U.S. patent application number 08/893250 was filed with the patent office on 2002-12-12 for golf spectator control system and method.
Invention is credited to THIEL, LARRY O., VICKERS, JACK A..
Application Number | 20020187844 08/893250 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25401268 |
Filed Date | 2002-12-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020187844 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
VICKERS, JACK A. ; et
al. |
December 12, 2002 |
GOLF SPECTATOR CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD
Abstract
A spectator system and a method for controlling spectators at a
golf outing is disclosed. One or more preferred viewing areas are
located throughout the golf course where holders of a certain class
of tickets are allowed access, but not holders of any other class
of ticket. These preferred viewing areas may be in the form of
relatively narrow lanes which extend along the entire extent or a
portion of the extent of the tees box, the fairway, and/or green. A
plurality of viewing enclosures are located throughout the golf
course where holders of tickets which provide access to the
preferred viewing areas may congregate for socialization and/or a
viewing of the golf action while being protected from the
elements.
Inventors: |
VICKERS, JACK A.; (CASTLE
ROCK, CO) ; THIEL, LARRY O.; (ENGLEWOOD, CO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JAMES L. JOHNSON
HOLME, ROBERTS & OWEN LLP
1700 LINCOLN STREET, SUITE 4100
DENVER
CO
80203-4541
US
|
Family ID: |
25401268 |
Appl. No.: |
08/893250 |
Filed: |
July 16, 1997 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/131 ;
473/409; 473/415 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 71/022
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/131 ;
473/409; 473/415 |
International
Class: |
A63B 069/36 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A spectator system for a golf course, comprising: a first tee
box; a first green associated with said first tee box; a first area
extending from said first tee box to said first green; a first
partition extending along at least a portion of a boundary
associated with at least one of said first tee box, said first
area, and said first green; a second partition, spaced from said
first partition, extending along said at least a portion of a
boundary associated with at least one of said first tee box, said
first area, and said first green; and spectators in an area between
said first and second partitions and spectators in an area behind
said second partition.
2. A system, as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said first area
comprises a fairway, wherein said first and second partitions each
extend along a first side of said fairway and spaced from said
fairway.
3. A system, as claimed in claim 1, wherein: each of said first and
second partitions are selected from the group consisting
essentially of rope, twine, cable, and fencing.
4. A system, as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said first and second
partitions are separated by a distance within a range of about 6
feet to about 8 feet.
5. A system, as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said first partition
is disposed closer to said at least a portion of a boundary
associated with at least one of said first tee box, said first
area, and said first green than said second partition, wherein said
system further comprises a plurality of first spectators in a first
space between said first and second partitions and a plurality of
second spectators positioned on a side of said second partition
opposite said first space and further from said at least a portion
of a boundary associated with at least one of said first tee box,
said first area, and said first green than said plurality of first
spectators in said first space.
6. A system, as claimed in claim 5, wherein: a number of said first
spectators is less than a number of said second spectators.
7. A system, as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: a first
space between said first and second partitions, wherein an area of
said first space is substantially less than an area on a side of
said second partition opposite said first space and behind said
second partition.
8. A system, as claimed in claim 1, wherein: a first space is
defamed between said first and second partitions, said assembly
further comprising a first access to said first space and a second
access to said first space.
9. A system, as claimed in claim 1, wherein: each of said first and
second partitions extend from a location at least generally
proximate said first tee box to a location at least generally
proximate said first green.
10. A system, as claimed in claim 9, wherein: a first space is
defined between said first and second partitions, said assembly
further comprising at least one access to said first space, wherein
a number of said accesses to said first space is within a range of
one to three.
11. A system, as claimed in claim 9, further comprising: a first
access to said first space located at least generally proximate
said first tee box and a second access to said first space located
at least generally proximate said first green.
12. A system, as claimed in claim 1, wherein: a first space is
defamed between said first and second partitions, said system
further comprising a first spectator viewing structure comprising a
roof, said system further comprising a private path from said first
structure to said first space.
13. A system, as claimed in claim 12, wherein: said first structure
is elevated a distance of at least about 10 feet above a ground
that supports said first structure.
14. A system, as claimed in claim 12, wherein: said first structure
comprises a first computer operatively interfaced with a second
computer located outside of said first structure, wherein access to
tournament information is available on said first computer through
said second computer.
15. A system, as claimed in claim 12, further comprising: seating
associated with said first structure.
16. A system, as claimed in claim 14, wherein: said seating
comprises bleachers.
17. A system, as claimed in claim 12, wherein: said first structure
is disposed at least generally proximate one of at said first green
and said first tee box.
18. A method for controlling spectators at a golf tournament on a
golf course comprising eighteen holes, said method comprising the
steps of: issuing a first class of tickets; issuing a second class
of tickets different from said first class of tickets; establishing
a plurality of first viewing areas on each of said eighteen holes
of said golf course; providing access to said first viewing areas
to only holders of said first class of tickets; establishing a
plurality of second viewing areas on each of said eighteen holes of
said golf course; and providing access to said second viewing areas
to holders of at least said second class of tickets.
