SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SHORT-GAME GOLF TRAINING, PRACTICE, AND PLAY

Abstract

Representative methods include providing a plurality of golf areas each consisting of a chipping zone, a putting zone, and a cup within the putting zone. A first play includes a second play and a third play. The second play includes a chip shot between the chipping zone and the putting zone. The third play includes a putt within the putting zone toward the cup. The first play includes the golfer striking the golf ball with a goal of disposing the golf ball within the cup. The second play utilizes: one or more wedges; one or more short irons; or one or more wedges and one or more short irons. The third play utilizes a putter. The plurality of golf areas comprises a short-game golf course.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/940,122 entitled "SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SHORT-GAME GOLF TRAINING, PRACTICE, AND PLAY" filed 25 Nov. 2019, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Golf can generally be divided into two component segments: long gameplay and short gameplay. In long gameplay, power and distance are utilized so that the player's ball can approach the putting green in as few strokes as possible. In short gameplay, more finely-honed skills are required, owing to an increasing need for accuracy as the golfer approaches the hole. In order to be a successful golfer, a player generally strives to master both components of the game.

[0003] The first shot taken on a hole is a long-game shot known as a drive. It is made with the ball elevated on a tee and is typically struck with a large-headed club called a driver. The goal is to hit the ball as far and as straight as possible in order to be in position for a fairway shot. On shorter holes, a fairway wood club, or even a long (lower-numbered) iron, may be substituted for a driver.

[0004] Assuming the drive lands successfully on the fairway, the next part of the long game that comes into play is a fairway shot. With this shot, the player tries to get as close to the green as possible while avoiding any hazards (water features, sand bunkers, trees, shrubs, bushes, or the like) that may lie on the course. If the distance to the hole is 160-180 yards or more, a fairway wood may be used. For shorter shots, a long iron club is usually employed. At this stage, use of a tee is no longer permitted.

[0005] After the fairway shot, if the golfer is within reasonable striking distance of the green with the ball located on the fairway, the short game now comes into play. The clubs used are the shorter (higher-numbered) irons and wedges (e.g., sand wedge or pitching wedge), since elevation and accuracy are usually more important than distance at this point. The object is to land on the green as close to the hole as possible to facilitate putting.

[0006] Two important elements of the short game are pitching and chipping. Pitching is used when a player runs into a difficult situation, such as when a ball lands in a bunker. While using a pitching or sand wedge, the player attempts to advance the ball so that it exits the trap and lands back on the course in a more favorable position. Chipping is a form of approach shot where the player is close to the green and hits the ball a short distance so that it lands on the green and rolls toward the hole. A chip shot is made with either a wedge or short iron.

[0007] Another element of the short game, and for many players one of the most difficult to master, is putting. This occurs when the ball is on the green, and requires the use of a short, flat club called a putter. At this point, touch and feel are prioritized over power, and knowledge of the slope of the green is important to be successful.

SUMMARY

[0008] A short-game golf system or method that includes providing a plurality of golf areas (e.g., commonly referred to as "holes of a golf course"), where each of the plurality of golf areas includes: a chipping zone (e.g., from the "rough," or a groomed region, or hazard, or the like), a putting zone, and a hole/cup/pin disposed in the putting zone. Each of the plurality of golf areas is configured for a golfer to chip a golf ball from the chipping zone toward the putting zone, and putt the golf ball within the putting zone toward the hole/cup/pin. Play includes the golfer striking the golf ball with the goal of disposing the golf ball within the hole/cup or in the vicinity of the pin. Play between the chipping zone and putting zone consists of utilizing: one or more wedges (pitching wedge or sand wedge) and a putter; one or more short irons and a putter; or one or more wedges (pitching wedge or sand wedge), one or more short irons, and a putter. Play from the chipping zone toward the putting zone utilizes the one or more wedge clubs and/or the one or more short irons. Play within the putting zone toward the hole/cup/pin utilizes the putter. The plurality of golf areas comprise a short-game golf course. The system or method does not include or otherwise employ tee shots for any of the plurality of golf areas. The system or method does not include or otherwise employ fairway shots for any of the plurality of golf areas. The system or method does not utilize or otherwise employ a driver for any of the plurality of golf areas. The system or method does not utilize or otherwise employ a fairway club for any of the plurality of golf areas. The system or method does not utilize or otherwise employ a long iron club for any of the plurality of golf areas.

[0009] A system can be configured to perform particular operations or actions. One general aspect includes providing a plurality of golf areas, where each golf area of the plurality of golf areas includes a chipping zone and a putting zone. Each golf area of the plurality of golf areas may also include a cup disposed within the putting zone. Each golf area of the plurality of golf areas may be configured for a golfer to: chip a golf ball from the chipping zone toward the putting zone, and putt the golf ball in the putting zone toward the cup. A representative method includes a first play that includes a second play and a third play. The second play may include a chip between the chipping zone and the putting zone. The third play may include a putt within the putting zone toward the cup. The first play may include the golfer striking the golf ball with a goal of disposing the golf ball within the cup. The second play may include utilizing one or more wedges. The second play may include using one or more short irons. The second play may alternatively include using one or more wedges and one or more short irons. The third play may include utilizing a putter. The plurality of golf areas may constitute or otherwise include a short-game golf course. Other embodiments of representative aspects include corresponding systems, apparatuses, or methods, each configured to perform actions of the methods.

