Golf game system and method

Abstract

A golf game system has one or more tee areas for use by players in striking balls and a plurality of sets of balls, each set of balls having an identifying code. At least one target hole is spaced a predetermined distance from the tee area or areas, the target hole being raised above the ground level so that balls can only enter the hole on the fly and cannot roll into the hole, and a secure ball collector is arranged to receive any balls entering the target hole for verification purposes. A winning ball return system returns winning balls entering the target hole to the secure winning ball collector.

1 . A golf game system, comprising: 
 at lease one tee area for use by players in striking balls;    a plurality of sets of balls, each set of balls having a unique identifying code;    a secure building having a secure winning ball collector;    at least one target hole spaced a predetermined distance from the tee area, the target hole being raised above the ground level whereby balls can only enter the hole on the fly and cannot roll into the hole; and    a winning ball return system for returning winning balls entering the target hole to the secure winning ball collector.    
   
   
       2 . The system as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising a pipe extending upwardly from the ground at said predetermined distance, the pipe having an open upper end comprising said target hole.  
   
   
       3 . The system as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein the pipe has a length in the range from three feet to six feet.  
   
   
       4 . The system as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein the pipe is at an angle in the range from vertical to an inclination of sixty degrees towards the tee area.  
   
   
       5 . The system as claimed in  claim 4 , wherein the pipe is at an inclination angle of approximately eighty five degrees towards the tee area.  
   
   
       6 . The system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the winning ball return system comprises a return pipe connecting the target hole to the winning ball collector.  
   
   
       7 . The system as claimed in  claim 6 , wherein the winning ball return system further comprises propelling means for propelling a ball along the return pipe.  
   
   
       8 . The system as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising a return ball collection area and a second ball return system for returning balls which miss the target hole to the return ball collection area.  
   
   
       9 . The system as claimed in  claim 8 , wherein the second ball return system comprises a downwardly inclined path from the target hole to the tee area, the path having a lower end, and a conveyor for conveying balls from the lower end of the inclined path to the collection area.  
   
   
       10 . The system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the identifying codes are selected from the group consisting of colors, numbers, shapes, and symbols.  
   
   
       11 . The system as claimed in  claim 10 , wherein the identifying codes are colors.  
   
   
       12 . The system as claimed in  claim 1 , comprising a plurality of tee areas, each tee area having an identifying code corresponding to the identifying code of a respective one of the sets of balls.  
   
   
       13 . The system as claimed in  claim 12 , further comprising an island, the target hole being positioned on the island, and a pool of water surrounding the island, the pool having a shore and the tee areas being positioned along the shore facing the target hole.  
   
   
       14 . The system as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising a camera directed to the target hole and video monitors connected to the camera and positioned for viewing by players.  
   
   
       15 . The system as claimed in  claim 14 , further comprising a second camera directed at the winning ball collector.  
   
   
       16 . The system as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising a controller connected to the camera and video monitors for displaying the target hole and prize information to players  
   
   
       17 - 21 . (canceled)