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Description  |
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BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to golf practice devices and in particular to a golf
practice apparatus directed to chipping a ball onto a target area as part
of a practice game suitable for indoor or outdoor use.
Golf practice devices suitable for indoor or outdoor use have been designed
to test and improve a golfer's technique. Some of the practice devices
function as indoor driving ranges. Others, such as miniature golf courses,
function as putting ranges. Still others provide a chip and putt game,
such as that shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,336,939. U.S. Pat. No. 3,826,501
simulates a driving range, bunkers, greens, etc. Other patents disclosing
various types of golf games or practice devices include U.S. Pat. Nos.
Des. 83,498, Des. 234,526, Des. 239,299 and 4,018,436.
Chip shots are a particularly challenging part of the game of golf. As with
other shots in golf, a player can improve his or her game by chipping with
a high degree of accuracy. It would be advantageous to have a golf
practice apparatus which is both challenging and interesting to the user
and helps improve the accuracy of a golfer's chip shots.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a golf
chipping practice apparatus which is relatively compact and thus suitable
for indoor or outdoor use and which provides simulated chipping practice
for the user.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a golf chipping practice
apparatus on which a challenging and interesting golf chipping game is
played, the game being suitable for individual play as well as match play
against an opponent.
Accordingly, a golf chipping practice apparatus is provided for use by a
player who is positioned in a ball hitting area of the apparatus. The
apparatus comprises a ball receiving area onto which balls are chipped.
The ball receiving area is divided into a plurality of target zones and
further includes a plurality of regions, each of which encompasses a
predetermined number of the target zones. A plurality of sensors are
provided in the ball receiving area for detecting which target zone a ball
lands in. And a scorekeeping device is provided which is responsive to the
sensors for determining the target zone a ball lands in. The scorekeeping
device also, simultaneously, counts the number of balls landing in each
region of the ball receiving area. As such, both the target zone
information and the number of balls landing in each region are available
for scoring a game.
In the embodiment described below, the scorekeeping device automatically
records both a total score, based on the target zones balls land in, and a
count of the number of balls landing in each region of the ball receiving
area. A round or game is completed when a predetermined number of balls
have been chipped into each region of the ball receiving area.
The apparatus described below comprises a plurality of panels supported
forward of the ball hitting area at which the player aims chip shots. Each
panel forms one region of the ball receiving area of the apparatus. A
plurality of target zones are provided on each of the panels. A plurality
of sensors associated with each of the panels are used to detect the
target zone a ball has landed on. The scorekeeping device generates and
maintains a total score for each round of play.
Additional features of the preferred scorekeeping system of the invention
include a device for accumulating a panel count for each panel, the panel
count equalling the total number of balls landing on each panel. The panel
count, which is used to determine the end of a round of play, is
independent of the total score maintained by the scorekeeping device. The
game played on the apparatus of the present invention is structured to
challenge a golfer/user to direct chip shots to each of the aforementioned
panels at least a predetermined minimum number of times as measured by the
panel count. Aiming skill is tested by penalizing the player who hits more
shots than the minimum required on any given panel, the penalty being the
accumulation of additional total score for each extra shot taken. As in
regular golf, a lower total score is desirable.
In the preferred embodiment, the invention incorporates three separate
panels, termed Par 3, Par 4 and Par 5, and at least five target zones on
each panel, termed eagle, birdie, par, bogey and double bogey (in order of
ascending scoring value). The scorekeeping device accumulates the total
score for each player or each game round and requires the player to aim
for and hit several different targets throughout the course of a game. The
player shooting the round with the lowest scoring value wins. Thus, the
game encourages players to chip with high accuracy.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a partially schematic perspective view of the golf chipping
practice apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a partial, perspective view of the ball return system used in the
apparatus of FIG. 1, including the ball return channels located at the
lower forward edge of each panel.
FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of one ball return channel as shown
in FIG. 2, including schematic representations of several ball location
sensors and a schematic depiction of selected target zones.
FIG. 4 is a schematic circuit and scoring diagram showing the
interrelationship between the target zones on the various panels and the
scorekeeping system.
