Patent Application
20240238644
This invention relates to operational methods which synchronize the dynamic collection and delivery of data transmission communications (visual, audio and information) of competing player performance in real-time to, and between, geographically remote competing players traversing and playing like-kind golf course facilities.
Traditional golf course play requires a player to traverse throughout a course to a plurality of unpredictable hitting locations on a plurality of golf holes, and where the ability to compete and communicate in real-time with another player who is playing the same golf hole requires that the competing players are co-located at the same facility on the same physical golf hole. There is not the ability for competing players to be geographically remote from each other playing on like-kind real golf courses, while experiencing real-time viewing of natural and real play performance of the respective competing remote player, where play performance viewing comprises the hitting of the ball by the player, the traversed path of the hit ball, the resulting landing and coming-to-rest of the hit ball, and the statistics information of the player's play, and where this is accomplished for every hitting location encountered throughout each remote competing player's respective golf course. The methods of this invention counter and transcend these limitations.
This invention provides operational methods specifically designed and incorporated for dynamic synchronization of collection and delivery of data transmission communications (visual, audio and information) at the exact time that they occur to, and between, geographically remote competing players traversing and playing at like-kind real golf course facilities (not video game or virtual computer-generated golf course play), each at their respective remote facility, where data communications endpoint devices facilitate real-time viewing of remote player's play performance, verbal interaction, and viewing statistical information of competition with their remote competing player, where the competing players are playing the plurality of golf holes each comprising a plurality of golf hitting locations, where the next hitting location for a player at their facility is unpredictable due to being based on the player's previous play performance. The methods of this invention manage the recognition of the unpredictable next hitting locations through dynamic identification of a player's position on a golf hole, and manage the collection and delivery of associated data transmission communications endpoint devices at the unpredictable next hitting locations of each remote player, and manage dynamic allocation of communications links for the data collection and delivery endpoint devices into synchronized transmissions between the remote competing players at their various and unpredictable playing locations on the same like-kind golf hole at their respective facility, and manage the delivery and presentation at the specific respective playing location endpoints. These methods transcend geographic location constraints for real golf course play competition through the facilitating of real-time remote player-interaction (visual, audio and information) of natural and real play performance of, and between, competing golfing players through dynamic recognition, correlation, allocation and synchronization of data communications transmissions.
Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.
Generally, in an embodiment of the methods of this invention, there is managed dynamic synchronization of simultaneous and correlated collection and delivery of visual, audio and information data transmissions between remote competing players at at-least two geographically remote facility locations, where the managed dynamic synchronization is performed by and between communications synchronization management system equipment (CSMS) of this invention at each facility of the competing players' performance and results as they move throughout their respective golf course playing at the numerous determined and unpredictable various hitting locations for each golf hole, where the dominant unpredictable nature is derived from a player's previous play performance on the golf holes of the golf course, and play performance and results at each intended target green or putting green area of the associated determined and unpredictable variable hitting slots being played by a competing player, and where the delivery of performance data transmissions are dynamically synchronized in direct relation to, and in real-time with, the remote competing player, or players, by the CSMS on the like-kind golf hole, at their geographically remote facility. The simultaneous and correlated collection and delivery of data transmission is facilitated by visual, audio and information collection endpoint equipment at each possible hitting location, ball flight path, target green and putting green throughout the golf course, and by the visual, audio and information delivery endpoint equipment at each possible hitting location, ball flight path, target green and putting green throughout the golf course. Each of these collection equipment endpoints and delivery equipment endpoints are connected to the CSMS, either ‘physically’ or ‘virtually’ for the collection and delivery of the visual, audio and information data transmissions managed and dynamically synchronized by the CSMS, to include the dynamic allocation of data communications links for each of the endpoints, specific to the inter-relationship of play between players, at their respective play locations at their respective facilities. The dynamically synchronized and correlated collection and delivery of visual, audio and information data transmissions by CSMS to, and between, competing players is further facilitated by the dynamic identification and recognition methods of this invention, where each competing player has on them, or with them, or as part of their body, an identification device that is recognized by and through the recognition equipment of this invention to dynamically establish their respective play location on a golf hole of the golf course in their respective remote facilities. Note that, unlike video and virtual-reality golf course play competition of remote players where results of a hit ball are computer-generated extrapolations that are displayed as visual imagery, this is real golf course play where the player's hit ball traverses and encounters a real surface (fairway, rough, hazards, greens, sand) on which then exists in real life the unpredictable resulting resting place of their hit ball, where in this embodiment of this invention, competing players view, in real-time, the real performance and result of theirs and their competitor's hit ball, not computer-generated imagery. Also note that, unlike bowling, which is a sport similar to golf where the player plays directly against the facility (course, lanes, etc.), there is the required necessity on a golf course (as a golf course employed in this embodiment of this invention) for a player to traverse the golf course within the facility, and again unlike bowling, play by a player in this embodiment of this invention has unpredictable subsequent shot hitting locations throughout the golf course which are associated with, and directly the result of, their previous play performance on the golf course.
The present invention provides methods specifically designed and incorporated for the managed dynamic synchronization of simultaneous and correlated collection and delivery of visual, audio and information data communication interaction between geographically remote, not co-located, competing players participating in play of like-kind golf course-type games against each other which emphasize, but are not limited to, play of golf holes each comprised of a plurality of determined and unpredictable hitting locations, and short-shot segments, and where the methods of this invention facilitate, automate and dynamically synchronize the delivery and receiving of the visual, audio and information data play flow communications transmissions of, and between, specific remote competing players through dynamically allocated data communications links specific to the inter-relationship of play between the players, where each competing player has a form of device on them, as part of their body, or as part of their accompanying play equipment, which establishes dynamic recognition and identification through communications mediums of each player's unpredictable location within a plurality of short shot segments comprising a golf hole, where each short shot segment is comprised of a plurality of hitting and shot-resulting locations, and the intended shot destination for the short shot segment, where the managed dynamic synchronization of this play flow for each player manifests simultaneous and correlated live real-time remote player-interaction golf course competition, shot by shot, at multiple facilities geographically separated around the globe. It is within this global real-time competition framework that a preferred embodiment is presented, below. In an alternative embodiment of this invention, this method can provide real-time course play competition through the enactment of player-to-player direct interaction and inter-verbalization facilitated via visual, audio and information systems, where the players are competing on the same golf course, but are on different golf holes, and alternatively competing on the same golf holes, where striking of the ball play and the hitting result of the ball for every short-shot segment is experienced by both competing players in real-time, simultaneously, of the visual, audio and information data play flow communications transmissions. Additionally, this application of the method facilitates direct competition at different time periods or intervals. In even another embodiment of this method, there is the incorporation of wearing, by the players, a miniature camera device which provides its local view to the remote player(s) through visual assistance systems either as a stand-alone monitor-type equipment piece, or as a miniature screen device held or worn by the player(s). Additionally, this method incorporates the use of audio devices that are synchronized and used (even worn) by competing remote players. Additionally, this method incorporates the use of wearing, by the players, viewing equipment to visually observe as their short shot segment a scene, or view, of a place that is not physically present, and alternatively of data information not physically present. These methods can be employed at outdoor acreage configurations, but are well suited to be played in an indoor structure, such as structure 20, described below.
