Method and apparatus for predicting the likely success of golf swings
A method of predicting the likelihood of a post T-off golf swing or consecutive swings resulting in a ball being sunk in a hole; the method utilizing communication equipped cameras or communication equipped laser rangefinders at known locations to determine accurate ball lie information. Transmission of this location information in real time to a processing facility linked to a database of historical play information incorporating at least ball position information and golf course in order to calculate odds of success of the upcoming swing and/or subsequent swings.
1. A method of predicting the likelihood of a golf swing or consecutive swings sinking a ball in a hole prior to the swing or consecutive swings comprised of the steps of:
a) selecting a post tee off swing or post tee off consecutive swings in a golf game;
b) setting up a communication enabled data processing facility linked to a database of historical play information including at least ball position and golf course to calculate odds of success of the upcoming swing and/or subsequent swings,
c) placing electronic communication enabled ball position identifying equipment at a functional distance and remote location relative to the ball involved in the subject swing or swings,
d) activating the electronic communication enabled ball position identifying equipment so as to precisely determine pre-swing ball position and broadcasting this information to the processing facility in real time,
e) comparing the real time pre-swing ball position information received at the processing station with the database of prior ball positions in order to calculate the odds of the upcoming swing or swings terminating in a hole.
2. A method of predicting the likelihood of a golf swing or consecutive swings sinking a ball in a hole in accordance with claim 1 wherein the electronic communication enabled ball position identifying equipment comprises multiple laser rangefinders at precisely known locations.
3. A method of predicting the likelihood of a golf swing or consecutive swings sinking a ball in a hole in accordance with claim 1 wherein the electronic communication enabled ball position identifying equipment comprises a compass equipped laser rangefinder at a precisely known location.
4. A method of predicting the likelihood of a golf swing or consecutive swings sinking a ball in a hole in accordance with claim 1 wherein the electronic communication enabled ball position identifying equipment comprises one or more GPS equipped laser rangefinders.
5. A method of predicting the likelihood of a golf swing or consecutive swings sinking a ball in a hole in accordance with claim 1 wherein the electronic communication enabled ball position identifying equipment comprises one or more laser rangefinders utilising IR frequencies.
6. A method of predicting the likelihood of a golf swing or consecutive swings sinking a ball in a hole in accordance with claim 1 wherein the electronic communication enabled ball position identifying equipment comprises one or more laser rangefinders utilising invisible light frequencies.
7. A method of predicting the likelihood of a golf swing or consecutive swings sinking a ball in a hole in accordance with claim 1 wherein the electronic communication enabled ball position identifying equipment includes a scope and tripod equipped laser rangefinder at a precisely known location.
8. A method of predicting the likelihood of a golf swing or consecutive swings sinking a ball in a hole in accordance with claim 1 wherein the communication enabled electronic ball position identifying equipment includes a readily movable laser range finder at a precisely known location.
9. A method of predicting the likelihood of a golf swing or consecutive swings sinking a ball in a hole in accordance with claim 1 further comprising the information about the likely success of the swing or swings to produce odds to facilitate provision of a gambling market.
10. A method of predicting the likelihood of a golf swing or consecutive swings sinking a ball in a hole in accordance with claim 1 further comprising the step of processing the information produced and determining the likelihood of two consecutive swings resulting in a ball being sunk by at least the second swing.
11. A method of predicting the likelihood of a golf swing or consecutive swings sinking a ball in a hole in accordance with claim 1 further comprising the step of processing the information produced and determining the likelihood of two consecutive swings originating from within a predefined distance of the target hole resulting in a ball being sunk by at least the second swing.
12. A method of predicting the likelihood of a golf swing or consecutive swings sinking a ball in a hole in accordance with claim 1 further comprising the step of processing the information produced and determining the likelihood of two consecutive swings originating from within 200 meters of the target hole resulting in a ball being sunk by at least the second swing.
13. A method of predicting the likelihood of a golf swing or consecutive swings sinking a ball in a hole in accordance with claim 1 further comprising the step of processing the information produced and determining the likelihood of two consecutive swings originating from within 250 meters of the target hole resulting in a ball being sunk by at least the second swing.