19. A method, as claimed in claim 18, wherein: said issuing a first
class of tickets comprises the step of issuing a first number of
said first class of tickets; said issuing a second class of tickets
comprises the step of issuing a second number of said second class
of tickets; and wherein said first number is less than said second
number.
20. A method, as claimed in claim 18, wherein: one of said holes
comprises a first tee box, a first green, and a first fairway
disposed between said first tee box and said first green, wherein
one of said first viewing areas is disposed between said first
fairway and one of said second viewing areas, whereby holders of
said first class of tickets in said one of said first viewing areas
are closer to said first fairway than holders of said second class
of tickets in said one of said second viewing areas.
21. A method, as claimed in claim 18, wherein: said establishing a
plurality of first viewing areas comprises establishing at least
one of said plurality of first viewing areas at a location having
an at least partially enclosed first structure having a floor
disposed above the ground on which said first structure is
positioned, wherein there is a space between said floor and said
ground.
22. A method, as claimed in claim 18, wherein: said establishing a
plurality of first viewing areas comprises establishing one of said
first viewing areas on only a first side of one of said holes; and
said establishing a plurality of second viewing areas comprises
establishing one of said second viewing areas on only a second side
of said one of said holes opposite said first side.
23. A method, as claimed in claim 18, wherein one of said holes
comprises a first tee box, a first green, and a first area
extending between said first tee box and said first green; said
establishing a plurality of first viewing areas comprises
installing a first partition along at least a portion of a boundary
associated with at least one of said first tee box, said first
area, and said first green; and said establishing a plurality of
second viewing areas comprises installing a second partition along
said at least a portion of a boundary associated with at least one
of said first tee box, said first area, and said first green to
define a first space between said first partition and said second
partition, wherein only holders of said first class of tickets are
allowed in said first space and wherein holders of said second
class of tickets are isolated from said first space by said second
partition.
24. A method, as claimed in claim 18, wherein each of said eighteen
holes comprises a green, wherein: said establishing a plurality of
first viewing areas step comprises retaining access to at least a
portion of each of said eighteen greens for said establishing a
plurality of second view areas step.
25. A method, as claimed in claim 18, further comprising the steps
of: limiting a flow of holders of said first class of tickets
through at least one of said plurality of first viewing areas to
only one direction.
26. A golf spectator system, comprising: eighteen golf holes each
comprising a tee box, a green, and a first area extending from said
tee box to said green; a portable first structure comprising a
roof, at least one concession area under said roof, and spectator
seating, said first structure being no more than about 40 feet from
at least one of said greens and said tee boxes.
27. A system, as claimed in claim 26, wherein: at least a portion
of said spectator seating is disposed under said roof.
28. A system, as claimed in claim 26, wherein: at least a portion
of said spectator seating is disposed out from under said roof.
29. A system, as claimed in claim 26, wherein: said portable first
structure comprises a floor, said roof being disposed above at
least said floor, wherein said floor is disposed above ground which
supports said first structure a distance of at least about 4
feet.
30. A system, as claimed in claim 26, wherein: said portable first
structure further comprises first and second types of communication
devices.
31. A system, as claimed in claim 26, further comprising: a golf
announcer's stand at least generally proximate one of said greens,
wherein said portable first structure is different from said
announcer's stand and is also disposed proximate said one of said
greens.
32. A system, as claimed in claim 26, further comprising: at least
four of said portable first structures, each of said portable first
structures being positioned on a different hole.
33. A system, as claimed in claim 25, wherein: said first structure
is elevated a distance of at least about 10 feet above said one of
said greens and said tee boxes.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention generally relates to golf and, more
particularly, to a system and method for controlling spectators at
a golf tournament.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Golf offers an effective means of doing business. For
example, potential clients or other business contacts are often
provided tickets to both local and other prominent golf
tournaments. Corporations and other businesses also purchase the
right to have a hospitality tent at various tournaments (often at a
fairly substantial expense) where employees and/or other guests may
congregate to socialize. These corporate hospitality tents are
typically grouped together to form a "tent city" at some convenient
location on the golf course which does not interfere with the
gallery and/or provide adequate viewing of the golf action.