The operational methods of this invention can be executed within a structure 20 which comprises a core section 22, and dome section 26, which is adjoined and adjacent to core section 22, and where in an alternative configuration there is no dome on section 26, where the operational methods of this invention can execute the synchronizing functionality, simultaneously, within a single structure 20, and within and between at least two similarly defined structures 20, and where each structure 20 can be geographically distanced from the other structures 20. In this embodiment, for a structure 20, the core section 22 is preferably divided into a forward portion 36 for housing retail, customer relations, administrative and other support functions, a middle portion 37 for housing elevators, restrooms and spectator stands, and the Communications Synchronization Management System (CSMS) control room operations, which is the central facilitator of synchronizing remote player interactive competition, and a rearward portion 38 for housing the play surface area facilitating accompanying aspects of this invention, and where in an alternative configuration there is a standard roof over portion 38. In an alternative configuration, the various portions (36, 37, 38) of structure 20 could have a different orientation to each other. The core section 22 preferably has multiple levels or floors, represented by floors 99, 100, 101 and 500, where the floors of like kind are one above the other, but in an alternative embodiment can exist side-by-side, or alternatively singularly. Each floor 100 is open on the right side 34 to section 26. Each floor 500 in portion 37 has communication inter-connectivity means with all other floors (99, 100, 101), and to all areas under dome section 26, and where in an alternative embodiment floor 500 can be positioned elsewhere within, or adjacent to, core section 22 and section 26.
Section 26 contains three longitudinally extending tiers 52, 54, and 56, each containing a plurality of target green areas (57, 58, 59, 106, 108), and at least some hitting slots (84, 107) where player performance visual, audio and information data collection and delivery can occur. The tier 52 is closest to the core section 22, and the tier 56 is furthest from the core section 22. In an alternative embodiment, the number of tiers within section 26 can be other than three, and they can be in some other orientation besides longitudinal, or in their orientation to core section 22.
The floors 100 within the core section 22, which, in one embodiment, are arranged one above the other, each contain side sections 96R and 96L, and a middle section 102, where, on these floors 100, visual, audio and information data transmission communications collection and delivery are performed of this invention's play communications managed synchronization for the specifically-identified competing players, each remote within the same facility, or at their own geographically-remote facility. In an alternative embodiment, section 102 is arranged and comprised of multiple separate golf courses 111 on which players play, and where the number of golf holes comprising a golf course 111 varies in count, within which facilitates the methods of this invention. There is a plurality of hitting slots (84, 107) along the right side 96R of each of the floors 100, adjacent to section 26, from which players can hit balls toward the target green areas (57, 58, 59, 106, 108) on tiers (52, 54, 56) within section 26. In an alternative embodiment, players could hit from these hitting slots (84, 107) to target green areas in section 102. The hitting slots on the right side 96R are each assigned to a particular target green area on the tiers 52, 54, and 56, in section 26. In an alternative embodiment, the hitting slots (84, 107) on the right side 96R are dynamically assigned to the target greens on the tiers (52, 54, 56) based on previous performance results. There is a plurality of hitting slots (84, 107) on the middle section 102 of each floor 100 from which players can hit balls toward the target green areas (57, 58, 59, 106, 108) that are either in section 102 or on the tiers (52, 54, 56). There is a plurality of hitting slots (84, 107) on the tiers (52, 54, 56) from which players can hit balls toward the target green areas (57, 58, 59, 106, 108) that are either on the tiers (52, 54, 56) or in section 102.
In one embodiment of the invention, the hitting slot 84 is at a set designated location, for at least some of the short shot segments, and alternatively there can be more than one hitting slot 84 at a short shot segment, which can be adjacent to other hitting slots 84 at the same short shot segment, or can be at a significant distance from other hitting slots 84 at the same short shot segment, or can be physically separated by protective walls (610). In one embodiment of the invention, the hitting slot 107 is a variable hitting slot, where, for at least some of the short shot segments, there are multiples of hitting slot 107, which can be adjacent to other hitting slots 107 at the same short shot segment, or can be at a significant distance from other hitting slots 107 at the same short shot segment, and where previous play results by a player effects which of the plurality of hitting slot 107 locations a player is to hit from at the subsequent short shot segment, which, being dependent on multiple variables of a player's previous play results, imposes a significant level of unpredictability as to which hitting slot 107 location a player will be caused to hit from at a short shot segment, where the unpredictability of the location of a player's next hitting slot location is mitigated by, but not limited to, their previous play results of the number of strokes taken to get a ball to leave a hitting slot, by the relative distance of the resulting shot in relation to the intended destination, and by the relative location of the resulting shot within, or not, the intended target green or putting green area destination, and where these previous play results become a part of the determination process to establish the starting point hitting slot from which the ball is played at the subsequent short shot segment.
In an embodiment of this invention, the floor 500 within the core section 22, which can alternatively be located adjacent to core section 22, is comprised of the Control Room 502, the Media Production Room 515, and the Data Recording/Storage Room 517, where the Control Room 502 houses the Communications Synchronization Management System (CSMS) 504 and its related synchronization and management software (505), and is additionally comprised of control, monitoring and programming equipment 503 for the CSMS 504 and for the multitude of visual, audio and information endpoints (82, 89, 91, 104) throughout the structure 20, where this equipment 503 connects to the CSMS 504 through interface ports 512. The CSMS 504 manages delivery and receipt of visual, audio and information data transmissions to equipment in the Data Recording/Storage Room 517 connecting to the CSMS 504 through interface ports 516, and to equipment in the Media Production Room 515 connecting to the CSMS 504 through interface ports 514 of the recorded play data of players and of commercial, marketing and advertising material for display to players, and where these data management aspects could be separately located throughout structure 20, or could be co-located within Control Room 502.