FIG. 5 is a schematic circuit diagram of the control and display circuitry
used in the scorekeeping system of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring to FIG. 1, a golf chipping practice apparatus 10 is provided in
accordance with the present invention. Apparatus 10 includes a ball
hitting area 12 where a player stands when using the apparatus. A golf
ball is positioned on a teeing pad 14 formed, for example, of artificial
grass or another suitable material, to stimulate conditions from which
chip shots are made. A frame 16 supports a plurality of panels 18, 20 and
22 in a ball receiving region forward of the ball hitting area 12. The
ball receiving region means the region toward which a player chips a ball.
In the apparatus of the present invention the ball receiving region is the
surface area of panels 18, 20, 22, which are raised on frame 16 above ball
hitting area 12. Panels 18, 20, 22 are preferably each 8-feet by 8-feet in
size.
Panels 18, 20 and 22 are generally rectangular in shape, solidly
constructed of plywood or the like and arranged on frame 16 generally
co-linearly, one after another, along a longitudinal axis 24. The
longitudinal axis extends generally along the centerline of each panel and
through or above the teeing pad 14 of ball hitting area 12. Frame 16 may
conveniently be formed in separate sections, one for each panel 18, 20,
22, and may be fabricated to collapse for portability, if desired.
The top surface of each panel 18, 20, 22 is covered with artificial turf,
carpeting, or another material which simulates a green on a golf course.
The appearance of the surface of each panel can be enhanced by markings 26
in the shape of simulated greens or the like.
Each of the panels 18, 20, 22 is supported on frame 16 inclined from the
horizontal generally toward ball hitting area 12. Thus, the near edge 28
of panel 18 is lower than the far edge 30, so that a ball landing on panel
18 will tend to roll toward ball hitting area 12. Similarly, near edge 32
of panel 20 is lower than far edge 34 and near edge 36 of panel 22 is
lower than far edge 38. The panels are supported at gradually ascending
elevations, with the rear or most distant panel 22 (measured from ball
hitting area 12) at a higher overall elevation than the others and the
panel 18 closest to the ball hitting area at a lower elevation than the
others. Each panel may alternatively be supported on frame 16 at
approximately the same average level as the other panels, if desired. The
incline or pitch of each individual panel may also vary from one to
another, for example, increasing with distance from the ball hitting area.
The panels are supported spaced-apart from one another. For example, far
edge 30 of panel 18 is spaced-apart from near edge 32 of adjacent panel
20. The adjacent edges 30 and 32 of adjacent panels are also at different
levels, with far edge 30 of panel 18 supported at a higher level than near
edge 32 of adjacent panel 20. Likewise, far edge 34 of panel 20 is
spaced-apart from near edge 36 of adjacent panel 22 and edge 34 is at a
higher level than edge 36. The panel surfaces thus form a broken saw-tooth
type of pattern. The spacing and different levels of the panel edges help
prevent golf balls landing on one panel from rolling down onto the
adjacent panel.
Side screens or netting 40, supported on frame 16, extends above panels 18,
20, 22 along their respective side edges. The netting is somewhat
schematic, as shown in FIG. 1, and in actual installation might extend
outwardly at an angle from the side edges of the panels and at the far end
of the apparatus in order to catch balls which miss the panels entirely.
Alternatively, netting 40 might be eliminated altogether in installations
where panels 18, 20, 22 are surrounded by walls or curtains supported by
an enclosing structure (not shown). It will be appreciated by those
skilled in the art that netting 40 is designed to collect or confine stray
balls.
A ball return system, described in greater detail below, is partially
indicated in FIG. 1 by a ball return chute 42 and collection tray 44
adjacent ball hitting area 12. Balls hit onto panels 18, 20, 22 are
returned via the ball return system to tray 44, preferably by gravity, in
order to facilitate continuous play by the user. A scorekeeping stand 46
is provided adjacent ball hitting area 12 and includes scoring displays
and necessary switches or other means for turning on and off or resetting
the apparatus from a location adjacent the ball hitting area. An
additional score board 48 can be installed at the far end of the
apparatus, if desired.
Each panel 18, 20, 22 includes on its upper surface one or more holes, 3-to
4-inches in diameter, which extend through the panels and serve as targets
for the chipping game played with the apparatus. Panel 18 includes holes
52 and 54. Hole 52 on panel 18 is farthest from ball hitting area 12 and
3-inches in diameter and hole 54 is closest to ball hitting area 12 and
4-inches in diameter. Panel 20 includes holes 56 and 60. Hole 56 on panel
20 is farthest from ball hitting area 12 and 3-inches in diameter and hole
60 is closest to ball hitting area 12 and 4-inches in diameter. Panel 22
includes holes 62 and 64. Hole 62 on panel 22 is farthest from ball
hitting area 12 and 3-inches in diameter and hole 64 is closest to ball
hitting area 12 and 4-inches in diameter.
