Field

[0001] This disclosure is directed to methods and devices for a golf tournament method, in which there are two player teams, where each team's players participate as both a golfer and a caddie in the same golf tournament, which has multiple rounds and may be played under various golf game formats.

Background

[0002] The game of golf has various versions and formats, which have been both recreational and competitive, involving golfers from novice participants, to recreational players, to amateur players, to school competitive players, to semi-professional players, and to professional players.

Summary

[0003] Providing amateur golf fans the opportunity to play and caddie like a professional in a competitive tournament setting provides an innovation for the golfing experience. By having a golf tournament featuring a player/caddie exchange (e.g. “swap”), the game of golf turns an individual sport into a team competition under a format that requires each team member to both play the role of the golfer and play the role of the caddie for the team within the same tournament.

[0004] In an embodiment, a golf tournament method with multiple teams includes, within each team of the multiple teams, a team that consists of two players. In a first round, one player of the team is the golfer and the other player of the team is the caddie supporting the one player. The one player plays the first round which results in a first round score. In a second round, the other player is the golfer and the one player of the team is the caddie supporting the other player. The other player plays the second round which results in a second round score. The first round and the second round are effective to swap the one player and the other player, so that both the one player and the other player of the team participate as both the golfer and the caddie in a same golf tournament event. The first round score and the second round score are used to compare to other teams in the tournament in determination of a tournament winner.

[0005] In an embodiment, the same golf tournament event consists of two rounds. [0006] In an embodiment, each round is 18 holes.

[0007] In an embodiment, the same golf tournament event includes a qualifier tournament. The qualifier tournament being a tournament event within the same golf tournament event, such that the same golf tournament event includes multiple two round events.

[0008] In an embodiment, the first round score and the second round score are used along with a handicap being used in determining a final score. In an embodiment, the final score is net against the handicap.

[0009] In an embodiment, the first round score and second round score are used to determine a best ball for each respective hole played. The best ball for each respective hole played is used to form a best ball score.

[0010] In an embodiment, each of the one player and the other player has a handicap, the combined handicap determines which flight the team is categorized.

Drawings

[0011] Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a flow diagram of a golf tournament method.

[0012] Figure 2 shows an embodiment of a scorecard for the golf tournament method.

Detailed Description

[0013] This disclosure is directed to methods and devices for a golf tournament method, in which there are two player teams, where each team's players participate as both a golfer and a caddie in the same golf tournament. The same golf tournament has multiple rounds and may be played under various golf game formats.

[0014] A golf tournament format that gives amateur golfers the chance to both play and perform the duties of a Professional Golf Association (PGA) caddie and also to caddie and perform the duties of a PGA caddie presents a unique opportunity and unique golfing experience. By leveling the playing field through handicaps and adding in the support from a caddie teammate, who also is playing to win, the competitiveness of the game can be enhanced. This golf tournament format turns an individual sport into a team competition in a “playing/caddying for each other” type of bond and experience. To date, the Applicant has not found such a competitive golf tournament using this team format. [0015] In an embodiment, the duties of the golfer are very similar to that of a PGA golfer. One unique aspect is the ability to choose your caddie (who also plays) and not just pay for one that is made available to you at the course. In an embodiment, the duties of the caddie are similar to that of a PGA caddie, including for example, carrying the golf club bag, advising on yardages, advising on club selection, reading the greens, raking the bunkers, tending the flagsticks. In an embodiment, the caddie also is in charge of keeping a scorecard.

[0016] Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a flow diagram of a golf tournament method.

[0017] In an embodiment, a golf tournament method with multiple teams includes, within each team of the multiple teams, a team that consists of two players. In Figure 1, a two player team is shown. In an embodiment, for example on Day 1 which may be the first round, one player P1 of the team is the golfer and the other player (holding the flag) of the team is the caddie supporting the one player. The one player plays the first round which results in a first round score. Then, for example on Day 2 which may be a second round, the other player P2 is the golfer and the one player of the team (holding the flag) is the caddie supporting the other player. The other player plays the second round which results in a second round score. The first round and the second round are effective to swap the one player and the other player, so that both the one player and the other player of the team participate as both the golfer and the caddie in a same golf tournament event.

