WO2012026815A1

WO2012026815A1 - Device and method for detecting a golf ball on a tee

Info

Publication number: WO2012026815A1
Application number: PCT/NL2011/050579
Authority: WO
Inventors: Arie van Wijngaarden
Original assignee: Van Wijngaarden Beheer B.V.
Priority date: 2010-08-26
Filing date: 2011-08-26
Publication date: 2012-03-01
Also published as: NL2005275C2

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for detecting the presence of a golf ball on a tee. The invention also relates to a method for detecting the presence of a golf ball on a tee, in particular by making use of the device according to the invention.

Description

Device and method for detecting a golf ball on a tee

On driving ranges golfers can strike golf balls from a tee in order to improve their stroke or as warm-up before they begin play. A player generally has to arrange a golf ball manually on the tee here, after which the ball can be struck from the tee. Efficiency can be increased for both player and operator of the driving range by applying an automatic feed mechanism to replace a golf ball struck away from a tee with another golf ball after each stroke. The tee can be disposed here for vertical displacement in order to allow loading of the tee with a golf ball to take place underground, or at least under the strike-off floor surface, so that a player will not be impeded by the feed mechanism, and to enable shielding of the feed mechanism. Known devices having such an automatic feed mechanism generally also comprise a detection system for detecting the presence of a golf ball on the tee for the purpose of enabling operation of the feed mechanism. Known detection systems are usually based here on an optical sensor, such as for instance a photovoltaic cell. The photovoltaic cell will here emit a light beam which is reflected by a golf ball located on the tee. The reflected light will then be received by the photovoltaic cell, after which a representative output signal will be transmitted to a control unit, on the basis of which the feed mechanism and the vertical position of the tee can be controlled. As alternative to an optical sensor can be applied a weight sensor which can determine, on the basis of the weight of the tee, whether the tee has been provided with a golf ball. An example of such a device is described in the Netherlands patent NL 1017033.

Although the known device serves convenience of use reasonably well, the known device also has a number of drawbacks. Because the device is generally applied in the open air, the known device will generally be exposed to weather influences (such as rain, wind and sunlight) and to the accumulation of dirt residues, this impeding good operation of the optical sensor. Sunlight and moisture particles will generally have an adverse effect on the accuracy of the optical sensor and result in erroneous output signals. Functioning of the weight sensor will also be adversely affected by weather conditions, in particular accumulation of dirt in and around the tee, whereby the resistance during displacement of the tee will increase. The tee will moreover be subject to wear, this generally having an adverse effect on the ability to accurately determine the presence of a golf ball on the tee. What also occurs is that the tee is unintentionally touched by a player, whereby the weight sensor may generate an undesirable output signal. A further drawback of the weight sensor is that not every golf ball has the same weight, since different types of golf ball can be used and damage to the golf ball affects the weight of the golf ball in question. An object of the invention is to provide an improved device enabling increased accuracy in detecting a golf ball on the tee.

The invention provides for this purpose a device of the type stated in the preamble, comprising: at least one tee with an upper outer end for supporting a golf ball, the tee being provided with at least one air passage channel connecting to the upper outer end, at least one compressor connecting to the air passage channel for the purpose of generating an airflow through the air passage channel in the direction of the upper outer end of the tee, at least one analog air pressure sensor connected to the air passage channel and adapted to generate an analog output signal which is indicative of the air pressure detected in the air passage channel, and a control unit for determining the presence of a golf ball on the tee subject to the generated analog output signal. Because an analog air pressure sensor is applied instead of a weight sensor or an optical sensor, (a change in) the air pressure in the feed conduit can be measured and monitored in continuous and accurate manner, this not only being indicative of the absence or presence of a golf ball on the upper outer end of the tee, but also of the magnitude of possible leakage flows flowing between the golf ball and a damaged tee. When a golf ball is arranged on the tee the air passage channel will be at least partially closed, which will result in a pressure increase in the air passage channel. When no golf ball has been arranged on the tee, the air pressure in the air passage channel will be lower, although still above atmospheric, so that air will flow continuously out of the tee, which can counter entry of dirt into the tee. A particular advantage of applying the analog air pressure sensor is that the functioning of the compressor and the tee can in this way also be monitored. If the compressor is not functioning, or not functioning well, this can be immediately detected by means of the air pressure sensor, irrespective of the fact of whether a golf ball has been arranged on the tee. If a tee is faulty, an increased leakage flow will be present between the tee and a golf ball arranged on the tee, this having an adverse effect on the pressure buildup in the air feed conduit, which effect can also be detected by means of the air pressure sensor. If only the airflow (instead of the air pressure) in the air feed channel were measured, the failure of the compressor would then be interpreted as a situation in which a golf ball has been positioned on the tee, since in both cases the airflow through the air feed channel will be substantially cut off. By applying an analog air pressure sensor adapted to generate a continuous analog output signal the presence of a golf ball on the tee and the condition of the compressor and the tee can thus be determined in improved and relatively reliable and accurate manner. A further advantage of the air pressure sensor is that it is relatively inexpensive to acquire and use. The pressure sensor will generally comprise a pressure-sensitive membrane which deforms under the influence of the air pressure. The membrane will here be in contact on one side with the air feed channel and an opposite side of the membrane will generally be in contact with the atmosphere surrounding the device. The degree of bending of the membrane is here a measure for the relative air pressure in the air feed channel.

