WO2008146128A1

WO2008146128A1 - Golf management system and method

Info

Publication number: WO2008146128A1
Application number: PCT/IB2008/001310
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael Settas
Original assignee: Michael Settas
Priority date: 2007-05-25
Filing date: 2008-05-26
Publication date: 2008-12-04

Abstract

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a golf management system (10) comprising a booking system (12), a payment system (14), a scoring system (16), a central server (18) that is in communication with the above systems, and a mobile device (20) associated with a golf player. The mobile device is usable by the golf player to book a round of golf using the booking system, make payment and receive confirmation of payment from the payment system and to enter scores during or after a round of golf, all in real time, the central server being arranged to receive ahd store the relevant information and to make it accessible to the mobile device. According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a real time mobile device-based real time golf booking system. According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a real time mobile device-based real time golf booking method.

Description

GOLF MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a golf management system and method, and in an example embodiment to a real time mobile device based golf booking and scoring system and associated methodology, as well as to a golf round payment and registration management system and associated methodology.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

South Africa has approximately 160 000 registered golfers, spread across approximately 450 golf clubs that are affiliated through 14 provincial and regional unions that, in turn, are all ultimately governed by the South African Golf Association (SAGA).

Currently all golf clubs make use of card based handicap systems of which most are not available on a real time basis and also requires the clubs to maintain and service terminals in the club house. There are annual charges for the membership cards and/or charges per game and/or a fixed monthly charge for use of the system by clubs. Additional service and/or call out costs are incurred by clubs if their system is down.

Many of the clubs operate on dial-up internet links to upload handicap data which clearly results in delays of availability of accurate handicap data.

Also, to book a golf game, a player needs to either go to the relevant golf club and book in person or speak to the relevant person at the golf club and book in this way. Alternatively, the player may make use of an internet based booking system should the club subscribe to such a system.

Also, if a player plays a game at a club that does not use the same system as his/her home club uses, then the player cannot enter his/her score where he played because of incompatibility of the system hardware and terminals. He/she is required to phone his home club and request that the score is manually loaded by club personnel.

Thus, golf clubs incur costs, in both manpower and telecommunications costs, for a system and service that has become outdated.

It is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide a system and associated methodology that addresses the above shortcomings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a golf management system comprising:

a booking system;

a scoring system; a payment system;

a central server that is in communication with the above systems; and

a mobile device associated with a golf player, the mobile device being usable by the golf player to book a round of golf using the booking system, make payment and receive confirmation of payment from the payment system and to enter scores during or after a round of golf, all in real time, the central server being arranged to receive and store the relevant information and to make it accessible to the mobile device.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a real time mobile device-based real time golf booking system comprising:

an input transceiver module that can communicate with a player's mobile device;

an output transceiver module that can communicate with a central server;

a memory module;

a booking information prompting module; and

a processor to functionally connect the input and output transceiver modules, the memory module and the booking information prompting module so that sufficient information relating to a proposed golf round to be booked may be obtained from the player.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a real time mobile device- based real time golf booking method comprising:

receiving a booking request signal;

retrieving required booking information; prompting the player to enter the required booking information;

deciding whether sufficient information has been entered to enable a round of golf to be booked; and

if there is enough information, booking the golf round on a central server.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a real time mobile device- based real time golf scoring system comprising:

an input transceiver module that can communicate with a player's mobile device;

an output transceiver module that can communicate with a central server;

a memory module;

a handicap calculation module; and

a processor to functionally connect the input and output transceiver modules, the memory module and the handicap calculation module so that scores for each hole may be entered by the player directly into the mobile device.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention there is provided a real time mobile device- based real time golf scoring method comprising:

prompting the player to enter a score for a particular hole;

receiving the score entered by the player;

calculating the player's points and handicap in real time as scores are being entered; and

transmitting the captured scores and/or calculated handicap in real time to a remote station. According to a sixth aspect of the invention there is provided a golf round payment system comprising:

an input transceiver module that can communicate with a payment terminal;

an output transceiver module that can communicate with a central server;

a memory module;

a payment processing module; and

a processor to functionally connect the input and output transceiver modules, the memory module and the payment processing module so that payment for a proposed golf round may be processed and either approved or rejected.