[0010] Implementations may include one or more of the following features. The first play may be configured to utilize only: one or more wedges and one or more putters; one or more short irons and one or more putters; one or more short irons, one or more wedges, and one or more putters; a short iron, a wedge, and the putter; a pitching wedge and one or more putters; a sand wedge and one or more putters; one or more short irons, a pitching wedge, and the putter; one or more short irons, a sand wedge, and the putter; a pitching wedge, a sand wedge, and the putter; or a wedge and the putter. At least one of: the chipping zone may include one or more chipping locations; or the chipping zone is at a first vertical elevation, and the putting zone is at a second vertical elevation different than the first vertical elevation. The short-game golf course may be suitably adapted to include a plurality of cups; and the plurality of cups may include at least one of between: 2 cups and 9 cups; or 10 cups and 18 cups. The plurality of golf areas may be disposed indoors. Each of the plurality of golf areas may include a simulated outdoor environment, and the simulated outdoor environment may include at least one of simulated lighting, simulated sound, simulated video, simulated visual content, simulated smells, flora, simulated flora, simulated fauna, turf, simulated turf, sand, water features, or simulated water features. Each of the plurality of golf areas is a par 2 hole. In a representative embodiment, each distance between the chipping zone and the putting zone for each of the plurality of golf areas may be up to about 100 yards. For example, a distance between the chipping zone and the putting zone for each of the plurality of golf areas may be between about 10 yards and about 30 yards. Repeated performance of the first play for each of the plurality of golf areas can be employed for at least one of: league play; speed golf; a team-building exercise; or a short-game golf class. In representative implementations, the first play does not include: tee shots for any of the plurality of golf areas; or fairway shots for any of the plurality of golf areas. Representative embodiments do not utilize: a driver for any of the plurality of golf areas; a fairway club for any of the plurality of golf areas; or a long iron club for any of the plurality of golf areas. Implementations of described techniques may include various methods or processes.

[0011] A general aspect includes a plurality of golf areas, where each of the plurality of golf areas includes a chipping zone and a putting zone. A representative system also includes a cup disposed in the putting zone. Each of the plurality of golf areas may be configured for a golfer to chip a golf ball from the chipping zone toward the putting zone, and putt the golf ball within the putting zone toward the cup. Other embodiments include corresponding apparatuses configured to perform actions of representative methods.

[0012] Representative implementations may include one or more of the following features: the plurality of golf areas may be partitioned from each other; the plurality of golf areas may be contiguously adjacent to each other; and each partition between the plurality of golf areas may include at least one of a wall portion or a mesh portion interposed between adjacent golf areas of the plurality of golf areas. The wall portion may be substantially solid, and the mesh portion may be substantially porous. The mesh portion may include a net. The wall portion may have a first vertical length of about 20'. The net may have a second vertical length of about 20'. The net may have a third vertical length of about 40'. The net may also have a discrete nodal pitch less than a diameter of a golf ball, whereby impact of the golf ball with the net prevents passage of the golf ball from a first facing surface of the net through and out of an opposing second facing surface of the net, and errant strikes of the golf ball are prevented from exiting a first golf area of the plurality of golf areas and entering a second golf area of the plurality of golf areas adjacent the first golf area. The net may extend from a first wall to a ceiling. The net may also extend from a second wall to the ceiling. The net may also extend from a third wall to the ceiling. The net may also extend from a fourth wall to the ceiling. At least a portion of the ceiling may be lined with at least a portion of the net. The first wall, second wall, third wall, fourth wall, and the net may surround respective ones of the plurality of golf areas, such that errant shots do not interfere with play in adjacent ones of the plurality of golf areas. The chipping zone may include one or more chipping locations. The plurality of golf areas may include: between 2 and 8 golf areas; between 10 and 17 golf areas; 9 golf areas; or 18 golf areas. The plurality of golf areas may be disposed indoors. Each of the plurality of golf areas may include a simulated outdoor environment. The simulated outdoor environment may include at least one of: simulated lighting, simulated sound, simulated video, simulated visual content, simulated smells, flora, simulated flora, simulated fauna, turf, simulated turf, sand, water features, or simulated water features. Ambient wind may be separately controlled for each of the plurality of golf areas, and ambient lighting may be separately controlled for each of the plurality of golf areas. Each of the plurality of golf areas may constitute or otherwise include a par 2 hole. The plurality of golf areas may be disposed in a building that is designed with universal design standards. The chipping zone may be at a first vertical elevation and the putting zone may be at a second vertical elevation different than the first vertical elevation. In a representative embodiment, each distance between the chipping zone and the putting zone for each of the plurality of golf areas may be up to about 100 yards. For example, a distance between the chipping zone and the putting zone for each of the plurality of golf areas may be between about 10 yards and about 30 yards. Interadjacent zones may include a third vertical elevation different than at least one of the first vertical elevation and the second vertical elevation. Implementations of described techniques may include suitably configured hardware, methods, or processes.

