US20150087433A1

US20150087433A1 - Golf hazard training methods and apparatus

Info

Publication number: US20150087433A1
Application number: US14/495,076
Authority: US
Inventors: David A. Roberts
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-09-25
Filing date: 2014-09-24
Publication date: 2015-03-26

Abstract

A portable golf training apparatus for enhancing a player's skills relating to overcoming a golf course hazard includes a substantially flexible base and at least first and second regions formed on an upper surface of, and supported by, the base. The first region has a first cross-sectional thickness and the second region has a second cross-sectional thickness. An opening is formed in at least one of the first and second regions, the opening being adapted to receive a ball with which the golf training apparatus is used. The player, shooting the ball from an area outside of the golf training apparatus, is assigned a prescribed point value as a function of a location on the golf training apparatus on which the ball lands.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/882,432 filed on Sep. 25, 2013, the complete disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to the game of golf, and more particularly to golf training methods and related golf training apparatus.

BACKGROUND

Golf has been and remains a highly popular game. Mastering the skills necessary to excel in the game of golf has, unfortunately, been rather difficult to achieve. As such, various golf training aids have been developed and are commercially available with the objective of improving a golfer's skills. Conventional golf training aids, however, are narrowly directed to either improving a player's golf swing when driving the ball, or to improving the player's putting game, thus leaving important aspects of the golf game (e.g., overcoming course hazards) essentially undeveloped.
For example, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0248891 to Nelson discloses a complex golf swing training apparatus which attempts to correct a golfer's form and placement in driving as well as putting. The apparatus claims to help strengthen a golfer's swing as well as improve the timing, rhythm, and positions of the club during the swing.
Likewise, U.S. Pat. No. 5,131,659 to Lindberg, Jr. discloses a device whereby a golfer may practice and perfect his or her putting stroke with or without a ball and at any location with or without an instructor present. The device consists of a relatively thin sheet of mirrorized transparent acrylic or similar polymer on which are printed a series of indicia to provide guidance for stance, eye position and club stroke which can be viewed by the golfer as he or she is using the device.
While many of these training devices may be helpful in improving a golfer's overall score, such devices are either too bulky or complex for portable use, or fail to improve techniques relating to certain nuances of the golf game.

SUMMARY

The present invention, in one or more embodiments thereof, provides a portable golf training aid, and methods of using such aid, which are effective in improving a golfer's skills in surmounting certain golf course hazards; namely, sand traps or bunkers. Moreover, one or more embodiments of the invention implement such training in the form of a game, thereby eliminating the drudgery often associated with practicing and improving one's skills.
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a portable golf training apparatus for enhancing a player's skills relating to overcoming a golf course hazard includes a substantially flexible base and at least first and second regions formed on an upper surface of, and supported by, the base. The first region has a first cross-sectional thickness and the second region has a second cross-sectional thickness. An opening is formed in at least one of the first and second regions, the opening being adapted to receive a ball with which the golf training apparatus is used. The player, shooting the ball from an area outside of the golf training apparatus, is assigned a prescribed point value as a function of a location on the golf training apparatus on which the ball lands.
In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, a portable golf hazard apparatus is provided for use in conjunction with a golf training apparatus for enhancing a player's skills relating to overcoming a golf course hazard. The golf hazard apparatus includes a substantially rigid base having an opening therein for receiving a container adapted to hold a material simulating a sand trap, and at least a first base support attached to a bottom surface of the base. The first base support includes a height adjustment mechanism for controlling an angle of an upper surface of the base relative to a surface upon which the portable golf hazard apparatus is placed.
In accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention, a method of play for a golf training game includes: providing a portable golf training apparatus, the golf training apparatus including a flexible base, at least first and second regions formed on an upper surface of the base, and an opening formed in at least one of the first and second regions, the opening being adapted to receive a golf ball; placing the portable golf training apparatus at a prescribed distance from a player of the golf training game; shooting the golf ball by the player of the golf training game, from an area at the prescribed distance from the portable golf training apparatus in a direction toward the portable golf training apparatus; and assigning a prescribed point value to the player as a function of a location on the golf training apparatus on which the golf ball lands.
Additional and/or other embodiments of the invention are described in the following written description, including the claims, which is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following drawings are presented by way of example only and without limitation, wherein like reference numerals (when used) indicate corresponding elements throughout the several views, and wherein:

FIG. 1A is a top plan view depicting an exemplary golf bunker training aid, according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view depicting the exemplary golf bunker training aid shown in FIG. 1A taken along line 1-1′, according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 conceptually depicts an illustrative configuration for using the bunker training mat shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B as part of an exemplary gaming methodology, according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3A is a top plan view depicting an exemplary golf bunker training aid, according to another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view depicting the exemplary golf bunker training aid shown in FIG. 3A taken along line 2-2′, according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4A is a top plan view depicting an exemplary portable golf bunker suitable for use in conjunction with the golf bunker training aid shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 3A and 3B, according to an embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view depicting the exemplary portable golf bunker shown in FIG. 4A taken along line 3-3′, according to an embodiment of the invention.

It is to be appreciated that the drawings described herein are presented for illustrative purposes only. Moreover, common but well-understood elements and/or features that may be useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment may not be shown in order to facilitate a less hindered view of the illustrated embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the invention will be described herein in the context of illustrative golf training aids, and methods for using such training aids, for beneficially improving a golfer's skills in successfully overcoming a sand trap or bunker. It should be understood, however, that embodiments of the invention are not limited to the specific golf training apparatus or methods shown and described herein. In this regard, it will become apparent to those skilled in the art given the teachings herein that numerous modifications can be made to the illustrative embodiments shown that are within the scope of the claimed invention. That is, no limitations with respect to the embodiments shown and described herein are intended or should be inferred.
Essentially any golf course requires that players avoid certain hazards (i.e., obstacles). A hazard, as the term is used herein and known by those skilled in the art, can be broadly defined as an area of the golf course that presents an impediment towards progress of the ball toward the green, thus increasing the number of strokes necessary to reach the green. For this reason, entering a hazard is generally considered punitive to a golfer. Common hazards used in golf course architectures may include, for example, water hazards (e.g., lakes and rivers), man-made hazards (e.g., sand traps or bunkers), natural hazards (e.g., dense vegetation or rough), and the like.
Even proficient golfers sometimes, albeit rarely, find themselves entering a hazard when the path of their ball does not travel as intended. Getting out of a hazard once entered requires well-developed skill. While golfers can readily improve their driving skills, for instance by visiting a driving range or the like, or improve their putting skills, for instance by using a putting green or the like, there are limited opportunities for improving one's proficiency in overcoming hazards. Accordingly, embodiments of the invention are beneficially directed to perfecting a golfer's skill in successfully surmounting at least one type of hazard; namely, bunkers. A bunker, as the term is used and known by those skilled in the art, can be broadly defined as a depression near the green or fairway that is usually filled with sand, and hence the terms “sand trap” and “bunker” are often used synonymously.
FIG. 1A is a top plan view depicting an exemplary golf bunker training aid, according to an embodiment of the invention. The bunker training aid, in this embodiment, is implemented as a substantially circular mat 100 comprising first, second and third regions, 102, 104 and 106, respectively, that are concentric to one another, and an opening 108 formed proximate a center of the mat. The opening 108 is adapted to receive a golf ball with which the mat 100 is played, and is thus sized appropriately (e.g., a standard size golf ball is not less than 1.680 inches). By way of example only and without limitation, in an illustrative embodiment, the first region 102 is formed having a diameter of about six feet, the second region 104 is formed having a diameter of about four feet, the third region 106 is formed having a diameter of about two feet, and the opening 108 is formed having a diameter of about four inches.
Although the mat 100 is shown as having three concentric regions 102, 104, 106, embodiments of the invention are not limited to three regions, but may include less than three regions (e.g., one or two regions) or more than three regions (e.g., four or five regions). In one or more embodiments, the regions of the mat may not necessarily be concentric. For instance, the mat 100 may be divided into a plurality of regions (e.g., quarters) resembling slices of a pie. Furthermore, it is to be appreciated that, while the mat 100 is shown as being circular in shape, embodiments of the invention are not limited to any specific shape. For example, an oval-, square-, or rectangular-shaped mat can be similarly employed, as will be described in further detail below in conjunction with an alternative embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. Moreover, embodiments of the invention are not limited to any specific sizes for the mat 100, regions 102, 104 and 106, or the opening 108.
FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view depicting the exemplary golf bunker training mat 100 shown in FIG. 1A taken along line 1-1′, according to an embodiment of the invention. The mat 100, in one or more embodiments, is fabricated having a bottom supporting layer or substrate 110 comprised of a substantially flexible material, such as, for example, rubber, silicone, urethane films or foams, or the like. The flexibility of the substrate 110 enables the bunker training mat 100 to be rolled up and easily carried for enhanced portability. A thickness of the bottom layer 110 can vary as a matter of design choice, taking into account trade-offs such as the desired degree of flexibility and weight. In one embodiment, a rubber bottom layer 110 is employed having a thickness of about one-eighth inch, although the invention is not limited to any specific material type or thickness of the bottom layer.
A top surface 112 of the training mat 100 is supported by the bottom layer 110 and includes the first, second and third regions 102, 104 and 106, respectively. The first, second and third regions 102, 104, 106 may comprise material designed to mimic grass or dirt, such as, for example, artificial turf, carpet (e.g., polypropylene, polyester or nylon fibers), and the like, and can be colored appropriately (e.g., green). The first, second and third regions 102, 104, 106, in this embodiment, are attached to the bottom layer 110, such as with an adhesive, or alternative process (e.g., heat bonded) known in the art. The thickness and type of material used for each of the first, second and third regions 102, 104, 106 are not critical. Moreover, the respective characteristics (e.g., thicknesses, pile, surface textures, types of material, surface hardness, etc.,) of the first, second and third regions 102, 104, 106 need not be the same. In the embodiment shown, for example, a cross-sectional thickness of the first region 102 is less than a cross-sectional thickness of the second region 104, which in turn is less than a cross-sectional thickness of the third region 106, although any configuration of thicknesses of the regions can be similarly used. For instance, in one or more embodiments, two or more of the regions have substantially the same thickness.
In one or more embodiments, one or more characteristics of an upper surface (e.g., texture, pile, etc.) of the first region 102 is different relative to corresponding characteristics of an upper surface of the second region 104, which in turn are different than corresponding characteristics of an upper surface of the third region 106, such that a movement (e.g., speed and/or direction) of the ball is affected differently as a function of the particular region(s) over which the ball travels. In this manner, the training mat 100 can be advantageously used to develop a player's skill in anticipating and overcoming obstacles which result in differences in ball speed and/or direction.
In order to catch and hold the golf ball once it passes through the opening 108, a cup 114 or similar container (e.g., basket) may be optionally employed. The cup 114 can be fixedly or removably attached to the top surface 112 and/or bottom layer 110. In one or more embodiments, the cup 114 is formed having a lip or rim (not explicitly shown but implied) along a circumference of its top edge which prevents the cup from passing completely through the opening 108 when inserted through the opening from the upper surface of the mat 100. The cup 114 can be formed of essentially any material or shape, either rigid or non-rigid, which is able to contain the ball after passing through the opening 108, such as, for example, plastic (PVC), wood, fabric/netting, etc.
The mat 100, when used as part of a bunker training methodology, is preferably placed on the ground in a substantially horizontal (i.e., flat) position, and serves as a target for the ball. In an illustrative embodiment, the mat 100 is adapted for use on a beach. The mat 100, being flexible, will substantially conform to a contour of the surface on which it is placed. In accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention wherein the mat 100 is used as a bunker training device, the golf ball is placed on the sand without using a tee, to thereby simulate the actual conditions encountered in a bunker, at a prescribed distance from the mat. The player then attempts to “chip” the ball onto the mat 100 and into the cup 114. A flag or similar marker placed in or near the opening 108 may be used to help align the ball to the cup 114. The number of strokes needed to get the ball into the cup 114 will decrease with practice as the player continues to develop his or her skills in successfully navigating through the bunker.
By way of example only and without limitation, FIG. 2 conceptually depicts an illustrative configuration 200 for using the bunker training mat 100 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B as part of an exemplary gaming methodology, according to an embodiment of the invention. With reference to FIG. 2, the configuration comprises the bunker training mat 100 of FIGS. 1A and 1B, including three defined regions 102, 104 and 106, and opening 108, as previously described. A flag 202 may be placed in or near the opening 108 as a means of marking the opening for ball alignment purposes, as previously stated. Optionally, a cup (e.g., cup 114 in FIG. 1B) or similar containment means may be placed in the opening 108 for catching the ball when it passes through the opening. A hole may be dug in the ground suitably sized to receive the cup therein, or the ground itself may serve as the containment means, and the training mat 100 is placed over the ground such that an opening of the cup (or hole) is substantially aligned with the opening 108 in the mat.