In an example embodiment, the payment terminal comprises a reader that can read either a player's membership card or a player's mobile device.

According to a seventh aspect of the invention there is provided a golf round payment method comprising:

receiving a payment request signal;

identifying the player and retrieving details of the round to be paid by the player;

prompting the player to enter payment confirmation information;

deciding whether sufficient information has been entered to enable a payment confirmation to be generated; and

if so, generating a payment confirmation signal. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 shows a highly schematic overall view of a golf management system according to an example embodiment;

Figure 2 shows a highly schematic view of a golf game booking system according to an example embodiment, which may be used in the system shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 shows a schematic flow chart representing a golf game booking method according to an example embodiment, which may be used in the system shown in Figure 2;

Figure 4 shows a highly schematic view of a golf game payment system according to an example embodiment, which may be used in the system shown in

Figure 1 ;

Figure 5 shows a schematic flow chart representing a golf game payment method according to an example embodiment, which may be used in the system shown in Figure 4;

Figure 6 shows a highly schematic view of a golf game scoring system according to an example embodiment, which may be used in the system shown in Figure 1 ; and

Figure 7 shows a schematic flow chart representing a golf game scoring method according to an example embodiment, which may be used in the system shown in Figure 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring first to Figure 1 , a golf management system 10 according to an example embodiment comprises a plurality of sub-systems, including a booking system 12, a payment system 14 and a scoring system 16. Each of these sub-systems 12, 14 and 16 will be described in more detail further below with reference to Figures 2 and 3, 4 and 5, and 6 and 7, respectively.

The sub-systems 12, 14 and 16 are, in an example embodiment, all under the control of a central server 18, which in turn is in communication with the remaining components of the system 10 either via a cellular gateway 19A or an internet communications network 19B. A mobile device 20, such as a cellular telephone, associated with a golf player, may be used by the player to access the server's sub-systems 12, 14 and 16 via the cellular gateway 19A. In an example embodiment, the mobile device 20 communicates with the server 18 using a real time cellular GPRS data line (USSD technology).

In an example embodiment, the payment system 14 may be accessed directly via a reader 21 associated with a payment terminal 22 that can access the payment system 14 via either the cellular gateway 19A or the internet communications network 19B. The reader 21 can read either a player's membership card 23 or the player's mobile device 20 (assuming that the mobile device 20 is fitted with a smart card type chip that can be directly read by reader). In an example embodiment, the reader 21 and the payment terminal 22 are part of a golf club terminal 17, which is typically located within a retail shop within the golf club house.

In broad terms, the mobile device 20 may be used by the player to book golf tee-times, access and upload golf scores and make payments using the sub-systems 12, 14 and 16. In an example embodiment, the central server 18 stores the relevant information required for and generated by the sub-systems 12, 14 and 16, and makes this information accessible to the mobile device 20 via the cellular gateway 19A.

The central server 18 may also be accessed by a remote computer 24 via the internet communications network 19B to a book a round of golf, as is already well known in the srt.

Turning now to Figure 2, a booking system 12 may comprise an input transceiver module 30 that can communicate with a player's mobile device, such as mobile device 2b in Figure 1 , and an output transceiver module 32 that can communicate with a central server, such as central server 18 in Figure 1. In an example embodiment, the booking system 12 comprises a processor 34 to functionally connect the input and output transceiver modules 30, 32. The processor 34 is further arranged to communicate with a memory module 36 and a booking information prompting module 38, so that sufficient information relating to a proposed golf round to be booked may be obtained from the player.