[0013] A general aspect includes a method that includes a step of providing a plurality of golf areas, where each of the plurality of golf areas may include a chipping zone, a putting zone, and a cup disposed in the putting zone. Representative methods also include each of the plurality of golf areas being configured for a golfer to chip a golf ball from the chipping zone toward the putting zone, and thereafter putt the golf ball within the putting zone toward the cup. A first play may representatively include the golfer striking the golf ball with a goal of disposing the golf ball within the cup. The first play may also include a second play and a third play. The second play may include striking the golf ball from the chipping zone toward the putting zone. The second play may be configured to utilize only: one or more wedges, one or more short irons, one or more short irons and one or more wedges, a short iron and a wedge, a pitching wedge, a sand wedge, one or more short irons and a pitching wedge, one or more short irons and a sand wedge, or a pitching wedge and a sand wedge. The third play may include striking the golf ball within the putting zone toward the cup, where the third play utilizes one or more putters. The plurality of golf areas may constitute or otherwise include a short-game golf course. The short-game golf course may be disposed indoors and may include a plurality of cups. The chipping zone may include one or more chipping locations. The chipping zone may be at a first vertical elevation. The putting zone may be at a second vertical elevation different than the first vertical elevation. Each of the plurality of golf areas may include a simulated outdoor environment. The simulated outdoor environment may include at least one of simulated lighting, simulated sound, simulated video, simulated visual content, simulated smells, flora, simulated flora, simulated fauna, turf, simulated turf, sand, water features, or simulated water features. In a representative embodiment, each distance between the chipping zone and the putting zone for each of the plurality of golf areas may be up to about 100 yards. For example, each distance between the chipping zone and the putting zone for each golf area of the plurality of golf areas may be between about 10 yards and about 30 yards. Each golf area of the plurality of golf areas may be a par 2 hole. Other embodiments of representative aspects include corresponding apparatuses, each configured to perform actions of various methods.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Representative features of illustrative examples are set forth in the appended claims. Illustrative examples, however, as well as representatively described modes of use, further objectives, and features thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrative examples of the present disclosure when read in conjunction with accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0015] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a method flowchart in accordance with an illustrative example;

[0016] FIG. 2 is an illustration of a block diagram of a system in accordance with an illustrative example;

[0017] FIG. 3 is an illustration of a block diagram for a representative golf area in accordance with an illustrative example;

[0018] FIG. 4 is an illustration of a method in accordance with an illustrative example;

[0019] FIG. 5 is a plan view illustration of a golf area in accordance with an illustrative example;

[0020] FIG. 6 is a side elevation view illustration of a portion of the golf area of FIG. 5 in accordance with an illustrative example;

[0021] FIG. 7 is a side elevation view illustration of another portion of the golf area of FIG. 5 in accordance with an illustrative example;

[0022] FIG. 8 is a layout plan view illustration of a plurality of golf areas in accordance with an illustrative example; and

[0023] FIG. 9 is a side elevation view illustration of portions of the layout plan view of FIG. 8 in accordance with an illustrative example.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Formation or disposition of a first feature "over" or "on" a second feature may include examples in which the first and second features are formed in direct contact, and may also include examples in which additional features may be formed between the first and second features, such that the first and second features may not be in direct contact. Spatially relative terms, such as "up," "down," "under," "beneath," "below," "lower," "upper," "above," "over," "higher," "adjacent," "interadjacent," "interposed," "between," or the like, may be used herein for ease of description to representatively describe one or more elements or features in relation to other elements or features as representatively illustrated in the drawings. Spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of devices or objects in use or operation, in addition to orientations illustrated in the drawings. An apparatus, device, or object may be otherwise spatially transformed for example, rotated by 90 degrees and the spatially relative descriptors used herein may likewise be interpreted accordingly.

[0025] Flowcharts and block diagrams in different examples may illustrate architecture, functionality, and operation of some possible implementations of apparatuses and methods in illustrative examples. In this regard, each block in flowcharts or block diagrams can represent at least one of a module, a segment, a function, or a portion of an operation or step. The illustrations are not meant to imply physical or architectural limitations to the manner in which illustrative examples may be implemented. Other components in addition to or in place of ones illustrated may be used. Some components may be unnecessary. Additionally, blocks are presented to illustrate some functional components. One or more blocks may be combined, divided, or combined and divided into different blocks when implemented in an illustrative example.

[0026] As used herein, the phrase "at least one of," when used with a list of items, means different combinations of one or more of the listed items can be used, and only one of each item in the list may be needed. In other words, "at least one of" means any combination of items or number of items can be used from the list, but not all of the items in the list are required. The item can be a particular object, a thing, or a category. For example, without limitation, "at least one of item A, item B, or item C" may include item A, item A and item B, or item B. This example also may include item A and item B and item C, or item B and item C. Of course, any permutative combination of these items can be present. In some illustrative examples, "at least one of" can be, for example, without limitation: two of item A, one of item B, and ten of item C; four of item B and seven of item C; or other suitable combinations.

