GOLF HOLE ENLARGEMENT DEVICE

Abstract

A golf hole enlargement device is provided. The golf hole enlargement device includes a collar and a flange. The collar includes a first surface extending from a first edge to a second edge, a second surface extending from a first edge to a second edge, and a bottom surface extending from a first edge to a second edge. The first surface slopes upwards from the first edge to the second edge is configured to rest on a horizontal surface. The second surface slopes downwards from the first edge to the second edge and mounts to the first surface. The first edge of the bottom surface is mounted to the first edge of the first surface. The flange is mounted to the second edge of the bottom surface and the second edge of the second surface and forms an open ring in a center of the collar for positioning over a golf hole of a golf green.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] Various sports are modified based on the different skill levels of players and to accommodate different characteristics of the players. In tennis for example, the Prince® racquet is oversized and has a long body to help beginning tennis players more rapidly improve their tennis skills. Shorter skis are used by beginning skiers to develop greater skiing proficiency. Various sized softballs are used in recreational leagues to make the ball easier to hit and catch. In basketball, a women's basketball is smaller than a men's basketball because on average women's hands are smaller than men's hands. Similarly, various size soccer balls are used for different age groups.

[0002] Competitive golf is played by a strict set of rules, but recreational golf is often played with more relaxed rules determined by the group of players playing. Recreational players frequently take a "mulligan" which is a second shot or a "gimmie" which is a putt that is assumed to be close enough that the player will not miss. Such modifications can speed play in some situations and also make the game more enjoyable for the average player.

SUMMARY

[0003] A golf hole enlargement device enlarges the standard golf hole size on a golf course without altering the putting surface of the golf green and allows recreational players or beginners to have a faster, easier, and more enjoyable golfing experience by reducing the occurrence of missed putts. The device includes, but is not limited to, a collar and a flange. The collar includes a first surface extending from a first edge to a second edge, a second surface extending from a first edge to a second edge, and a bottom surface extending from a first edge to a second edge. The first surface slopes upwards from the first edge to the second edge and is configured to rest on a horizontal surface. The second surface slopes downwards from the first edge to the second edge and mounts to the first surface. The first edge of the bottom surface is mounted to the first edge of the first surface. The flange is mounted to the second edge of the bottom surface and the second edge of the second surface and forms an open ring in a center of the collar for positioning over a golf hole of a golf green.

[0004] Other principal features and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following drawings, the detailed description, and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] Example embodiments of the invention will hereafter be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like numerals denote like elements.

[0006] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a golf green.

[0007] FIG. 2 shows a top view of the golf green of FIG. 1 including a golf hole enlargement device in accordance with an example embodiment.

[0008] FIG. 3 shows a side view of a golf hole in accordance with an example embodiment.

[0009] FIG. 4 shows a side, cut-away view of the golf hole enlargement device of FIG. 2 positioned in the golf hole of FIG. 3 in accordance with a first example embodiment.

[0010] FIG. 5 shows a side, cross sectional view of the golf hole enlargement device of FIG. 4 in accordance with the first example embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 6 shows a top view of the golf hole enlargement device of FIG. 2 in accordance with a second example embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 7 shows a side, cross sectional view of the golf hole enlargement device of FIG. 6 in accordance with the second example embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 8 shows a top, perspective view of the golf hole enlargement device of FIG. 2 in accordance with a third example embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 9 shows a side, cross sectional view of the golf hole enlargement device of FIG. 8 in accordance with the third example embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 10 shows a top view of the golf green of FIG. 1 including a golf hole enlargement device in accordance with a fourth example embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 11 shows a top, perspective view of the golf hole enlargement device of FIG. 10 in accordance with the fourth example embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 12 shows a side, cross sectional view of the golf hole enlargement device of FIG. 11 in accordance with the fourth example embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 13 shows a top view of the golf green of FIG. 1 including a golf hole enlargement device in accordance with an example embodiment and showing use of the golf hole enlargement device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] With reference to FIG. 1, a perspective view of a golf hole 102 is shown on a golf putting surface 100. Golf putting surface 100 may be an indoor, outdoor, or portable putting surface. Golf putting surface 100 includes at least one golf hole 102 though some putting surfaces, such as a putting practice green, may include more than one golf hole.