Although special tickets are issued to provide patrons access to
these tents, these patrons do not receive any preferential
treatment in viewing the golf tournament. Tournament viewing
locations are defined by gallery ropes which are put up around the
course before the start of the golf tournament to control the
spectator's access to the players and the course. All spectators
are required to stay behind the same gallery rope at any given
location on the golf course.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention generally relates to a system and
method for controlling spectators at a golf tournament. Golf
courses are typically set up for tournament play to include a
single gallery rope between the players and the gallery so that all
members of the gallery are provided equal access to all portions of
the golf course for viewing the golfing action. A first aspect of
the present invention deviates from this normal setup in that the
gallery viewing area on at least one of the holes, and typically on
a plurality of the golf holes, is segregated in a manner so that a
portion of the gallery (typically a relatively small percentage)
has a preferred seating of sorts in relation to the remainder of
the gallery. In this regard, the system of the first aspect
includes a first barrier or partition which extends along, where
practical, at least a portion of a boundary associated with at
least one of a first tee box, a first green, and a first area which
extends from the first tee box to the first green (e.g., a fairway
and/or rough, a walking area in the case of a par 3). Thus, the
first barrier or partition extends along at least a portion of the
first tee box and/or first green, potentially spaced therefrom,
and/or along the first fairway, potentially spaced therefrom such
as in the rough associated with the first fairway. A second barrier
or partition is spaced from this first partition and extends at
least generally coterminously with the first partition. Spectators
may occupy the space between the. first and second partitions, and
also the area behind the second partition. As such, the first
aspect of the present invention may be used to provide a relatively
small "lane" of preferred seating for a relatively small portion of
the gallery. Multiple classes of tickets may then be issued, one
class of ticket offering access only to that area behind the second
partition which may be offered at one price, and another class of
ticket offering access to the preferred viewing area between the
first and second partitions which may be offered at a different and
typically increased ticket price.
[0004] Various features may be associated with this first aspect of
the present invention. The first and second partitions may be
structures such as rope, twine, or cable, although any type of
partition is contemplated by the first aspect. The spacing between
the first and second partitions, or more specifically the width of
the preferred viewing area, in one embodiment may be selected to be
no more than about 10 feet and in another embodiment within the
range of about 6 feet to about 8 feet. The length of the preferred
viewing area between the first and second partitions will typically
be as long as reasonably possible, and in one embodiment is at
least 100 yards (e.g., along a par 3 golf hole). In another
embodiment, this length ranges from about 200 yards to about 475
yards (e.g., along a par 4 golf hole), and in yet another
embodiment ranges from about 450 yards to about 650 yards (e.g.,
along a par 5 golf hole). Access to the preferred viewing area may
be controlled, such as by providing access points only in the
vicinity of the tee box, the green associated with the tee box, and
possibly at an intermediate location therebetween such as at a
fairway crosswalk. Typically, no more than 3 accesses will be
provided for each preferred viewing area defined between the first
and second partitions.
[0005] Additional features may be associated with the spectator
system of this first aspect of the present invention. At least one,
and typically from four to seven, viewing structures (e.g.,
portable tents having a roof and various types of amenities, such
as attendants, concessions (beverage and/or food),
telecommunication devices (phones, faxes, Internet access), seating
for both socialization and tournament viewing both inside and
outside of the structure, one or more computers for receiving
tournament scoring information on a real-time basis through
interfacing with another computer located outside of the viewing
structure such as at the scoring tent, and/or closed circuit
television for viewing the golf action) may be provided throughout
the golf course for purposes of enhancing viewing of the golf
tournament and/or interfacing with the preferred viewing areas
defined by the first and second partitions in this first aspect.
Private paths (e.g., roped off areas) may provide access from one
or more of these structure(s) to one or more of the preferred
viewing areas between the first and second partitions. This allows
patrons in the preferred viewing area enhanced access to viewing of
the golfing action. One or more of these types of structures may be
disposed at certain preferred viewing locations throughout the golf
course, such as near a green or tee box (e.g., preferably no more
than about 150-200 feet away from the action, and sometimes within
about 30-40 feet of the golfing action or no more than about 40
feet from the golfing action), such that the patrons may view the
golfing action from the convenience of the structure. Viewing of
the golf tournament may be further enhanced by "elevating" one or
more of the noted structures relative to the area being viewed,
such as by disposing their respective floors preferably above the
ground which supports the structure (e.g., a distance of at least
about 4 feet; a distance within the range of about 10-15 feet)
and/or positioning the structure at an elevated area on the golf
course such as on a hilltop (e.g., disposing the viewing structure
at least about 10-15 feet above the green, tee box, or other area
being viewed from the structure). Strategically positioning these
structures can be used to provide preferred viewing of the golfing
action (e.g., substantially unobstructed) without interfering with
the normal gallery's viewing of the golf tournament which may be
positioned "in front" of the viewing structure in some cases.
[0006] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method
for controlling spectators at a golf tournament. Multiple classes
of tickets are made available to the spectators. One class of
tickets allows the corresponding ticket holder access to one or
more first viewing areas established throughout the golf course for
viewing the golfing action, while another class of tickets allows
the corresponding ticket holder access to only one or more second
viewing areas throughout the golf course for viewing the golfing
action. That is, the holders of the second class of tickets are not
allowed to access the first viewing areas, although the first class
of ticket holders may be provided access to the various first
viewing areas and possibly even the second viewing areas.