Clear preference is otherwise given to the use of the analog pressure sensor above the use of a digital pressure sensor. A digital pressure sensor, the type most used in detecting air pressures in diverse applications, is adapted to generate a specific digital output signal ("high" or "low") with which it is not possible to generate a continuous output signal fully representative of the actual air pressure in the air feed channel. In the case of a digital pressure sensor a small variation in the air pressure in the air feed channel does not affect the magnitude of the generated output signal, whereby this type of pressure sensor is unsuitable in the case it is desired to also be able to determine in accurate manner (the degree of) damage to the tee. With an analog pressure sensor a minimal change in the air pressure in the air feed channel will result in a corresponding change in the continuous analog output signal, whereby the magnitude of possible leakage flows, and thereby the state of the tee, can be monitored relatively accurately. The analog pressure sensor is preferably an electronic pressure sensor adapted to generate at least one electrical analog output signal. This electrical analog output signal can be an output voltage and/or an output current. The generated output voltage will generally lie here between 0 and 10 volt, which output spanning can then be processed, stored, compared, analysed and so on by a control unit. The analog pressure sensor is preferably adapted to detect a pressure between 0 and 10 bar, in particular between 0 and 1 bar, this being sufficient to detect air pressure variations in the air feed channel. The generated analog output signal will here generally be correlated linearly (directly proportionally) to the detected pressure, wherein a detected (relative) pressure of 0 bar corresponds for instance to an output voltage of 0 volt, a pressure of 0.5 bar corresponds to an output voltage of 5 volt, and a pressure of 1 bar corresponds to an output voltage of 10 volt. In an advantageous embodiment the control unit is coupled to a feed mechanism for automatically feeding a golf ball to the upper outer end of the tee subject to the generated output signal. The advantage hereof is that a player no longer need arrange a golf ball manually on the tee, this enhancing the user-friendliness and moreover resulting in a time-saving, whereby more golf balls can be struck per unit time, this generally being advantageous for both the player and operator of the device. The feed mechanism is usually coupled here to a supply container for golf balls, which supply container will generally be filled, optionally automatically, with (sufficient) golf balls.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the device according to the invention the device comprises at least one drive element, in particular an electric motor, for changing the vertical position of the upper outer end of the tee. A pneumatic and/or hydraulic drive can also be used instead of an electric motor. The tee is preferably displaceable between a lower position and an upper position, wherein the feed mechanism is adapted to feed a golf ball to the upper outer end of the tee situated in the lower position. In this way the upper position can be used for striking a golf ball from the tee, and the lower position is used to arrange a golf ball on the tee. The advantage here is that the feed mechanism does not impede a player during striking of the golf ball from the tee. The tee will generally be displaceably received in a strike-off floor for a player, wherein in an upper position the tee protrudes relative to the strike-off floor and in a lower position is positioned in or under the strike-off floor. The feed mechanism, and generally also the at least one drive element, can in this way be substantially shielded by the strike-off floor, which will generally increase the lifespan of these components. The drive element, in particular the electric motor, will preferably be coupled to the control unit for the purpose of displacing the tee automatically between the lower position and the upper position subject to the generated output signal. When the air pressure sensor detects that the air pressure in the air feed channel increases (considerably), a corresponding output signal will be generated which will be deemed by the control unit as a situation in which a golf ball has been positioned on the tee, after which the tee will be displaced in the direction of the upper position. When the golf ball is then removed from the tee, the air pressure in the air feed channel will instantaneously decrease, which will be detected by the air pressure sensor, wherein a corresponding output signal will be generated. The control unit receiving the output signal will then cause the tee to displace in downward direction until the lower position has been reached in which the tee can be provided with another golf ball using the feed mechanism.