[0020] With reference to FIG. 2, a top view of a golf hole enlargement device 200 on golf putting surface 100 is shown in accordance with an example embodiment. In use, golf hole enlargement device 200 is positioned over golf hole 102. In an example embodiment, golf hole enlargement device 200 includes a first surface 202 and a second surface 204 where the first surface 202 encircles second surface 204 forming a collar that encircles golf hole 102.

[0021] Golf hole enlargement device 200 may be formed as a single unit formed of a single material or assembled from multiple parts formed from the same or different materials and having the same or different characteristics such as hardness, rigidity, and/or color. Golf hole enlargement device 200 can be constructed of any material such as metal, wood, silicone, rubber, plastic, other polymers, or a combination of such materials. In an example embodiment, golf hole enlargement device 200 is formed of silicone, rubber, or plastic. In an example embodiment, golf hole enlargement device 200 is formed of silicone having a Durometer hardness greater than about 50 Shore A and less than about 60 Shore A. Golf hole enlargement device 200 may be formed using injection molding of one or more pieces. In an example embodiment, multiple pieces may be heat bonded together.

[0022] With reference to FIG. 3, golf ball 106 is putted into golf hole 102 on golf putting surface 100. A standard golf hole has a diameter D of approximately 4.25 inches at its opening cut in a surface of golf putting surface 100 though this is not intended to be limiting. In an example embodiment, golf hole 102 includes a cylindrical wall 300 cut into golf putting surface 100 and a bottom surface 302.

[0023] With reference to FIG. 4, a side, cut-away view of a golf hole enlargement device 200a on golf putting surface 100 is shown in accordance with a first example embodiment. With reference to FIG. 5, a side, cross sectional view of golf hole enlargement device 200a is shown in accordance with the first example embodiment. Golf hole enlargement device 200a may include a collar 400, a rim 402, and a flange 404.

[0024] Collar 400 may include first surface 202, second surface 204, and a bottom surface 410. First surface 202 extends from a first edge 408 to a second edge 406. Second surface 204 extends from a first edge to a second edge 405. First surface 202 mounts to second surface 204. In the example embodiment of FIGS. 4 and 5, the first edge of second surface 204 corresponds to second edge 406 of first surface 202. Bottom surface 410 extends from a first edge to a second edge 412. In the example embodiment of FIGS. 4 and 5, the first edge of bottom surface 410 corresponds to first edge 408 of first surface 202. Bottom surface 410 may have a flat or concave surface. In the example embodiment of FIGS. 4 and 5, first surface 202, second surface 204, bottom surface 410, rim 402, and flange 404 form surfaces of a solid object formed as a single unit of the same material though this is not intended to be limiting.

[0025] Flange 404 is mounted between second edge 412 of bottom surface 410 and second edge 405 of second surface 204 and forms an open ring in a center of collar 400 for positioning over golf hole 102. Rim 402 mounts to and extends from flange 404 in a direction towards bottom surface 302 of golf hole 102. The direction may be straight downwards in the direction of cylindrical wall 300 or may have an angle relative to cylindrical wall 300 and towards a center of bottom surface 302 of golf hole 102. In the example embodiment of FIGS. 4 and 5, rim 402 abuts cylindrical wall 300, and thus has an outside diameter of approximately 4.25 inches. In other embodiments, rim 402 may have a smaller or a greater outside diameter depending on diameter D of golf hole 102. In other embodiments, rim 402 has a diameter less than the diameter D of golf hole 102. In the example embodiment of FIGS. 4 and 5, rim 402 has a length of approximately 0.5 inches and a thickness of approximately 0.25 inches.

[0026] First edge 408 of first surface 202 forms a circle though other shapes may be used without limitation such as ellipses, squares, rectangles, polygons, etc. First edge 408 of first surface 202 may have a dimension measured from the center of flange 404 of between approximately ten inches and approximately twenty inches. First surface 202 slopes upwards from a horizontal plane defined by golf putting surface 100 (or any other horizontal surface) adjacent golf hole 102 and positioned below first edge 408 of first surface 202. In example embodiments, first surface 202 slopes upwards at an angle greater than approximately five degrees and less than approximately twenty degrees. In the example embodiment of FIGS. 4 and 5, first edge 408 of first surface 202 has a diameter of approximately ten inches, and first surface 202 has a length of approximately 2.5 inches and forms an angle of eight degrees relative to golf putting surface 100 (or any other horizontal surface).