The Synchronization and Management Software (505) is comprised of, but not limited to, the software components listed here along with their identified CSMS port number facilitating reach to the appropriate devices and equipment either internal or external to the CSMS 504, as appropriate: Internal Display-Interactive Units Management (521) through CSMS port 520, Player Identification Management (528) through CSMS port 526, and Programming/System Monitoring Management (529) through CSMS port 512. The 550-Units Matrix Management (509) is directly associated with the Information/Visual/Audio Data Management (519). This Information/Visual/Audio Data Management (519) performs as the controlling management interface for the collection and delivery of visual, audio and information data to Media Production Room equipment (515) through CSMS port 514, and to Information/Visual/Audio Data Recording/Storage Room equipment (517) through CSMS port 516, and the Information/Visual/Audio Data Management (519) performs as the controlling management interface to the collection and delivery of visual, audio and information data to endpoints (82, 89, 91, 104) throughout the ‘local’ structure 20 through CSMS ports 518, and to the collection and delivery of visual, audio and information data points (522, 523, 524) to the ‘remote’ CSMS 504 through internal CSMS port 525 and external communications ports 510. The performance of this Information/Visual/Audio Data Management (519) includes language translation functionality for voice data and for information data real-time as part of inter-communications between remote competing players, as well as functionality for closed-caption processing for delivery to the endpoint units. In an alternative embodiment some of the 519 Data Management functionality separately resides and executes at a golf course 111 while maintaining the operational methods according to the principles of this invention.
The dynamic synchronization management of visual, audio and information data transmission communications, to, and between, the specifically-identified competing players, each at their own geographically-remote facility, is facilitated through the dynamic allocation of data communications links between remotely located CSMS 504 systems specific to inter-relationship endpoints for the competing players at their respective hitting locations on golf holes at their respective remote facilities, and is facilitated through data transmissions with the ‘local’ competing player (local to the facility's CSMS 504) at CSMS 504 interface ports 518 to the multitude of Player Locator Equipment (PLE) 540 devices, positioned throughout the structure 20, each managing different golf course short shot segment's data transmission communications endpoints (82, 89, 91, 104) and Player Position Equipment (550), where the data transmissions are facilitated either physically through cabling, fiber or wiring connectivity, or virtually through wireless or pulse connectivity, or through other inter-connectivity communications architectures, and where in an alternative embodiment, PPE 550 facilitates data transmission of some form of ball tracking system, such as an optical or electronic tracking system, could be incorporated into the processing and synchronization providing player performance information of their shots. In an alternative embodiment a golf course's multitude of PLE 540 devices performs inter-connectivity data transmissions to a subset of 519 Data Management functionality residing within the respective golf course. The visual and audio endpoints 82 and 104 are collection equipment, such as, but not limited to, a video camera, where in an alternative configuration endpoint 104 can be comprised of a video camera and microphone, or could additionally include some other type of information recording equipment. The visual and audio endpoint 91 is collection and delivery equipment, such as, but not limited to, a microphone and speaker, where in an alternative configuration endpoint 91 can be comprised of only a microphone, or only a speaker, or could additionally include some other type of information recording equipment, or information delivery equipment. The visual and audio endpoint 89 is delivery equipment, such as, but not limited to, a monitor screen, where in an alternative configuration endpoint 89 can be comprised of a monitor and speaker, or only a speaker, or could additionally include some other type of information delivery equipment (such as, but not limited to, virtual display technology).
The dynamic synchronization management of visual, audio and information data transmission communications, and the delivery of these data transmissions are synchronized in direct relation, to, and in real-time with and between, the specifically-identified competing players, each at their own geographically-remote like-kind facility, by the respective CSMS 504 on the same short shot segment, at their geographically remote facility, is further facilitated through dynamic data transmissions with the ‘remote’ competing player (when competing player is located at a different facility) at CSMS 504 internal interface ports 525 to the remote facility's comparable CSMS 504 for data transmission through its ports 518 to the remote competing player's facility-wide golf course communications endpoints, and where in an alternative embodiment of this invention, through data transmissions to the ‘remote’ competing player (when the competing player is located within the same facility) at CSMS interface ports 518 to the facility-wide golf course communications endpoints. Internal interface ports 525 deliver and receive data transmissions separately identified as outbound visual data via port (522) using communications link 508, two-way audio and information data via port (523) using communications link 507, and inbound visual data via port (524) using communications link 506, where communications links 506, 507 and 508 transmit through CSMS port 510 to-from the remote CSMS 504, where each short shot segment has communications links 506, 507 and 508, represented as, but not limited to, circuits, links or sockets, where the technological implementation can have all circuits/links/sockets transmitting over a single communications line (such as, but not limited to, fiber optics, wireless technologies), and can include communications of one or of many golf hole short shot segments, simultaneously, for one or for many players at a facility. The data ports 522, 523 and 524 correlate directly to functional purpose of endpoints (82, 89, 91, 104) for competing players, where collection endpoints 82 and 104 for a local player become outbound data transmissions (522) to the respective remote competing player; the two-way audio and information endpoint 91 becomes two-way data transmissions (523) between the remote competing players; and, the delivery endpoint 89 for a local player performs to receive inbound data transmissions (524) from the remote competing player. Other communications transmission architecture could be employed to accomplish the data transmission delivery and receipt between remote competing players without deviating from the intended real-time synchronization of interactive competitive play by remote competing players on a golf course of this invention.
In one embodiment of this invention, course play image, sound and information data distribution can be to either optical or electronic visual, audio and information assistance systems (light waves, video, digital, holographic, virtual reality, analog, radio wave, high definition, dedicated lines/circuits, internet, cellular, modular, or some other format). The course play image, sound and information data distribution becomes transmission feed to other viewing and communication systems, such as: in-house player viewing equipment; in-house observer equipment; in-house instructional training equipment; in-house production equipment; in-house to third-party commercial equipment; external to other like-kind play facility remote visual, audio and information assistance systems; external to other production equipment; external to third-party professional and commercial equipment systems; and the vast variety of personal communications devices (cell phones, tablets, notebooks, watches, virtual displays, glasses, Bluetooth, or some other personal medium).
