U.S. patent application number 10/640289 was filed with the patent office on 2004-02-19 for method of playing golf.
Invention is credited to Graham, Scott.
Application Number | 20040033841 10/640289 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 31714426 |
Filed Date | 2004-02-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040033841 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Graham, Scott |
February 19, 2004 |
Method of playing golf
Abstract
The present invention provides a method of playing golf wherein
one or more holes are equipped with multiple launching positions.
The user may choose one of the launching positions to play from
commensurate with his or her desired level of difficulty. Each
launching position of the present invention provides a distinct
playing path to the green independent of the other launching
positions. In one embodiment, the level of difficulty associated
with each launching position is enhanced through the use of
topographical features located between each launching position and
the green. In another embodiment, one or more launching positions
of the present invention are equipped with difficulty-enhancing
terrain such as sand, rough-cut grass and/or uneven surfaces. The
method of playing golf of the present invention is ideally suited
to provide each individual golfer with an enjoyable and challenging
experience, regardless of his or her expertise level.
Inventors: |
Graham, Scott; (San Antonio,
TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Richard R. Ruble
JACKSON WALKER L.L.P.
Suite 2100
112 E. Pecan Street
San Antonio
TX
78205
US
|
Family ID: |
31714426 |
Appl. No.: |
10/640289 |
Filed: |
August 13, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10640289 |
Aug 13, 2003 |
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10217735 |
Aug 13, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
473/169 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 69/3691
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/169 |
International
Class: |
A63B 067/02 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A method of playing golf comprising the steps of: providing a
golf course having a plurality of golf holes each having a par
value, said course having one or more of said golf holes
comprising: at least one fairway having a first end and a second
end; at least one putting green located at said second end of said
fairway; at least one golf ball cup positioned upon said putting
green; a first launching position placed upon said first end of
said fairway; said first launching position being generally located
a first direction from said green; and a first area located
substantially between said first launching position and said green,
said first area defining a first level of difficulty and providing
a substantially straight playing path being substantially free of
obstacles between said first launching position and said green;
second launching position placed upon a difficulty enhancing
terrain adjacent to said fairway; said second launching position
being generally located a second direction from said green; and a
second area located substantially between said second launching
position and said green, said second area having one or more
topographical features defining a second level of difficulty
associated with said second area, said second area defining a
second playing path from said second launching position to said
green such that said first area and said second area provide two
separate and distinct routes to said green. determining a desired
level of difficulty; choosing said first launching position or said
second launching position according to a desired level of
difficulty; dropping a golf ball upon said first launching position
or upon said second launching position according to said desired
level of difficulty. if said first launching position is chosen,
utilizing a golf club and without the aid of a golf tee, hitting
said golf ball a first time toward said green such that said golf
ball lands within said first area or upon said green; if said first
shot is made from said first launching position, and said first
shot does not result in said golf ball landing upon said green,
utilizing a golf club and without the aid of a golf tee, hitting
said golf ball a second time from said first area onto said green;
if said second launching position is chosen, utilizing a golf club
and without the aid of a golf tee, hitting said golf ball a first
time toward said green such that said golf ball lands within said
second area or upon said green; if said first shot is made from
said second launching position, and said first shot does not result
in said golf ball landing upon said green, utilizing a golf club to
hit said golf ball a second time from said second area onto said
green; and utilizing a putter, putting said golf ball into said
cup.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein said difficulty enhancing terrain
is selected from the group consisting of rough cut grass, sand, and
uneven surfaces.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein said golf club has a loft of more
than 13 degrees
4. The method of claim 3, wherein said second level of difficulty
requires greater skill than said first level of difficulty.