The air pressure sensor will generally continuously measure the air pressure in the air feed channel, and therefore continuously generate an output signal. In an advantageous embodiment the generated output signals are stored in a database, whereby an air pressure variation in the air feed channel can be tracked, this providing information about the number of golf balls struck from the tee and about wear of the tee. Wear of the tee will after all generally result in an increasing leakage flow and therefore reduced pressure buildup in the air feed channel, which will be detected by the air pressure sensor. In an advantageous embodiment of the device according to the invention the control unit is adapted to compare the generated output signal to a reference signal.

When the output signal falls below the reference signal, an auditive and/or visual signal can then be generated here. The reference signal is indicative of a minimum air pressure which must be present in the air feed channel when the tee is provided with a golf ball. If this minimum air pressure is not reached, there are then leakage flows which are excessive, this generally indicating a faulty tee which has to be replaced. The reference signal can be a specific signal value but can also relate to a bandwidth (range) with a lower limit and an upper limit. When the generated analog output signal falls below this predefined bandwidth (for instance in the case of excessive wear or damage to the tee) and/or exceeds it (for instance in the case the tee is blocked), a signal can be generated. When the upper limit of the reference signal is exceeded, a signal can optionally be generated which differs from the case of falling below the lower limit of the reference signal. In a preferred embodiment the device comprises a communication unit coupled to the control unit to enable reading of a player credit stored on a portable storage medium, wherein the control unit is adapted to activate the air pressure sensor subject to the read player credit. The reading can optionally take place here wirelessly and remotely, wherein a player need not necessarily insert the storage medium into the device. In the case of sufficient player credit, the device will be activated by the control unit, wherein the player credit will generally be debited for each golf ball positioned on the tee. In the case insufficient player credit is available on the storage medium, the device will then generally not be activated, whereby the player cannot make use of the device before having topped up the player credit.

The invention also relates to a method for detecting a golf ball on a tee, in particular by applying a device according to the invention as discussed in the foregoing, comprising of: A) generating an airflow through the air passage channel in the direction of the upper outer end of the tee by means of the compressor, B) detecting the air pressure present in the air passage channel by means of the air pressure sensor and generating an output signal on the basis thereof, and C) determining by means of the control unit the presence of a golf ball on the tee on the basis of the generated output signal. Advantages of performing such a method wherein an air pressure sensor is applied have already been described at length in the foregoing. In a particular embodiment of the method the method also comprises the steps of: D) positioning the tee in a lower position, E) arranging a golf ball on the upper outer end of the tee by means of a feed mechanism, and F) positioning the tee provided with the golf ball in an upper position. Step E) will generally take place under a floor surface of a strike-off floor. The tee will generally protrude at least partially above the floor surface during step F) in order to facilitate striking of the golf ball supported by the tee. The method will generally comprise step G), comprising of storing the output signal generated during step B) in a database. The storage in a database of output signals or of values representative of the output signals will considerably facilitate analysis of the air pressure variation in the air feed channel. In a further advantageous embodiment of the method the method comprises step H), comprising of comparing the output signal generated during step B) to a reference signal by means of the control unit, on the basis of which the magnitude of the leakage flow flowing between the golf ball and the tee can be determined, this being a measure of the wear (damage) to the tee or the wear (damage) to the golf ball itself. The method optionally comprises step I), comprising of reading a player credit stored on a storage medium by means of a communication unit, on the basis of which the device can optionally be activated. During use of the device the player credit can be debited when the player credit represents a determined number of golf balls to be used. It is also possible to envisage the player credit representing a period of time, such as for instance an hour, within which the device can be used.

The invention will be elucidated on the basis of the non-limitative exemplary embodiments shown in the following figures. Herein:

figure 1 a is a schematic view of a device according to the invention, wherein the tee is positioned in a lower position,

figure lb is a schematic view of a device as according to figure la, wherein the tee is positioned in a lower position and provided with a golf ball,

figure lc is a schematic view of a device according to figure la, wherein the tee provided with the golf ball is positioned in an upper position,

figure 2 is a graphic representation of a possible detected air pressure variation in the device according to figures la-lc as a function of time,

figure 3 is a realistic perspective view of the device shown in figure lc,

figure 4a is a perspective view of a tee mechanism forming part of the device as according to figure 3, wherein the tee is positioned in the lower position,

figure 4b is a perspective view of the tee mechanism according to figure 4a, wherein the tee is positioned in the upper position and provided with a golf ball,

figure 5a is a perspective view of a cut-away base of the device shown in figure 3, and figure 5b is a perspective view of a closed base of the device shown in figure 3.