FIG. 2 shows parts of the ball return system supported beneath panels 18,
20, 22, the panels being outlined in phantom. Ball return system 50
includes a series of channels, tubes, gutters, troughs or the like which
convey and return by gravity balls to ball hitting area 12 from panels 18,
20 or 22. Balls enter ball return system 50 through various means which
include sensors incorporated into the scoring system of the present
invention, as described below.
Ball return system 50 includes a central elongated longitudinal gutter 66
extending lengthwise beneath each of the panels 18, 20 and 22, generally
along and parallel to longitudinal axis 24. In the preferred embodiment of
the golf chipping apparatus, target holes 52, 54, 56, 60, 62 and 64, which
are designed to receive balls therein, are all slightly offset from the
central longitudinal axis 24 of the apparatus. Consequently, short side
gutters extend perpendicularly from central gutter 66 and balls passing
through the holes drop into the side gutters. The side gutters generally
extend transverse to the direction of longitudinal axis 24 a distance
necessary to intercept and collect balls falling through the target holes.
Under panel 18, side gutter 70 extends beneath hole 52 and side gutter 72
extends beneath hole 54. Under panel 20, side gutter 74 extends beneath
hole 56 and side gutter 76 extends beneath hole 60. Under panel 22, side
gutter 78 extends beneath hole 62 and side gutter 80 extends beneath hole
64.
An additional system which feeds balls into central gutter 66 includes
three ball return channels, one associated with each of the panels 18, 20
and 22. Each of the ball return channels extends along at least one edge
of each of the panels, that edge being the lowest edge, in order to catch
and collect balls from the panel. Each of the panels is inclined generally
in the direction of the ball return channel associated with that panel.
The arrangement cf panels is such that a ball landing on any of the target
panels of the apparatus 18, 20, 22 will be directed, by the incline of the
respective panel on which the ball lands, into one of the ball return
channels 82, 84, 86.
Ball return channel 82 extends generally perpendicularly to longitudinal
axis 24, along edge 28 of panel 18, the lower edge of the panel closest to
ball hitting area 12. Channel 82 extends the length of edge 28 in order to
catch all balls which land on panel 18, except for the balls which enter
holes 52 and 54.
Ball return channel 84 extends generally perpendicularly to longitudinal
axis 24 along edge 32 of panel 20, the lower edge of the panel closest to
ball hitting area 12. Channel 84 extends the length of edge 32, in order
to catch all balls which land on panel 20, except for the balls which
enter holes 56 and 60.
Ball return channel 86 extends generally perpendicularly to longitudinal
axis 24 along edge 36 of panel 22, the lower edge of the panel closest to
ball hitting area 12. Channel 86 extends the length of edge 36 in order to
catch all balls which land on panel 22, except for the balls which enter
holes 62 and 64.
Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, a plurality of sensors are positioned at
selected locations throughout the apparatus for the purpose of detecting
or sensing where balls land on the apparatus. The sensors are located
within ball return channels 82, 84 and 86 and within target holes 52, 54,
56, 60, 62 and 64. An alternative location for the sensors associated with
each target hole on the apparatus is to locate the sensors in the short
branch gutters 70, 72, 74, 76, 78 and 80 which extend beneath the holes.
Each sensor is a pressure-sensitive switch of any conventional type which
closes an electrical circuit when a ball passes over the switch. Other
types of sensors designed to detect the passage of a golf ball over the
sensor may alternatively be used. The arrangement of sensors on the
apparatus, and the processing of the electrical signals received from the
sensors, establishes the scoring system of a golf practice chipping game
played on the apparatus.
Before defining the location of the sensors, a description will be provided
of the overall object of the golf chipping practice game. The ball
receiving area of the apparatus is divided into a plurality of separate
regions for scorekeeping purposes. In the apparatus shown, three regions
are provided in the form of the three panels 18, 20, 22. The panels are
subdivided into a pattern of target zones which are assigned different
scoring values. For example, each of the holes 52, 54, 56, 60, 62 and 64
is a target zone. Like in regular golf, balls which are chipped directly
into or roll into a hole receive a favorable score. Balls which land on
panels 18, 20 and 22 and do not enter any of the holes are assigned scores
based on how close the ball lands to the center line of each panel.