In an example embodiment, and with reference now also to Figure 1, the player may open a USSD session by dialing into the booking system 12 that is connected to the central server 18 using his/her mobile device 20, via the cellular gateway 19A. By identifying the incoming telephone number, the central server 18 may be able to identify the player wishing to book a round of golf. Thereafter, the processor 34 may retrieve and present for a response from the player booking information prompts from the module 33. The booking information prompts may include, but not be limited to, the proposed date, time, place, number of golfers being booked for, the number of caddies and the number of golf carts required. As soon as all the required information is received from the player, the round of golf is booked. The booking system 12 thus enables a player to book a golf game almost anywhere, anytime, as long as the player has access to his/her cellular telephone.

Turning now to Figure 3, a booking method 40, associated with booking system 12 described in detail in Figure 2, will now be described. The method 40 comprises receiving a booking request signal, as indicated by block 42. As described above, this may comprise the player opening a USSD session by dialing into the booking system 12 using his/her mobile device 20. Thereafter, the method 40 may comprise retrieving required booking information, as indicated by block 44, and then prompting the player to enter the required booking information, as indicated by block 46. The method 40 then comprises deciding whether sufficient information has been entered to enable a round of golf to be booked, as indicated by decision block 48. If not, the operations covered by blocks 44 and 46 are repeated. If, however, there is enough information, the method 40 terminates by booking the golf round on a central server, as indicated by block 50.

Turning now to Figure 4 a payment system 14 may comprise an input transceiver module 60 that can communicate with a payment terminal, such as payment terminal 22 in Figure 1 , and an output transceiver module 62 that can communicate with a central server, such as central server 18 in Figure 1 , and a player's mobile device, such as mobile device 20 in Figure 1. In an example embodiment, the payment system 14 comprises a processor 64 to functionally connect the input and output transceiver modules 60, 62. The processor 64 is further arranged to communicate with a memory module 66 and a payment processing module 68, so that payment for a proposed golf round may be processed and either approved or rejected.

Thus, in use, a payment terminal, such as payment terminal 22 in Figure 1 , which may reside in a golf club's pro-shop, for example, may comprise a reader 21 to read a player's membership card 23 or his/her mobile device 20, as described above, in order to identify the member. In an example embodiment, the membership card may take the form of a smart card or a mobile device, such as mobile device 20 in Figure 1 , that may comprise the player's details including, amongst others, his/her cellular telephone number and golf membership number. Once the payment processing module 68 has approved the payment transaction, the payment system 14 may register a round on the central server 18 and may simultaneously open a scoring facility on the player's mobile device 20 for that specific round. In an example embodiment, the player's mobile device

20 will receive the following details in a data packet (GPRS, USSD or SMS) from the payment system 14:

Latest calculated handicap, after the payment system 14 has retrieved this information from the central server 18 Tee-off time " - Tee box to start from, the 1 st or the 10th

The other members of the 4-ball who have already registered and paid for the round.

The payment confirmation may also be sent to the course marshall for verification using the same technology (GPRS, USSD or SMS).

After the payment transaction has been successfully completed, the processor 64 may provide the player with an option to either enter scores on a hole by hole basis, which will be described in more detail further on in the specification, or enter the total score after the game has been played.

Turning now to Figure 5, a payment method 70, associated with payment system 14 described in detail in Figure 4, will now be described. The method 70 comprises receiving a payment request signal, as indicated by block 72. As described above, this may comprise a suitable payment terminal 22 reading the player's membership card or his/her mobile device, such as mobile device 20 in Figure 1. Thereafter, the method 70 may comprise identifying the player and retrieving details of the round to be paid by the player, as indicated by block 74, and then prompting the player to enter payment confirmation information, as indicated by block 76. The method 70 then comprises deciding whether sufficient information has been entered to enable a payment confirmation to be generated, as indicated by decision block 78. If not, the operation covered by block 76 is repeated. If, however, there is enough information, the method 70 generates a payment confirmation signal, as indicated by block 80.