In one embodiment of this invention, a closed circuit video system (source data generated and managed within a facility structure by a CSMS 504) is provided with cameras directed at the various hitting slots and target green areas at the plurality of short-shot segments, and monitors (or other visual imaging devices) are positioned throughout the golf course short-shot segments for viewing of real-time shot results by remote competing players. In one embodiment of this invention, video/digital motion cameras and audio receivers are positioned throughout the course play areas, floors (100) and tiers (52, 54 and 56), as source endpoints to receive and collect play action at each hitting slot area (84, 107) and at each target green area (57, 58, 59, 106, 108). The visual (82, 104) and audio 91 endpoints are collection equipment, such as, but not limited to, a video camera and a microphone, where in an alternative configuration these endpoints (82, 104) and 91 can be combined to comprise a single endpoint, or could additionally include some other type of information recording equipment.
In one embodiment of this invention, the Recognition and identification of each remote interactive competing player's play location on each short shot segment of a golf course in their respective facility structure 20 is accomplished by each competing player having on them, or with them, an identification device 560, where the identification device can be comprised of, but not limited to, an electronic or optical chip or band, a bar code, a marked band, a card, a player's fingerprint or eye, or their body's Electro Magnetic Force (EMF) or blood flow rate, and where each identification device 560 is recognized through communications medium (such as, but not limited to, scanning, swiping, keypad entry, data syncing, phone transmission, cart device transmission, sensing, mind melding) by Player Position Equipment (PPE) 550 at each hitting slot (84, 107), target green area (57, 58, 59, 106) and putting hole 108, and where each PPE 550 communicates through communications medium (such as, but not limited to, physical cabling, fiber or wiring, or virtual wireless) to Player Locator Equipment (PLE) 540, where some communications received by the PPE 550 from the PLE 540 instruct the PPE 550 device to set the PPE 550's Player Status visual display to specific indications (such as, but not limited to, color, sound, visual display, motion) which identify the player's status of play at the associated hitting slot, and where each PLE 540 connects through interface ports 518 to the Communications Synchronization Management System (CSMS) 504. There can be a many-to-one correlation of PPE 550 devices to a PLE 540 device, respectively, and in an alternative embodiment, there can be a one-to-many correlation of a PPE 550 device to PLE 540 devices, respectively. The recognition and identification method of this invention facilitates identification of the specific remotely competing players as they move throughout a play floor 100 and tiers (52, 54, 56) at the plurality of hitting locations on the multitude of short shot holes comprising a golf course in facility structure 20 of this embodiment, and it recognizes each player's variable hitting slot location on any short shot segment, and based on this recognition the CSMS 504 correlates and synchronizes the intended target green or putting green area for the recognized variable hitting slot location of the player in preparation for real-time synchronized visual, audio and information data transmission delivery to the remote competing player's recognized location within their facility structure 20. In an alternative embodiment, the data transmission delivery is to the same course as the local competing player. In an alternative embodiment, the data transmission delivery is to the same facility as the local competing player.
The short-shot segment types, which are combined to create a golf hole, are pitch, chip, bunker, sand, and putting short-shot segments, identified in this embodiment with designations, for example, as shown for the par 5 golf hole 15 having short shot segments 15A, 15B, 15C and 15D, representing the comparable standard for a par 5 hole of three shots (represented by 15A, 15B, 15C) and two putts (represented by 15D), and where in an alternative embodiment the short shot segment immediately preceding the putting segment is inclusive of the putting segment play (for the current example of golf hole 15, 15C is inclusive of the 15D putting segment play), and where in an alternative embodiment the golf holes are of a standard shape and length experienced on a traditional golf course while being comprised of the same par shot standard definitions. There is the incorporation with these short-shot segments the opportunity for a player to ‘hole out’ on an ‘approach’ short shot segment, as is experienced with an approach shot on a traditional golf course, where in this embodiment of the invention represented above with the par 5 golf hole 15, on the short shot segment 15C, a player accomplishes a ‘hole out’ by hitting their ball from off of the intended hitting slot onto the intended target green where, before the ball comes to rest, the ball proceeds to go into the intended ‘hole cup’ of the intended target green. Each of the short shot segments of this embodiment has at least one hitting slot (84, 107). Each hitting slot (84, 107) of a short shot segment on floor 100, or on one of the tiers, preferably has either a turf surface or a sand surface on which a ball can be placed to hit toward a target green area (57, 58, 59, 106, 108), where there can be one hitting slot assigned to a target green area, or alternatively, there can be several hitting slots assigned to each target green area. The hitting slot turf can be natural or artificial, and the hitting slot sand can be natural or artificial. The length of the turf varies at the turf hitting slots, for example, short turf for a fairway grade shot, medium turf for a rough grade shot, and high turf for a deep rough grade shot. Alternatively, each short shot segment hitting slot can be provided with sections of the different lengths of turf, so that different grades of shots can be played from the same hitting slot. The depth of the sand bunker varies at the sand short shot segment hitting slot, for example, a shallow-depth bunker for a less difficult shot, a medium-depth bunker for a more difficult shot, and a deep-depth bunker for an even more difficult shot. In an alternative embodiment a short shot segment hitting slot can have multiple depths of bunkers. The grade of the sand varies at the sand hitting slots, for example, fine light-weight sand or coarse heavy-weight sand. The turf bunker short shot segments can be played from turf hitting slots with shallow, intermediate, or deep bunker depths to simulate regulation golf course conditions (or each turf bunker hitting slot can have all or some combination of, these different bunker depths). Additionally, the grade of the turf can vary in length (short, medium, long) for each turf bunker shot, and a single turf bunker hitting slot can contain all variations of turf length for shot selection by a player. The chipping short shot segment hitting slots can have varying turf lengths, and their starting points can also have differing turfs to simulate chipping from the apron of the green, the fairway, or the rough. The putting short shot segment hitting slots can have varying lengths and different turfs to simulate putting from starting points on the rough, apron, fringe, and on the green, and alternatively, the putting short shot segments can be comprised of sand.