In this embodiment, a first boundary line 204 is established at a first prescribed distance from the opening 108, for example about ten feet from an outer front edge of the training mat 100; here, the front edge is defined as the edge directly adjacent to and facing the players. The first boundary line 204 is preferably of a suitable length to extend beyond the size of the training mat 100 (e.g., about ten feet), and can be formed in essentially any manner, such as using rope, wood, or the like; alternatively, the boundary line may formed by simply drawing a line in the sand/dirt. When using rope, for instance, stakes 206 are placed into the ground at opposing ends of the rope, with the rope attached to the stakes and pulled taut to thereby create the boundary line 204. The first boundary line 204 defines a minimum (i.e., closest) distance at which players may place a ball in attempting to shoot for the opening 108. Furthermore, a height of the first boundary line 204 above the ground is preferably adjusted as desired (e.g., about one foot) to create an obstacle over which the player must chip the ball to reach the mat 100; the greater the height, the greater the difficulty in reaching the mat. In a multiple-player embodiment (e.g., a two-player configuration, as shown), a second boundary line 208 may be used between each player as a means of defining respective areas from which each player will shoot.
A third boundary line 210 may be established at a second prescribed distance from the opening 108, for example about five feet from an outer back edge of the training mat 100; here, the back edge is defined as the edge facing away from the players. The third boundary line 210, which can be formed in a manner consistent with the first boundary line 204 (e.g., using rope and stakes 206), is used to delineate an out-of-bounds area. One or more additional boundary lines (e.g., side boundary lines, not explicitly shown but implied), established substantially perpendicular to the first boundary line 204, can be used to further define the out-of-bounds area.
As previously stated, the bunker training mat 100 is preferably used as a target (e.g., bull's-eye), with each of the first, second and third regions 102, 104 and 106, respectively, of the mat representing a prescribed point value. For example, in one embodiment, the first region 102, which is furthest from the center opening 108, is assigned a first point value (e.g., two points), the second region 104 next closest to the center opening is assigned a second point value (e.g., three points), and the third region 106, which is closest to the opening, is assigned a third point value (e.g., four points). When a ball lands in the cup, or otherwise passes through the opening 108, a fourth point value (e.g., five points) is assigned. If the ball lands in one of the designated regions of the mat but then bounces off the mat 100, remaining in-bounds, a fifth point value, which is less than any of the point values indicative of a region on the mat (e.g., one point), can be assigned. Thus, as an illustration, when a player lands the ball on the second region 104, he or she would receive three points; a hole-in-one would receive five points, etc. Of course, these point assignments are merely illustrative, and various alternative point assignments can be used, as will become apparent to those skilled in the art. Additionally, when further accuracy is desired, the bunker training mat 100 may be divided into more than three regions, as previously stated, with each region being smaller in size. Such an embodiment would enable a broader spectrum of point assignments to be used. In accordance with one or more embodiments, the point value assigned to a player for a given shot increases as a distance to the opening 108 decreases.
In an illustrative bunker training game according to one or more embodiments of the invention, the balls used by each player (e.g., player 1 or player 2) may comprise, for example, one or more “points” balls 212, which are scored according to a first (normal) point assignment scheme, and one or more “bonus/wager” balls 214, which are scored according to a second point assignment scheme which is different than the first point assignment scheme. This second point assignment can be used to create an added incentive for performing with a higher degree of proficiency for a shot which uses the bonus ball 214. The balls may be colored differently, indicative of the point assignment scheme associated therewith. In one illustrative embodiment, the bonus ball 214 may double the point value assigned to a given region in which the ball lands. For example, when a bonus ball 214 is chipped and lands in region 104, six points may be awarded, rather than the three points awarded using the first point assignment scheme corresponding to a points ball 212. It is to be appreciated that while two sets of balls 212, 214 and corresponding point assignment schemes are used in this example, embodiments of the invention are not limited to any specific number of point assignment schemes utilized, and that a basic (e.g., beginner) bunker training game may use a single point assignment scheme.
As previously stated, embodiments of the invention are not limited to a circularly-shaped bunker training device. By way of illustration only and without limitation, FIG. 3A is a top plan view depicting an exemplary golf bunker training aid, according to another embodiment of the invention. With reference to FIG. 3A, the bunker training aid, in this embodiment, is implemented as a substantially rectangular mat 300 comprising at least first and second regions, 302 and 304, respectively, and an opening 306 formed within the second region. The opening 306 is appropriately sized to receive a golf ball. The second region 304 is formed within the first region 302 and is shaped, in this embodiment, as two circles placed adjacent to one another and substantially resembling a number “8.” By way of example only and without limitation, in an illustrative embodiment, the first region 302 is formed having a width, W, of about 2.6 feet and a length, L, of about 4 feet, each of the adjacent circles forming the second region 304 has a diameter of about 1.3 feet, and the opening 306 is formed having a diameter of about four inches.