[0027] As used herein, the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," "including," "has," "having," or any contextual variant thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, product, composition, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, product, composition, article, or apparatus.

[0028] Furthermore, unless expressly stated to the contrary, "or" refers to an inclusive or, and not an exclusive or. That is, the term "or" as used herein is generally intended to mean "and/or" unless otherwise indicated. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present). As used herein, a term preceded by "a" or "an" (and "the" when antecedent basis is "a" or "an") includes both singular and plural of such term, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of "in" includes "in" and "on," unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0029] Although methods, steps, operations, or procedures are presented in a specific order, this order may be changed in different examples. In some examples, to the extent multiple steps are shown as sequential in the specification, drawings, or claims, some combination of such operations in other examples may be performed at a same time or in a different order. The sequence of operations described herein may be interrupted, suspended, or otherwise controlled by another process.

[0030] In some implementations of illustrative examples described herein, one or more functions noted in the blocks can occur out of the order noted in the drawings. For example, in some cases, two blocks shown in succession may be performed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be performed in reverse order, depending on functionality involved. Also, other blocks may be added in addition to the illustrated blocks in a flowchart or block diagram. In still other examples, one or more blocks may be optionally omitted.

[0031] Examples or illustrations provided herein are not to be regarded in any way as restrictions on, limits to, or express definitions of any term or terms with which they are associated. Instead, the examples or illustrations are to be regarded as being described with respect to a particular example and as merely illustrative. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that any term or terms with which these examples or illustrations are associated will encompass other examples that may or may not be given therewith or elsewhere in the specification, and all such examples are intended to be included within the scope of that term or those terms. Language designating such non-limiting examples and illustrations includes, but is not limited to: "for example," "for instance," "in an example," "in one example," or the like. Reference throughout this specification to "one example," "an example," "an illustrative example," "a particular example," or "a specific example," or contextually similar terminology, means that a particular feature, structure, property, or characteristic described in connection with the example is included in at least one example and may not necessarily be present in all examples. Thus, respective appearances of the phrases "in an example," "in an illustrative example," or "in a specific example," or similar terminology in various places throughout the specification are not necessarily referring to the same example. Use of the term "example," or contextual variants thereof, in no way indicates admission of prior art.

[0032] Furthermore, particular features, structures, properties, or characteristics of any specific example may be combined in any suitable manner with one or more other examples. In illustrative examples, uniform hatching, or absence of hatching, illustrated in the drawings may correspond to a substantially homogenous material. In other illustrative examples, unitary hatching, or absence of hatching, may represent one or more component material layers.

[0033] A technical problem with conventional golf games is that golf courses are generally closed at night and during inclement weather (e.g., snow, heavy rain, hail, lightning, extreme heat, or the like). Another technical problem with conventional golf is that golfers that have full-time jobs may not have time conducive to learn, practice, or play. Another technical problem with conventional golf games is that persons with disabilities are generally unable to play with existing golf facilities (including some electronic systems). Another technical problem with conventional golf is that par 4 golf can take four hours or more to complete. Another technical problem with conventional golf is that league play is generally unavailable.

[0034] Some or all of the above-identified technical problems can be addressed with, e.g., a short-game golf system or method, as described herein, that includes provision of a plurality of golf areas. One "golf area" of the plurality of golf areas may be referred to in a vernacular sense as "a hole" of a golf course e.g., as in the sense that "an 18-hole golf course" may be understood to include eighteen golf areas.

[0035] Each of the plurality of golf areas (or `holes of a golf course) includes a chipping zone, a putting zone, and a hole/cup/pin disposed within the putting zone. The chipping zone may correspond to chipping from a groomed area of a portion of a fairway proximate the putting zone. In other representative examples, the chipping zone may correspond to chipping from a rough area of another portion of a fairway proximate the putting zone. In yet another representative example, the chipping zone may correspond to chipping from a bunker or hazard region of the golf area.

[0036] In representative aspects, the putting zone may correspond to a manicured putting green that includes at least one of a hole/cup or a pin. In some examples, the holes/cups for the plurality of golf areas may be moved within respective putting greens (i.e., putting zones) in order to change the difficulty of one or more holes (golf areas) of the course for the golfer, to train or practice a particular skill, to change the overall golfing experience, or the like.

[0037] Each of the plurality of golf areas is configured for a golfer to chip (e.g., with a short iron or wedge) a golf ball from the chipping zone toward the putting zone. Each of the plurality of golf areas is also configured for the golfer to putt (e.g., with a putter) the golf ball within the putting zone toward the hole/cup.

[0038] Play comprises the golfer striking the golf ball with the goal of disposing the golf ball within the hole/cup. Play between the chipping zone and putting zone may consists of utilizing: one or more wedges (pitching wedge or sand wedge) and a putter; one or more short irons and a putter; or one or more wedges (pitching wedge or sand wedge), one or more short irons, and a putter.