The center line of each panel is generally at or near the longitudinal axis
24 of the apparatus. Balls landing closer to the center line receive more
favorable scoring than balls landing farther away from the center line.
Thus, the game is designed to favor accurate aiming of chip shots onto the
panels by rewarding players whose balls land closest to the center of the
panels, with the greatest scoring rewards given to shots which cause the
ball to enter one of the holes.
The plurality of sensors positioned at various locations on the apparatus
serve as a means for detecting which target zones a ball lands in each of
the target zones of the apparatus. The sensors associated with each target
hole, described above, detect the balls which enter the target zones
formed by the holes. In order to detect the location of balls which land
on the panels but do not enter one of the holes, a series of sensors is
located in each of the ball return channels 82, 84, 86.
FIG. 3 shows ball return channel 82 in cross-section. Channel 82 is
representative of the other ball return channels 84, 86. Channel 82 slopes
downward toward the center of the channel, causing balls entering the
channel at any point to roll toward the center, after which the ball
passes into central gutter 66 for return to tray 44 in the ball hitting
area 12. A first sensor 90 is located in the center of ball return channel
82, to detect all balls exiting the ball return channel into gutter 66.
A pair of additional sensors 92, 94 are located on the bottom of ball
return channel 82, spaced a predetermined distance outwardly from the
center of channel 82. Sensors 92 and 94 define target zone boundaries on
opposite sides of the sensors. Balls which enter channel 82 in the region
above sensor 92, to the left of sensor 92 as viewed in FIG. 3, will roll
downhill over sensor 92 as they pass by gravity to the center of channel
82 and exit the channel. Balls which enter channel 82 below sensor 92, to
the right of the sensor as viewed in FIG. 3, do not pass over sensor 92 as
they exit the channel. Thus, sensor 92 establishes a zone boundary for
balls entering the channel. Balls which enter the channel between sensor
92 and the left edge of channel 82 (as viewed in FIG. 3), at 96, will trip
or energize sensor 92 (in addition to other sensors). Such balls will also
trip sensor 90 as they exit the channel. Balls which enter channel 82
below or to the right of sensor 92 trip only sensor 90. Similarly, sensor
94 establishes a zone boundary for balls entering channel 82 above sensor
94, between sensor 94 and end wall 98. Such balls will trip sensor 94 as
they roll downhill toward the center of the channel. Such balls will also
trip sensor 90 as they exit the channel. Balls which enter the channel 82
below or to the left of sensor 94 will only trip sensor 90.
Two additional sensors, 100 and 102, are positioned in the bottom of
channel 82. Sensor 100 is located a predetermined distance from the center
of channel 82, between sensor 92 and the left edge 96 of channel 82, as
viewed in FIG. 3. Sensor 100 forms a target zone boundary between balls
which enter channel 82 in the region above sensor 100, to the left of
sensor 100 as viewed in FIG. 3, and balls which enter channel 82 below
sensor 100, to the right of sensor 100. Balls which enter the channel
above sensor 100 will trip or energize sensor 100, followed by sensor 92,
followed by sensor 90, before exiting the channel.
Sensor 102 is located a predetermined distance from the center of channel
82, between sensor 94 and the right edge 98 of channel 82. Sensor 102
defines a target zone boundary between balls which enter channel 82 in the
region above sensor 102, to the right of sensor 102 as viewed in FIG. 3,
and balls which enter channel 82 below sensor 102, to the left of sensor
102. Balls which enter channel 82 above sensor 102 will trip or energize
sensor 102, followed by sensor 94, followed by sensor 90, before exiting
the channel.
Sensors 90, 92, 94, 100 and 102 together define target zones on the
adjacent panel above the ball return channel For channel 82, the adjacent
panel associated with the ball return channel is panel 18. Balls which
land on panel 18, except those which enter holes 52 or 54, roll downward
into ball return channel 82 in one or another of the various zones
established by sensors 90, 92, 94, 100 and 102. Referring to FIG. 3, the
various target zones associated with panel 18, extending above ball return
channel 82, are defined by the golfing terms par, bogey and double bogey.
The central target zone, extending along and on either side of the central
longitudinal axis 24 of panel 18, is the par zone. The outer boundaries of
the central or par target zone are defined by sensors 92 and 94 in channel
82. Balls landing within the par zone will roll down inclined panel 18 and
fall into channel 82 in the region between sensors 92 and 94, tripping
sensor 90 but not sensors 92 and 94 as the balls exit the channel. A ball
which trips sensor 90 without tripping any of the other sensors in channel
82 will receive a "par" scoring value for the shot.