[0027] The first edge of second surface 204 forms a circle though other shapes may be used without limitation such as ellipses, squares, rectangles, polygons, etc. The first edge of second surface 204 may have a dimension measured from the center of flange 404 of between approximately seven inches and approximately ten inches. Second surface 204 slopes downwards from a horizontal plane parallel to golf putting surface 100 (or any other horizontal surface) adjacent golf hole 102 and defined at first edge 408 of first surface 202. In example embodiments, second surface 204 slopes downwards at an angle greater than approximately five degrees and less than approximately twenty degrees. In the example embodiment of FIGS. 4 and 5, the first edge of second surface 204 has a diameter of approximately 7.5 inches, and second surface 204 has a length of approximately 3.25 inches and slopes downwards at an angle of approximately 5.5 degrees.

[0028] With reference to FIG. 6, a top view of a golf hole enlargement device 200b is shown in accordance with a second example embodiment. With reference to FIG. 7, a side, cross sectional view of golf hole enlargement device 200b is shown in accordance with the second example embodiment. Golf hole enlargement device 200b may include a collar 600, rim 402, and flange 404.

[0029] Collar 600 may include first surface 202, second surface 204, a bottom surface 700, and a protrusion 602. First surface 202 extends from first edge 408 to a second edge 604. Second surface 204 extends from a first edge 702 to second edge 405. Protrusion 602 mounts between second edge 604 of first surface 202 and first edge 702 of second surface 204 and protrudes from both first surface 202 and second surface 204 in a direction towards second surface 204. Thus, protrusion 602 forms an angle greater than zero degrees towards second surface 204 relative to a vertical plane perpendicular to a horizontal plane defined by golf putting surface 100 (or any other horizontal surface) adjacent golf hole 102. In the example embodiment of FIGS. 6 and 7, protrusion 602 has a generally triangular cross sectional shape and a length of approximately 0.19 inches.

[0030] Bottom surface 700 extends from a first edge to a second edge 704. In the example embodiment of FIGS. 6 and 7, the first edge of bottom surface 700 corresponds to first edge 408 of first surface 202. Bottom surface 700 may have a flat or concave surface formed of one or more surfaces. At least a portion of bottom surface 700 has a flat surface for positioning on golf putting surface 100. In the example embodiment of FIGS. 6 and 7, bottom surface 700 includes a sloped portion 706 that extends between a third edge 708 of bottom surface 700 and second edge 704 of bottom surface 700. In the example embodiment of FIGS. 6 and 7, first surface 202, second surface 204, bottom surface 700, rim 402, flange 404, and protrusion 602 form surfaces of a solid object formed as a single unit though this is not intended to be limiting. In an example embodiment, a volume 710 of collar 400 is formed of a less dense material than the remainder of golf hole enlargement device 200b.

[0031] Flange 404 is mounted between second edge 704 of bottom surface 700 and second edge 405 of second surface 204 and forms an open ring in a center of collar 400 for positioning over golf hole 102. Rim 402 mounts to and extends from flange 404 in a direction towards bottom surface 302 of golf hole 102. The direction may be straight downwards in the direction of cylindrical wall 300 or may have an angle relative to cylindrical wall 300 and towards a center of bottom surface 302 of golf hole 102. In the example embodiment of FIGS. 6 and 7, rim 402 has an outside diameter of approximately 3.9 inches though this is not intended to be limiting. In other embodiments, rim 402 may have a smaller or a greater outside diameter. In the example embodiment of FIGS. 6 and 7, rim 402 has a length of approximately 0.5 inches and a thickness of approximately 0.38 inches.

[0032] First edge 408 of first surface 202 forms a circle though other shapes may be used without limitation such as ellipses, squares, rectangles, polygons, etc. First edge 408 of first surface 202 may have a dimension measured from the center of flange 404 of between approximately ten inches and approximately twenty inches. First surface 202 slopes upwards from a horizontal defined by golf putting surface 100 (or any other horizontal surface) positioned below first edge 408 of first surface 202. In example embodiments, first surface 202 slopes upwards at an angle greater than approximately five degrees and less than approximately twenty degrees. In the example embodiment of FIGS. 6 and 7, first edge 408 of first surface 202 has a diameter of approximately thirteen inches, and first surface 202 has a length of approximately five inches, a thickness of approximately 0.125 inches, and forms an angle of approximately sixteen degrees relative to golf putting surface 100 (or any other horizontal surface).

