The present invention relates to a golf driving target.

Conventional golf driving targets generally comprise simple targets in the form of distance markers. In a golf driving range, these are generally spaced at specified distances away from the golfer, so that a golfer may practice drives of different pre-defined distances by aiming towards the targets.

A problem with a driving range of this type is that it necessarily takes up a large amount of space, and for targets which are located a large distance from the golfer it is very difficult to see how accurately the ball has been driven, and gives the golfer only a vague idea as to how well he has driven.

The present invention seeks to provide a golf driving target which overcomes these problems.

According to the present invention, there is provided a golf driving target comprising a support frame carrying a target screen comprising a plurality of parallel strings or flexible string-like or strip-like members extending across the target, between which a golf ball striking the target

may pass .

This arrangement allows the golfer even with the target placed at a distance to see exactly where the target has been hit since the ball can readily be seen as it imparts the target and disappears between the string-like or strip¬ like members. Also, by providing a target which is intended to be hit, rather than one which merely defines a distance, it is possible to in effect reduce the space required for the driving range.

In the preferred embodiment, the string-like or strip-like members are supported at their upper ends on the frame, and hang vertically, being free at their lower ends. The string-like or strip-like members carry weights at their lower ends. A layer of material is disposed behind the target screen, against which balls passing between the string-like or strip-like members impact.

The target screen may be divided into a number of zones each having a different colour by providing the portions of the string-like or strip-like members in each region with a different colour. The boundary regions between different zones may be provided with strips of material fixed to the strings or string-like or strip-like members to prevent balls which impact the boundary regions from passing

between the strings or strips.

It is found that members 50 of about 90mm wide and 300mm long of thickness from 6mm to 40mm are particularly effective when mounted on wires of 3mm diameter. they are spaced at intervals of about 100mm across the target.

Each of the string-like members may comprise a string or rope of about 8mm in diameter, these being spaced at intervals of about 20mm across the target.

In an alternative embodiment comprising strip-like members, these are each mounted on a pair of wires so as to be rotatable when hit by a golf ball.

An embodiment of the invention is now described, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a view of the golf driving target in accordance with the present invention with a target screen and material backing partly removed;

Figure 2 is a front view of the golf driving target;

Figure 3 is a side view of the golf driving target;

Figure 4 is a greatly enlarged side view of the top portion of the target indicated by "detail A" in Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a view of a frame element of the support

f ra e ;

Figure 6(a) is a view of a part of the target screen in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention; and Figure 6(b) is a detailed view of the screen of Figure

6(a).

Turning now to the drawings, Figure 1 is a view from the front, and slightly to one side of the golf driving target 2. This includes a structural support frame 4, which comprises a plurality of uprights 6 with connecting members 8 therebetween and horizontally-extending connecting units 10. A single unit 10 is shown in Figure 5. This modular construction allows a variety of frame sizes and/or shapes to be easily assembled. The frame includes a plurality of concrete feet 11 which serve to anchor the frame in position so that the frame is self-supporting.

Stretched over a front face of the frame 4, is a material backing 12 which may comprise a sheet or sheets of a tough, durable material such as canvas or synthetic fabric, or a nylon netting. This serves to stop the golf balls which are driven at the target.

In front of the material backing 12, there is a target screen 16. This is formed as a curtain comprising a large

number of hanging ropes or strings 18 held at their top ends on the frame 4. As can be seen in detail in Figures 4, the ropes are each attached to a horizontally-extending crosspiece 22 which is fixed to forwardly protruding elements 23. This crosspiece 22 is of channel section and includes a plurality of spaced openings, one for each rope, the rope passing through a respective opening and being knotted behind the opening. At lower ends thereof the ropes 18 are each provided with a weight 30 which helps to ensure that the ropes 18 lie perfectly straight. It is found that using ropes of 8mm diameter and spaced at 20mm intervals gives a particularly effective screen. As an alternative, the screen may compress a plurality of wires or thin strips of material.

As can be seen in Figure 4, the target may be divided into a number of different zones, for example the central apple shaped zone 32, and the surrounding oval shaped zone 34, the zones being defined by the horizontal lines 36, 38 extending across the two zones 34, 32. These zones are physically defined by strips of canvas 40 or other material (Figure 4) which are fixed to the ropes, for example by stitching, and visually differentiated by having the portions of the ropes 18 in a particular zone of one colour.

When a golf ball is driven at the target, it will impact the target and will pass between a pair of ropes 18 which will be urged apart in the manner as shown in the inset of Figure 1. The visual affect to the golfer is that the ball disappears into one of the zones of the target. The ball will impact the backing 12 behind the target screen at which point its forward motion is stopped, and it will drop down inside the target onto the ground behind the screen 16. The effect of the golf ball disappearing between coloured ropes of one of the zones of the target means that it is easy to see where the ball has impacted the target. It is possible to further enhance this visual effect by providing the backing 12 of a brightly coloured material so that as the ball impacts the target, the bright colour of the backing material is momentarily seen.

The strips 40, as well as providing the boundaries between the different zones of a target serve to prevent balls which hit the boundary regions from passing between the ropes. These strips therefore serve to prevent the balls from passing between the ropes when in these ambiguous boundary areas, and therefore avoid disputes between golfers as to which zone a ball has passed into. A rebounding ball can be ignored by the golfer.

A variety of scoring systems may be utilised when using the

target. For example, there may be different points awarded to balls which impact the target below the line 38, between the lines 36 and 38 or above the line 36. By appropriate positioning of the target and dimensioning of the zones, these horizontal lines may in effect represent particular driving distances. Bonus scores may be awarded for balls which impact inside the oval 34 or the apple 32.

Providing various zones gives a precise target for the golfer to aim at. It is possible to develop a variety of scoring systems which can provide an objective and consistent measure of the standard and driving skill of the golfer. Using a scoring system adds more interest to the driving practice and gives the golfer a more measurable feedback on his progress. The target can be used in a game or competition, and may become a popular alternative to conventional golf.

In an alternative embodiment, illustrated in Figure 6(a) and (b), the strings or ropes are replaced by a plurality of rigid strip-like members 50 of plastic, metal or alloy which are each supported on a pair of wires 52, as shown in Figure 6(b), where upper and lower adjacent members have been omitted for clarity. The strip-like members 50 include a central region 54 of prismatic section provided with a central aperture 56, and outwardly extending wings,

-S- 58. As a ball impacts a member 50, this will rotate, causing the wires to twist and creating an opening through which the ball passes. After passage of the ball, the twisted wires will then restore the member 50 to its original orientation. The members 50 are arranged in an array across the screen, with a plurality of members 50 disposed along the length of each pair of wires 52.