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BACKGROUND/FIELD OF THE INVENTION
My invention relates to golf. More specifically, it relates to full-size,
championship golf played by professionals as a sport and by serious
amateur golfers in tournament play. In particular, this new golf game uses
modified, traditional rules to play a form of championship golf on a
compact course with a putter and a single golf ball.
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FIELD OF SEARCH
273/176, 273/176A, 273/176AB, 273/176B, 273/176D, 273/176E,
273/176F, 273/176LG, 273/176JX, 273/176J, 273/176BX,
273/176FB
REFERENCES CITED
Valvano
84,224/May 1931
Gage 2,482,210/May 1935
Reilly 3,083,021/Mar 1963
Ward 3,427,030/Feb 1969
Purdy 3,719,360/Mar 1973
Healy 4,145,053/Mar 1979
Renn 4,157,831/Jun 1979
Beam 4,225,136/Sep 1080
Gallic 4,294,450/Oct 1981
Eady 4,743,026/May 1988
Grigas 4,726,589/Feb 1988
Mazer 4,934,704/Jun 1990
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BACKGROUND/HISTORY AND PRIOR ART
Millions watch TV tournament golf and have become sophisticated as to its
rules and tradition. TV coverage of the PGA golf tour and major USGA
amateur golf championship events has fueled their competitive spirit.
Professional golf, an internationally played spectator sport, now has role
models and stars like other major sports. Unlike baseball, basketball and
football, golf is played by tens of millions of fans.
Expanded TV exposure has made golf the fastest growing participant sport in
the world. Sports fans, players of other sports, and many who have never
played any sport are caught up in the golf syndrome. They long to play the
game competitively, like they see it played on television, but they can't.
They are among a large group, perhaps millions of people, who can't afford
to play golf at today's inflated prices or can't find golf courses
available to them.
The costs of land, labor, golf course construction and maintenance have
been increasing for several years now and new course development has
decreased as a result. Investors are unable to make a profit. Other costs
such as greens fees, playing equipment, and lessons have gone beyond most
peoples budgets. It takes 41/2 to 6 hrs to play 18 holes because of
crowded facilities and that's too long. No credible alternative has been
developed. For amusement, a few options exist like miniature golf, pitch
and putt golf, executive golf, high-tech electronic golf and target golf.
What real golf enthusiasts want, however, is a game which will provide them
with the same level of challenge as full-sizse golf while addressing all
of the above problems. My invention offers answers to those problems. A
documented market study which identified this golf game as ALL PUTT
Championship Golf for the purpose of market identity, shows it has
excellent commercial viability. A trademark design for ALL PUTT and US
APGA are registered with the USPTO.
None of the following examples of reduced-size Golf qualify as an
alternative to tournament level, full size championship golf. They are
novel in their attempt to find a way but fail to meet the prerequisites.
Many others fall into the same category.
PERRY/Method and golf course/#4,988,105/Jan. 29, 1991
A game played on 12 acres from a driving range type tee area with multiple
balls hit to a variety of targets and a separate putting green having
multiple cups. A novel concept but untraditional by design. Airborn shots
and a full set of golf clubs are used.
GARBER/Golf course/#3,671,042/Jun. 20, 1972
A golf course of undetermined total holes and overall size played with a
wedge and a putter. Artificial means of directing a golf ball from the
teeing area include a curved and banked path and areas inclined toward the
tee or depressions in the ground. Some areas may contain a variety of
materials which purposely impede the ball's forward motion. Rather than
allowing a player to use putting skill curved, banked pathways are
provided to guide a golf ball to a predetermined area. Limited landing
areas of landing zones identify more closely with hazards. Once a ball is
stopped within one of these areas it must be lifted and played from a
secondary tee because the nature of the area on which it rests will not
allow a ball to be putted from it. The game may also be played using
airborn shots made with a pitching wedge. It is a novel concept but
untraditional in design. It could not qualify as a credible alternative to
tournament level, full-size golf. The patent for this golf course has
expired with no known history of commercial application.