[0033] First edge 702 of second surface 204 forms a circle though other shapes may be used without limitation such as ellipses, squares, rectangles, polygons, etc. First edge 702 of second surface 204 may have a dimension measured from the center of flange 404 of between approximately seven inches and approximately ten inches. Second surface 204 slopes downwards from a horizontal parallel to golf putting surface 100 (or any other horizontal surface) and defined at first edge 408 of first surface 202. In example embodiments, second surface 204 slopes downwards at an angle greater than approximately five degrees and less than approximately twenty degrees. In the example embodiment of FIGS. 6 and 7, first edge 702 of second surface 204 has a diameter of approximately eight inches, and second surface 204 has a length of approximately 4.5 inches, a thickness of approximately 0.125 inches, and slopes downwards at an angle of approximately 14.5 degrees.

[0034] With reference to FIG. 8, a top, perspective view of a golf hole enlargement device 200c is shown in accordance with a third example embodiment. With reference to FIG. 9, a side, cross sectional view of golf hole enlargement device 200c is shown in accordance with the third example embodiment. Golf hole enlargement device 200c may include a collar 800, rim 402, and flange 404.

[0035] Collar 800 may include first surface 202, second surface 204, a bottom surface 900, and a protrusion 802. First surface 202 extends from first edge 408 to second edge 604. Second surface 204 extends from first edge 702 to second edge 405. Protrusion 802 mounts between second edge 604 of first surface 202 and first edge 702 of second surface 204 and protrudes from both first surface 202 and second surface 204 in a direction towards second surface 204. Thus, protrusion 802 forms an angle greater than zero degrees towards second surface 204 relative to a vertical plane perpendicular to a horizontal plane defined by golf putting surface 100 (or any other horizontal surface) adjacent golf hole 102. In the example embodiment of FIGS. 8 and 9, protrusion 802 has a generally triangular cross sectional shape and a length of approximately 0.31 inches.

[0036] Bottom surface 900 extends from a first edge to second edge 704. In the example embodiment of FIGS. 8 and 9, the first edge of bottom surface 900 corresponds to first edge 408 of first surface 202. Bottom surface 900 may have a flat or concave surface formed of one or more surfaces. At least a portion of bottom surface 900 has a flat surface for positioning on golf putting surface 100. In the example embodiment of FIGS. 8 and 9, bottom surface 700 is flat between the first edge and second edge 704. In the example embodiment of FIGS. 8 and 9, first surface 202, second surface 204, bottom surface 900, rim 402, flange 404, and protrusion 802 form surfaces of a solid object formed as a single unit though this is not intended to be limiting. In the example embodiment of FIGS. 8 and 9, a volume 902 of collar 400 is formed of less material than the remainder of golf hole enlargement device 200c. In the example embodiment of FIGS. 8 and 9, first surface 202 and protrusion 802 are formed of a different material than that used to form second surface 204, rim 402, and flange 404.

[0037] Flange 404 is mounted between second edge 704 of bottom surface 900 and second edge 405 of second surface 204 and forms an open ring in a center of collar 400 for positioning over golf hole 102. Rim 402 mounts to and extends from flange 404 in a direction towards bottom surface 302 of golf hole 102. The direction may be straight downwards in the direction of cylindrical wall 300 or may have an angle relative to cylindrical wall 300 and towards a center of bottom surface 302 of golf hole 102. In the example embodiment of FIGS. 8 and 9, rim 402 has an outside diameter of approximately 4.16 inches though this is not intended to be limiting. In other embodiments, rim 402 may have a smaller or a greater outside diameter. In the example embodiment of FIGS. 8 and 9, rim 402 has a length of approximately 0.5 inches and a thickness of approximately 0.28 inches.

[0038] First edge 408 of first surface 202 forms a circle though other shapes may be used without limitation such as ellipses, squares, rectangles, polygons, etc. First edge 408 of first surface 202 may have a dimension measured from the center of flange 404 of between approximately ten inches and approximately twenty inches. First surface 202 slopes upwards from a horizontal defined by golf putting surface 100 (or any other horizontal surface) positioned below first edge 408 of first surface 202. In example embodiments, first surface 202 slopes upwards at an angle greater than approximately five degrees and less than approximately twenty degrees. In the example embodiment of FIGS. 8 and 9, first edge 408 of first surface 202 has a diameter of approximately thirteen inches, and first surface 202 has a length of approximately five inches, a thickness of approximately 0.125 inches, and forms an angle of approximately 18.8 degrees relative to golf putting surface 100 (or any other horizontal surface).