5. A method of playing golf comprising the steps of: providing a
golf course having a plurality of golf holes each having a par
value, said course having one or more of said golf holes
comprising: at least one fairway having a first end and a second
end; at least one putting green located at said second end of said
fairway; at least one golf ball cup positioned upon said putting
green; a first launching position placed upon said first end of
said fairway; said first launching position being generally located
a first direction from said green; a first area located
substantially between said first launching position and said green,
said first area defining a first level of difficulty and providing
a substantially straight playing path being substantially free of
obstacles between said first launching position and said green; a
second launching position placed upon said first end of said
fairway, said second launching position being generally located a
second direction from said green; and a second area located
substantially between said second launching position and said
green, said second area having one or more topographical features
defining a second level of difficulty associated with said second
area, said second area defining a second playing path from said
second launching position to said green such that said first area
and said second area provide two separate and distinct routes to
said green. a third launching position placed upon a difficulty
enhancing terrain adjacent to said fairway; said third launching
position being generally located a third direction from said green;
and a third area located substantially between said third launching
position and said green, said third area having one or more of said
topographical features defining a third level of difficulty
associated with said third area, said third area defining a third
playing path from said third launching position to said green such
that said first area, said second area, and said third area provide
three separate and distinct routes to said green. determining a
desired level of difficulty; choosing said first launching
position, said second launching position, or said third launching
position according to said desired level of difficulty; dropping a
golf ball upon said first launching position, said second launching
position, or said third launching position according to said
desired level of difficulty. if said first launching position is
chosen, utilizing a golf club and without the aid of a golf tee,
hitting said golf ball a first time toward said green such that
said golf ball lands within said first area or upon said green; if
said first shot is made from said first launching position, and
said first shot does not result in said golf ball landing upon said
green, utilizing a golf club and without the aid of a golf tee,
hitting said golf ball a second time from said first area onto said
green; if said second launching position is chosen, utilizing a
golf club and without the aid of a golf tee, hitting said golf ball
a first time toward said green such that said golf ball lands
within said second area or upon said green; if said first shot is
made from said second launching position, and said first shot does
not result in said golf ball landing upon said green, utilizing a
golf club to hit said golf ball a second time from said second area
onto said green; if said third launching position is chosen,
utilizing a golf club and without the aid of a golf tee, hitting
said golf ball a first time toward said green such that said golf
ball lands within said third area or upon said green; if said first
shot is made from said third launching position, and said first
shot does not result in said golf ball landing upon said green,
utilizing a golf club to hit said golf ball a second time from said
third area onto said green; and utilizing a putter, putting said
golf ball into said cup.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein said difficulty enhancing terrain
is selected from the group consisting of rough cut grass, sand, and
uneven surfaces.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein said golf club has a loft of more
than 13 degrees.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein said topographical features are
selected from the group consisting of water, sand, shrubbery,
trees, brush, out of bounds markers, undulations, contours,
obstacles, obstructions, vegetation, varying grass texture, and
varying grass height.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein said second level of difficulty
requires greater skill than said first level of difficulty and said
third level of difficulty requires greater skill than said second
level of difficulty.
Description
[0001] This utility application is a Divisional application of and
claims priority from a co-pending U.S. patent application entitled
"Golf Course and Method of Playing Golf," Ser. No. 10/217,735,
having a filing date of Aug. 13, 2002.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to an improvement to
the game of golf and, more particularly, to an improved golf game
and golf course layout capable of providing all types of golfers
with an enjoyable golfing experience while, at the same time,
reducing the time and expense associated with a traditional round
of golf.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The length of time required to complete a traditional
18-hole round of golf on a full-length golf course is an area of
concern for virtually every golfer. The amount of time required to
play a round of golf may be a barrier to those who would like to
take up the game. Typically, it takes between four and six hours to
play a round of golf on a full-length golf course. Thus, the number
of rounds that the average golfer can play is limited. Accordingly,
the amount of time required to play a traditional round of golf is
a primary reason for golfers to quit playing the game.
[0004] Many factors contribute to the length of time it takes to
play a round of golf. Key factors include: the physical distance
players must travel during a round, the length and difficulty of
the course, how effectively the golf course managers marshal round
times for each group, the time spent looking for lost golf balls,
the distance between the green and the next tee box and the time a
golfer takes to execute each individual shot. A careful review of
these factors reveals that the distance and/or difficulty
associated with a traditional 18-hole golf course is to blame for
golfer frustration.
[0005] The tee shot required on nearly every par 4 and par 5 is a
prime reason for the large amount of time associated with the
traditional game of golf. First, for most golfers, the tee shot
takes a great deal of time to execute. Second, the driver is the
most difficult club to use and the quality of each tee shot
significantly affects the golfer's play to the hole. As discussed
further below, an errant tee shot will influence the relative
position of the golfer's second shot and perhaps the third shot as
well. Aside from putting, tee shots are the most frequent shots
during a traditional round of golf and can have a devastating
impact on individual scores.