RICIGLIANO/Simulated Golf Course/U.S. Pat. No. 5,203 566/Apr. 20, 1993
An indoor miniature golf game having a plurality of holes all of which are
dogleg configurations, having intermediate target areas and hazards
constructed of materials designed to impede the forward motion of a golf
ball in varying degrees. Two kinds of golf balls are used on each hole.
One ball travels only 25% as far as a regulation ball and is used from tee
to green to propel it through the air. At the green it is replaced by a
regulation ball which is then used for putting. This is a golf-like game
and golf course, untraditional in design. It is not a credible alternative
to full size, championship golf.
TRASKO/Golf Course and Method/U.S. Pat. No. 4,872,686/Oct. 10, 1989
A concept which requires untraditional methods such as teeing off for three
holes in a grouping before doing any putting. The course is substantially
rectangular rather than adaptable to all land configurations and terrain.
All clubs are used, shots are airborn and playing surfaces are of natural
grass. An 18-hole game is played on a minimum of 35 acres and does not
qualify as a compact, cost saving alternative to full size golf.
ABERG/Scaled Down Golf Course Game/U.S. Pat. No. 4,413,827/Nov. 8, 1983
A golf game played with a full set of regulation golf clubs on a reduced
version of a larger course. Two different golf balls are used. One ball
travels only 25% as far as a regulation ball and is used from the tee and
for approach shots to the green, all airborn. A regulation ball is used
for chipping and putting when it has been advanced to inside a perimeter
ring around the green. Playing surfaces are natural grass turf. The
description refers to the course as a miniature golf course but it appears
to occupy 35-45 acres. It is untraditional and does not contain the
prerequisite, championship calibre features which would qualify it as a
credible alternative.
BREWER/Golf Ball Putting Game/U.S. Pat. No. 3,885,795/May 27, 1975
Putting game playing course of miniature golf dimensions on which a putting
game is played using a novel, egg shaped ball and putter. Because of
contours and undulations in fairways, it appears that this is a game of
chance rather than one of skill. Whichever, it is an interesting amusement
facility but does not qualify as a tournament level game. It can not be
considered a credible alternative to full-size championship golf.
OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES
The primary object of my invention is to provide a marketable, credible
alternative to full-size championship golf. Millions of golf enthusiasts
who find competitive golf unavailable to them, and whose needs have not
yet been met, provided the incentive to invent ALL PUTT Championship Golf.
It is a novel method of playing traditional,full size championship golf to
a compact-size alternative golf game without losing the challenge,
excitement and inherent traditions of the full-size sport. Some objects
and advantages of my invention are:
a) to provide an alternative golf game which costs less to play than
full-size golf so that all who wish to play may do so. ALL PUTT
Championship Golf costs under $10 dollars for 18-holes, there is no need
to buy a set of 14 golf clubs, or a golf bag, golf balls or other golf
supplies. No golf lessons are needed and there are no cart fees. A
regulation putter and golf ball are all that is required. Advantages of my
invention are obvious.
b) to provide an alternative to full-size, championship golf which requires
substantially less time to play than the usual four and one half to six 6
hours. My invention allows completion of play in one and one half hours
with four players on each hole playing a full 18 holes together. ALL PUTT
course locations need not be in rural areas. Because of the greatly
reduced size, site acquisition costs a fraction of what a full-size course
would cost. ALL PUTT playing facilities can be near major cities and in
plentiful supply. Waiting time is reduced. Time now used traveling to and
from rural areas to find available facilities is saved. These advantages
clearly make ALL PUTT Championnship Golf a viable commercial entity.
c) to provide an alternative golf game, with substantially all of
traditional golf's features: My invention is a par 72, 18-hole game
containing four par3s, four par5s, ten par4s, contoured fairways,
undulating greens, penalty zones, regulation cups, rough, out of bounds,
traditional scoring and a handicap system.