[0039] Play from the chipping zone toward the putting zone utilizes the one or more wedges and/or the one or more short irons. Play within the putting zone toward the hole/cup utilizes the putter.

[0040] Each golf area (or room) of the short-game course includes a starting point (e.g., for a chip shot), a green (e.g., putting green), and a PGA-recognized, legal golf cup and pin placement. For example, each room can include a four-walled room having a width of up to about 40 yards. The length of each room can be determined, e.g., by the yardage associated with advancing the ball from the starting point to the hole/cup (e.g., 10 yards, 20 yards, 30 yards, or the like--up to about 100 yards). Additionally, each room can include a different theme, motif, or configuration in terms of layout, skill challenge, simulated environment, etc.

[0041] In a representative aspect, the starting point can be sand, gravel, dirt, two inch (2'') rough, or 4'' rough. The golfer chips out of the starting point with an appropriate club (e.g., as discussed later herein). The green can be a manicured green that is precisely sanded to play fast, slow, or with spin.

[0042] In representative examples, play between the chipping zone and the putting zone utilizes only, e.g.,: one or more wedges and one or more putters; or one or more short irons and one or more putters; or one or more short irons, one or more wedges, and one or more putters; or a short iron, a wedge, and a putter; or a pitching wedge and one or more putters; or a sand wedge and one or more putters; or one or more short irons, a pitching wedge, and a putter; or one or more short irons, a sand wedge, and a putter; or a pitching wedge, a sand wedge, and the putter. That is to say, play between the chipping zone and the putting zone does not utilize or otherwise employ: a driver; a fairway club; or a long iron club for any of the plurality of golf areas. In another representative example, play between the chipping zone and the putting zone utilizes, e.g., only a wedge and a putter.

[0043] In representative examples, a golfer can play with clubs and golf balls that they already own, or the golfer can rent clubs and/or golf balls for short-game course play.

[0044] The chipping zone can be at a first vertical elevation, and the putting zone can be at a second vertical elevation different than the first vertical elevation. An interadjacent zone disposed between the chipping zone and the hole/cup can include a third vertical elevation that is different than at least one of the first vertical elevation and the second vertical elevation. That is to say any or all of the plurality of golf areas can include varying topology or topological features.

[0045] The chipping zone can include one or more chipping locations. For example, a golfer can "chip from the rough." In another example, the golfer can chip from a groomed area leading to an approach to a putting green. In yet another example, the golfer can chip from a hazard (such as, e.g., a sand bunker).

[0046] A representative short-game golf course can have any number of golf areas (e.g., "holes on the course"; e.g., a 9-hole golf course). In one example, a short-game golf course can have a number of golf areas between 2 and 18. In another example, a short-game golf course can have, e.g., 9 golf areas (or "holes"), or 18 golf areas. "Holes" here should not be confused with use of that term as associated with discussion of one or more cups disposed in a putting green. For example, a 9-hole golf course may include nine golf areas that each include a respective putting green that can have more than one hole/cup, and yet the short-game golf course can still be properly referred to as a "9-hole short-game golf course."

[0047] In representative aspects, the plurality of golf areas are disposed indoors. For example, the plurality of golf areas can be disposed in a building. In another example, the plurality of golf areas can be disposed in an inflatable, or otherwise non-permanent, building. In a representative example, the building can comprise about 30,000 square feet. In other representative example, the building can be less than 30,000 square feet, or more than 30,000 square feet. In still another representative aspect, the building can be designed with Universal Design Standards.

[0048] Universal design is the design of buildings, products, or environments to make them accessible to all people, regardless of age, disability, or other factors. The term "universal design" describes a concept of designing all products and the built environment to be aesthetic and usable to the greatest extent possible by everyone, regardless of their age, ability, or status in life.

[0049] Universal design emerged from slightly earlier barrier-free concepts, the broader accessibility movement, and adaptive and assistive technology and also seeks to blend aesthetics into these core considerations. As life expectancy rises and modern medicine increases the survival rate of those with significant injuries, illnesses, and birth defects, there is a growing interest in universal design. There are many industries in which universal design is having strong market penetration, but there are many others in which it has not yet been adopted to any great extent.

[0050] Curb cuts or sidewalk ramps, essential for people in wheelchairs but also used by all, are a common example. Color-contrast dishware with steep sides that assists those with visual or dexterity problems are another. There are also cabinets with pull-out shelves, kitchen counters at several heights to accommodate different tasks and postures, and, amidst many of the world's public transit systems, low-floor buses that "kneel" (bring their front end to ground level to eliminate gap) and/or are equipped with ramps rather than on-board lifts.

[0051] In some representative aspects, each of the plurality of golf areas can include a simulated outdoor environment. For example, the simulated outdoor environment can include simulated lighting, simulated sound, simulated video, simulated visual content, simulated smells, flora, simulated flora, simulated fauna, turf (e.g., grass), simulated turf (e.g., Astroturf.RTM.), sand, water features, or simulated water features.

