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  Golf on local fieldsUSPTO Application #: 20060287120Title: Golf on local fields Abstract: A golf game to be played on a local field comprising, a plurality of tee markers, a plurality of flag sticks, a plurality of simulated bunkers, a plurality of simulated water hazards, a plurality of holes or simulated holes, limited flight balls, and limited distance golf clubs, wherein the tee markers, flagsticks, simulated bunkers, simulated water hazards and holes or simulated holes are laid out on the field to simulate a golf course. (end of abstract) Agent: Lewis, Brisbois, Bisgaard & Smith LLP - Los Angeles, CA, US Inventors: Gary Weaver, Scott Hancock USPTO Applicaton #: 20060287120 - Class: 473150000 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Games Using Tangible Projectile, Golf, Projectile Addressing Surface And Target, Or Distance Marker (e.g., Course, Putting Green With Cup, Driving Range, Miniature Golf Course, Etc.) The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060287120. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/691,207 filed Jun. 16, 2005 which application is incorporated herein by reference, in its entirety. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] This invention relates to the game of golf, designed in a manner to be especially applicable to children, both for their enjoyment and as a way to teach them the game of golf without the need for a regulation golf course. The game may also be played, however, with great enjoyment, by adults. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Golf is a wonderful and popular game, played by millions of people all over the world. Golf, however, is both a very expensive and very time-consuming hobby. Golf courses require many acres of land and very expensive upkeep. A "normal"golf course averages about 150-200 acres and even a three par course needs at least about 50 acres. [0004] It is very difficult to introduce children to the game of golf. The main reason is that most golf courses discourage children from playing because the courses are full with adult players, the courses and the individual holes are too long and difficult for children to play, children will often dig up and cause damage to the course and the grass and there is not available good equipment for children to use. As a result, to teach a child the game of golf, usually requires practice at a driving range, which gets boring for the child and does not provide the child with the fun and the experience of actually playing the game on a course. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0005] This invention transforms any field that is at least about 80. yards by 60 yards ( a standard soccer field) into a an exciting and playable 9-hole golf course using completely portable obstacles, hazards and specialized equipment. By utilizing existing soccer or athletic fields, or any open field, which does not even have to be flat, the portable course brings access to the game of golf to neighborhoods everywhere. Kids experience playing 9 holes with special equipment which is fun and turf forgiving. [0006] This invention utilizes oversized plastic clubs and limited-flight balls and tees or launch pads which protect the field from divot-damage. A unique "hole" and flagstick also prevents damage to the field. [0007] A typical course of this invention is about 295 yards, and about a Par 34, challenging players through bunkers and over or around lakes. It features Par 3's, Par 4's and one or more Par 5's. The bunkers and lakes are made of a flexible material, such as tarp or plastic, laid out on the field, giving the course contour and excitement. When a ball is hit onto a bunker or a lake hazard, players must take a penalty, such as one-stroke, after retrieving their ball and placing it at the nearest point on the fairway. Out of bounds markers, tee markers, tee signs and scorecards with course maps can also be specially designed. A complete course kit may be carried in a small trailer portable by cars or trucks with a trailer hitch or in the back of a truck. [0008] Various programs may be developed for children to have competitions, for instance, a series of one-day events that provide access to golf for all ages. While this invention's primary focus is on making `golf available to children, it is also available for everyone, of all ages, and family groups, to learn about, play and enjoy the game of golf The fun, casual and uncomplicated atmosphere is fun for everyone; men, women, children, even grandparents. [0009] For instance, each child can pair up with an adult, and as a team they compete in a 9-hole, shotgun start, family scramble tournament. Everything that goes with a regulation golf course is provided. For instance, there may be optionally provided a Pro-Shop tent at the corner of the field which is a hub for checking in, signing up, information and questions and answers. The players may then be directed to a driving range where they can experience the use of the equipment and are given pointers on how to play. A starter's tent and a scorer's tent may be in the center of the field for collecting equipment, explaining the rules for the day, commencing play and collecting scores for a tournament. [0010] A tournament may begin when 18 two-person teams have signed up. Play begins with a shotgun start (with two teams on each hole). A round takes approximately 40-60 minutes to complete before teams turn in their scorecards and prizes are awarded. [0011] This invention brings the concepts, physical aspects, structure and unique challenges of the game of golf to all kids. Unlike other Junior Golf programs--structured programs only accessed through regulation golf courses or driving ranges--this game provides kids a way to get out and play the game. Traditionally, children's access to playing the game of golf is extremely limited because it requires access to golf courses, clubs or driving ranges, which are spread-out, geared towards adults and often membership organizations. Because of these problems, golf is simply not realistically available to most children. Unlike baseball, basketball and soccer, golf has never been well integrated into after-school programs or local leagues. [0012] Another feature made available by the golf game of this invention is providing a team based golf league for boys and girls 6-12 years old. This is the "Little League of Golf". A standard 9-hole course may be the same laid out on any field, establishing a consistent game throughout the city, county, state and country. This consistency allows for fair local and national competitions. [0013] Summer golf camps are also available for kids wanting to learn golf or improve their skills as golfers. This golf game also offers a new element of learning and competition to the roster of Special Olympics programs, and lifelong fitness and activity for their athletes. [0014] Summer Camp programs may be set up through a Parks and Recreation Department which is looking to add a golf program to their summer schedule. This golf game may be made available for one-day demonstrations during PE classes and also for intramural competitions through schools or after-school programs. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0015] FIG. 1 is a depiction of a layout of the golf course of this invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0016] Referring in part to the drawing, there is shown a simulation golf course designed to fit on a standard athletic field, such as a soccer field, about 80 yards by 60 yards. The course consists of 9 holes. The configuration, as shown, has three Par 3's, (holes 3, 5 and 8) one Par 5 (hole 7) and the remaining five holes are Par 4's. There are simulated bunkers (15 total shown in outline) and lakes (6 total shown in dark gray). Both the bunkers and lakes are made of tarp material, although other material could be used, such as plastic, and are laid out on the field, which gives contour to the holes. The material used may have a hook and loop, or other type of surface, on one side which "catches" the ball when the ball lands on the surface. [0017] The game is similar to the conventional game of golf and includes tee markers, tee signs, a hitting mat, a ball, a hole, a flagstick, one or more clubs and a scorecard. [0018] To play the game, the player hits the ball with the club in the direction of the hole. The object of the game is for the player to hit the ball so that it makes contact with the hole or goes into a hole as in the conventional game of golf. The ball is then deemed "holed". Score is kept in the same manner as a conventional golf game, with the player counting each time the ball is struck until the ball is holed. The player who has the fewest strokes is the winner of the competition. [0019] The items used to set up the course are: Continue reading... Full patent description for Golf on local fields Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Golf on local fields patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. 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