152 , produces a constant video recordal of images of events that take place in the locality of the target area  16 . 
         [0076]    The invention optionally includes a second target area monitor  32 A that is not shown in  FIG. 1 . For practical purposes the second target area monitor  32 A is identical to the monitor  32  and for this reason its construction is not further described. 
         [0077]    The invention preferably makes use of the flight monitor  34 . In  FIG. 1  the flight monitor  34  is shown attached to the target area monitor  32 . This is convenient but it is not necessarily the case. The purpose of the flight monitor  34  is to record, as far as is possible, an image of the movement of a golf ball  92 , in flight, as it leaves the launch area  12  and travels towards the target area  16 . For this reason, see  FIG. 7 , at least a camera  190  of the flight monitor  34  is positioned at an elevated location and is angled to follow what would be a normal trajectory of a golf ball leaving the launch area  12  and travelling towards the target area  16 . The flight monitor  34  includes a power supply  192  although, if the flight monitor  34  is provided in combination with the target area monitor  32  the flight monitor  34  could make use of the power supply  150 . 
         [0078]    The monitor  34  further includes a processor  194  which works under the control of software  196 , a GPS unit  198 , a data storage module  200  and a communication structure  202  which includes a transmit and receive facility and which is connected to an antenna  204 . 
         [0079]    As indicated the camera  190  is directed generally towards the launch area  12  but specifically towards a space above and adjacent the target area  16 , including a location at which the golf cup  20  is mounted. 
         [0080]    Positioned inside the golf cup  20  is a golf cup monitor  220 , see  FIGS. 4 and 9 . The golf cup monitor  220  includes a tubular hole liner  222  which has a mouth  224 . Internal dimensions of the hole liner  222  comply with standard specifications of a golf cup. The liner  222  is located in a hole  226  in the ground  228  at the target area  16 . 
         [0081]    The golf cup monitor  220  includes a transparent base  230  which has a centrally positioned formation  232  which receives a flagstick  22  with a ferrule  234  secured to the base  236  of the flagstick  22  shown in  FIG. 1 . A disc  240  that, in use, is positioned below the base  230 , accommodates a lens assembly or focal section  242  of a digital camera  244  which is mounted to a board  246  which, in use, is located inside the disc  240 . Electronic components in the golf cup monitor  220  are protected against the effects of weather and, in particular, against the ingress of moisture (rain or irrigation water) which might enter the golf liner. 
         [0082]    The camera  244  faces upwardly and, working in conjunction with the lens assembly  242  can monitor events that take place above the transparent base  230  generally within the confines of the surrounding liner  222 . 
         [0083]    A battery  248  powers the electronic components in the golf cup monitor  220 . Apart from the camera  244  these components include a load cell  250 , a sensor  252 , a processor  254  which is connected to a memory unit  256 , a GPS unit  258 , and a transmitter/receiver  260  that is connected to an antenna  262 . Software  264  is used to control the functioning of the processor  254 . 
         [0084]    The load sensor  250  is responsive to the effect of a mass of an object coming into contact with an upper surface  266  of the transparent base  230 . The sensor  252  is used to detect a characteristic of a golf ball  92  which enters the liner  222  through its mouth  224  and, in one embodiment, comprises a temperature sensor which detects and measures the temperature of a golf ball  92  entering the liner  222 . 
         [0085]      FIG. 10  is a block diagram representation of a system  280 , according to the invention, for evaluating a golfer&#39;s claim of a single stroke achievement such as a hole-in-one, a nearest-to-the-pin stroke, or any other single stroke performance that might be achieved or carried out at the golf green  10  shown in  FIG. 1 . The system  280  includes the central control unit  80 , already referred to, the launch area monitor  20 , the golf ball identifier mechanism  52 , the target area monitor  32 , optionally the second target area monitor  32 A, the flight monitor  34  and the golf cup monitor  220 . 
         [0086]    The central control unit  80  includes a processor  290 , a power supply  292 , a memory module  294 , controlling software  296  which regulates the operation of the processor  290 , a GPS unit  298  which provides accurate geographical co-ordinates of the location of the central control unit  280 , a communication module  300  and a timer  302 . 
         [0087]      FIG. 11  illustrates in diagram form steps that are carried out during the implementation of the method of the invention before a golf stroke is played.  FIG. 12  depicts, in similar form, steps that occur after a stroke is played. These Figures are largely self-explanatory and thus are not described in detail hereinafter. 
         [0088]    An inspection of  FIG. 11  shows that preliminary stages carried out before the striking of a golf ball include a player identification stage  310 , a golf ball identification stage  312 , a stage  314  in which the status of the golf ball  92  and of the golf cup  20  are assessed, and a stage  316  in which the status of the target area is assessed and which is implemented subject to clearance of the stages  310 ,  312  and  314 . 
         [0089]    In the stage  310  a player  318  presents his credentials  320  using the slot  42  ( FIG. 2 ) to enable the player&#39;s identity to be established. If this exercise is properly carried out and validated then a play session is initiated (block  322 ). 
         [0090]    The player  318  is then requested to present a golf ball  92  to the golf ball identification mechanism  52  ( FIGS. 3 and 8 ). The golf ball  92  is placed in the inlet  84  and passes along the path  88 . During this passage data pertaining to the identity of the golf ball  92 , which is a standard golf ball, is detected and recorded in the memory  124 . A test is done to ensure that the golf ball  92  is not already in use (block  326 ). 