[0007] Various features may be associated with this second aspect
of the present invention.. The number of tickets associated with
the first class made available to the public may differ from the
number of tickets associated with the second class made available
to the public. Typically, the number of tickets of the first class
will be significantly less than those available of the second class
of tickets (e.g., no more than from about 1000-1,500 tickets of the
first ticket class versus from often more than about 25,000-30,000
tickets of the second ticket class). Issuing these two types of
tickets for viewing the golfing action may be used to provide
holders of the first class of tickets preferred access to the
golfing action. Holders of the first class of tickets may be
positioned in areas closer to the golfing action than those holders
of the second class of tickets in at least certain situations
(e.g., such that the holders of the first class of tickets in a
certain viewing area may be positioned between holders of the
second class of tickets and the golf participants (e.g., touring
professionals)). The above-noted types of viewing structures
associated with the first aspect of the present invention may be
incorporated into this second aspect of the present invention as
well, typically in association with the first class of tickets.
[0008] The method of the second aspect of the present invention may
further include having one of the first viewing areas being on one
side of a given hole and having one of the second viewing areas
being on the opposite side of this hole (e.g., such that a first
viewing area extends along one side of the fairway while a second
viewing area extends along the opposite side of the fairway). The
first and second viewing areas may also be on the same side of the
golf hole, with the first viewing area being defined by a space
between the types of first and second partitions referenced above
with regard to the first aspect of the present invention, and with
the second viewing area being located "behind" the second
partition. Access to the first viewing areas may be limited, such
as through the use of marshals or other attendants. Moreover, the
direction of spectator movement through a given first viewing area
may be limited such that all traffic through the first viewing area
is only in a single direction to further enhance viewing of the
golfing action. Seating restrictions may also be imposed in the
first viewing area(s)--that is requiring patrons in the first
viewing area to be seated when not walking to another viewing
location. These latter two features will typically be incorporated
when the first viewing area is a limited space between first and
second spaced partitions.
[0009] A third aspect of the present invention is a golf spectator
assembly. The assembly includes 18 golf holes each having a tee
box, a green, and a first area disposed therebetween. This first
area will include a fairway and possibly rough in the case of a-par
four or five golf hole, and may be merely a walk area or hazard in
the case of a par three golf hole. A portable structure including a
roof, at least one concession area under the roof, and associated
spectator seating is provided and positioned preferably no more
than about 200 feet from at least one of the greens, fairways,
and/or tee boxes. In some cases, this noted distance may be no more
than about 40 feet. Some spectator seating may be provided under
the roof to protect the patrons from the elements while viewing the
golfing action, although spectator seating or viewing areas may
also be provided adjacent to the structure but away from the roof.
The structure may also be elevated to enhance viewing of the
golfing action, such as by disposing the floor associated with the
structure a distance above the ground preferably with the range of
at least about 10 feet to about 15 feet in one embodiment, and a
distance of at least about 4 feet in another embodiment. The
structure may also be disposed at an elevated location on the golf
course to enhance viewing of the golfing action (e.g., disposing
the structure at least about 10 feet above the area being viewed).
This elevation of the structure may allow viewing by patrons of the
structure without substantially interfering with viewing of the
golfing action by the gallery. Various types of telecommunication
devices may be included in the structure for the convenience of its
patrons, as well as other types of amenities. A computer system may
be provided to allow its patrons access to up-to-date tournament
scores, such as by interfacing a computer in the structure with
another computer in the scoring tent. Typically at least four to
seven of these viewing structures will be strategically placed
about the golf course. A larger "home-base" or home pavilion of
sorts may also be provided which has even further amenities than
those provided in the noted viewing structures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a top view of one embodiment of a golf spectator
assembly;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a top view of another embodiment of a golf
spectator assembly;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a top view of another embodiment of a golf
spectator assembly;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a top view of another embodiment of a golf
spectator assembly;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a top view of another embodiment of a golf
spectator assembly;
[0015] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a golf
spectator assembly;
[0016] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a golf
spectator assembly; and
[0017] FIG. 8 is a top view of another embodiment of a golf
spectator assembly.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] The present invention will be described with regard to the
accompanying drawings which assist in illustrating its various
features. FIG. 1 illustrates a spectator assembly 2a which includes
a hole 4a of a golf course which may include a plurality of golf
holes (e.g., 18 holes). The hole 4a includes a tee box 6a, a green
14a, and an intermediate section 10a disposed therebetween which in
the case of FIG. 1 is a fairway. In the case of a par 3 this
intermediate section might merely be a walkway and/or a hazard.
Various hazards, such as one or more sand traps 18a, may be
utilized on the golf hole 4a of FIG. 1.