Each of the target green areas (57, 58, 59, 106, 108), in this embodiment of the invention, preferably comprises at least inner and outer zones, where in an alternative embodiment additional zones could be provided. The inner zone could correspond to the entire surface of the target green area, or alternatively, there could be multiple inner zones within the target green area, such as target green areas 57 and 59 on tiers 54 and 56, respectively, and on section 102 short shot segments 6B and 8B, respectively, and as target green area 106 on short shot segment 10B on section 102. The outer zone could correspond to a portion of the area surrounding the target green area, or alternatively, the outer zone could be all of the area outside of the inner zone. Another alternative could have different outer zones assigned to each tier or section outside of, and surrounding, the target green area. In other embodiments, the inner and outer target zones could be coexistent with the target green. The target green areas are preferably comprised of turf, which can be natural or artificial, where the length of the turf can vary from one target green area to another. Alternatively, at least some of the target green areas (57, 58, 59, 106, 108) could be comprised of sand, or some other surface type other than turf. As shown schematically in
Play surface area 102 comprises, for at least some of the short shot segments in this embodiment of the invention, a putting short shot hole 108, comprising a turf surface and a target green area 106 preferably comprising at least inner and outer zones that the ball is hit toward. The inner zone corresponds to the surface area closest to, and encompassing, the hole cup, and where the outer zone is outside the inner zone. Alternatively, the inner zone corresponds to the hole cup solely, and where the outer zone is outside the inner zone. This turf can be natural or artificial. Preferably, the length of the turf varies at the putting short shot segments 108, for example, very shot length turf (e.g., putting surface grade) encompassing around, and including, the target green area 106, simulating the surface of a golf course putting green, and short length turf (e.g., fringe grade) surrounding the very short length turf, and for at least some putting short shot segments 108, having increasingly longer turf lengths (corresponding to apron and rough grade) surrounding the target green area 106. Each putting hole 108 includes one or more starting points 107 associated with it, on which a player can position a ball to hit it toward the cup of the target green area 106. The starting points 107 can be located on the rough, apron or fringe grade turf and on the putting surface grade turf, or a combination of surface grades.
In an embodiment of this invention, a method provides the means for determination of the next hitting slot selection at which a player is to play from, which directly impacts the dynamic correlation and synchronization effort by the CSMS 504 of visual, audio and information endpoints to use for data transmission management for the current short shot segment, and which is based on player previous performance parameters, for which the scoring frame for each short shot segment of a golf hole contains a position in which can be placed an ‘On-Target’ check mark 622, or an ‘Errant’ plus mark 650. The ‘On-Target’ check mark 622 signifies that the first hit attempt of the ball at the hitting slot came to rest within the inner zone of the short shot segment's intended target green area, and where there is an absence of the ‘On-Target’ check mark 622 in the scoring frame when the player's resulting hit ball did not come to rest within the inner zone of the short shot segment's intended target green area. The ‘Errant’ plus mark 650 signifies that the last hit attempt of the ball at the hitting slot did not came to rest on the tier containing the short shot segment's intended target green area, and where there is an absence of the ‘Errant’ plus mark 650 in the scoring frame when the player's resulting last hit ball did come to rest on the tier containing the short shot segment's intended target green area. In an alternative embodiment of this invention, the determination factor associated with the ‘Errant’ plus mark 650 can be related to resulting relational position of the last hit attempt of the ball at a chip, pitch or putting short shot segment for example, but not limited to, the ball coming to rest outside the defined boundaries of one of these short shot segments. These described determination methodologies are shown graphically in
In the preferred embodiment of this invention there is a method that synchronizes visual imaging, audio sound, and information data transmissions of, and between, remotely competing players that allows viewing of performance play of each other at the appropriate various and unpredictable play positions within the respective like-kind golf courses at their respective facilities where sequential continuity of play is maintained. This means that competing players can view the current play position, and its associated target destination, of their remote opponent, as well as verbally converse and view informational statistics, as play by each traverses throughout the golf course at their respective remote locations, where the collection and delivery of the visual, audio and information data is managed by the CSMS 504 at each respective facility which performs all synchronization of visual, audio and information data transmission communications, in conjunction with the respective remote CSMS 504 via external communications interface ports 510 at each respective facility's CSMS 504, between the specifically-identified competing players, each at their own geographically-remote facility.
In the preferred embodiment of this invention each competing player, when mutually scheduled to compete, arrives and registers with the ‘Starter’ (which for this preferred embodiment is Customer Service, where in an alternative embodiment could be, but not limited to, some other section department in the facility, or some form of a kiosk unit, or a personal communications device) at their respective facilities, and are assigned an Identification Number which is coded into a wristband (560), and which is entered into the CSMS system through the Player Identification Equipment (527) via the Player Identification Interface port (526) into the Player Identification Software (528), along with the player's name, the opponent's name (or other identification label, such as, but not limited to, league name, tournament name), as well as with the intended location of the remote competing player (such as, but not limited to, the city, facility name). The CSMS processes the entered information and accomplishes the remote competing-player identification by communicating with the remote location's comparable CSMS 504 through external communications interface ports 510 at each respective facility's CSMS 504 to complete a match of competing-player identification, and to establish and synchronize the communications interfaces to be used for the duration of the play competition.
In the preferred embodiment of this invention, competing players begin play at the first short-shot segment of the first golf hole of the facility's golf course. Each player, at their respective facility, determines and establishes the proper hitting slot to hit from at the current short-shot segment based on previous play parameters, and upon doing so accomplishes play-position-recognition by holding their wristband (560) next to the Player Position Equipment (PPE) 550 at the determined beginning hitting slot (84) for the short-shot segment, and subsequently at any variable hitting slot (107) that may follow for the short-shot segment, and then at any target green area (57, 58, 59, 106, 108) for the short-shot segment, with a final occurrence at the physical end of the short-shot segment upon the conclusion of play of the short-shot hole segment, where the respective PPE 550 at the various locations at a short-shot segment recognizes and reads the player's coded wristband (560), and proceeds to transmit to the Player Locator Equipment (PLE) 540 an information set that includes, but is not limited to, the hitting slot identification, the read coded wristband Player Identification Number, a time stamp, a facility location stamp.
In the preferred embodiment of this invention, the Player Locator Equipment (PLE) 540 transmits received information sets to the CSMS 504, where, for each information set, the CSMS 504 analyzes and dynamically determines the appropriate visual data collection endpoints (82, 104), audio and information data endpoints (91), and delivery (89) endpoints for a specific hitting slot (for our ‘Hole-1A’ example, it is ‘Endpoint 1A-2’), and determines the associated target green area's visual data collection endpoints (82, 104), and where appropriate for a short-shot hole segment, the same dynamic correlation process is accomplished for a variable hitting slot (107) and for a target green area (57, 58, 59, 106, 108). The visual, audio and information data streams (including, but not limited to, video/voice/statistics/score/text/images) for these determined collection endpoints (82, 89, 91, 104), are synchronized by the local CSMS in concert with the remote CSMS for use as delivery transmission at the determined remote endpoints (89, 91) for the specific remote competing player. It is this dynamic determination and collection process by a CSMS within a facility, and the dynamic synchronization process between, and in concert with, remote CSMSs of the collected and delivered visual, audio and information data transmissions of play performance of each respective competing player, of this invention, that are unique to real-time remote competition as competing players traverse throughout a golf course hitting and playing at a plurality of unpredictable locations while being afforded the capability to view and converse on play performance about the competing player's striking of the ball and the hitting result of the ball for every short-shot segment shot experienced by the players in real-time, simultaneously, synchronized on play at the same short-shot segment at their respective like-kind facilities.