[0039] First edge 702 of second surface 204 forms a circle though other shapes may be used without limitation such as ellipses, squares, rectangles, polygons, etc. First edge 702 of second surface 204 may have a dimension measured from the center of flange 404 of between approximately seven inches and approximately ten inches. Second surface 204 slopes downwards from a horizontal parallel to golf putting surface 100 (or any other horizontal surface) and defined at first edge 408 of first surface 202. In example embodiments, second surface 204 slopes downwards at an angle greater than approximately five degrees and less than approximately twenty degrees. In the example embodiment of FIGS. 8 and 9, first edge 702 of second surface 204 has a diameter of approximately nine inches, and second surface 204 has a length of approximately five inches, a thickness of approximately 0.125 inches, and slopes downwards at an angle of approximately ten degrees.

[0040] With reference to FIG. 10, a top view of a golf hole enlargement device 200d on golf putting surface 100 is shown in accordance with a fourth example embodiment. In use, golf hole enlargement device 200 is positioned over golf hole 102. In an example embodiment, golf hole enlargement device 200 includes first surface 202 and second surface 204 where the first surface 202 encircles second surface 204 forming a collar that is positioned over golf hole 102.

[0041] With reference to FIG. 11, a top, perspective view of golf hole enlargement device 200d is shown in accordance with the fourth example embodiment. With reference to FIG. 12, a side, cross sectional view of golf hole enlargement device 200d is shown in accordance with the fourth example embodiment. Golf hole enlargement device 200d may include a collar 1100 and flange 404.

[0042] Collar 1100 may include first surface 202, second surface 204, a bottom surface 1200, and protrusion 802. First surface 202 extends from first edge 408 to second edge 604. Second surface 204 extends from first edge 702 to second edge 405. Protrusion 802 mounts between second edge 604 of first surface 202 and first edge 702 of second surface 204 and protrudes from both first surface 202 and second surface 204 in a direction towards second surface 204. Thus, protrusion 802 forms an angle greater than zero degrees towards second surface 204 relative to a vertical plane perpendicular to a horizontal plane defined by golf putting surface 100 (or any other horizontal surface) adjacent golf hole 102. In the example embodiment of FIGS. 11 and 12, protrusion 802 as a generally triangular cross sectional shape and length of approximately 0.31 inches.

[0043] Bottom surface 1200 extends from a first edge to a second edge 1202. In the example embodiment of FIGS. 11 and 12, the first edge of bottom surface 1200 corresponds to first edge 408 of first surface 202. Bottom surface 1200 may have a flat or concave surface formed of one or more surfaces. At least a portion of bottom surface 1200 has a flat surface for positioning on golf putting surface 100. In the example embodiment of FIGS. 11 and 12, bottom surface 1200 is flat between the first edge and second edge 1202. In the example embodiment of FIGS. 11 and 12, first surface 202, second surface 204, bottom surface 1200, flange 404, and protrusion 802 form surfaces of a solid object formed as a single unit though this is not intended to be limiting. In the example embodiment of FIGS. 11 and 12, a volume 1202 of collar 400 is formed of less material than the remainder of golf hole enlargement device 200d. In the example embodiment of FIGS. 11 and 12, first surface 202 and protrusion 802 are formed of a different material than that used to form second surface 204 and flange 404.

[0044] Flange 404 is mounted between second edge 1202 of bottom surface 900 and second edge 405 of second surface 204 and forms an open ring in a center of collar 400 for positioning over golf hole 102. In the example embodiment of FIGS. 11 and 12, flange 404 has a diameter of approximately 3.875 inches though this is not intended to be limiting. In other embodiments, flange 404 may have a smaller or a greater diameter and may be either smaller or larger than golf hole 102.

[0045] First edge 408 of first surface 202 forms a circle though other shapes may be used without limitation such as ellipses, squares, rectangles, polygons, etc. First edge 408 of first surface 202 may have a dimension measured from the center of flange 404 of between approximately ten inches and approximately twenty inches. First surface 202 slopes upwards from a horizontal defined by golf putting surface 100 (or any other horizontal surface) positioned below first edge 408 of first surface 202. In example embodiments, first surface 202 slopes upwards at an angle greater than approximately five degrees and less than approximately twenty degrees. In the example embodiment of FIGS. 11 and 12, first edge 408 of first surface 202 has a diameter of approximately thirteen inches, and first surface 202 has a length of approximately five inches, a thickness of approximately 0.125 inches, and forms an angle of approximately 18.8 degrees relative to golf putting surface 100 (or any other horizontal surface).