[0019] The spectator assembly 2a of FIG. 1 further includes a first
barrier or partition 26a (e.g., rope, cable, twine, fence) which
extends along the entire length of one side of the intermediate
section 10a. A second partition 30a is spaced from the first
partition 26a and extends about at least substantially the entire
extent of the golf hole 4a. That is, the second partition extends
along the back side of the tee box 6a, along both sides of the
intermediate section 10a, around the sides of the green 14a, and
along the back of the green 14a. A first viewing area 34a is
defined between the first partition 26a and the adjacently disposed
portion of the second partitions 30a, and is in the form of a lane
or the like. Typically, a first viewing area 34a defined in this
manner will be as long as practical, and in one embodiment is at
least about 100 yards in length (e.g., extending from the front of
the tee box 6 to the front of the green 14) and as will be
discussed in more detail below is in one embodiment from about 6
feet to about 8 feet in width. A second viewing area 50a is
disposed behind the second partition 30a or on the opposite side of
the second partition 30a from the first viewing area 34a As such,
the size of the second viewing area 50a is significantly greater
than the size of the first viewing area 34a.
[0020] Access to the first viewing area 34a is provided at three
locations. Access 38a.sup.i is near the tee box 6a, access
38a.sup.ii is at an intermediate location of the intermediate
section 10a, such as at a crosswalk 46a, and access 38a.sup.iii is
near the first green 14a. The accesses 38 may simply be a rope
detachably connected to a pair of spaced metal stands (e.g., as
illustrated in FIG. 6) which may be easily removed from at least
one of the stands to gain access to the first viewing area 34a
(e.g., by a marshal/attendant associated with the first viewing
areas 34 described herein to allow only the appropriate patrons
access to the first viewing areas 34 and which may also monitor the
first viewing areas 34). This general structure may be utilized for
each spectator assembly 2 described herein where relevant.
[0021] One manner in which the various spectator assemblies 2
described herein, including the spectator assembly 2a of FIG. 1,
may be incorporated at a golf outing such as at a professional golf
tournament is to utilize multiple classes of tickets. One class of
ticket for the golf outing may be issued which will allow a holder
of such a ticket access to each of the first viewing areas 34
located throughout the golf course, and also possibly each of the
second viewing areas 50. Another class of ticket for the golf
outing may be issued which will allow a holder of such a ticket
access only to each of the second viewing areas 50 located
throughout the golf course. One or more marshals or other
attendants may be positioned at one or more of the accesses 38 to a
given first viewing area 34 and/or within each first viewing area
34 to monitor patron use of the first viewing areas 34 (e.g.,
making sure only those having the appropriate ticket are accessing
the first viewing areas 34). With the first viewing areas 34
potentially being closer to the golfing action than the second
viewing areas 50 (e.g., the first viewing area 34a in FIG. 1 is
closer to the fairway 10a than the adjacent, corresponding portion
of the second viewing area 50a), different ticket price structures
may be used for the golf tournament. Tickets for the first viewing
areas 34 may be priced higher than the tickets for the second
viewing areas 50. Moreover, fewer tickets of the type providing
access to the first viewing areas 34 may be made available than
those tickets of the type providing access to only the second
viewing areas 50.
[0022] Preferred viewing of the golfing action associated with the
first viewing areas 34 may be accomplished without significantly
disturbing the patrons of the second viewing areas 50. For
instance, traffic through one or more of the first viewing areas 34
may be limited to one direction as indicated by the arrows A in the
figures and controlled/monitored by the marshal(s)/attendant(s),
while spectator traffic in the second viewing area 50 may limited
to the direction of the arrows B in the figures or may even be
unrestricted. This "restriction of movement" through a first
viewing area 34 will typically be limited to those first viewing
areas 34 which are defined by a limited space between a first
partition 26 and a second partition 30. Moreover, patrons of the
first viewing areas 34 may be required to be seated when in a
stationary position therewithin when there is a second viewing area
50 behind this first viewing area 34 so as to not substantially
interfere with the line of sight to the golfing action from such
second viewing area(s) 50. Small fold-up seats may be provided to
ticket holders of the first viewing areas 34 to effect this
purpose.
[0023] The number of tickets made available in each of the
above-noted classes of tickets may also differ as noted above.
Significantly fewer tickets of the type which provide access to the
first viewing areas 34 may be made available in comparison to those
types of tickets which provide access to only the second viewing
areas 50. For instance, the number of tickets made available for
the various first viewing areas 34 throughout the golf course in
one embodiment may be less than the number of tickets which are
made available for accessing only the second viewing areas 50. As
such, the first viewing areas 34 may be sized accordingly. In one
embodiment, the first partition 26a is spaced from the second
partition 30 by a distance of no more than about ten feet, and in
another embodiment by a distance which is within the range of about
6 feet to about 8 feet. The size of the second viewing area 50a
adjacent the first viewing area 34a is thereby substantially
greater than the size of the first viewing area 34a. The length of
a first viewing area 34 defined by a first partition 26 and a
second partition 30 spaced therefrom will preferably be as long as
reasonably possibly, but in one embodiment is preferably at least
100 yards long (e.g., a par 3 golf hole 4), and in another
embodiment is within the range of about 200 yards up to about 650
yards (e.g., a par 4-5 golf hole 4).