[0006] Unplayable second and/or third shots caused by inaccurate
tee shots lead to scores that may be multiple strokes above par.
Large scores result in golfer frustration, loss of confidence and,
ultimately, a less enjoyable golfing experience. This problem is
compounded for those who are just beginning to learn the game.
[0007] In addition to the amount of time required for the tee shot,
golf clubs for use off the tee are often expensive. In some cases,
the cost of a driver for use off the tee can be equal to or greater
than the cost of an entire set of golf clubs.
[0008] Another problem with the traditional game of golf is the
quest for distance. As a result, modern golf courses are designed
to be long and challenging. On most regulation golf courses, the
majority of the course's surface area is utilized for the tee shot.
A distance oriented golf course is especially difficult for many
seniors, women, juniors and beginning players who do not possess
the physical strength and/or skills to hit a long distance tee
shot.
[0009] Many traditional 18-hole golf courses are capable of
providing a pleasurable golfing experience to skilled golfers
possessing the physical strength to hit long distance tee shots.
However, golfers of lesser physical ability leave these courses
with a feeling of frustration due to their inability to hit long
distance tee shots. In many cases, this feeling of frustrations
causes these golfers to give up the game entirely. Accordingly,
there is a need for an improved golf game and golf course design
capable of providing a pleasurable golfing experience to all
golfers, regardless of their physical strength. There is also a
need for a golf game and golf course design capable of reducing the
time and expense associated with the traditional game of golf.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] Accordingly, the present invention provides a method of
playing golf capable of reducing the expense, time and frustration
associated with the traditional game of golf. Specifically, the
present invention provides a method of playing golf wherein one or
more holes are equipped with multiple launching positions. The user
may choose one of the launching positions to play from commensurate
with his or her desired level of difficulty.
[0011] Each launching position of the present invention provides a
distinct playing path to the green independent of the other
launching positions. In one embodiment, the level of difficulty
associated with each launching position is enhanced through the use
of topographical features located between each launching position
and the green. In another embodiment, one or more launching
positions of the present invention are equipped with
difficulty-enhancing terrain such as sand, rough-cut grass and/or
uneven surfaces. The golf game of the present invention is ideally
suited to provide each individual golfer with an enjoyable and
challenging experience, regardless of his or her expertise
level.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] A more complete appreciation of the invention and many of
the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the
same becomes better understood by reference to the following
detailed description when considered in connection with the
accompanying drawing; it being understood that the drawings
contained herein are not necessarily drawn to scale; wherein:
[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates a par 3 golf hole in one embodiment of
the present invention having a first launching position and a
second launching position.
[0014] FIG. 2 illustrates a par 4 golf hole in one embodiment of
the present invention having a first launching position and a
second launching position.
[0015] FIG. 3 illustrates a par 3 golf hole in one embodiment of
the present invention having a first launching position, a second
launching position, and a third launching position.
[0016] FIG. 4 illustrates a par 4 golf hole in one embodiment of
the present invention having a first launching position, a second
launching position, and a third launching position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0017] Referring to the accompanying Figures, the present invention
is herein described as a method of playing golf. The present
invention provides an alternative to the traditional game of golf
and a unique golf course design capable of providing a pleasurable
and successful golfing experience for all types of golfers while
still retaining the challenge and intrigue that experienced golfers
demand.
[0018] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the golf course of the present
invention is equipped with one or more golf holes (10). Each golf
hole (10) of the present invention provides a fairway (12) having a
first (12A) and a second end (12B), a putting green (14) generally
positioned at the second end of the fairway, and a golf ball cup
(16) positioned upon the green. In one embodiment, each golf hole
(10) is equipped with a first launching position (18) located
generally upon the first end (12A) of the fairway (12). The first
launching position (18) is located a first direction from the green
(14) such that a first area (18A) is defined between the green and
the first launching position. In one embodiment, the first
launching position (18) is placed upon fairway cut grass such that
a substantially level surface is provided upon which to drop a golf
ball for play by the user.
[0019] In one embodiment, the first area (18A) between the green
(14) and the first launching position (18) is substantially free
from obstacles such that the user is provided with a substantially
straight playing path from the first launching position to the
green. Golf holes (10) having a first launching position (18) are
ideally suited for beginning golfers wishing to experience a
straight and relatively easy fairway shot to the green (14).
