Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a game competition and, in particular, to a game competition in relation to golf. Preferably the competition involves a lottery giving a chance to win based on a player’s golfing performance.

Background Art

Golf is a well known and widely played sport. Normally 9, 18 or 27 holes of golf are played in a round by a group of golfers and the golfer with the lowest total score (normally handicap adjusted) over the 9, 18 or 27 holes is the winner. One of the consequences of this scoring method is that golfers can become frustrated or irritated. For example, if a normally proficient golfer has a very bad few holes at the commencement of the round, it then becomes statistically very unlikely that the golfer can recover during the remainder of the round. As a consequence, the normally proficient golfer begins to think to themselves that they are having a very bad day and as a consequence does not enjoy the golf as was originally intended.

Genesis of the Invention

The Genesis of the present invention is a desire to provide a golf hole competition method which continues to provide an incentive in the above circumstances.

Games and competitions can be powerful motivators of human behaviour. Gaming methods and systems have long been patentable and Australian Patent Nos 693, 580 and 712, 279 granted to TAB Limited in relation to a totaliser arrangement with fixed odds betting, are illustrative of this art.

Summary of the Invention

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there is disclosed a golf hole competition method for encouraging golfers, said method comprising the steps of:

(la) receiving from each of a multiplicity of golfers, a handicap adjusted golf score for an identified single hole of a multi-hole game of golf played by each said golfer,

(lb) storing the single hole score together with a data identifying the corresponding golfer and hole, (1c) providing at least one chance to win a prize based on the handicap adjusted score, wherein the number of said chances increases with improved player performance.

Preferably, the method includes the further steps of:

(2a) allocating each received single hole handicap adjusted score and its corresponding identifying data as multiple entries into each of at least two of a plurality of competition pools,

(2b) at a first time drawing one or more winning single score entry(ies) from a first one of said competition pools,

(2c) declaring at least one first winner from said first pool,

(2d) continuing step (2a) in respect of the, or each of, the remaining competition pools,

(2e) at a second, later, time drawing one or more winning single score entry(ies) from the second one of said competition pools

Preferably, the number of multiple entries for each single hole handicap adjusted score depends upon the score.

In particular, preferably the number of multiple entries for a handicap adjusted par score is 5, the number of multiple entries for a handicap adjusted Birdie score is 10, the number of multiple entries for a handicap adjusted Eagle score is 25, and the number of multiple entries for a handicap adjusted hole-in-one or Albatross score is 50.

In addition, there is also preferably included the further steps of:

(5a) providing three competition pools being a weekly pool, a monthly pool and an annual pool,

(5b) each week drawing said weekly pool, declaring at least one weekly pool winner, and opening a new weekly pool,

(5c) each month drawing said monthly pool, declaring at least one monthly pool winner, and opening a new monthly pool, and

(5d) each year drawing said annual pool, declaring at least one annual pool winner, and opening a new annual pool. Brief Description of the Drawings

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a gaming apparatus

Figs. 2A and 2B are sequential portions of a single flowchart illustrating the consecutive steps in the overall entry and prize allocating method,

Fig. 3 is a flow chart illustrating the steps of user registration and payment, Fig. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the steps of a player initially logging in, Figs. 5A and 5B are sequential portions of a single flowchart illustrating the steps of score entry,

Fig. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the steps of entry submission, and

Figs. 7A and 7B are sequential portions of a single flowchart illustrating the steps of drawing a prize.

Detailed Description

As seen in Fig. 1, the gaming apparatus of the preferred embodiment takes the form of a computer 1 having a communications module 2 which is connected to the Internet and/or the publicly accessible telephone system. The computer 1 has a plurality of data stores, including a Courses & Holes store 4, a Player Data store 5, and a succession of “n” Pool Entries stores 6-8. In addition, there are various other data stores including a Photos store 11, a Consolidated Receipts store 12 and a Prize Pools store 13. All the data stores 4-13 are able to be read by, and written to, a central processing unit or CPU 15. Also connected to the CPU 15 is a Verifier 16.

In the Courses & Holes store 4 are stored the name of every golf course in the country together with the number of holes. Thus, for Australia, the various golf courses Elanora, Killara, Royal Sydney, etc. are stored together with their number of holes.

A player who has played a round of golf and wishes to enter the competition, does so by indicating that they are playing a round at a specific golf course in respect of which they are registered for the given competition day. Once having completed the round, the player submits the results of that round by indicating the holes where the player has achieved a handicap adjusted par score, or better. That is, a Birdie, an Eagle, an Albatross or a Hole in One. Preferably also submitted are personal best scores on any hole or the score on any “promotional hole” (i.e. a nominated and pre-advertised hole) which may be on offer on that day.

A player also provides verifying data in the form of one or more photos. The photo(s) are created by the golfer photographing his or her signed scorecard, or equivalent, with their mobile phone. Data relating to the scores and to the player such as the name, email address, mobile telephone number, etc. and the photo(s) are also sent via the Internet or mobile phone network to the comms module 2.

The image of the scorecard is stored in the Photos store 11, and the remaining data is processed by the CPU 15.