[0024] At least one type of first viewing area 34 will typically be
provided on each of the golf holes 4. However, how the first
viewing area(s) 34 and second viewing area(s) 50 are established on
each hole may differ (e.g., the "spectator assembly 2" referred to
herein may be that associated with a single golf hole or multiple
golf holes, including all 18 golf holes). For instance, another
configuration of a spectator assembly is illustrated in FIG. 2. The
spectator assembly 2b includes a golf hole 4b of the golf course.
The hole 4b again includes a tee box 6b, a green 14b, and an
intermediate section 10b disposed therebetween which in the case of
FIG. 2 is a fairway. The spectator assembly 2b further includes a
first partition 26b which extends along about 1/2 of the back of
the tee box 6b, along the length of one side of the tee box 6b, and
then along the entire length of one side of the intermediate
section 10b where it effectively terminates in front of the green
14b by the water hazard 22b. A first viewing area 34b is defined
behind the first partition 26b and includes a viewing structure 54b
(e.g., a portable hospitality tent discussed in more detail below)
which is located near the green 14b where holders of the tickets
associated with the first viewing areas 34 may congregate and/or
watch golf action on the green 14b and/or on the fairway 10b. In
one embodiment, the viewing structure 54b is located preferably no
further than about 200 feet from the closest portion of the green
14b and is located preferably no further than about 150-200 feet
from the closest portion of the intermediate section 10b. The
spectator assembly 2b further includes a second partition 30b which
extends along about the remaining 1/2 of the back of the tee box
6b, along the length of the side of the tee box 6b opposite the
first partition 26b, then along the entire length of one side of
the intermediate section 10b, and around one side and the back of
the green, 14b. A second viewing area 50b is disposed behind the
second partition 30b. As such, the first viewing area 34b is
disposed on the opposite side of the golf hole 4b than the second
viewing area 50b. Relevant features discussed above in relation to
the spectator assembly 2a may be utilized in the spectator assembly
2b as well (e.g., marshals/attendants to control access to and/or
monitor the first viewing area 34b, imposing directional
constraints on spectator movement and/or seating requirements in
the first viewing area 34b, using multiple classes of tickets).
[0025] Another configuration of a spectator assembly is illustrated
in FIG. 3. The spectator assembly 2c includes a golf hole 4c of the
golf course. The hole 4c again includes a tee box (not shown), a
green 14c, and an intermediate section 10c disposed therebetween
which in the case of FIG. 3 is a walkway from the tee box (not
shown) to the green 14c (e.g., hole 4c is a par 3). The spectator
assembly 2c further includes a first partition 26c which extends
along all or a portion of the length of both sides of the
intermediate section 10c and around the sides and back of the green
14c. The first partition 26c may also extend about the sides and
back of the tee box (not shown). A second partition 30c is spaced
from the first partition 26c in accordance with the FIG. 1
embodiment and extends coterminously with the first partition 26c.
A first viewing area 34c is defamed by the space between the first
and second partitions 26c, 30c, respectively, and is in the form of
an express lane of sorts. A second viewing area 50c is disposed
behind the second partition 30c or on the opposite side of the
second partition 30c from the first viewing area 34c. Access to the
first viewing area 34c may be provided at one or more locations and
generally in the manner discussed above in relation to the FIG. 1
embodiment (e.g., at the tee box and/or at the green 14c (not
shown)). Moreover, other relevant features discussed above in
relation to the spectator assembly 2a may be utilized in the
spectator assembly 2c as well (e.g., marshals/attendants to control
access to and/or monitor the first viewing area 34c, imposing
directional constraints on spectator movement and/or seating
requirements in the first viewing area 34c, using multiple classes
of tickets).
[0026] Another configuration of a spectator assembly is illustrated
in FIG. 4. The spectator assembly 2d includes a golf hole 4d of the
golf course. The hole 4d again includes a tee box (not shown), a
green; 14d, and an intermediate section 10d disposed therebetween
which in the case of FIG. 4 may be a walkway/hazard and/or fairway.
The spectator assembly 2d further includes a first partition 26d
which extends along the length of one side of the intermediate
section 10d, around one side of the green 14d and to substantially
a lateral "midpoint" of the green 14d. The first partition 26d may
also extend along the side and along at least a portion of the back
of the tee box (not shown). A second partition 30d is spaced from
the first partition 26d in accordance with the FIG. 1 embodiment
and extends coterminously therewith. The second partition 30d
further extends from the above-noted lateral midpoint along the
remaining back side of the green 14d, along its side, and along the
other side of the intermediate section 10d. The second partition
30d may also extend along the side of the tee box and along at
least a portion of its back as well.