[0020] In one embodiment, another launching position is provided
for inclusion upon one or more golf holes (10) of the present
invention. This second launching position (20) may be utilized to
provide an enhanced level of difficulty for more experienced
players.
[0021] In one embodiment, the second launching position (20) is not
placed directly upon the fairway (12) but, instead, is placed
adjacent thereto at a direction varying from the direction of the
first launching position (18) with respect to the green (14).
Further, the second launching position (20) may be equipped with
difficulty-enhancing terrain (24) such as uneven surfaces, sand,
rough-cut grass, and/or other vegetation. In one embodiment, the
area (20A) located substantially between the second launching
position (20) and the green (14) may be equipped with one or more
topographical features (22) designed to increase or decrease the
level of difficulty associated with starting the golf hole (10) at
the second launching position. In one embodiment, the level of
difficulty associated with the second launching position (20)
requires greater skill on the part of the user due to the combined
use of topographical features (22) and difficulty enhancing terrain
(24).
[0022] The relative placement of the second launching position (20)
and the use of topographical features (22) provides the user with a
second playing path (20P) to the green. Thus, a user utilizing the
first launching position (18) will traverse a distinct and separate
playing path (18P) than that experienced by a user starting from
the second launching position (20). In one embodiment, the first
and second launching positions (18 and 20, respectively) are
positioned at substantially the same distance from the green
(14).
[0023] Unlike traditional golf courses where distance is the
primary element to increase difficulty on a given hole, the present
invention utilizes a unique blend of direction, topographical
features (22), and difficulty-enhancing terrain (24) to provide the
user with a greater degree of difficulty. This feature of the
present invention allows individuals of varying ability to play
together in the same group while still being challenged
individually. For example, User No. 1, a beginner to the game of
golf, may choose to start from the first launching position (18)
while User No. 2, an experienced golfer, may choose to start from
the second launching position (20). In one embodiment,
topographical features (22) maybe any feature, whether man made or
naturally occurring, capable of adding to the difficulty associated
with a golf hole (10). In one embodiment, topographical features
(22) include, but are not limited to, water, sand, shrubbery,
trees, brush, out-of-bounds markers, undulations, contours,
obstacles, obstructions, vegetation, varying grass textures, and
varying grass height. This also enables users with similar levels
of golfing skills, but different physical strength, to more equally
compete with each other by beginning the hole (10) from the same
launching position (18 and 20, respectively).
[0024] In addition to providing a challenging golf game, the golf
holes (10) of the present invention are ideally suited to provide
instruction to individuals wishing to increase their golf
abilities. Instead of utilizing a driving range which is incapable
of providing the look and feel of a golf course, the present
invention allows instructors and/or students to choose a level of
difficulty for practice shots consistent with the individual's
grasp of the game. Because users of the present invention play from
a specific area within what may resemble a minute portion of the
second shot hitting area on a traditional golf hole, architects can
design approaches to the green which force users to hit a specific
type of shot.
[0025] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, in another embodiment, the
present invention provides three or more launching positions (18,
26 and 28, respectively) from which a user may begin. The golf
holes (10) of the present invention may be designed to accommodate
three or more separate and distinct playing paths (18P, 26P, 28P,
and 28P', respectively), each providing a different level of
difficulty for the user.
[0026] The first launching position (18) of this embodiment is
substantially the same as described in detail above. Specifically,
the first launching position (18) is placed upon fairway cut grass
at substantially the first end (12A) of the fairway (12). The
location of the first launching position (18) coupled with the lack
of obstacles within the first area (18A) allows novice players to
enjoy a substantially straight and unobstructed shot toward the
green (14).
[0027] In one embodiment, one or more of the golf holes (10) of the
present invention are equipped with a second launching position
(26) placed at substantially the first end (12A) of the fairway
(12). The area located substantially between the second launching
position (26) and the green (14) is equipped with one or more
topographical features (22) designed to increase the level of
difficulty associated with starting at the second launching
position. The second launching position (26) of this embodiment of
the present invention is intended to provide the user with a
moderate degree of difficulty.