[0052] In some representative aspects, ambient wind can be separately controlled for each of the plurality of golf areas; e.g., to simulate different outdoor playing conditions or environments. In other representative aspects, ambient lighting can be separately controlled for each of the plurality of golf areas; e.g., to differently simulate different outdoor playing conditions or environments.

[0053] In representative examples, each of the plurality of golf areas is a par 2 hole. In some examples, a distance between the chipping zone and the putting zone for each of the plurality of golf areas is between about 10 yards and about 30 yards. In other examples, a distance from a first lateral extent of a golf area to a second opposing lateral extent of the golf area is less than about 100 yards. "Par 2 golf" refers to a golfer having only two (2) shots to advance the golf ball to the hole/cup for a perfect score of "par" for that hole. Accordingly, a 9-hole short-game course including par 2 holes for each hole of the course would correspond to an 18 par course. Similarly, an 18-hole short-game course including par 2 holes for each hole of the course would correspond to a 36 par course. Par 2 golf can generally be played in under three hours for an 18 hole short-game course, and can generally be played in under 1.5 hours for a 9 hole short-game course.

[0054] Representative embodiments of the short-game golf system and method described herein can be employed to train or practice (or hone skills for) a golfer's short game. Additionally, other representative embodiments of the short-game golf system and method described herein can be employed for league play (for example, league play can be reliably and consistently provided owing to the indoor venue and consistent availability). In yet another representative embodiment, a reduced time (e.g., 45 minute) "power round" can be offered over the lunch hour, before work, before dinner.

[0055] Still other representative embodiments of the short-game golf system and method described herein can be employed to play speed golf. Yet other representative embodiments of the short-game golf system and method described herein can be employed for a team-building exercise (or, e.g., head-to-head competition). Other representative embodiments of the short-game golf system and method described herein can be employed for a golf clinic or a golf class.

[0056] In representative aspects, the system or method does not include or otherwise employ tee shots for any of the plurality of golf areas, and does not include or otherwise employ fairway shots for any of the plurality of golf areas.

[0057] In still other representative aspects, the short-game golf system and method: does not utilize or otherwise employ a driver for any of the plurality of golf areas; does not utilize or otherwise employ a fairway club for any of the plurality of golf areas; and does not utilize or otherwise employ a long iron club for any of the plurality of golf areas.

[0058] As representatively illustrated in FIG. 1, for example, method 100 may include steps of optional pre-processing 110, providing 120 a plurality of golf areas, and optional post-processing 130. In representative implementations, optional pre-processing 110 may include any step or number of steps preliminary to providing 120 a plurality of golf areas, and optional post-processing 130 may include any step or number of steps subsequent to providing 120 a plurality of golf areas.

[0059] As representatively illustrated in FIG. 2, for example, plurality of golf areas 200 may include first golf area 210a, second golf area 210b, and n.sup.th golf area 210c (for any integer number `n` greater than or equal to 3). As representatively illustrated in FIG. 3, golf area 300 may include chipping zone 310 and putting zone 320. Putting zone 320 may further include cup 330.

[0060] As representatively illustrated in FIG. 4, for example, method 400 may include steps of optional pre-processing 410, chipping 420 a golf ball from a chipping zone toward a putting zone, putting 430 the golf ball in the putting zone toward the cup, and optional post-processing 440. In representative implementations, optional pre-processing 410 may include any step or number of steps preliminary to chipping 420, and optional post-processing 440 may include any step or number of steps subsequent to putting 430.

[0061] As representatively illustrated in FIG. 5, golf area 500 includes first chipping zone 510, second chipping zone 520, simulated outdoor environment features 530a, 530b, 530c, putting green 540, and bunker 550. First chipping zone 510 includes first tee 515. Second chipping zone 520 include second tee 525. Putting green 540 includes cup 545. A-A cross-section 527 (see FIG. 6) extends through second chipping zone 520 and putting green 540. B-B cross-section 517 (see FIG. 7) extends through first chipping zone 510 and putting green 540.

[0062] As representatively illustrated in FIG. 6, vertical elevation view 600 depicts simulated outdoor environment feature 530a positioned a distance 610 lower than second tee 525, and cup 545 positioned a distance 620 higher than second tee 525. It will be appreciated, however, that other displacement configurations may be possible as a result of varied course topology.

[0063] As representatively illustrated in FIG. 7, vertical elevation view 700 depicts simulated outdoor environment feature 530b positioned a distance 710 higher than cup 545, and at a substantially similar elevation as first tee 515. Again, it will be appreciated that other displacement configurations may be possible as a result of varied course topology.

[0064] In a representative example, the plurality of golf areas comprise a short-game golf course where the plurality of golf areas are partitioned one from another, and the plurality of golf areas are contiguously adjacent to each other. For example, the plurality of golf areas can be arranged such that a first golf area may share a substantially contiguous boundary with one or more other golf areas. In a representative example, a 9-hole short-game golf course may include nine golf areas arranged to fit within a common boundary shape (e.g., a rectangle, a square, an orthorhomboid, a regular polygon, an irregular polygon, a circle, an irregular shape, or the like).