Figure la is a schematic view of a device 1 according to the invention, wherein a hollow tee 2 forming part of device 1 is positioned in a lower position situated below a strike- off surface 3. Device 1 comprises a supply container 4 for golf balls 5, which golf balls 5 can be guided via a feed mechanism 6, 7 to tee 2. The feed mechanism comprises here a separating disc 6 to enable separation of a golf ball 5 from the other golf balls 5. The feed mechanism also comprises an inclining transport path 7 connecting to the separating disc, whereby a separated golf ball 5 can displace to tee 2. Once tee 2 has been provided with a golf ball 5 (see figure lb) the tee 2 provided with golf ball 5 can be displaced in upward direction using an electric motor 8 to a position above strike-off surface 3 (see figure lc), after which golf ball 5 can be struck away from tee 2. A particular feature of device 1 is that the presence of a golf ball 5 on tee 2 can be determined in relatively accurate and longer lasting manner. Device 1 comprises for this purpose a compressor 9 and an air passage channel 10 connecting to compressor 9, this air passage channel 10 also been connected to the hollow tee 2. An electronic analog air pressure sensor 11 is connected to air passage channel 10 to enable detection of the air pressure present in air passage channel 10. Air pressure sensor 11 is adapted here to generate a continuous analog output signal, such as for instance an analog output voltage or an analog output current, which output signal will be processed by a control unit 12 coupled to air pressure sensor 11. Depending on the received analog output signal, control unit 11 will control electric motor 8 and separating disc 6 to respectively enable displacement of tee 2 in vertical direction and delivery of a golf ball 5.

Compressor 9 will generally be in continuous operation in order to cause a (low) airflow to flow out of tee 2, whereby tee 2 can be kept relatively clean. In this exemplary embodiment device 1 also comprises an interactive screen (touchscreen) 13 which is coupled to control unit 12 and on which relevant information can be displayed, such as the number of golf balls 5 struck, the time duration of play, the remaining player credit and so on. The exact vertical position of the tee 2 situated in the upper position can also be set as desired by means of screen 13. In an alternative embodiment (not shown) the one or more operating elements for enabling setting of the height of tee 2 are incorporated in strike-off surface 3.

When a player wishes to make use of device 1 , the player will generally first have to purchase a player credit. This purchase could take place at the device 1 itself, for instance by making use of the interactive screen 13, but generally takes place remotely of device 1. When the player has purchased a player credit remotely of device 1 , the player credit will generally be stored on a storage medium, such as for instance a card provided with a chip. The player credit can then be read by device 1 by arranging the card in device 1. It is however also possible to envisage reading taking place wirelessly and at some distance from device 1. Device 1 will for this purpose comprise a communication unit (not shown) coupled to control unit 12. If sufficient player credit is detected by the communication unit of device 1, control unit 12 will be activated.

Control unit 12 will then check whether tee 2 is positioned in the lower position. If this is not the case, electric motor 8 will be activated so as to position tee 2 in the lower position. Separating disc 6 is then activated in order to separate one golf ball 5 from the other golf balls 5. This separated golf ball 5 will roll via transport path 7 to a position on top of tee 2 and as such substantially close tee 2. The result hereof is that the pressure in air feed channel 10 will increase, which will be detected by air pressure sensor 1 1. Air pressure sensor 11 here generates a representative output signal to control unit 12.