[0027] A first viewing area 34d is defined by the space between the
first partition 26d and the adjacent portion of the second
partition 30d, and is in the form of a lane except at the back of
the green 14d where it is enlarged to provide sufficient space for
a viewing structure 54d (discussed in more detail below) where
holders of the class of tickets providing access to the first
viewing areas 34 may congregate and/or watch the golf action. In
one embodiment, the viewing structure 54d is spaced from the edge
of the green 14d a distance of no more than preferably about 30-40
feet. The viewing structure 54d is a structure which is different
from the television commentator's booth 82d which is also
illustrated in FIG. 4. A second viewing area 50d is disposed behind
the second partition 30d or on the opposite side of the second
partition 30d from the first viewing area 34d. Access to the first
viewing area 34d may be provided in the manner discussed above in
relation to the FIG. 1 embodiment (e.g., at the tee box, at the
crosswalk, and/or at the green 14d (not shown)). Moreover, other
relevant, features discussed above in relation to the spectator
assembly 2a may be utilized in the spectator assembly 2d as well
(e.g., marshals/attendants to control access to and/or monitor the
first viewing area 34d, imposing directional constraints on
spectator movement and/or seating requirements in the first viewing
area 34d, using multiple classes of tickets).
[0028] Another configuration of a spectator assembly is illustrated
in FIG. 5. The spectator assembly 2e includes a golf hole 4e of the
golf course. The hole 4e again includes a tee box (not shown), a
green 14e, and an intermediate section 10e disposed therebetween
which in the case of FIG. 5 is a fairway. The spectator assembly 2e
further includes a first partition 26e which extends along the
length of only one side of the intermediate section 10e and
effectively terminates near the front of the green 14e at one of
its sides. The first partition 26e may also extend along the side
and/or at least a portion of the back of the tee box (not shown). A
second partition 30e is spaced from the first partition 26e in
accordance with the FIG. 1 embodiment and extends along
coterminously therewith. The second partition 30e, however, also
continues around the back side of the green 14e, along the other
side of the intermediate section 10e, and possibly along the side
and at least a portion of the back of the tee box as well.
[0029] A first viewing area 34e is defined by the space between the
first partition 26e and the adjacent portion of the second
partition 30e. The first viewing area 34e leads directly into a
viewing structure 54e which is disposed at the side of the green
14e. In one embodiment, the viewing structure 54e is spaced from
the edge of the green 14e a distance of no more than preferably
about 200 feet, and in another embodiment a distance within the
range of about 150 feet to about 200 feet. The viewing structure
54e is a structure which is different from the television
commentator's booth (not shown). The viewing structure 54e may
include both inside seating for watching the golfing action (not
shown), and may contain outside seating 78e as well (e.g.,
bleachers, a porch-like structure which may or may not be covered
by a roof). A second viewing area 50e is disposed behind the second
partition 30e or on the opposite side of the second partition 30e
from the first viewing area 34e. Access to the first viewing area
34e may be provided in the manner discussed above in relation to
the FIG. 1 embodiment (e.g., at the tee box, at the crosswalk,
and/or at the green 14e (not shown)). Moreover, other relevant
features discussed above in relation to the spectator assembly 2a
may be utilized in the spectator assembly 2e as well (e.g.,
marshals/attendants to control access to and/or monitor the first
viewing area 34e, imposing directional constraints on spectator
movement and/or seating requirements in the first viewing area 34e,
using multiple classes of tickets).
[0030] Another configuration of a spectator assembly is illustrated
in FIG. 6. The spectator assembly 2f is illustrated at the green
14f. The spectator assembly 2f includes a first partition 26f which
extends about at least a portion of the green 14f and interconnects
with a viewing structure 54f which is different from the golf
commentator's booth (not shown). Private access to the viewing
structure 54f is provided by a walkway 42f in which only holders of
tickets which provide access to the first viewing areas 34 are
allowed. The spectator assembly 2f further includes a second
partition 30f. Note that at the green 14f, the second partition 30f
is actually disposed in front of the first partition 26f and the
viewing structure 54f. The space between the second partition 30f
and the first partition 26f and the viewing structure 54f defines a
second viewing area 50f, while the viewing structure 54f defines
the first viewing area 34f. The first partition 26f may also extend
along at least a portion of the corresponding intermediate section
and/or about at least a portion of the corresponding tee box (not
shown) associated with the green 14f, gas may the second partition
30f. There would, however, be a "crossing over" such that the space
between the first partition 26f and the second partition 30f at
these other locations would define an additional first viewing area
34f and further such that the space behind the second partition 30f
would define an additional second viewing area 50f.
[0031] Details regarding one embodiment of a viewing structure 54
for holders of tickets having access to the first viewing areas 34
are also illustrated in FIG. 6. The viewing structure 54f includes
a roof 56f to provide protection from the elements for its patrons.
Its sides may be either closed, open, or partially open (shown as
partially open). The floor 60f of the structure 54f is elevated in
relation to the green 14f so that it will allow its patrons to view
the golfing action even though spectators having tickets to the
second viewing areas 50f may be disposed between the green 14f and
the enclosure 54f. In one embodiment, the floor 60f is disposed at
least about 4 feet above the ground which supports the structure
54f, and in another embodiment this distance is at least about
10-15 feet. The structure 54f is also located no more than about 40
feet from the green 14f.