For the preferred embodiment of this invention, the method of synchronization of play between remote competing players, where the number of concurrent real-time competing players in this invention can be from two to unlimited, and where there can be multiple co-located competing players who are participating in the common competition with remote players, is best understood through presented competitive play by two players, each at geographically-remote facilities from each other. The presented competitive play is of Hole 15 defined below in Table 1 as a par 5, and configured in the golf course layout in
Applying the presentation of synchronized play between remote competing players for this preferred embodiment of this invention is further assisted by references to Score Card 200 in
Synchronization management by the Competition Synchronization Management System (CSMS) 504 of play between remote competing players begins with player identification registration, which is accomplished for each of the competing players at their respective facility, through the facility's associated CSMS 504, by player information entered into the Player Identification Interface (PII) software interfacing with CSMS at port 526 through an endpoint PII unit (527) within the respective facility, and from which the CSMS generates and establishes a Player Identification Number (PIN) within its Player Identification Software (528) that is used for the respective player throughout the competition play, where the PIN for the local competing player is sent back from the PIS (528), through port 526 to the PII endpoint unit (527), and where the PIN is embedded into a wristband (560) that is worn by the competing player local to their respective facility, for player identification throughout the competition play on the golf course. The CSMS 504 at each player's facility establishes the competition session within its software based on the information set entered for the respective competing player and for the identified remote competing player, to include their respective generated PIN.
The synchronization process for the competing players continues with the local and remote CSMS 504 accomplishing information inter-communication between them, through each CSMS's external communications ports (510), based on the entered player information at each facility, and further establishes the competition session setup within their respective software for the real-time competition play interface and interaction of receiving and delivering visual, audio and information data transmissions to and from the varied and unpredictable endpoint locations of each competing player on the plurality of short-shot segments throughout their respective golf course facilities.
Synchronization execution by the respective CSMS 504 at each facility continues for the competition play of the competing players as they each arrive, at their respective facilities, at the first short-shot segment 15A for Hole-15 of a golf course defined in this embodiment of this invention. Each competing player, at their respective facility, accomplishes the determination process to identify and establish which hitting slot (84) they are to hit from for short shot segment 15A, where there is hitting slot 15A-84-1 with most-favorable tee box-grade turf, and there is hitting slot 15A-84-2 with less-favorable rough-grade turf, and where in this embodiment of the invention these two hitting slots are significantly distanced from each other and, for this embodiment of this invention, are separated by safety-protective barriers (610). In an alternative embodiment the two hitting slots are near each other, and there is not a barrier 610. The competing players each apply the ‘previous performance play’ rules to determine whether they are to hit from hitting slot 15A-84-1 or 15A-84-2. For this description of synchronization of play, the local competing player did not have a ‘Check Mark’ in box 354 of their score card (where ‘box 354’ is associated with the last short-shot segment of the previous golf hole, Hole 14) resulting in a determination to hit at the less-favorable hitting slot 15A-84-2 of their respective facility, and where the remote competing play did have a ‘Check Mark’ in box 354 of their score card resulting in a determination to hit at the most-favorable hitting slot 15A-84-1 at their respective facility. In an alternative embodiment the beginning short shot segment for a golf hole is played from the most-favorable hitting slot. Upon determination, each player, at their respective facility, holds their wristband (560) next to the Player Position Equipment (PPE) 550 at the determined hitting slot (84) for this first short-shot segment 15A. The respective PPE 550 at the respective hitting slots (for this embodiment of this invention identified as: 550-15A-84-1, and 550-15A-84-2, respectively) recognizes and reads the respective player's coded wristband (560), and proceeds to transmit the read information set to the Player Locator Equipment (PLE) 540, to include the respective PPE 550's unit identification. The respective PLE 540 (identified in this embodiment of this invention for short shot segment 15A as: 540-15A) proceeds to transmit the information set, to include its respective PLE 540's unit identification, to the respective facility's CSMS through port 518.
The CSMS 504, at the respective facilities, receives and analyzes the information set through CSMS port 518 of data transmission from the respective 540 and, based on its specific information, performs dynamic endpoint identification of its ports for the short-shot segment 15A, inclusive of the selected hitting slot endpoints, the flight-path viewing endpoints, and the intended target green area endpoints. For the local competing player these port endpoints are identified in
The competing players determine, through audio communication, who will play first and who will play subsequently, and they hit, one after the other, from their respective hitting slots for short-shot segment 15A (having definition of ‘hit until off of hitting slot’) toward the intended target green area, where the remote competing player playing subsequently views on their local visual delivery device (89) the play performance data transmission of the respective remote competing player playing first, and who then scores accordingly. This is followed by the next competing player, with the respective remote competing player viewing their local visual delivery device (89), and where the mentioned next competing player hits from their respective hitting slot for short shot segment 15A and scores accordingly.
Competition play at short-shot segment 15A is concluded for the competing players by each, at their respective facility, holding their wristband (560) next to the Player Position Equipment (PPE) 550 at the determined hitting slot from which they hit their ball. The respective PPE 550 at the respective hitting slots (for this embodiment of this invention identified as: 550-15A-84-1, and 550-15A-84-2, respectively) recognizes and reads the respective player's coded wristband (560), and proceeds to transmit the read information set to the Player Locator Equipment (PLE) 540, to include the respective PPE 550's unit identification. In an alternative embodiment competition play at a short shot segment is concluded upon the recognition of a different action (such as, but not limited to, next player login, entering of scoring information in a device, response timeout). The respective PLE 540 (for this embodiment of this invention identified as: 540-15A) proceeds to transmit the information set, to include its respective PLE 540's unit identification, to the respective facility's CSMS on CSMS port 518. The CSMS 504, at the respective facilities, receives and analyzes the information set through CSMS port 518 and, based on its specific information, recognizes that the identified Player Identification Number (PIN) is currently registered at the specific hitting slot, and proceeds to perform the completion process for short-shot segment 15A play by removing the collection and delivery endpoint assignments (522-xxxxx, 523-yyyyy, 524-zzzzz) to the CSMS's external communications interface port 510 associated with the respective remote competing player, along with sending an information transmission back to the respective PLE 540, for delivery to the respective PPE 550, to set the Player Status visual display to the ‘Completed’ mode (which is ‘Red’ for this embodiment of this invention).