Control unit 12 will then displace tee 2 in upward direction to the upper position using electric motor 8. When the golf ball is removed from tee 2 the pressure in air feed channel 10 will decrease instantaneously, and this will be detected by air pressure sensor 11 which subsequently generates a representative analog output signal to control unit 12, whereby tee 2 is once again displaced in the direction of the tower position in order to once again be provided with a golf ball 5. In this exemplary embodiment the capacity of compressor 9 is 400 1/min, wherein the operational pressure of compressor 9 amounts to about 300 mbar, which in this exemplary embodiment results in an overpressure in air feed channel 10 of 5 to 7 mbar at the position of tee 2 when tee 2 is not provided with a golf ball 5, and wherein compressor 9 will generally realize an overpressure in air feed channel 10 of about 80 mbar at the position of tee 2 when tee 2 is provided with a golf ball 5. Air pressure sensor 1 1 preferably comprises a self- calibrating, pressure-sensitive membrane adapted to detect a relative air pressure, i.e. the difference between the atmospheric pressure and the pressure in air feed channel 10 of between 0 and 100 mbar. A further advantage of the analog pressure sensor 11 is that minimal changes in the relative air pressure can be detected on the basis of a

corresponding analog output signal, whereby damage to the tee, which causes leakage flows, and blockages of the tee can be detected relatively quickly and accurately, which will be further elucidated in figure 2.

Figure 2 shows a (schematic) graphic representation of a possibly detected air pressure variation in device 1 as according to figures la-lc as a function of time. In the graphic representation the pressure detected by means of air pressure sensor 11 is represented by p and the elapsed time by t. PQ relates to a minimum relative pressure (reference pressure of about 15 mbar) which must be present in air feed channel 10 when a golf ball 5 is positioned on tee 2. When the actual relative pressure is lower than the minimum relative pressure, this is an indication that excessive leakage flows are passing between tee 2 and golf ball 5 because golf ball 5 no longer fits closely onto tee 2, this meaning that tee 2 is faulty and/or golf ball 5 is faulty. Figure 2 shows that when no golf ball 5 is positioned on tee 2, the relative (unloaded) pressure in air feed channel 10 amounts to between 5 and 7 mbar. When tee 2 is then provided with a golf ball 5, the pressure in air feed channel 10 rises more or less instantaneously to between 50 and 60 mbar in this exemplary embodiment. This (loaded) pressure decreases gradually in the course of time to lower values due to wear of tee 2 and consequently due to an increase in leakage flows between tee 2 and golf ball 5 (see declining trend line). This decrease is acceptable as long as the loaded pressure exceeds the reference pressure. When the actual loaded pressure no longer exceeds the reference pressure, tee 2 will be replaced. Figure 2 also shows that the third golf ball 5 which is placed on tee 2 involves a lower loaded pressure than the placing of the second golf ball 5 and the fourth golf ball 5, this meaning that the third golf ball 5, generally due to a defect in golf ball 5, was not able to fit closely onto tee 2 and therefore caused a relatively large leakage flow. The pressures indicated in figure 2 will be converted by the electronic pressure sensor into

corresponding analog output signals, on the basis of which control unit 12 can determine the actual pressure and the pressure drop in air feed conduit 10 in relatively accurate manner.

Figure 3 is a realistic perspective view of the device 1 shown in figures la-lc. As shown, device 1 comprises a base 14 on which supply container 4 is arranged. Supply container 4 has a modular construction and has in this exemplary embodiment a capacity of about 3000 golf balls which will be automatically replenished via air tubes (not shown). The number of golf balls 5 present in supply container 4 can be tracked in automated manner. The interactive screen 13 is arranged in the top part of supply container 4. Base 14 comprises the other components of device 1 as shown in figures la-lc. Base 14 is manufactured from plastic, in particular ABS, and preferably comprises a dual housing, more particularly an outer casing 15 and an inner casing 16 which is positioned releasably in outer casing 15 and in which the electromechanical components are accommodated. Such a dual housing facilitates removal and re-placing of the inner casing and therefore facilitate access to the electromechanical components.

Figure 4a is a perspective view of a tee mechanism forming part of device 1 according to figure 3, wherein tee 2 is positioned in the lower position. Transport path 7 is shown in detail in this figure, which clearly shows that transport path 7 is based on three-point guiding of golf ball 5 in the direction of tee 2. In the lower position tee 2 is enclosed by a chamber 17 in order to enable correct positioning of golf ball 5 on tee 2. Tee 2 is connected displaceably to a substantially vertically oriented guide 18, wherein tee 2 can be displaced relative to guide 18 by applying electric motor 8. Figure 4b is a perspective view of the tee mechanism according to figure 4a, wherein tee 2 is positioned in the upper position and provided with a golf ball 5.

Figure 5a is a perspective view of the cut-away inner housing 16 of base 14 of the device 1 shown in figure 3 in which the situation of the tee mechanism shown in figure 3b can clearly be seen.