[0018] The first round score and the second round score are used to compare to other teams in the tournament in determination of a tournament winner. For example, the first round score and the second round score are added for a combined score.

[0019] In an embodiment, the same golf tournament event consists of two rounds.

[0020] It will also be appreciated that the same golf tournament may have a multiple number of even numbered rounds, so that each person of the two player team would have the opportunity to golf and caddie an equal number of rounds. In such an example, Figure 1 also illustrates a loop of continuous swapping of roles (golfer to caddie/caddie to golfer), depending on the number rounds to be played. One example of this can be a four round event which may take place over several days, such as four days where one round is played per day. It will be appreciated that a single round may be played each day. It will also be appreciated that multiple rounds may be played in a single day, depending on the tournament. [0021] As shown in Figure 1, each round is 18 holes in an embodiment. It will be appreciated that a round can be more or less holes than the standard 18 holes.

[0022] In an embodiment, each team member has a valid U.S. Golf Association (USGA) and/or Golf Handicap and Information Network (GHIN) handicap. In an embodiment, the first round score and the second round score are used along with a handicap in determining a final score. In an embodiment, the final score is net against the handicap.

[0023] With further reference to Figure 1, each player on the twosome plays one 18-hole stroke play round of golf, while their partner performs all of the caddie duties. The following day, the player and caddie exchange roles. Both rounds are accumulated to form the team's final 36-hole score for the event. The round is scored using handicaps for each golfer in the respective round golfed, and final scores would be NET of the handicaps.

[0024] In an embodiment, there could be a GROSS or an OPEN division. For example, a “Gross” or “Open” division would refer to golfers that would like to compete in the tournament without using the Handicap system. This would mean that all scores would be “gross” and no handicap strokes would be applied when tallying up the final scores.

[0025] In an embodiment, the first round score and second round score are used to determine a best ball for each respective hole played. The best ball for each respective hole played is used to form a best ball score.

[0026] For example, in an additional aspect of the scoring. The use of a “Best Ball” 18-hole score could be added. In this example, the lower of the two scores on each hole is used to make a 3rd 18-hole scorecard. In an embodiment, half of the team's combined handicap would be used to obtain the NET score of this scorecard. In such an example, there can be three scores taken from the two rounds played. Scoring the event with the additional add-on would look like this:

● Total from Player 1's 18-hole scorecard

● Total from Player 2's 18-hole scorecard

● Total from Best Ball 18-hole scorecard

[0027] Figure 2 shows an example of scoring a first 18-hole round, a second 18-hole round, and then applying a Best Ball 18-hole score.

[0028] In an embodiment, the Best Ball scorecard may also be used as a separate “qualification” into the Championship for the lowest Best ball score by a team that has not yet qualified. For example, the total score would be the two combined individual 18-hole totals and the 18-hole Best Ball total for the team. (54 total holes scored).

[0029] The Best Ball score can be used in a multitude of ways. In an embodiment, the Best Ball score could be used as a qualifier. For example, a number of the top scores for the 54-hole score (round 1, round 2, and Best Ball score) would qualify to the next level. In an embodiment, the lowest Best Ball itself could be used as another qualifier. For example, the lowest Best Ball score could still qualify even if a team did not qualify through the top 54-hole scoring, thus allowing an additional team to qualify. It will be appreciated that a variety of ways for qualifying using the first round, second round, and Best Ball scores to form ways to qualify for the next round, tournament, championship, or the like.

[0030] It will be appreciated that the scorecard layout in Fig. 2 is one example with example scoring, and it will be appreciated that any scorecard layout may be of various formats and not limited to the scorecard layout shown in Fig. 2. In addition, the scores can be presented as a leaderboard including (or not including) the stroke scores, which may be hole by hole and/or by total score.

[0031] In an embodiment, each of the one player and the other player has a handicap HCP, the combined handicap determining which flight the team is categorized.