Synchronized play between the remote players continues for golf Hole 15, of the golf course defined in this embodiment of this invention, at the second short-shot segment 15B. Each competing player, at their respective facility, accomplishes the determination process to identify and establish which hitting slot (107) they are to hit from for shot-shot segment 15B, where there is hitting slot 15B-107-1 with most-favorable level tee box-grade turf, and there is hitting slot 15B-107-2 with less-favorable sloped tee box-grade turf, and there is hitting slot 15B-107-3 with least-favorable sloped and rough-grade turf, and where in this embodiment of the invention these three hitting slots are significantly distanced from each other at separate and different angels around the associated target green area. The competing players each apply the ‘previous performance play’ rules, based on their play performance at the previous short-shot segment 15A, to determine whether they are to hit from hitting slot 15B-107-1, 15B-107-2, or 15B-107-3. For this description of synchronization of play, the local competing player does have a ‘Check Mark’ in box 360 of their score card resulting in a determination to hit at the most-favorable hitting slot 15B-107-1 of their respective facility, and where the remote competing play does not have a ‘Check Mark’ in box 360 of their score card, and additionally their hit ball at the previous shot-shot segment 15A (which had an intended ‘tier target green’) did not come to rest on the intended tier, which produced a ‘Plus Mark’ in box 360 of their score card, resulting in a determination to hit at the least-favorable hitting slot 15B-107-3 at their respective facility. Upon determination, each player, at their respective facility, holds their wristband (560) next to the Player Position Equipment (PPE) 550 at the determined hitting slot (107) for this second short-shot segment 15B. The respective PPE 550 at the respective hitting slots (for this embodiment of this invention identified as: 550-15B-107-1, 550-15B-107-2, and 550-15B-107-3, respectively) recognizes and reads the respective player's coded wristband (560), and proceeds to transmit the read information set to the Player Locator Equipment (PLE) 540, to include the respective PPE 550's unit identification. The respective PLE 540 (for this embodiment of this invention for this short shot segment 15B is identified as: 540-15B) proceeds to transmit the information set, to include its respective PLE 540's unit identification, to the respective facility's CSMS through CSMS port 518.
The CSMS 504, at the respective facilities, receives and analyzes the information set through CSMS port 518 and, based on its specific information, performs dynamic endpoint identification of its ports for the short-shot segment 15B, inclusive of the selected hitting slot endpoints, the flight-path viewing endpoints, and the intended target green area endpoints. For the local competing player these port endpoints are identified in
The competing players determine, through audio communication, who will play first and who will play subsequently, and they hit, one after the other, from their respective hitting slots for short-shot segment 15B (having definition of ‘hit until on intended target green area’) toward the intended target green area, where the respective remote competing player playing subsequently views on their local visual delivery device (89) the play performance data transmission of the respectively remote competing player playing first, and who then scores accordingly. This is followed by the next competing player, with the respective remote competing player viewing their local visual delivery device (89), and where the mentioned next competing player hits from their respective hitting slot for short shot segment 15B and scores accordingly.
Competition play at short-shot segment 15B is concluded for the competing players by each, at their respective facility, holding their wristband (560) next to the Player Position Equipment (PPE) 550 at the intended target green area for short-shot segment 15B. The respective PPE 550 at the respective target green area (for this embodiment of this invention identified as: 550-15B-58-1, as presented in
Synchronized play between the remote players continues for golf Hole 15, of the golf course defined in this embodiment of this invention, at the third short-shot segment 15C, where in an alternative embodiment this short shot segment 15C is identified as an ‘approach shot’ as it immediately precedes the putting short shot segment. Each competing player, at their respective facility, accomplishes the determination process to identify and establish which hitting slot (84) they are to hit from for shot-shot segment 15C, where there is hitting slot 15C-84-1 with least-favorable sand shot, and there is hitting slot 15C-84-2 with most-favorable tee box-grade turf, and where in this embodiment of the invention these two hitting slots are significantly distanced from each other and, for this embodiment of this invention, are separated by safety-protective barriers (610). The competing players each apply the ‘previous performance play’ rules, based on play performance at the previous shot-shot segment 15B, to determine whether they are to hit from hitting slot 15C-84-1 or 15C-84-2. For this description of synchronization of play, the local competing player did not have a ‘Check Mark’ in box 364 of their score card resulting in a determination to hit at the least-favorable hitting slot 15C-84-1 of their respective facility, and where the remote competing play did have a ‘Check Mark’ in box 364 of their score card resulting in a determination to hit at the most-favorable hitting slot 15C-84-2 at their respective facility. Upon determination, each player, at their respective facility, holds their wristband (560) next to the Player Position Equipment (PPE) 550 at the determined hitting slot (84) for this third short-shot segment 15C. The respective PPE 550 at the respective hitting slots (for this embodiment of this invention identified as: 550-15C-84-1, and 550-15C-84-2, respectively) recognizes and reads the respective player's coded wristband (560), and proceeds to transmit the read information set to the Player Locator Equipment (PLE) 540, to include the respective PPE 550's unit identification. The respective PLE 540 (identified in this embodiment of this invention for short shot segment 15C as: 540-15C) proceeds to transmit the information set, to include its respective PLE 540's unit identification, to the respective facility's CSMS through CSMS port 518.
The CSMS 504, at the respective facilities, receives and analyzes the information set through CSMS port 518 and, based on its specific information, performs dynamic endpoint identification of its ports for the short-shot segment 15C, inclusive of the selected hitting slot endpoints, the flight-path viewing endpoints, and the intended target green area endpoints. For the local competing player these port endpoints are identified in
The competing players determine, through audio communication, who will play first and who will play subsequently, and they hit, one after the other, from their respective hitting slots for short-shot segment 15C (having definition of ‘hit until off of hitting slot’) toward the intended target green area, where the remote competing player playing subsequently views on their local visual delivery device (89) the play performance data transmission of the respective remote competing player playing first, and who then scores accordingly. This is followed by the next competing player, with the respective remote competing player viewing their local visual delivery device (89), and where the mentioned next competing player hits from their respective hitting slot for short shot segment 15C and scores accordingly.