[0065] FIG. 8 representatively illustrates a plan view of a plurality of golf areas 805, 810, 815, 820, 825, 830, 835, 840, 845 disposed within a building 800, each of which are separated by partitions as representatively illustrated, e.g., for first golf area 805 as partition sides 805a, 805b, 805c, 805d.

[0066] Each partition between the plurality of golf areas can comprise a substantially solid wall portion and a substantially porous mesh portion. The wall portion and mesh portion are interposed between adjacent golf areas of the plurality of golf areas. The wall portion may include one or more doors or openings such that a golfer can exit a first golf area and enter a second golf area adjacent to the first golf area.

[0067] FIG. 9 representatively illustrates side elevation view 900 of partition sides 805a, 805b, 805c, 805d for first golf area 805. Partition side 805a includes net portion 905a and wall portion 910a. Partition side 805b includes net portion 905b and wall portion 910b. Partition side 805c includes net portion 905c and wall portion 910c. Partition side 805d includes net portion 905d and wall portion 910d.

[0068] In a representative and non-limiting example, the wall portion can comprise a twenty foot (20') wall. In other examples, the wall portion may be shorter than 20'. In still other examples, the wall portion may be taller than 20'.

[0069] The mesh portion can include a 20' net. In other examples, the mesh portion may be shorter than 20' or taller than 20'. For example, the mesh portion may be about 40'. That is to say, in an alternative example, there may be no wall portion, and the mesh portion may vertically extend 40' (e.g., from the floor to the ceiling, roof, or floating or hanging attachment to the roof or ceiling). The net can have a discrete nodal pitch less than the diameter of a golf ball, such that impact of the golf ball with the net disallows passage of the golf ball from a first facing side of the net (corresponding to a first golf area of the plurality of golf areas) through and out of an opposing second facing side of the net (corresponding to a second golf area of the plurality of golf areas, where the second golf area is adjacent to the first golf area). Such a configuration can be employed to prevent errant strikes of a golf ball from exiting the first golf area of the plurality of areas and entering the adjacent second golf area of the plurality of areas.

[0070] In some representative examples: the net extends from a first wall to a ceiling; the net further extends from a second wall to the ceiling; the net further extends from a third wall to the ceiling; the net further extends from a fourth wall to the ceiling; at least a portion of the ceiling is lined with at least a portion of the net; and the first wall, the second wall, the third wall, the fourth wall, and the net surround respective ones of the plurality of golf areas, such that errant shots do not interfere with play in adjacent ones of the plurality of golf areas.

[0071] Descriptions of different illustrative examples has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, and are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the examples in the form disclosed. The different illustrative examples describe components that perform actions or operations. In an illustrative example, a component can be configured to perform action or operation described. For example, a component can have a configuration or design for a structure that provides the component an ability to perform the action or operation that is described in the illustrative examples as being performed by the component.

[0072] Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Furthermore, different illustrative examples may provide different features as compared to other examples. The examples or examples selected are chosen and described in order to explain principles of the examples, practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the disclosure for various examples with various modifications as are suited to one or more particular contemplated uses.

Claims

1. A method comprising: providing a plurality of golf areas, wherein each golf area of the plurality of golf areas consists essential of: a chipping zone; a putting zone; and a cup disposed within the putting zone, wherein each golf area of the plurality of golf areas is configured for a golfer to: chip a golf ball from the chipping zone toward the putting zone; and putt the golf ball in the putting zone toward the cup; wherein. a first play comprises: a second play between the chipping zone and the putting zone, wherein the second play comprises the chip; and a third play within the putting zone toward the cup, wherein the third play comprises the putt; the first play comprises the golfer striking the golf ball with a goal of disposing the golf ball within the cup; the second play consists essentially of utilizing: one or more wedges; one or more short irons; or one or more wedges and one or more short irons; the third play consists essentially of utilizing a putter; and the plurality of golf areas comprises a short-game golf course.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first play utilizes only: one or more wedges and one or more putters; one or more short irons and one or more putters; one or more short irons, one or more wedges, and one or more putters; a short iron, a wedge, and the putter; a pitching wedge and one or more putters; a sand wedge and one or more putters; one or more short irons, a pitching wedge, and the putter; one or more short irons, a sand wedge, and the putter; a pitching wedge, a sand wedge, and the putter; or a wedge and the putter.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one of: the chipping zone comprises one or more chipping locations; or the chipping zone is at a first vertical elevation, and the putting zone is at a second vertical elevation different than the first vertical elevation.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein: the short-game golf course includes a plurality of cups; and the plurality of cups includes at least one of between: 2 cups and 9 cups; or 10 cups and 18 cups.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of golf areas are disposed indoors.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein: each of the plurality of golf areas comprises a simulated outdoor environment; and the simulated outdoor environment comprises at least one of simulated lighting, simulated sound, simulated video, simulated visual content, simulated smells, flora, simulated flora, simulated fauna, turf, simulated turf, sand, water features, or simulated water features.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein: each of the plurality of golf areas is a par 2; and each distance between the chipping zone and the putting zone for each of the plurality of golf areas is up to about 100 yards.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein repeated performance of the first play for each of the plurality of golf areas is employed for at least one of: league play; speed golf; a team-building exercise; or a short-game golf class.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the first play does not include tee shots for any of the plurality of golf areas, or fairway shots for any of the plurality of golf areas, and does not utilize a driver for any of the plurality of golf areas, a fairway club for any of the plurality of golf areas, or a long iron club for any of the plurality of golf areas.