d) An aerial view of an entire 18-hole layout closely resembles a
traditional full-size course. There are long, short, straight and dogleg
holes each having a different configuration. None of the golf-like games
have all of these characteristics. That is definitely an advantage for my
invention.
e) to provide rules which establish tournament level quality and retain
tradition and character. Modifications must be minimal. Championship
levels of challenge can not be compromised. Under the US APGA rules, a
player is prevented from reaching any green in less strokes than it takes
to do so in full-size golf. This has been accomplished in my invention
without diminishing the fun and enjoyment the game provides. The United
States ALL PUTT Golf Association (US APGA) has been founded. Official
rules have been copyrighted. US APGA design and construction
specifications are being updated. These are distinct advantages.
e) to provide incentive for investment by developers. Preliminary market
surveys indicate that ALL PUTT Championship Golf has a wide and diverse
market waiting for it. It will become evident as the reader continues, how
my invention can provide attractive profit potential with a substantially
smaller investment and with less risk than a full size golf course project
can offer. This adds to its viability and increases investor interest. The
initial land acquisition cost for an ALL PUTT course is minimal compared
with a full size course. Synthetic grass turf playing surfaces further
reduce construction and maintenance expenditures. Operating costs are
relatively lower as well. Developers in northern geographic areas can now
have the only game in town during winter months. ALL PUTT Championship
Golf can be played day and night, all year long, by climatizing courses of
up to about 67,000 sq. ft. (3 acres) Air-supported, dome-like fabric
structures have translucent skin. They allow sufficient daylight to
support vegitation during cold northern winters. This feature opens up a
large market in the entire frozen north, a definite advantage.
f) to provide an alternative Golf Game which allows almost everyone the
opportunity to play competitively or just for fun. ALL PUTT Championship
Golf is a game of skill but not a game requiring physical strength.
Because it is an all-putting game it is easy to learn with no professional
instruction. All who wish to, including the handicapped, can play. A
player with a minimum of practice and average skill can have an exciting
experience and a lot of fun the first time they play ALL PUTT. The
advantages speak for themselves.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 Overhead perspective view of hypothetical 18-hole par 72 ALL PUTT
golf course showing holes numbered 1 through 18, penalty zones, birdseyes,
penalty free zones, tees, fairways and greens with three cups each.
FIG. 2 Overhead perspective view showing topographic contours as they
relate, specifically to the 18-hole course of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 Overhead view of enlarged component section of a hypothetical ALL
PUTT golf course. Large numerals 3, 4 and 5 refer to par. Alphabetical
references identify important elements of a typical ALL PUTT course. T . .
. Teeing area/F . . . Fairway/G . . . Green/R . . . Rough/OB . . . Out of
bounds/C . . . Cup PFZ . . . Penalty free zone/pZ . . . Penalty zone/B . .
. Birdseye MDB . . . Maximum distance boundary. Numerals 1-18 golf course
playing sequence. Large numerals specify par3, par4 and par5.
FIG. 4 Graphs showing ALL PUTT course sites of 1.5, 3.0 and 6.0 acres and
relative size of each to an average size miniature golf course having 18
holes.
FIG. 5a and FIG. 5b and FIG. 5c / direct overhead view of a hypothetical
ALL PUTT course design and versions of expanded sizes from 1.5 acres to 6
acreas.
FIG. 6a and FIG. 6b showing six variations of scoring situations on each of
a typical par 4ALL PUTT golf course.