Figure 5b is a perspective view of a closed inner housing 16 of base 14 of the device 1 shown in figure 3. In the shown view the strike-off surface 3 is connected to inner housing 16 and separating disc 6 is clearly shown. Separating disc 6 is mounted for axial rotation on the inner housing and comprises four receiving spaces 19 for receiving individual golf balls 5. A receiving space 19 positioned above a feed opening of transport path 7 is shielded on an upper side by a shielding element 20 so that only one golf ball 5 can be fed to the transport path 7. Arranged on either side of the rotatable separating disc 6 are dirt grids 21 for discharge of dirt residues, such as sand, water and tree leaf parts coming from supply container 4. These dirt residues will be collected in inner housing 16 and be periodically removed by means of suction.

It will be apparent that the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments shown and described here, but that within the scope of the appended claims numerous variants are possible which will be self-evident to the skilled person in this field.

Claims

1. Device for detecting a golf ball on a tee, comprising:

at least one tee with an upper outer end for supporting a golf ball, the tee being provided with at least one air passage channel connecting to the upper outer end,

at least one compressor connecting to the air passage channel for the purpose of generating an airflow through the air passage channel in the direction of the upper outer end of the tee,

at least one analog air pressure sensor connected to the air passage channel and adapted to generate an analog output signal which is indicative of the air pressure detected in the air passage channel, and

a control unit for determining the presence of a golf ball on the tee subject to the generated analog output signal.

2. Device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the analog pressure sensor comprises a pressure-sensitive membrane.

3. Device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the analog pressure sensor is an electronic pressure sensor, and wherein the analog output signal is an electrical output signal.

4. Device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the output signal is an output voltage.

5. Device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the output voltage lies between 0 and 0 volt.

6. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the analog pressure sensor is adapted to detect a pressure between 0 and 10 bar, in particular between 0 and 1 bar.

7. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the control unit is coupled to a feed mechanism for automatically feeding a golf ball to the upper outer end of the tee subject to the generated output signal.

8. Device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the device comprises a supply container for golf balls coupled to the feed mechanism.

9. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the device comprises at least one drive element, in particular an electric motor, for changing the vertical position of the upper outer end of the tee.

10. Device as claimed in claim 7 or 8 and claim 9, wherein the tee is displaceable between a lower position and an upper position, wherein the feed mechanism is adapted to feed a golf ball to the upper outer end of the tee situated in the lower position.

11. Device as claimed in claim 10, wherein the drive element, in particular the electric motor, is coupled to the control unit for the purpose of displacing the tee automatically between the lower position and the upper position subject to the generated output signal.

12. Device as claimed in any of the claims 9-1 1, wherein the device comprises a strike-off floor for striking away a golf ball positioned on the upper outer end of the tee, wherein in an upper position the tee protrudes relative to the strike-off floor and in a lower position is positioned in or under the strike-off floor.

13. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the device comprises a database coupled to the control unit for storing values related to the generated analog output signals.

1 . Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the control unit is adapted to compare the generated output signal to a reference signal.

15. Device as claimed in claim 10, wherein the control unit is adapted to generate an auditive and/or visual signal when the generated analog output signal falls below the reference signal.

16. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the device comprises a communication unit coupled to the control unit to enable reading of a player credit stored on a portable storage medium, wherein the control unit is adapted to activate the air pressure sensor subject to the read player credit.

17. Method for detecting a golf ball on a tee by applying a device as claimed in any of the claims 1-16, comprising of:

A) generating an airflow through the air passage channel in the direction of the upper outer end of the tee by means of the compressor,

B) detecting the air pressure present in the air passage channel by means of the analog air pressure sensor and generating an analog output signal on the basis thereof, and

C) determining by means of the control unit the presence of a golf ball on the tee on the basis of the generated analog output signal.

18. Method as claimed in claim 17, wherein the method also comprises the steps of: D) positioning the tee in a lower position,

E) arranging a golf ball on the upper outer end of the tee by means of a feed mechanism, and

F) positioning the tee provided with the golf ball in an upper position.

19. Method as claimed in claim 17 or 18, wherein the method comprises step G), comprising of storing in a database at least one value related to the analog output signal generated during step B).

20. Method as claimed in any of the claims 17-19, wherein the method comprises step H), comprising of comparing the analog output signal generated during step B) to a reference signal by means of the control unit.

21. Method as claimed in any of the claims 17-20, wherein the method comprises step I), comprising of reading a player credit stored on a storage medium by means of a communication unit.