         [0091]    The camera  46  in the launch monitor  30  records video footage of the player  318  after player identification has been successfully carried out in the stage  310 . The central control unit  80  then requests the golf ball&#39;s  92  status and identity in the stage  312 . If the resulting report indicates that the golf ball  92  in question is already in use i.e. it has a signature similar to that of a recently scanned golf ball, then the player  318  is asked to replace the golf ball  92  and to repeat the scanning/identification stage  312  process. 
         [0092]    If all is clear then the stage  314  is implemented. The central control unit  80  transmits a signal to the golf cup monitor  220  to establish its status (no golf ball in the cup) and to ensure that it is open for play. The presence of the flagstick  22  is also detected by the software  264  that processes images produced by the upwardly facing camera  244 . If all is clear then the golfer  318  is notified that play can continue. Non-compliance with any of these predetermined situations leads to a disallowed condition. 
         [0093]    The central control unit  80  then requests a status check from the first target area monitor  32 , the second target area monitor  32 A (if used) and the flight monitor  34 . In essence these monitors must reflect operationally sound conditions, and must show, at least, the target area  16  to be cleared of personnel. 
         [0094]    All relevant data on the identity of the golf ball  92 , the status of the golf cup monitor  220 , the status prevailing at the target area  16  and on the identity of the player  318  is recorded in the memory  294  of the central control unit  80 . 
         [0095]    The player  318  is thereafter asked to play a stroke (block  340 ). Conveniently this is done by an announcement on the loudspeaker system  70  and by a corresponding message that is presented on the visual display  50 . The monitors  20 ,  32 ,  32 A,  34  and  220  remain in constant operation and continuously monitor (block  341 ) all relevant aspects to determine any change of status which could affect the integrity of the authentication system. Video footage of all observation areas is obtained. recorded and transmitted, as appropriate, to the central control unit  80  for storage in the memory  294 . All events are time logged through the use of the timer  302 . Thus a time base is kept for each video recording. These recordings cover events at the launch area  12 , the flight of the ball  92  (via the monitor  34 ), the arrival of the ball at the target area  16  (the monitors  32  and  32 A) and entry of the ball  92  (if this occurs) into the golf cup  20  (by means of the camera  244 ). 
         [0096]    If the player  318  has completed his stroke his credentials  320  are withdrawn and all monitor units are asked to report any status changes that may have occurred. For example, if a golf ball  92  has entered the golf cup  20  and has been detected by the golf cup monitor  220  then the golf ball  92  is subjected to a golf ball identification process by the golf cup monitor  220  and a comparison is made of the signature of the golf ball  92  previously recorded by the golf ball identity mechanism  52  and of the signature of the newly arrived golf ball now identified by the golf cup monitor  220 . 
         [0097]    If the signature i.e. the identity, of the golf ball  92  is confirmed, then a hole-in-one is assumed. 
         [0098]    If a hole-in-one was not achieved but a golf ball  92  is detected in the target area  16  then a comparison is made of the signature of the golf ball  92  previously recorded in the golf ball identity mechanism  52  and of the signature of the newly arrived golf ball in the target area  16 . The target area monitors  32  and  32 A are used to obtain a measure of the distance of the newly arrived golf ball  92  from the golf cup e.g. in a nearest-to-the-pin competition. This measurement can be done electronically using data produced by the cameras of the target area monitors  32  and  32 A. 
         [0099]    All relevant data is transmitted using suitable telemetry techniques to, and then stored in, the memory module  294 . 
         [0100]    After play by a particular golfer the determined result of the player&#39;s stroke can be broadcast to a number of parties using any suitable network or protocol. The forensic evidence collected by the system, and the observation data such as video and audio data, golf ball mass, golf ball temperature and the like, can be made available for public or private screening according to requirement or fed to a broadcasting authority for viewer consumption and public scrutiny. 
         [0101]    A particular benefit of the invention lies in its capability to associate a unique identifier with a conventional golf ball. There is no requirement to fabricate or engineer a golf ball that can be used in a hole-in-one competition, for example. Player identity is also of cardinal importance. A full visual and, where appropriate, an audio, record is kept of all relevant events preceding a stroke, during a stroke, and thereafter. All data recorded is time and date stamped through the use of the timer  302  at the central control unit  80 . Given that the flight of a golf ball from the launch area  12  to the target area  16  must occur within predetermined time the video records which are taken by the target area monitors  32  and  32 A, by the flight monitor  34 , and where applicable by the camera in the golf cup monitor, must fall into particular time slots in order for a genuine hole-in-one achievement to be validated. The system is effectively automatically implemented and although the launch monitor  30  and the target area monitors  32 ,  32 A are visible they are not obtrusive. The effect of human intervention is minimized for the need for a human observer at the launch area  12  and at the target area  16  is obviated. 
         [0102]    If a golfer succeeds with a hole-in-one or a similar single stroke achievement then the arrival of a golf ball  92  in the golf cup  20  within a predetermined time period after the golf stroke was played, is a first indicator of success. However, a validation process is thereafter carried out in that the identity of the golf ball in the golf cup must be matched to the identity of the golf ball that was presented to the golf ball identity mechanism  52 . Also, the video recordings of all relevant events can be scrutinized by a public audience to ensure that nothing untoward took place. 
         [0103]      FIG. 12 , which is largely self-explanatory, depicts events which could occur after play of a golf stroke at the launch area  12 . Thus in a stage  340  the status of the golf cup monitor is evaluated. Golf ball identification techniques are carried out, when necessary, in a stage  342 . All results are evaluated ( 344 ) and stored ( 346 ) as necessary, and publication ( 348 ) of relevant results occurs in any of the indicated manners.