FIG. 7 Diagrammatic cutaway sketch showing an example of how synthetic,
grass turf of a fairway/green area of an ALL PUTT course might be
installed over a substructure of natural soil, or any one of the other
materials mentioned, such as concrete, bituminous or crushed aggregate.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a novel, alternative method of playing a
traditional, championship-calibre golf game both as a serious tournament
sport and as a leisure time activity. It is easy to learn without
professional instructions and anyone can participate regardless of age,
gender, or physical capabilities. ALL PUTT Championship Golf, is played
with only a putter and golf ball, on a compact course. Levels of
excitement and challenge can be equal to playing championship golf on a
full-size course with a full set of golf clubs. Copyrighted US APGA
official rules provide detailed playing methods and procedures. Another US
APGA function is to provide construction specifications and design
outlines for ALL PUTT Championship courses. Starting play at the teeing
area of hole No.1, up to four players following modified traditional
rules, can play 18 individal and different golf holes in 11/2 hours. Each
hole is comprised of a teeing area (T), fairway (F) and putting green (G)
which may contain multiple cups (C). A golf ball is putted toward the
green (G) playing holes 1 through 18 consecutively, and eventually into a
cup (C). Long, lag putts over gently contoured fairways characterize this
form of championship golf more as a game of depth perception and visual
acuity than physical strength. Finesse and deftness of touch used in this
all putting game are the same as that used by the touring golf pros.
Undulations and greens of tournament level quality make the putting
experience substantially the same for players of this golf game. A variety
of penalty zones (PZs) are encountered. See FIG. 1 Traditional two-ball,
four-ball, and better-ball matches along with stroke play and variations
of match play may be enjoyed accordingly.
US APGA official rules require playing the conventional number of par5,
par4 and par3 holes on an architect designed course and have a total par
rating of not less than 72 strokes. Traditional scoring methods and
terminology are used. Sub par scores are identified as birdie, eagle,
double eagle and hole in one. Over par scores are bogey, double bogey,
triple bogey etc. etc. Playing conditions experienced in full-size golf
are simulated by using novel, colored indicia integrated with or affixed
to the synthetic grass fairways. This is accomplished by inlaying
appropriate shapes and sizes of contrastingly colored synthetic turf into
the green fairway areas of the same material. Other methods of defining
these penalty zones (PZ) are by dying or painting. A ball coming to rest
within PZs are scored the same and represent natural water hazards and
sand bunkers. Colors such as blue for water, white or sand color for
bunkers in keeping with the emphasis on retaining as much tradition as
possible. Rough (R), out of bounds (OB), are identified in FIG. 3 Rough
(R) is an area beyond the borders of the fairways (F) which is also
synthetic grass but of a slightly higher pile having longer blades.
Putting from this area becomes impeded. Although there is no penalty
stroke assessed, loss of distance may occur and it may take an additional
stroke to reach an intended target because of it. A penalty-free zone
(PFZ) is an area in the fairway designated by a golf architect as the
place a well played tee shot should come to rest without artificial
obstruction or impeding influence. If a ball is lying in a penalty-free
zone (PFZ) after the tee shot, the route to the green is unobstructed just
as it would be when playing full-size golf. Some prior art define
sand-filled sections of fairways inclined toward the player, and meant to
impede a golf ball's forward motion, as intermediate landing areas or
target areas. In relating to traditional golf, any area in a fairway which
obstructs motion of a golf ball and which requires lifting it to play the
next stroke is more correctly defined as a hazard of penalty zone (PZ) The
golf game described in this document must be played on a course of
tournament level quality, hence the emphasis on details and components
comprising a US APGA approved design. FIG. 1, An aerial view of an entire
18-hole layout closely resembles a conventional full-size course. There
are long and short, straight and dogleg holes, each having a different
configuration and a variety of penalty zones. From an elevated view it
might, at first, appear to look the same. Lakes, ponds, streams, brooks,
bunkers, tees, fairways, greens, rough, etc. are all composed of synthetic
grass turf in various sizes, shapes and colors. The game described here is
similar to full-size championship golf as it relates to traditional rules,
proceedure, scoring, terminology and aspects of its structure.
The written rules of this game are an integral part of the description and
follow in their entirety.
##SPC1##
The following relates particularly to courses of play and is included
because the golf course is inseparable from the game. After a site is
found and engineering is complete, together with topographic surveys, the
site is cleared, graded and contoured following US APGA fundamental
construction proceedures. The understructure is begun with provisions for
stormwater disposal and water supply. The understructure is engineered to
serve as a base for installation of the golf course surfacing and may be
composed of natural elements, concrete or bituminous material. See FIG. 1
Appropriate consideration is given for the addition of natural trees,
shrubs and floral planting when building the base for the synthetic turf
surfacing material.