The region just outside the par target zone on panel 18 includes two
parallel bogey target zones. The divisions between the par and bogey zones
are indicated in FIG. 3 by zone boundary lines 104 and 106, extending
above channel 82 onto adjacent panel 18, which is represented
schematically in FIG. 3. The zone boundaries, which for panel 18 are also
shown in FIG. 1, extend generally parallel to the central longitudinal
axis of panel 18, between lower edge 28 and top edge 30. Balls landing in
the region outside zone boundaries 104 and 106 will roll down panel 18 and
drop into channel 82 above sensors 92 or 94, tripping one or the other of
those sensors as they pass to the center of the channel. The balls
subsequently will also trip central sensor 90 as they exit channel 82. Any
ball which trips either sensor 92 or sensor 94 but not sensors 100 or 102,
will receive a "bogey" scoring value for the shot.
The pair of regions located outward from the bogey zones, the outermost
regions on panel 18, are a pair of parallel double bogey target zones. The
division between the bogey and double bogey zones are indicated in FIG. 3
by zone boundary lines 108 and 110, extending above channel 82 onto panel
18. Those zone boundaries, also shown in FIG. 1, extend generally parallel
to the central longitudinal axis 24 of panel 18, between lower edge 28 and
top edge 30. Balls landing in the double bogey zones, between zone
boundary 108 and edge 111 (FIG. 1) and between zone boundary 110 and edge
113, will drop into channel 82 above either sensor 100 or sensor 102.
Balls passing over sensor 100 will subsequently trip sensors 92 and 90 as
they exit channel 82. Balls passing over sensor 102 will subsequently trip
sensors 94 and 90 as they exit channel 82. Any ball which trips either
sensor 100 or sensor 102 will receive a "double bogey" scoring value for
the shot.
Zone dividing lines 104, 106, 108 and 110 need not be indicated physically
or by markings on the upper surface of panel 18, or the other panels, as
players will quickly become aware of the approximate dividing lines of the
regions. The sensors in ball return channel 82, in effect, define the
target zone boundaries 104, 106, 108 and 110. A ball landing in one of the
target zones, assuming it does not enter either hole 52 or hole 54, will
eventually roll down into ball return channel 82 and trip the sensor or
sensors associated with the target zone in which the ball landed As such,
each target zone on a panel is defined as that part of the panel which
directs balls to the sensor for the target zone. The double bogey zones on
panel 18 are the areas of the panel which direct balls to either sensor
100 or sensor 102. The bogey zones on the panel are the areas which direct
balls to either sensor 92 or sensor 94, without tripping sensors 100 and
102. The par zone is that area of panel 18 which directs balls landing on
the panel to sensor 90, without tripping any of the other sensors in
channel 82.
Ball return channel 84 includes sensors arranged exactly like those shown
and described with reference to FIG. 3. Channel 84 defines target zones on
panel 20 like those described above with reference to panel 18. Using the
same reference numbers from FIGS. 1 and 3 for the zone boundary lines,
panel 20 includes a par zone extending longitudinally down the center of
panel 20 between zone boundaries 104 and 106. Panel 20 also includes a
pair of parallel bogey zones between boundaries 108 and 104 on one side of
the par zone and between boundaries 106 and 110 on the other side of the
par zone. Panel 20 further includes a pair of parallel double bogey zones
lying outside zone boundaries 108 and 110.
Ball return channel 86 includes sensors exactly like those shown in FIG. 3.
Channel 86 defines target zones on panel 22 like those described above
with reference to panel 18. Using the same reference numbers from FIGS. 1
and 3 for the zone boundary lines, panel 22 includes a par zone extending
longitudinally down the center of panel 20 between zone boundaries 104 and
106. Panel 22 also includes a pair of parallel bogey zones between
boundaries 108 and 104 on one side of the par zone and between boundaries
106 and 110 on the other side of the par zone. Panel 22 further includes a
pair of parallel double bogey zones lying outside zone boundaries 108 and
110.
