System and Method for Playing a Golf Game

Abstract

A method for playing a recreational game on a golf course comprising placing a golf ball into a launching mechanism; propelling, via the launching mechanism, the golf ball towards a cup on the golf course; repeating, as necessary, the step of propelling until the golf ball reaches a location within a predetermined region surrounding the cup; advancing, via a free-standing putting mechanism, the golf ball from the location within the predetermined region towards the cup; repeating, as necessary, the step of advancing until the golf ball is advanced into the cup. A kit comprising a launching mechanism configured to propel a golf ball through the air over significant distances associated with drives and wedge shots; and a putting mechanism configured to advance the golf ball on the ground or through the air in an arced path over distances typically associated with putts and chip shots.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for playing a recreational game on a golf course, the method comprising the steps of:
 placing a golf ball into a launching mechanism;   propelling, via the launching mechanism, the golf ball towards a cup on the golf course;   repeating, as necessary, the step of propelling via the launching mechanism until the golf ball reaches a location within a predetermined region surrounding the cup;   advancing, via a free-standing putting mechanism, the golf ball from the location within the predetermined region towards the cup;   repeating, as necessary, the step of advancing via the putting mechanism until the golf ball is advanced into the cup.   
     
     
         2 . A method as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the launching mechanism is configured to propel a golf ball through the air over significant distances associated with drives and wedge shots. 
     
     
         3 . A method as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the launching mechanism is one of a slingshot, a pneumatic cannon, a catapult, a sling throwing strap, or a crossbow. 
     
     
         4 . A method as set forth in  claim 3 , wherein the launching mechanism is configured for remote control. 
     
     
         5 . A method as set forth in  claim 4 , wherein the launching mechanism is configured to be self-propelled so as to move on the golf course under its own power. 
     
     
         6 . A method as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the putting mechanism is configured to advance the golf ball on the ground or through the air in an arced path over distances typically associated with putts and chip shots. 
     
     
         7 . A method as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the putting mechanism is a gravity-powered golf club swinging apparatus. 
     
     
         8 . A method as set forth in  claim 3 , wherein the putting mechanism is configured for remote control. 
     
     
         9 . A method as set forth in  claim 4 , wherein the putting mechanism is configured to be self-propelled so as to move on the golf course under its own power. 
     
     
         10 . A method as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein in the step of propelling via the launching mechanism, the golf ball is propelled from a starting location coinciding with a starting distance from the cup, the starting distance being determined relative to a par designation and tee box distance for a given golf hole. 
     
     
         11 . A method as set forth in  claim 10 , wherein the starting distance is determined as a function of at least a distance to the hole from the tee box, an average distance of a golf drive shot using traditional golf equipment, and an average distance of a long-range shot using the launching mechanism. 
     
     
         12 . A method as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein in the first step of repeating, the predetermined region is defined by the outer boundary of a putting green surrounding the cup. 
     
     
         13 . A method as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the step of propelling via the launching mechanism is performed by a disabled golfer with the physical assistance of a caddie. 
     
     
         14 . A method as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the step of advancing via the putting mechanism is performed by a disabled golfer with the physical assistance of a caddie. 
     
     
         15 . A method as set forth in  claim 1 , further including the step of moving the golf ball a predetermined distance away from the cup should it be propelled into a fairway bunker or a primary tall rough. 
     
     
         16 . A method as set forth in  claim 1 , further including the step of assessing a stroke-based penalty should the golf ball be propelled or advanced into one of a hazard, out of bounds from the tee box, or out of bounds from the fairway or rough. 
     
     
         17 . A method as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the launching mechanism and the putting mechanism are incorporated into a single device. 
     
     
         18 . A method as set forth in  claim 17 , wherein the device is configured to be at least one of remote controlled and self-propelled. 
     
     
         19 . In a game system substantially similar to golf, a kit of implements for playing the game, the kit comprising:
 a launching mechanism configured to propel a golf ball through the air over significant distances associated with drives and wedge shots, the launching mechanism comprising one of a slingshot, a pneumatic cannon, a catapult, a sling throwing strap, or a crossbow; and   a putting mechanism configured to advance the golf ball on the ground or through the air in an arced path over distances typically associated with putts and chip shots, the putting mechanism comprising a gravity-powered golf club swinging apparatus.   
     
     
         20 . A kit as set forth in  claim 19 , wherein at least one of the launching mechanism and the putting mechanism are configured for remote control. 
     
     
         21 . A kit as set forth in  claim 19 , wherein at least one of the launching mechanism and the putting mechanism are configured to be self-propelled so as to move on the golf course under its own power. 
     
     
         22 . A method as set forth in  claim 19 , wherein the launching mechanism and the putting mechanism are incorporated into a single device. 
     
     
         23 . A method as set forth in  claim 22 , wherein the device is configured to be at least one of remote controlled and self-propelled.