The mat 300 may optionally include a third region 308 formed within the first region 302 which is suitable for displaying advertising indicia, such as a company name, slogan, logo, or the like. This third region 308 may, in one or more embodiments, function as an added obstacle for increasing the difficulty of play.
FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view depicting the exemplary golf bunker training aid shown in FIG. 3A taken along line 2-2′, according to an embodiment of the invention. The mat 300, in one or more embodiments, is fabricated having a bottom supporting layer or substrate 310 formed in a manner consistent with the substrate 110 shown in FIG. 1B. A thickness of the substrate 310 can vary as a matter of design choice, taking into account trade-offs such as the desired degree of flexibility and weight. It is to be appreciated that embodiments of the invention are not limited to any specific material type or thickness of the substrate 310.
A top surface 312 of the training mat 300 is supported by the substrate 310 and includes the first, second and third regions 302, 304 and 308, respectively. The first and second regions 302, 304, may comprise material designed to mimic grass or dirt, such as, for example, artificial turf, carpet (e.g., polypropylene, polyester or nylon fibers), and the like, and can be colored appropriately (e.g., green). The first and second 302, 304, in this embodiment, are attached to the substrate 310, such as with an adhesive, or alternative process (e.g., heat bonded) known in the art. The thickness and type of material used for each of the first, second and third regions 302, 304, 308 are not critical. Moreover, the respective thicknesses and types of material of the first, second and third regions 302, 304, 308 need not be the same. In the embodiment shown, for example, a thickness or pile of the first region 302 is less than a pile of the second region 304, although any configuration of thicknesses of the regions can be similarly used.
In order to catch and hold the golf ball once it passes through the opening 306, a cup 314 or similar container (e.g., basket) may be optionally employed. The cup 314 can be fixedly or removably attached to the top surface 312 and/or substrate 310 and is preferably formed in a manner consistent with the cup 114 shown in FIG. 1B.
In the event that a beach or other sand environment is not readily available, the bunker training mat can be used in conjunction with a portable bunker apparatus. FIGS. 4A and 4B are top plan and cross-sectional (taken along line 3-3′) views, respectively, depicting an exemplary portable golf bunker 400 suitable for use in conjunction with the golf bunker training aid shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 3A and 3B, according to an embodiment of the invention. The portable golf bunker 400 comprises a supporting base 402 having an opening therein for receiving a vessel or container 404 in which sand 406, or a suitable alternative material simulating a sand trap, is held. An upper surface of the supporting base 402 is optionally covered with a layer of artificial grass 408, or similar turf material (e.g., carpet, olefin pile, etc.) at least partially surrounding the container 404. Additional openings 410 placed in the upper surface of the supporting base 402 can be used to insert stakes or pegs therein for creating a boundary line 412, which is formed of rope, for instance.
The upper surface of the supporting base 402, in this embodiment, is sized appropriately to allow one or more players to stand on the artificial grass 408 while attempting to chip the ball onto the bunker training mat (not shown in FIG. 4A or 4B). The supporting base 402 can be fabricated using essentially any substantially rigid material capable of holding a prescribed amount of weight representative of a player (e.g., 250 pounds), including, but not limited to, wood, metal and/or plastic, as will be known by those skilled in the art. The base 402, for example, can be fabricate as a single unit (e.g., using an injection molding process), or it can be fabricated as separate components (e.g., top piece and four side pieces) that are attached using a known fastening means (e.g., screws, nails, glue, etc.). In one or more embodiments, the supporting base 402 is formed of wood pieces assembled together using screws. The container 404 is sized appropriately to create a surface for hitting the golf ball which closely mimics a sand trap. The container 404 can be fabricated using essentially any substantially rigid or semi-rigid material capable of holding a prescribed amount and weight of sand 406, including, but not limited to, wood, metal, fabric and/or plastic, as will be known by those skilled in the art. In one or more embodiments, the container 404 is formed as a solid plastic vessel having a depth of about two to four inches. It is to be understood that the dimensions and type of materials used to form the supporting base 402 and the container 404 are not critical to operation of the invention.
The base 402 may include one or more adjustable base supports (i.e., feet) 414 attached to a bottom surface of the base. The base supports 414 may be fabricated using, for example, rubber, metal, etc., although embodiments of the invention are limited to any specific type of material. In one or more embodiments, at least two adjustable base supports 414 are used which are operative to simulate an uphill or downhill lie of the ball as the ball is played from an upper surface of the sand 406.