Furthermore, the CPU 15 calculates a number of multiple entries for each of the par, or better, holes. For example, if the score is par then there are preferably five multiple entries generated, if the score is a Birdie, then there are 10 multiple entries generated, if the score is an Eagle there are 25 multiple entries generated, and if the score is either a Hole in One or an Albatross, then there are 50 multiple entries generated. The CPU 15 stores this entries data in each of the #1 Pool 6, #2 Pool 7, #n Pool 8. It is important to note that the same data is stored in each pool and that the data of each pool remains separate. This is done to comply with pre-existing legislative regulation.

It will be apparent therefore that better (i.e. numerically lower) scores are rewarded by more multiple entries thereby increasing the chance, as in a lottery, that the particular player will be drawn when the prize(s) are drawn from each pool. In this way, the better a player plays, the greater the chance that the player will win a prize.

More detail relating to this procedure is set out in Figs. 2A and 2B having sequential steps 201-230 which outline the overall procedure. In step 203, the player (Golfer) plays a round of golf, scoring on the physical or actual scorecard or an electronic scoring device. In step 205, the player (Golfer) enters the competition. The Home Screen presents six options for navigation. In step 206, the player selects the date and the listed course from their profile where the round was played. In step 208, the player taps the handicap adjusted score value (Par, Birdie, etc.) on each hole where they have scored Par or better. In step 210, each entered score value displays the entry value of each score (eg Par = 5 entries, Birdie = 10 entries, Eagle = 25 entries, Albatross = 50 entries, Hole in one = 50 entries). In step 212, when completed and ready to submit, the player is prompted to take 2 x photos of their physical scorecard or screenshots of their electronic scorecard. In step 214, once these photos are completed, the player submits their competition scorecard and associated photos.

Steps 220, 221a and 221b which each have a dotted outline are optional steps relating to a “Promo Hole”, an Achievement award, and Personal Best scores respectively. A Promo Hole is a special prize offered from time to time as a result of the sponsorship promotion in which an instant price is given for a specific net score for a specific hole. This prize is separate from, and independent of, the drawing of the pools.

An Achievement Award is based upon nominated criteria (e.g. a golfer who achieves 3 Birdies in a single round, over a set period of time, or better) so that extra opportunities to increase a golfer’s chance to win an encouraging prize are also provided. Personal Best scores are also preferably logged and prizes awarded to again encourage individual golfers, for example those who have a poor round but one or two very good holes. In particular, Personal Best scores provide 18 potential opportunities in each regular round of golf for a player to have an opportunity to win a prize.

In step 222, on receipt of the scores, all scorecard entries are plurally stored in the PB database and made available as mutually exclusive multiple entries in the next upcoming weekly, monthly and annual draw. In step 224, at prescribed times, a weekly, a monthly and an annual draw are conducted for all valid entries submitted in the nominated timeframes. Each valid entry is an eligible candidate for entry into each type of draw. In step 226, the draw is conducted at the scheduled times and in accordance with the relative lotteries legislation to ensure integrity of the results. In step 228, pending winners are screened to ensure that the scorecard photos for the winning hole match the entry submission. Disqualified entries are backfilled by new randomly selected ‘Winners’ from the same draw sample until all allocated prizes and winners are selected. In step 230, on confirmation and notification of winners, prizes are allocated and notified.

The main prizes are, however, the pool prizes. In the preferred embodiment there are three pools being a weekly pool, a monthly pool and an annual pool but, in principle, there is no limit to the number of pools 6-8. At the appropriate time, prizes are drawn for each pool each pool using a random number generator to select one or more entries from each pool. This is conveniently done by matching the number generated by the random number generator against the address of the entry in the pool. This drawing is required to be accomplished in accordance with the lottery, or equivalent, legislation of each state or jurisdiction in which the invention is practised.

Turning now to Fig. 3, steps 301-307 outline the procedural steps taken to enable a golfer to register and pay for the right to enter. In step 301, the user (Golfer) completes an online registration form and creates a User Account in PGA National PB Platform. In step 303, the user securely creates a username and password. In step 305, the user selects one or multiple golf courses to add to their individual profile. In step 307, the user pays the displayed total by credit card for 12 months registration of course(s). The payment is stored in Consolidated Receipts (12).

As indicated in Fig. 4, having registered and entered, a golfer can log in so as to enter scores, photographs of scorecards, and the like, the procedures being outlined in steps 401-409. In step 401, the player (Golfer) plays a round of golf, scoring on their physical scorecard or equivalent electronic scorecard. In step 403, the player logs on using their participant username and password. In step 407, they are presented with six options for navigation:

1. New Match - Enter scores from a new round

2. Submit Entries - Submit scores to earn entries

3. My PBs - Images of Personal Best scores for sharing on favourite social channels

4. My Profile and Rewards - Displays the Player details and number of entries earned in current weekly, monthly and annual draws 5. Photo Camera - Select camera for shots of scorecard(s)

6. Photo Library - Manage photos of scorecards

As indicated in Figs. 5A and 5B, having undertaken the steps of Fig. 4 the golfer can enter the results of a new match. In step 513, the user selects ‘New Match’ option from the Home menu. In step 515, the Match Date is selected. The user is prevented from entering more than one scorecard from any course in any one day.