Competition play at short-shot segment 15C is concluded for the competing players by each, at their respective facility, holding their wristband (560) next to the Player Position Equipment (PPE) 550 at the determined hitting slot from which they hit their ball. The respective PPE 550 at the respective hitting slots (for this embodiment of this invention identified as: 550-15C-84-1, and 550-15C-84-2, respectively) recognizes and reads the respective player's coded wristband (560), and proceeds to transmit the read information set to the Player Locator Equipment (PLE) 540, to include the respective PPE 550's unit identification. The respective PLE 540 (for this embodiment of this invention identified as: 540-15C) proceeds to transmit the information set, to include its respective PLE 540's unit identification, to the respective facility's CSMS on CSMS port 518. The CSMS 504, at the respective facilities, receives and analyzes the information set through port 518 and, based on its specific information, recognizes that the identified Player Identification Number (PIN) is currently registered at the specific hitting slot, and proceeds to perform the completion process for short-shot segment 15C play by removing the collection and delivery endpoint assignments (522-xxxxx, 523-yyyyy, 524-zzzzz) to the CSMS's external communications interface port 510 associated with the respective remote competing player, along with sending an information transmission back to the respective PLE 540, for delivery to the respective PPE 550, to set the Player Status visual display to the ‘Completed’ mode (which is ‘Red’ for this embodiment of this invention).
Synchronized play between the remote players continues for golf Hole 15, of the golf course defined in this embodiment of this invention, at the fourth short-shot segment 15D. In an alternative embodiment 15D play is included as part of short shot segment 15C with play for 15D beginning from the player's ball resting location at the conclusion of approach shot 15C play. Each competing player, at their respective facility, accomplishes the determination process to identify and establish which hitting slot (107) they are to hit from for short-shot segment 15D, where there is hitting slot 15D-107-1 with least-favorable rough-grade turf, and there is hitting slot 15D-107-2 with less-favorable fringe-grade turf, and there is hitting slot 15D-107-3 with most-favorable putting green-grade turf, and where in this embodiment of the invention these three hitting slots are significantly distanced from each other at separate and different angels around the associated target green area. The competing players each apply the ‘previous performance play’ rules, based on their performance at the previous short-shot segment 15C, to determine whether they are to hit from hitting slot 15D-107-1, 15D-107-2, or 15D-107-3. For this description of synchronization of play, the local competing player does not have a ‘Check Mark’ in box 368 of their score card, and additionally their hit ball at the previous short-shot segment 15C (which had an intended ‘tier target green’) did not come to rest on the intended tier, resulting in a determination to hit at the least-favorable hitting slot 15D-107-1 of their respective facility, and where the remote competing play does not have a ‘Check Mark’ in box 368 of their score card, but additionally their hit ball at the previous short-shot segment 15C (which had an intended ‘tier target green’) did come to rest on the intended tier, resulting in a determination to hit at the less-favorable hitting slot 15D-107-2 at their respective facility. Upon determination, each player, at their respective facility, holds their wristband (560) next to the Player Position Equipment (PPE) 550 at the determined hitting slot (107) for this fourth short-shot segment 15D. The respective PPE 550 at the respective hitting slots (for this embodiment of this invention identified as: 550-15D-107-1, 550-15D-107-2, and 550-15D-107-3, respectively) recognizes and reads the respective player's coded wristband (560), and proceeds to transmit the read information set to the Player Locator Equipment (PLE) 540, to include the respective PPE 550's unit identification. The respective PLE 540 (for this embodiment of this invention for this short shot segment 15D identified as: 540-15D) proceeds to transmit the information set, to include its respective PLE 540's unit identification, to the respective facility's CSMS through CSMS port 518.
The CSMS 504, at the respective facilities, receives and analyzes the information set through CSMS port 518 and, based on its specific information, performs dynamic endpoint identification of its ports for the short-shot segment 15D, inclusive of the selected hitting slot endpoints, the flight-path viewing endpoints, and the intended target green area endpoints. For the local competing player these port endpoints are identified in
The competing players determine, through audio communication, who will play first and who will play subsequently, and they hit, one after the other, from their respective hitting slots for short-shot segment 15D (having definition of ‘hit until ball goes into hole cup’) toward the intended target green area, where the remote competing player playing subsequently views on their local visual delivery device (89) the play performance data transmission of the respective remote competing player playing first, and who then scores accordingly. This is followed by the next competing player, with the respective remote competing player viewing their local visual delivery device (89), and where the mentioned next competing player hits from their respective hitting slot and scores accordingly.
Competition play at short-shot segment 15D is concluded for the competing players by each, at their respective facility, holding their wristband (560) next to the Player Position Equipment (PPE) 550 at the intended target green area for short-shot segment 15D. The respective PPE 550 at the respective target green area (for this embodiment of this invention identified as: 550-15D-108-1, as presented in
While the methods of this invention have been described in the context of the foundation for real-time remote global competition of golf course play through synchronization software managing the collection and delivery of play performance data for transmission to, and between, remote players in real-time playing golf holes each comprised of a plurality of short shot segments, the methods of this invention are not so limited. While the methods can be incorporated into various other course layouts, and other golf hole configurations could be formed and played, this does not limit or hinder the application and use of the methods of this invention, and this also holds true for an alternative embodiment of this invention which incorporates a methodology for synchronization of programmed recorded delay of remote competitor performance which is integrated into presentation of shot-by-shot time inter-relationships between competing players playing a competition at remote like-kind golf courses managed by the synchronization of this invention. In an alternative embodiment between competing players playing a competition at the same golf course. The application of the methods of this invention are emphasized and exploited through dynamic recognition, correlation and synchronization of the relevant data communications devices endpoints associated with the various unpredictable play locations (based on a variety of previous play results parameters) of competing players as they traverse the golf course within their respective remote facilities, and where the methods of this invention provide and enable unprecedented global golf course play competition where this dynamic aspect of this invention applies whether for immediate presentation to remote players of the synchronized data transmissions, or for a time-delay presentation to remote players of the synchronized data transmissions, for competition play on like-kind golf courses at their respective remote facilities.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/259,062, filed Jun. 21, 2021. The disclosure of the above-referenced application is incorporated herein by reference.