[0032] For example, among a number of 100 teams total (i.e. 200 golfers). a. Top 33, 0-13 handicap = Flight A. b. Next 33, 13.1 - 21 handicap = Flight B. c. Final 33, greater than 21 handicap = Flight C.

[0033] For example, if golfer A has a 4 handicap and golfer B is a 10 handicap. The team handicap would be 14 for purposes of flighting them.

[0034] In another example, the handicap system could be used in other ways, such as in a weighted system. One example of this may be to use the handicap system at 50%. So in the same scenario, if golfer A is a 4 handicap and golfer B is a 10 handicap. Golfer A would use a 2 handicap for tournament purposes and golfer B would use a 5 handicap. Giving them a combined 7 handicap. It will be appreciated that a number and variety of ways may be used in applying the handicap system when flighting teams. [0035] In some cases there may be a tie, and where a tie breaker is needed. In an embodiment, where there may be a tie, the scorecard could be used to determine a tie breaker. For example, a tie breaker would start with the highest handicap hole and work down from there until the tie is broken. As another example, the Best Ball score could be used. As yet another example, a combined 3 scores on a certain hole or hole(s) may be used. It will be appreciated that a number and/or variety of ways may be used to determine a tie breaker including use of the scorecard, as well as including a limited playoff of a number of holes, where the player/caddie may continue to exchange from hole to hole or shot to shot.

[0036] It will also be appreciated that within a tournament prizes for certain feats may be given either to a certain individual player/caddie of a team or to a certain team. For example, prizes that may be given on each day and/or round could include longest putt and/or closest to the pin, and other special shots during the round and/or on a certain hole. As yet another example, prizes for lowest team scores for certain holes may be given. It will be appreciated that prizes for various other feats (both by individual and/or by team) may be awarded.

[0037] In an embodiment, the same golf tournament event includes a qualifier tournament. The qualifier tournament being a tournament event within the same golf tournament event, such that the same golf tournament event includes multiple two round events. It will be appreciated that there may be one or more qualifier tournaments, where the field of teams is reduced through each qualifier tournament, for example making the cut up to a championship tournament event.

[0038] In an embodiment, which is non-limiting, qualifying tournaments can be regional. For example, to start, each state or defined geographical region, can have multiple regional qualifier tournaments. An example can include having 4-6 regional qualifier tournaments throughout the U.S. Midwest states (e.g. including Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, and Wisconsin or e.g. including North South, East, and West regions). It will be appreciated that a geographical region can be any grouping of states, provinces, districts, cities, towns, counties, and the like, and in any country where regions can be formed.

[0039] In an embodiment, divisions based on teams’ combined handicaps can be formed. As an example, there may be as many as at or about 70 to at or about 90 teams in a qualifying event, advancing event, and/or championship event. It will be appreciated that the number of teams can vary. In a non-limiting example, the top 3-5 places in each flight, from each qualifier, would move on to a championship tournament. It will be appreciated that the number of top places, number of qualifier events, and number of flights can be modified accordingly depending on the scope of the event, number of participants, and the tike. It will be appreciated that, a golf tournament would include the number of necessary qualifier events and the championship event. [0040] In an embodiment, there may also be an offer to “buy in” to the championship round. [0041] The method can be implemented in other states, countries, geographic regions, etc. It will be appreciated that the scope of the tournament in terms of regions, participants, qualifier tournament events, etc. can vary and be formed to scale in order to serve local-state-regional- championship levels, where teams would work their way through one or more qualifier tournaments to earn their spot all the way to the championship. As also described above, the number of rounds and days of an event can vary. For example, a 4-round/4-day event (2 rounds playing, 2 rounds caddying) may be organized, such as at a destination course or at multiple courses.

[0042] In an embodiment, the golf tournament event may be a partner with a premiere destination venue to help attract participants, for example at prestigious and/or famous courses around the world, destination courses, courses that are difficult to schedule, and the like. In an embodiment, there would be prizes and/or prize money for qualifiers and/or tournament champions, where costs of travel, airfare and entry fees such as for example to top finishers may be awarded (partial or in full). Championship events can include higher value prizes and/or prize money.