10. A system comprising: a plurality of golf areas, wherein each of the plurality of golf areas consists essentially of: a chipping zone; a putting zone; and a cup disposed in the putting zone; wherein each of the plurality of golf areas is configured for a golfer to: chip a golf ball from the chipping zone toward the putting zone; and putt the golf ball within the putting zone toward the cup.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein: the plurality of golf areas are partitioned from each other; the plurality of golf areas are contiguously adjacent to each other; and each partition between the plurality of golf areas comprises at least one of a wall portion or a mesh portion interposed between adjacent golf areas of the plurality of golf areas, wherein: the wall portion is substantially solid; and the mesh portion is substantially porous.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein: the mesh portion is a net; at least one of: the wall portion has a first vertical length of about 20', and the net has a second vertical length of about 20'; or the net has a third vertical length of about 40'; and the net has a discrete nodal pitch less than a diameter of the golf ball, wherein: impact of the golf ball with the net prevents passage of the golf ball from a first facing surface of the net through and out of an opposing second facing surface of the net; and errant strikes of the golf ball are prevented from exiting a first golf area of the plurality of golf areas and entering a second golf area of the plurality of golf areas adjacent the first golf area.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein: the net extends from a first wall to a ceiling; the net further extends from a second wall to the ceiling; the net further extends from a third wall to the ceiling; the net further extends from a fourth wall to the ceiling; at least a portion of the ceiling is lined with at least a portion of the net; and the first wall, the second wall, the third wall, the fourth wall, and the net surround respective ones of the plurality of golf areas, such that errant shots do not interfere with play in adjacent ones of the plurality of golf areas.

14. The system of claim 11, wherein: the chipping zone comprises one or more chipping locations; and the plurality of golf areas includes: between 2 and 8 golf areas; between 10 and 17 golf areas; 9 golf areas; or 18 golf areas.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein: the plurality of golf areas are disposed indoors; and each of the plurality of golf areas comprises a simulated outdoor environment.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein: the simulated outdoor environment comprises at least one of simulated lighting, simulated sound, simulated video, simulated visual content, simulated smells, flora, simulated flora, simulated fauna, turf, simulated turf, sand, water features, or simulated water features; ambient wind is separately controlled for each of the plurality of golf areas; and ambient lighting is separately controlled for each of the plurality of golf areas.

17. The system of claim 14, wherein: each of the plurality of golf areas is a par 2; and the plurality of golf areas are disposed in a building that is designed with Universal Design Standards.

18. The system of claim 10, wherein: the chipping zone is at a first vertical elevation and the putting zone is at a second vertical elevation different than the first vertical elevation; and distance between the chipping zone and the putting zone for each of the plurality of golf areas is up to about 100 yards.

19. The system of claim 18, further comprising an interadjacent zone disposed between the chipping zone and the cup, wherein the interadjacent zone comprises a third vertical elevation different than at least one of the first vertical elevation and the second vertical elevation.

20. A method consisting essentially of: providing a plurality of golf areas, wherein each of the plurality of golf areas consists essentially of a chipping zone, a putting zone, and a cup disposed in the putting zone; wherein: each the plurality of golf areas is configured for a golfer to: chip a golf ball from the chipping zone toward the putting zone, and thereafter putt the golf ball within the putting zone toward the cup; first play comprises the golfer striking the golf ball with a goal of disposing the golf ball within the cup; the first play consists essentially of a second play and a third play, the second play consists essentially of striking the golf ball from the chipping zone toward the putting zone, the second play utilizing only: one or more wedges; one or more short irons; one or more short irons and one or more wedges; a short iron and a wedge; a pitching wedge; a sand wedge; one or more short irons and a pitching wedge; one or more short irons and a sand wedge; or a pitching wedge and a sand wedge; the third play consists essentially of striking the golf ball within the putting zone the cup, the third play utilizing one or more putters; the plurality of golf areas comprises a short-game golf course, the short-game golf course is disposed indoors and comprises a plurality of cups; the chipping zone comprises one or more chipping locations; the chipping zone is at a first vertical elevation; the putting zone is at a second vertical elevation different than the first vertical elevation; each the of plurality of golf areas comprises a simulated outdoor environment; the simulated outdoor environment comprises at least one of simulated lighting simulated sound, simulated video, simulated visual content, simulated smells, flora, simulated flora, simulated fauna, turf, simulated turf, sand, water features, or simulated water features; each distance between the chipping zone and the putting zone for each golf area of the plurality of golf areas is up to about 100 yards; and each golf area of the plurality of golf areas is a par 2.