US APGA specifications use data gathered from full-size championship golf
as reference for designing and building ALL PUTT golf courses. For
example, a touring golf pro's average tee shot travels about 265 yds.
Distances used when designing an all-putting championship golf course are
in direct proportion to 265 yard tee shots and to the overall area of a
particular new, ALL PUTT course. When positioning PFZs in the design,
contours and undulations are considered challenging elements to a player
attempting to stroke a ball into a birdseye. Similar attention is given to
locating PZs throughout the course.
It should be noted, that US APGA recommends a minimum size of approximately
1.5 acres for building the smallest ALL PUTT course or, approximately
67,000 square feet. A smaller course would materially change the effective
competitive challenge level of the game, and be too closely identified
with miniature golf; 20,000 sq.ft. or less than one third the size.
Comparison will give the reader a clearer picture of the size and relative
lengths of putts required in this game. See FIG. 4. Birdseyes, comparable
to bulls eyes, contribute greatly to competitive incentive. They are
preferably eliptical, colored areas of synthetic grass turf which the
architect may locate anywhere in a penalty-free zone (PFZ) on par4 and
par5 fairways. They may be any size the architect feels is effective in
keeping with championship levels of play which characterizes this game.
Rules of scoring provide a one-stroke reduction if a ball is played from
the tee into a birdseye with a single putt from the tee. Only one stroke
reduction is allowed, though there are two chances to score birdseyes on
the four par5s. Details about birdseyes, their physical structure,
locations and scoring is found in the US APGA rules section of this
document.
Penalty zones (PZs) are colored shapes, positioned in fairways in strategic
locations to penalize players for their inability to control their shots.
One penalty stroke is added to the score as a result of a misdirected ball
stopping in a PZ. Conventional names for penalty zones are water hazards
and sand bunkers. PZs are either dyed, painted or inlaid into the
synthetic fairway surface. Contrasting colors distinguish them from the
fairway. A golf ball can be easily putted across a penalty zone because
the fairway is constructed of the same material. No penalty is assessed
unless the ball stops within a PZ. Putting on fairways and greens compares
to that experienced on greens of growing grass turf. More data about
components and construction processes for building ALL PUTT Championship
Golf courses is found in the US APGA specifications. Tournament-level,
full-size championship golf is a game played on golf courses which meet
certain strict criteria. Official rules and course specifications are
written and administered by golf associations such as the PGA and USGA.
These governing bodies rate golf courses according to their quality of
design and level of difficulty and condition. The game played on a
tournament ready, full size course is entirely different than casual golf
played by average golfers on weekends. Overall length, number and severity
of hazards, trueness and speed of the putting greens, character and
competitive level of challenge are assessed carefully before championship
status is awarded. ALL PUTT Championship Golf described here, is as
different from miniature golf and pitch and putt golf as championship,
full-size golf is from weekend golf. Attention has been given to
explaining design elements of US APGA approved golf courses so that the
novel structure of the game is better understood. The golf course is an
inseparable part of the overall concept. This invention is meant to
provide a superior quality golf game which closely simulates full-size,
championship golf. No other successful attempt to offer a viable, credible
alternative to traditional, full-size championship golf can found after
searching prior art files in the PTO.
Each ALL PUTT course is individually designed by a golf course architect.
Consideration is given to the topography, the size of the land area and
what degree of difficulty a developer wishes to build into it. The total
area of a particular course may range from about 1.5 acres, or 67,000
sq.ft. to about 6.0 acres or about 252,000 sq.ft. For comparison, the
average miniature golf course is about 20,000 sq.ft. Full size
championship calibre golf courses require about 170-180 acres. To provide
tournament level credibility in playing ALL PUTT courses levels of
challenge and skill are not compromised. In full-size, golf no par4 hole
can be reached in a single drive from a teeing area. Accordingly, under
strict rules imposed by US APGA a player is prevented from reaching any
green in less strokes than are needed in the full-size game, on a
full-size course.
