System and method of tracking and improving golf performance

Abstract

An electronic device having a program configured to track player performance according to a number of criteria is described. The device is programmed to receive player input data and course input data to process and provide feedback data. Feedback data may be tabular information describing an overall performance analysis of the player. Additionally, the feedback data may be the generation of a targeted location on the green during an approach shot. Feedback data may also be used to modify training activities.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system for tracking and improving golf performance, the system comprising:
 a processor having software programmed to receive player input data representative of the prior performance of a player, the processor processing the player input data to generate a player performance analysis;   a database in communication with the processor and configured to provide persistent data storage; and   an input/output interface in communication with the processor and the database and configured to provide an interactive link between the player and the player performance analysis, the input/output interface providing a display portal defining a plurality of visually perceptible elements corresponding to the player performance analysis;   wherein the processor tracks and records the performance history that has been entered into the database concerning the one or more players, the processor provides tailored feedback to the player for use during training, the player input data being provided to the processor through the input/output interface.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the processor is programmed to receive course input data related to each hole on the course, the processor processing the course input data and comparing the course input data with the player input data to provide shot advice to the player. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the shot advice is a targeted location on the green based on the location of the hole. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein the player performance data tracks and compares player performance separately for shots that landed in the target and shots that landed outside of the target. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein the shot advice is displayed on a display portal. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein the shot advice is a representative geographical area on a green. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the course input data and the player input data are input by separate users. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the processor and the display are integrated into a portable handheld electronic device. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the player is able to input the player performance data in real time. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the database is configured to store course data concerning the course including at least one of elevation change, distance, and slope. 
     
     
         11 . A method of tracking and improving golf performance of a player, the method comprising:
 inputting player performance data of the player into an electronic device;   storing the player performance data in a database in communication with a processor; and   processing the player performance data to produce feedback data to the player directed at improving player performance, the feedback data provided to the player via an input/output interface.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the player reviews the feedback data and receives advice as to where to place the shot in relation to a cup. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the player is provided a target in relation to a green, the target being determined based upon course input data. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein w/in the player performance analysis tracks and compares player performance separately for shots that landed in the target and shots that landed outside of the target. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the feedback data is used by the player to selectively tailor and track training methods. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the player performance data is processed to generate a player performance analysis. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the player performance analysis is used by the player to isolate areas of need during training. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the player performance analysis is segregated according to the length of a shot 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising:
 entering player input data in real time.   
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising:
 receiving communication from a secondary user through the electronic device.