[0043] With further reference to scoring and rules of play, in an embodiment, standard stroke play is the format used at each event. Caddies keep score on standard scorecards, and can also keep score through a web/internet based application, which include live scoring updates and/or capabilities. In an embodiment, local rules for hazards and out of bounds can apply, while keeping pace of play in mind. In an embodiment, players putt everything out, no passes (i.e. “gimmes”). In an embodiment, each hole may potentially have a maximum score to keep up with the pace of play. In an embodiment, players and caddies are required to walk unless a player has a disability. In an embodiment, the golf tournament event would have marshals, scorekeepers, rules officials to imitate a professional golf tournament setting.

[0044] In an embodiment, scoring may also be recorded, tracked using an existing scoring application, such as GRINT. This would allow for ease of use and tracking all necessary details of the game. In an embodiment, all players must sign each of the paper copy scorecards in order to validate and attest to the rules of play.

[0045] In an embodiment, the method may be implemented into a web or internet based application, and for interaction, access, use by players, members and the like. In an embodiment, the application could feature items such as for example, ongoing leaderboards, team bios, hosts for open forum for discussion, the ability to keep records and statistics for the tournaments, and for players to look up other player's statistics, GHIN numbers and handicap stats, and other tournament-related content including photos, videos, messaging, etc.

[0046] It will be appreciated that the golf tournament method is scalable to support the interest. For example, the golf tournament method may be formed as a tour of events, as opposed to a one-time tournament or annual open.

[0047] In an embodiment, for a tour model, events are hosted that combine the player and caddie team to play together in a scramble format in a single event, so the team could earn points towards the championship. In an embodiment, the team could play in an alternate-shot tournament format to earn points toward playing in the championship.

[0048] It will be appreciated that the golf tournament method could be formed as a membership or subscription to participate, such as annually, at a set cost (e.g. fees, dues), for the course of a season or more, and at different prestige levels (e.g. silver, gold, and platinum). For example, during a season, teams may commit to playing in 3-5 events hosted over a specific timeframe (e.g. 6-8 months). It will be appreciated that the number of events and timeframe can vary as suitable and/or needed.

[0049] In an embodiment, teams would earn points based on performance at those events and a yearlong leaderboard can be recorded and tracked for all eligible players. In an embodiment, a championship event is held at the end of year or season. In an embodiment, teams would qualify based on points earned. For example, depending on the size of the field of teams, there could be a state or regional qualifier after the season, and then a championship event after that.

[0050] A s one example, in a points system, a team would earn points based on what place the team finished in each tournament. For instance, 1 ^st place gets 500, 2 ^nd place 350, etc. In another example, a team could earn bonus points for playing in a certain number of events. In an embodiment, it is the team only who would earn the points. In an embodiment, teams must remain the same (i.e. same individuals as part of the two-person team) as they go through the qualification process.

[0051] In yet another example, players may choose a different teammate to play with in a different tournament. However, the idea would be that within a given tournament event (i.e. one tournament of tournament with qualifiers), teams would remain the same.

[0052] In an embodiment, it would be appreciated that accommodations may be made for a potential substitution were needed, for example if a team has a player that gets injured or is unable to play. In an embodiment, a replacement player could be named at the start of the tournament (e.g. by pre-approval). For example, the replacement player could be of like/similar handicap to the player that is unable to attend, and that the substitution player would be approved by the officials of the tournament event. As one example, if the player that is unable to play is a 10 handicap, the replacement has the same 10 handicap or is within a similar range for example between a 9-11 handicap. In an embodiment, the substitution player may be a pre-approved player and/or named before the tournament event begins.

[0053] It will be appreciated that the golf tournament method can be set up based on themes for the teams, For example, there can be teams based on relationships, such as for instance, Father/Son, Mother/Daughter, Grandparent/Grandchild, Husband/Wife, Brother/Brother, Broth er/Sister, Female teams, Male teams, Co-ed teams. Celebrity, Teams of Professional sports stars including PGA players.

[0054] The examples disclosed in this application are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not limitative. The scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description; and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.