Thus, a plurality of sensors associated with each panel 18, 20, 22 serve as
a means for detecting when a ball has landed on each individual target
zone on each panel. A ball landing anywhere on any panel, or even a ball
landing directly in one of the ball return channels 82, 84 and 86, lands
in a target zone of one scoring value or another. The sensors in channels
82, 84 and 86, and in each of the target holes, together form a means for
detecting a ball landing on each of the target zones of the apparatus.
The apparatus also includes a scorekeeping device responsive to the sensors
for determining the target zone a ball lands in. From the information
about the target zone a ball lands in, a scoring value can be assigned to
the shot. The conversion of electrical signals received from the various
sensors on the apparatus into a score for the golf chipping game
associated with the apparatus is described with reference to FIGS. 4 and
5.
Referring to FIG. 4, a schematic representative of a scoring system is
shown for a golf chipping practice game played on the apparatus of the
present invention. Rectangles 18, 20 and 22 correspond to the three panels
shown in FIG. 1, viewed from above. The panels are arbitrarily assigned a
par number associated with the distance of the panel from the golfer.
Panel 18 is designated the Par 3 panel, panel 20 is designated the Par 4
panel and panel 22 is designated the Par 5 panel. The target zones on each
panel described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 are depicted
schematically in FIG. 4.
Panel 18 includes the two holes 52, 54, which are called eagle and birdie
target zones, plus the three target zones, par, bogey and double bogey,
discussed above with reference to FIG. 3. Ball return channel 82 at the
bottom of panel 18 is depicted as a series of rectangles and a central
circle along the bottom edge of the panel. The rectangles are schematic
representations of sensors 92, 94, 100 and 102 for detecting the passage
of golf balls at different locations in ball return channel 82. The circle
90 corresponds to the sensor at the base of ball return channel 82, where
a ball exits the channel and enters central gutter 66 (FIG. 2). Rectangle
18 thus schematically represents the various target divisions or zones of
one region of the ball receiving area of the apparatus, namely, panel 18.
Limiting the discussion initially to Par 3 panel 18, the scoring values
assigned to the various target zones on the panel are schematically
depicted in box 114. The scoring values are used in the scorekeeping
system described below. The lowest and thus most favorable score earned by
a ball landing on panel 18 is assigned to hole 52. Hole 52 is termed the
eagle hole, which in golf is two strokes under par. On a par 3 hole in
regulation golf, an eagle is a hole-in-one. Therefore, on Par 3 panel 18,
a ball which enters hole 52 is an eagle and receives a scoring value of
one.
The next best score for a ball landing on panel 18 is assigned to hole 54.
Hole 54 is termed the birdie hole, which in regulation golf is one under
par. On a Par 3 hole in regulation golf, a birdie is two strokes. Thus, on
panel 18, the birdie hole 54 is assigned a scoring value of two.
The next best shot on panel 18 is a par. A par is earned when a ball lands
in the band between zone boundaries 104 and 106 on panel 18 and does not
go into holes 52, 54. As described above with reference to FIG. 3, the par
target zone is the region on panel 18 where balls fall or roll into ball
return channel 82 without tripping sensors 92 or 94. A ball landing in the
par target zone on panel 18 receives a scoring value of three, or par.
The next best score for a ball landing on panel 18 is a bogey. The target
zone for a bogey score lies between zone boundaries 104 and 108 and
between zone boundaries 106 and 110. In regulation golf a bogey is one
stroke over par, which on Par 3 panel 18 receives a scoring value of four.
The bogey target zones are the regions on panel 18 where balls fall or
roll into ball return channel 82 and trip sensors 92 or 94, plus sensor
90, without tripping sensors 100 or 102.
The next best score, which in the game described is also the worst score,
is assigned to the target zones furthest from longitudinal axis 24, to the
left of zone boundary 108 and to the right of zone boundary 110. Those
zones, lying outside boundaries 108 and 110, are termed the double bogey
zones. In regulation golf, a double bogey is two strokes over par. On Par
3 panel 18, balls landing in the double bogey zones receive a scoring
value of five. The double bogey zones are the regions on panel 18 where
balls fall or roll into ball return channel 82 and trip either sensor 100
or sensor 102.
The scoring values assigned to the various target zones on panel 18 are
depicted schematically in FIG. 4 by the lines, identified as the eagle,
birdie, par, bogey and double bogey lines, drawn between selected sensors
and scoring value box 114. The eagle line connects hole 52 with a scoring
value of one. The birdie line connects hole 54 with the scoring value two.
The par line connects sensor 90, the sensor associated with the | | |