[0028] The third launching position (28) of this embodiment of the
present invention is positioned adjacent to the fairway (12) in
order to provide the user with a greater level of difficulty than
may be attained by either playing path (18P and 26P, respectively)
associated with the first or second launching positions (18 and 26,
respectively). In one embodiment, the third launching position (28)
of the present invention is equipped with difficulty-enhancing
terrain (24) such as uneven surfaces, sand, rough-cut grass, or
vegetation. Further, the area (28A) located substantially between
the third launching position (28) and the green (14) contains one
or more topographical features (14), as described above, designed
to increase the difficulty associated with playing from the third
launching position. In one embodiment, the level of difficulty
associated with the third launching position (28) requires greater
skill on the part of the user as compared to the first or second
launching positions (18 and 26, respectively) due to the combined
use of direction, topographical features (22), and difficulty
enhancing terrain (24).
[0029] Thus, in this embodiment of the present invention, three
distinct and separate playing paths (18P, 26P, and 28P,
respectively) are provided to the user, depending on his or her
desired level of difficulty. The launching positions of the present
invention may be positioned substantially the same distance from
the green; however, each launching position (18, 26 and 28,
respectively) is located a different direction relative to the
green. Further, the present invention allows advanced users playing
from the third launching position (28) to play an aggressive shot
directly at the green utilizing a fourth playing path (28P').
[0030] In some instances, United States Golf Association's (USGA)
Rules of Golf apply to the golf game of the present invention.
However, several unique rules apply to the golf game of the present
invention.
[0031] In one embodiment, the user may choose from a plurality of
launching positions, using whatever criteria he or she chooses on
the first hole. In most cases, the user will make his or her
decision based upon a desired level of difficulty. Thereafter, for
the remaining holes played during that round, the user must utilize
the same launching position selected on the first hole.
[0032] Once the user has chosen a launching position, he or she
drops a golf ball upon the chosen launching position located
between designed drop markers. In one embodiment, the ball is
dropped from shoulder height onto the ground designated as a
launching position. In order to be deemed a legal drop, the user
may not touch or move the ball in any way with any part of their
person, including hands or feet, prior to the shot. Once the ball
has been legally dropped, users are permitted to use an inanimate
object, such as a golf club, to adjust the location of the ball if
the ball had landed in a divot, so long as the ball remains within
six inches of its original landing point and so long as the ball
remains upon the launching position.
[0033] When addressing a legally dropped ball for the purpose of
putting it into play on a hole, users need not stand upon the
launching position. Users are permitted to ground their clubs when
addressing the ball located upon a launching position, with the
exception that if the user's chosen launch position is located in a
hazard, such as a sand bunker, the player may not ground his or her
club.
[0034] Once the user addresses a legally dropped ball with the
intent of putting it in play, any contact the club makes with the
ball that results in any movement of the ball is considered a
stroke. Should a user put a ball in play that was not struck from a
launching position, the player is assessed a two-stroke penalty in
stroke play and loss of the hole in match play. Should a user make
illegal contact with the ball once it has been legally dropped, a
one-stroke penalty is assessed on the hole.
[0035] The user, without the aid of a golf tee, hits the golf ball
from the chosen launching position such that the ball lands within
the area associated with the launching position or upon the green.
If the user fails to reach the green, he or she would continue
hitting the ball until it is positioned upon the green. The golf
ball would then be placed in the golf cup utilizing a putter. To
illustrate, if the user chooses to play from the first launching
position (18), he or she would drop the golf ball upon the ground
designated as the first launching position, hit the ball toward the
green such that it lands either within the first area (18A) or upon
the green (14). If the ball does not reach the green (14), the user
will continue hitting from the first area (18A) until the ball is
positioned upon the green. Once positioned on the green, the golf
ball may be putted into the golf cup (16).
[0036] USGA approved clubs are legal for play with the golf game of
the present invention, except that no golf club with a loft of less
than 13 degrees may be used. An exception is the putter which may
be used for any shot in the golf game of the present invention. In
one embodiment, golf tees may not be utilized for any shot of the
present invention.
[0037] Both stroke and match play scoring may be used while playing
the golf game of the present invention. Player handicaps are
calculated in similar manner as they are in traditional golf. The
golf course of the present invention may be given course and slope
ratings for handicapping purposes.
[0038] Although the invention has been described with reference to
specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed
in a limited sense. Various modifications of the disclosed
embodiments, as well as alternative embodiments of the invention,
will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference
to the description of the invention. It is, therefore, contemplated
that the appended claims will cover such modifications that fall
within the scope of the invention.
* * * * *