[0046] First edge 702 of second surface 204 forms a circle though other shapes may be used without limitation such as ellipses, squares, rectangles, polygons, etc. First edge 702 of second surface 204 may have a dimension measured from the center of flange 404 of between approximately seven inches and approximately ten inches. Second surface 204 slopes downwards from a horizontal parallel to golf putting surface 100 (or any other horizontal surface) and defined at first edge 408 of first surface 202. In example embodiments, second surface 204 slopes downwards at an angle greater than approximately five degrees and less than approximately twenty degrees. In the example embodiment of FIGS. 8 and 9, first edge 702 of second surface 204 has a diameter of approximately nine inches, and second surface 204 has a length of approximately five inches, a thickness of approximately 0.125 inches, and slopes downwards at an angle of approximately 10.8 degrees.

[0047] With reference to FIG. 13, a top view of the golf green of FIG. 1 including golf hole enlargement device 200 is shown in accordance with an example embodiment. Golf ball 106 is shown notionally putted towards golf hole 102 on golf putting surface 100. Based on putting line 1300, golf ball 106 is expected to miss golf hole 102. However, golf ball 106 rolls onto first surface 202 of golf hole enlargement device 200, rolls up the slope of first surface 202, surmounts the peak or protrusion formed between first surface 202 and second surface 204, and rolls down the slope of second surface 204 and into golf hole 102. Golf hole enlargement device 200 can be formed of a variety of dimensions and slopes and materials which are selected to increase the likelihood that an errant putt will instead roll into golf hole 102.

[0048] As used herein, the term "mount" includes join, unite, connect, associate, insert, hang, hold, affix, attach, fasten, bind, paste, secure, bolt, screw, rivet, solder, weld, press against, formed with, glue, and other like terms.

[0049] The word "example" is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as "example" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Further, for the purposes of this disclosure and unless otherwise specified, "a" or "an" means "one or more".

[0050] The foregoing description of example embodiments of the invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and of description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed, and modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of the invention. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the invention and as practical applications of the invention to enable one skilled in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A device comprising: a collar, the collar comprising a first surface extending from a first edge to a second edge, wherein the first surface slopes upwards from the first edge to the second edge, the first edge of the first surface configured to rest on a horizontal surface; a second surface extending from a first edge to a second edge, wherein the second surface slopes downwards from the first edge to the second edge, wherein the second surface mounts to the first surface; and a bottom surface extending from a first edge to a second edge, the first edge of the bottom surface mounted to the first edge of the first surface; and a flange mounted to the second edge of the bottom surface and the second edge of the second surface, wherein the flange forms an open ring in a center of the collar for positioning over a golf hole of a golf green.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the flange extends from the second edge of the second surface at a downwards angle between 0 degrees and 90 degrees.

3. The device of claim 1, further comprising a rim mounted to the flange, wherein the rim is sized for insertion into the golf hole of the golf green.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein the rim extends from the flange at a downwards angle between 0 degrees and 90 degrees.

5. The device of claim 3, wherein the collar and the rim are formed of different materials.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the collar has a circular shape.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the collar is formed of a material selected from the group consisting of silicon, rubber, and plastic.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the collar is formed of a material having a Durometer hardness greater than about 50 Shore A and less than about 60 Shore A.

9. The device of claim 7, wherein the collar and the flange are formed of the same material.

10. The device of claim 7, wherein the collar and the flange are formed of different materials.

11. The device of claim 1, wherein the first surface and the second surface are formed of different materials.

12. The device of claim 1, wherein the first surface slopes upwards at an angle greater than approximately five degrees and less than approximately twenty degrees.

13. The device of claim 1, wherein the second surface slopes downwards at an angle greater than approximately five degrees and less than approximately twenty degrees.

14. The device of claim 1, wherein the first edge defines a circle having a diameter greater than approximately ten inches and less than approximately twenty inches.

15. The device of claim 1, wherein the bottom surface has a concave shape.

16. The device of claim 1, wherein the first edge of the second surface is mounted to the second edge of the first surface.

17. The device of claim 1, further comprising a protrusion, wherein the protrusion mounts between the first edge of the second surface and the second edge of the first surface and protrudes from the first surface and the second surface.

18. The device of claim 1, wherein the protrusion protrudes from the first surface at an angle greater than 110 degrees.

19. The device of claim 18, wherein the angle is greater than 145 degrees.

20. The device of claim 1, wherein the protrusion has a length greater than 0.1875 inches.

Images