[0032] Another configuration for a spectator assembly is
illustrated in FIG. 7. A first partition 26g extends at least about
the green 14g (e.g., the first partition 26g may also extend along
all or a portion of the length of one and/or both sides of the
intermediate section (not shown) and/or tee box (not shown). A
second partition 30g is spaced from the first partition 26g in the
manner noted above in regard to the FIG. 1 embodiment and may
extend coterminously therewith and/or extend about other portions
of the golf hole 4g not having a first partition 26g. One first
viewing area 34g is defined by the space between the first
partition 26g and the adjacent portion of the second partition 30g.
The second viewing area 50g is disposed behind the second partition
30g. Another first viewing area 34g is defined by a viewing
structure 54g which is positioned on a hill or bluff which
surrounds at least a portion of the green 14g and which is a
separate from the announcer's booth 82g. In one embodiment, the
viewing structure 54g is disposed at least 10 feet above the green
14g so that patrons in the viewing structure 54g may adequately
view the golfing action even though spectators are positioned
between the viewing structure 54g and the green 14g. The viewing
structure is also located no more than about 200 feet from the
green 14g. A private walkway 42g is provided from the viewing
enclosure 54g to the first viewing area 34g defined by the lane
between the first partition 26g and the second partition 30g.
Access to the first viewing area 34g between the first partition
26g and the second partition 30g may be provided in the manner
discussed above in relation to the FIG. 1 embodiment (e.g., at the
tee box, at the crosswalk, and/or at the green 14g (not shown)).
Moreover, other relevant features discussed above in relation to
the spectator assembly 2a may be utilized in the spectator assembly
2g as well (e.g., marshals/attendants to control access to and/or
monitor the first viewing area 34g, imposing directional
constraints on spectator movement and/or seating requirements in
the first viewing area 34g, using multiple classes of tickets).
[0033] Another embodiment of spectator assembly is illustrated in
FIG. 8. The spectator assembly 2h includes a first partition 26h
which extends along one side of the golf hole 4h and terminates at
a viewing enclosure 54h which is disposed at the back side of the
green 14h. A second partition 30h is spaced from the first
partition 26h in the manner discussed above in relation to FIG. 1
and extends coterminously therewith. One first viewing area 34h is
defined by the space between the first partition 26h and the second
partition 30h, while another first viewing area 34h is defined by
the viewing structure 54h. In one embodiment, the viewing structure
is disposed as near as possible to the green, and in another
embodiment is disposed no more than about 30-40 feet from the green
14h. The second viewing area 50h for the golf hole 4h is disposed
behind the second partition 30h. The second partition 30h may also
extend along the opposite side of the golf hole (e.g., around the
opposite side of the green 14h).
[0034] Each of the viewing structures 54 discussed above are for
accommodating holders of tickets having access to the first viewing
areas 34. Each of these enclosures may have one or more of the
following features: 1) a roof for the protection of its patrons
from the elements; 2) openings along one or more of its sides to
provide viewing of the golfing action from the comforts of under
this roof; 3) inside seating 70h for socialization, inside seating
for viewing the golfing action (not shown) and/or outside seating
78h (e.g., bleachers extending from the front of the viewing
structure 54); 4) a beverage table or bar 58h; 5) one or more
scoring computers 62h which is interconnected with a computer at,
for instance, the tournament scoring tent (not shown); 6) a buffet
table 66h with food and/or snacks; 7) one or more types of
communication devices 74h (e.g., telephone(s), fax(es), Internet
access); and 8) one or more televisions 76h (e.g., closed circuit
for watching the golfing action). Each of these viewing structure
54 will typically accommodate at least about 20 people at any one
time (e.g, being at least about 400 square feet, but typically no
more than about 2,500 square feet, and in one embodiment being
about 1,200 square feet in size). Moreover, a plurality of these
viewing structures 54 may be disposed throughout the golf course,
each being on a different golf hole. In one embodiment, there are
from 5 to 7 of these types of structures 54 disposed throughout the
golf course. These viewing structures 54 are also typically
portable, such as a collapsible tent. A larger "home-base"
structure or home pavilion (e.g., at least about 3,200 square feet
in size, and in one embodiment about 4,000 square feet in size) may
also be provided on the golf course somewhat away from the golfing
action to provide additional amenities for holders of tickets
having access to the first viewing areas 34.
[0035] The foregoing description of the present invention has been
presented for purposes of illustration and description.
Furthermore, the description is not intended to limit the invention
to the form disclosed herein. Consequently, variations and
modifications commensurate with the above teachings, and skill and
knowledge of the relevant art, are within the scope of the present
invention. The embodiments described hereinabove are further
intended to explain best modes known of practicing the invention
and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention in
such, or other embodiments and with various modifications required
by the particular application(s) or use(s) of the present
invention. It is intended that the appended claims be construed to
include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the
prior art.
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