If the new match is a regular handicap round, then the branch indicated by steps 520- 535 is undertaken. In step 520, the user selects the Course. If the user has registered more than one course, a selector displaying all courses is shown. If one of the chosen course locations has multiple courses, all courses are displayed for that location. In step 522, on course selection, the card displays in groups of 9 holes. To accommodate all holes, cards are displayed as Holes 1-9, 10-18, 19-27. Each hole has a subset of selections marked as P(Par), B(Birdie), E(Eagle), Hl(Hole in One or Albatross). In step 524, the PB or Personal Best from rounds previously played on this course by this player are displayed on related holes to give an updated view of the best score or eclectic that the player has achieved on this course. In step 529, the player enters each score value on holes where they have scored Par or below, based on their net score from their score card. Their actual score is adjusted based on their Handicap to produce the net score. In step 531, the number of entries earned for each respective score entered is displayed as well as the aggregate number of entries earned from the entered scored values. In step 533, the player completes the card by entering all scores equal to or below Par. If a net score is above Par, it is not entered or counted and the hole remains as no score. Once entered, the data is stored. In step 535, the user is returned to the Home Menu.

Alternatively, if the match is not a regular handicap round and instead is an Ambrose or Foursome, or the like, then the branch indicated by steps 521-527 is undertaken. In step 521, the user selects the Course. If the User has registered more than one course, a selector displaying all courses is shown. If one of the chosen course locations has multiple courses, all courses are displayed for that location. In step 523, this match will be a NARP Round (Not Applicable Round Played). This may be an Ambrose or Foursome that does not use standard scoring. In step 525, due to the nonstandard scoring process, the player is awarded a default 9 entries as an incentive to submit their scorecard photos. NARP entries qualify for the same draws as Handicap entries. In step 527, the user is returned to the Home menu for submission of photos and entries.

The net effect of these steps is to provide each player with a number of multiple entries in each of the number of multiple pools. In particular, the better performed a golfer is, the greater the number of multiple entries.

Turning now to Fig. 6, here the entries and photographs are submitted as indicated by steps 601-615. In step 603, from the Home Screen, the user selects the ’Submit Entries’ option. In step 605, the screen displays all of the rounds played where the user has entered their scores in the app scorecard and is yet to submit their entries. Each round is displayed as the Course Location (Club) and date the round was played. In step 607, the user indicates the Course name they wish to submit. A photo screen opens displaying placeholders for scorecard photos or equivalent. In step 609, the user has the option to select the first placeholder and has the option to either take a photo at the time or use a photo from their Photo Library that was taken earlier. In step 611, the user repeats the process for the other side of the scorecard or more scoring screenshots. Up to 4 x shots can be submitted which need to include the signature panel. In step 613, once all photos are added, the user submits the photos and data to transfer to the Comms Module (2). In step 615, once upload completes, the user is returned to the Home menu shown in Fig 4.

Finally, as indicated in Figs. 7A and 7B, the steps 701-733 outline the procedures undertaken in order to carry out a draw and notify the winner(s). In step 701, a scheduled draw is described as an event that is planned in advance as a weekly, monthly or annual draw and has a declared draw date and criteria. In step 703, the prize pool of a scheduled draw must not exceed the allowed limits set by respective state and territory governments. In step 705, an Annual Draw does not have a prize value limit. However, the prize pool for an Annual Draw is declared at the start of the annual period. In step 707, when a scheduled draw is to occur, the draw type (weekly or monthly) and a state or territory relating to the specific draw are set. An annual draw is national (all states and territories) by default. In step 709, a start date for the draw is set to automatically create a date range based on the previous draw. In step 711, the Class 1 Prize (1st Prize) and the number of desired winners for Class 1 are set. In step 713, the process is repeated for Class 2 onwards until a Prize Pool State Limit is reached. In step 715, the prize pool is calculated to ensure that the total prize value does not exceed legislated limits (Prize Pool State Limit) set by respective government authorities. In step 721, once all Class and Prize requirements are met, the draw is conducted. In step 723, the address of each eligible entry is matched with a random generator to select the specified number of entries required in each class for this specific draw. In Step 725, the results of the draw are listed on a provisional winners page where each entry can be verified by reviewing each drawn record to match photos with recorded entries.

In step 727, it is determined whether the drawn entry is verified. If the drawn entry is verified, in step 731, the successful entry is moved to the verified winners page and in step 733, each winner is notified and prize collection or distribution is arranged. If the drawn entry is not verified, in step 729, on disqualification, an automated redraw process is implemented, returning to step 723.

The foregoing describes only one embodiment of the present invention and modifications, obvious to those skilled in the gaming arts, can be made thereto without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The term “comprising” (and its grammatical variations) as used herein is used in the inclusive sense of “including” or “having” and not in the exclusive sense of “consisting only of’.