DESCRIPTION/OPERATION
A preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 1,
an overhead perspective view of an 18 hole ALL PUTT golf course and in
FIG. 2, a direct overlay sketch of the perspective view in FIG. 1 showing
topographic contours as they might relate to that specific course design.
It shows how contours and grading can transform an otherwise flat,
uninteresting course into one of championship calibre.
ALL PUTT Championship Golf is a game just as challenging as the full size
game without thirteen of fourteen golf clubs normally used. Because of its
substantially smaller size it is played with only a putter and a single
golf ball. It can still promote as much competitive spirit and excitement.
Without comprehensive rules and features like maximum distance boundriss
(MDB), birdseyes (B), penalty zones (PZ) however, it might be just another
amusement park game. For example, it is not possible, if played by the US
APGAs strict rules, to reach any green in less strokes than it takes in
playing the game on a full size 7000 yard championship course. Penalty
strokes result and even disqualification, if the rules are broken. Using a
formula based on the average length of touring professionals' tee shots,
the US APGA rules establish the maximum distance tee shots on all par4 and
par5 holes may travel in ALL PUTT golf. The fairway shot from the MDB to
the next MDB on par5 holes may not go beyond it without a penalty. See
FIG. 5a, 5b and 5c. The long 265 yard drive with a carry over water to a
safe landing on a narrow, distant fairway has been eliminated.
Although it can not replace this almost sacred element of golf, the
birdseye (B) FIG. 1 and FIG. 3--adds a new challenge to the players' skill
and potential for an equally thrilling experience. FIG. 3 illustrates the
relationship between the MDB and birdseye. The golf architect has the
latitude to employ these two new elements with discretion and in so doing,
create as much gamble for the player as he sees fit to do.
The MDB is an imaginary line extending across the fairway in two places on
each par5 hole and once on all par4 holes. It extends from a colored stake
or marker at the out of bounds (OB) line on each side of the fairway. Some
what like the game of shuffleboard played in pubs and bars, the MDB
rewards the well placed shot like the shuuffleboard weight which stays on
the table, close to the far edge. Visual acuity is a valuable skill for
playing that game well too. In ALL PUTT Championship Golf a player is
faced with a comparable challenge. Birdseyes (B) are, at the architects
discretion, positioned somewhere in the area extending forward of the
teeing area (T) in the penalty free zone (PFZ) preferably as near as
possible to the MDB on the players side of the boundry. An area shaped
like an eye,in a contrasting color to the fairway, the birdseye is
positioned so that the MDB comes into play. The contouring plays a part as
well. A player may elect to go for it or play it safe. A one stroke
reduction from the score on that hole if the ball is successfully stroked
to a resting place within the birdseye (B) in a single stroke from the
teeing area (T) or a one stroke penalty added to the score if the ball
crosses the MDB. By moving these birdseyes an architect may increase or
decrease the gamble a player must take to score a birdseye (B). The MDB
may also be moved to effect the same results.
SUMMARY, RAMIFICATIONS AND SCOPE
Accordingly the reader will see that the needs of millions of potential
golfers as outlined above, are met in this invention. ALL PUTT
Championship Golf is a unique game played with only a regulation putter
and golf ball. Significant reductions in size of US APGA courses provide
substantially less expensive, easier to learn, and faster means of playing
tournament level golf. In some ways the game is more interesting and
without losing many traditional values. Par5s and par4s are effectively
combined with the usual par3s for the first time in a tournament level
golf game played on a golf courses reduced to 1 to 4% of the size of the
average full size championship golf course.
Although the description above contains many specifities, these should not
be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely
providing illustrations of the presently preferred embodiments of this
invention. Thus the scope of the invention should be determined by the
appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples
given.
CLAIMS/ALL PUTT CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF
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