By way of example only and without limitation, a bunker training game according to an embodiment of the invention is played with two or more players, with the first player to reach a prescribed score being the winner. In a course play game, nine or eighteen rounds are played. In each round, the players chip a single ball until it lands on the bunker training mat (e.g., training mat 100 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B). To determine a score for a given round, the player subtracts the amount of swings it took the player to chip the ball onto the training mat from the number of points corresponding to the portion of the mat on which the ball lands. As an example, assume that for a player's first chip, the ball lands near the mat, and that a second chip place the ball on the three-point region of the mat. The player's score for this round would be one point, determined by subtracting the number of chips it takes to place the ball on the mat (2) by the number of points associated with the portion of the mat on which the ball lands (3).
The difficulty of game play can be adjusted depending upon the skill level of the players. For example, in accordance with one or more embodiments, the simulated bunker from which the ball is chipped (e.g., just behind boundary line 204 in FIG. 2) can be dug deeper, the first boundary line (e.g., boundary 204 in FIG. 2) can be made higher, the distance between the simulated bunker and the bunker training mat can be increased, the size of the bunker training mat can be decreased thus providing a smaller target, and an uphill or downhill lie can be created in the sand. When using the portable golf bunker 400 shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the base supports 414 can be adjusted to create an uphill or downhill lie within the sand 406.
In accordance with another embodiment, the bunker training game is played with two or more players, with the first player to reach a predetermined number of points (e.g., nine) being the winner. Each player is given four balls: three of the same color (e.g., white) and one of a different color (e.g., yellow). To determine a score for a given round, a player chips one of the balls onto the training mat. Using the illustrative bunker training mat 300 shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, an exemplary scoring methodology comprises assigning a first number of points (e.g., one point) for a ball touching the mat and then rolling off, assigning a second number of points (e.g., two points) for a ball staying on the first region of the mat (region 302 in FIG. 3A; i.e., anywhere on the mat outside of the second region 304), and assigning a third number of points (e.g., three points) for a ball staying anywhere on the second region (region 304 in FIG. 3A). For a ball landing in the hole/cup (306 in FIG. 3A or 314 in FIG. 3B), the player automatically wins the round. A round ends when all four balls are played, at which point the player having the highest score wins, or when a player reaches the prescribed score. The different colored ball (e.g., yellow) is worth a prescribed higher number of points than the three balls of the same color and is essentially a points multiplier (e.g., double points), and is therefore considered a bonus ball. Optionally, if the ball lands in the third/logo region (308 in FIG. 3A), the player is scored two points for staying on the mat and receives an extra turn.
The practice balls with which the bunker training apparatus and methodology according to embodiments of the disclosure may be used are formed of essentially any material. Suitable materials for forming the practice balls include, but are not limited to, wood, rubber, plastic, etc. In one or more embodiments, the practice balls are formed of foam. Using a foam practice ball reduces the likelihood of injury and also reduces the flight distance of the ball.
The illustrations of embodiments of the invention described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of various embodiments, and they are not intended to serve as a complete description of all the elements and features of apparatus and methods that might make use of the elements and/or steps described herein. Many other embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art given the teachings herein; other embodiments are utilized and derived therefrom, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes can be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. The drawings are also merely representational and are not drawn to scale. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.
Embodiments of the invention are referred to herein, individually and/or collectively, by the term “embodiment” merely for convenience and without intending to limit the scope of this application to any single embodiment or inventive concept if more than one is, in fact, shown. Thus, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be understood that an arrangement achieving the same purpose can be substituted for the specific embodiment(s) shown; that is, this disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein, will become apparent to those of skill in the art given the teachings herein.
The abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b), which requires an abstract that will allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that various features are grouped together in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the appended claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single embodiment. Thus the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as separately claimed subject matter.
Given the teachings of embodiments of the invention provided herein, one of ordinary skill in the art will be able to contemplate other implementations and applications of the techniques of embodiments of the invention. Although illustrative embodiments of the invention have been described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that embodiments of the invention are not limited to those precise embodiments, and that various other changes and modifications are made therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A portable golf training apparatus for enhancing a player's skills relating to overcoming a golf course hazard, the apparatus comprising:

a substantially flexible base;

at least first and second regions formed on an upper surface of, and supported by, the base, the first region having a first cross-sectional thickness and the second region having a second cross-sectional thickness; and

an opening formed in at least one of the first and second regions, the opening being adapted to receive a ball with which the golf training apparatus is used;

wherein the player, shooting the ball from an area outside of the golf training apparatus, is assigned a prescribed point value as a function of a location on the golf training apparatus on which the ball lands.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second region is formed at least partially within the first region, and the opening is formed at least partially within the second region.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a third region formed on the base and having a third cross-sectional thickness, the third region being adapted to display advertising indicia.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one characteristic of an upper surface of the first region is different relative to a corresponding at least one characteristic of an upper surface of the second region, such that a movement of the ball is affected differently as a function of the region over which the ball moves.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the at least one characteristic of the upper surface of each of the first and second regions comprises at least one of material type, hardness, texture, and pile.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a container attached to the golf training apparatus and adapted to receive and hold the ball after said ball passes through the opening.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the container is formed having a lip along a circumference of a top edge thereof which is configured to prevent said container from passing completely through the opening when the container is inserted through the opening from an upper surface of the golf training apparatus.

8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the container is adapted to be removably attached to the golf training apparatus.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first and second regions are circularly shaped and are concentric to one another.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first and second cross-sectional thicknesses are substantially equal to one another.

11. A portable golf hazard apparatus for use in conjunction with a golf training apparatus for enhancing a player's skills relating to overcoming a golf course hazard, the golf hazard apparatus comprising:

a substantially rigid base having an opening therein for receiving a container adapted to hold a material simulating a sand trap; and

at least a first base support attached to a bottom surface of the base, the first base support comprising a height adjustment mechanism for controlling an angle of an upper surface of the base relative to a surface upon which the portable golf hazard apparatus is placed.

12. The golf hazard apparatus of claim 11, further comprising a layer of turf material formed on an upper surface of the base and at least partially surrounding the opening.

13. The golf hazard apparatus of claim 12, wherein the turf material comprises artificial grass.

14. The golf hazard apparatus of claim 11, further comprising at least a second base support attached to the bottom surface of the base and laterally disposed from the first base support, the second base support comprising a height adjustment mechanism, wherein adjustment of a height of the first and second base supports is configured to simulate one of an uphill lie and a downhill lie of a ball as said ball is played from an upper surface of the material simulating the sand trap.

15. A method of play for a golf training game, the method comprising:

providing a portable golf training apparatus, the golf training apparatus including: a flexible base; at least first and second regions formed on an upper surface of, and supported by, the base, the first region having a first cross-sectional thickness and the second region having a second cross-sectional thickness; and an opening formed in at least one of the first and second regions, the opening being adapted to receive a golf ball;

placing said portable golf training apparatus at a prescribed distance from a player of said golf training game;

shooting the golf ball by the player of said golf training game, from an area at the prescribed distance from the portable golf training apparatus in a direction toward said portable golf training apparatus; and

assigning a prescribed point value to the player as a function of a location on the golf training apparatus on which the golf ball lands.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the prescribed point value assigned to the player for a given shot increases as a distance from the location on the golf training apparatus on which the golf ball lands to the opening in the portable golf training apparatus.

17. The method of claim 15, further comprising:

repeating the steps of shooting the golf ball and assigning a prescribed point value to the player for each of multiple golf balls; and

determining a score of a given round of play based on adding together the respective point values assigned for the multiple golf balls.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising designating a first subset of the multiple golf balls which are scored according to a first point assignment scheme, and designating a second subset of the multiple golf balls which are scored according to a second point assignment scheme, the second point assignment scheme being different than the first point assignment scheme.

19. The method of claim 15, further comprising placing an obstacle between the player and the portable golf training apparatus, the obstacle being configured to increase a difficulty level to the player of shooting the golf ball into the opening in the golf training apparatus.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising controlling the difficulty level by controlling at least one of a vertical height and a horizontal width of said obstacle.