Once the payment confirmation signal has been generated, the method 70 may further comprise the following operations:

- register a round on a central server, such as central server 18 shown in

Figure 1 , as indicated by block 82 open a scoring facility on the player's mobile device, such as mobile device 20 shown in Figure 1, for that specific round, this step comprising the sub-step of compiling a data packet comprising the player's latest calculated handicap, after retrieving this information from the central server 18, the player's scheduled tee-off time, the tee box that the player needs to start from as well as the other members of the 4-ball who have already registered and paid for the round, as indicated by block 84 send the payment confirmation to the course marshall for verification, as indicated by block 86 provide the member with an option to enter scores on a hole by hole basis during the game or after the game has been played (not shown). If the member selects hole-by-hole scoring, the associated scoring system 16 and methodology will now be described with reference to Figures 6 and 7. Referring first to Figure 6, the scoring system 16 may comprise an input transceiver module 90 that can communicate with a player's mobile device, such as mobile device 20 in Figure 1 , and sn output transceiver module 92 that can communicate with a central server, such as central server 18 in Figure 1. In an example embodiment, the scoring system 16 comprises a processor 94 to functionally connect the input and output transceiver modules 90, 92. The processor 94 is further arranged to communicate with a memory module 96 and a scoring and handicap calculation module 98, so that scores for each hole may be entered by the player directly into the mobile device 20. In particular, the details of the number of putts and strokes on each hole can be loaded, with automatic calculation and notification of the stableford or other points and the cumulative score for the game completed thus far.

The mobile device 20 may also be used to capture which club a player used for a particular shot on a particular hole (e.g. Tee Box = 3W (3 wood), Approach shot = 71 (7 iron), 3^rd shot = LW (lob wedge) and 4^th shot = P (putter)). The mobile device 20 may also be used capture the distance a player has on his/her regulation approach shot to the green, e.g. 137 m. Once a player loads a new score for a particular hole, the processor 94 may retrieve from memory module 96 stroke and par details and distance of the next hole, including tips from the club's professional player, e.g. stay left off the tee or the distance to the front of the right bunker is 207 m etc.

The central server 18 stores the rating, par and stroke details of each course for each category of player (e.g. junior, senior, lady, amateur, professional, etc). This enables the handicap calculation module 98 to automatically calculate the player's stableford or other points for each hole played, the stableford or other points at any stage during the game as well as the total stableford or other points once the game has finished.

As scores are added on a hole by hole basis via the mobile device 20, the scoring system 16 sends these scores, via the output transceiver module 92, to the central server 18 for real time storage and real time retrieval. In addition, the scoring system 16 may at any time during the game send the entered hole by hole score/s and/or total scores to a real time leader board for clubs to use within amateur or professional competitions.

Turning now to Figure 7, a scoring method 100, associated with scoring system 16 described in detail in Figure 6, will now be described. The method 100 comprises prompting the player to enter a score for a particular game, as indicated by block 102 and then receiving the score entered by the player, as indicated by block 104. The step of entering a score may include the sub-steps of entering the number of putts and strokes for each hole or the total score for each hole. The method 100 may then comprise the step of calculating the player's handicap and/or stableford or other points in real time as scores are being entered, as indicated by block 106, and then transmitting the captured scores and/or calculated handicap in real time to a remote station, such as a central server (e.g. central server 18 in Figure 1) or a leader board, as indicated by block 108.

In an example embodiment, when the members of a 4-ball register they are all linked to a specific tee-off time from a specific tee-box. This enables the transmission of the final scores of all 4 players in the 4-ball to all 4 players after the final player has loaded his/her score - this acts as a double check against possible score manipulation by certain players.

All opened rounds are matched against loaded scores. Thus, if a player does not have all his/her scores loaded, the system 10 will detect this and not permit another round to be registered until such time as the uncaptured score/s has/have been loaded. The player's handicap will automatically be re-calculated as soon as the uncaptured score/s has/have been loaded.

In another application of the system, during professional golf tournaments, there are spotters who follow a particular golfer and record manually certain data of his/her game, e.g. score, which club is being used, his/her distance hit, distance to the green, etc. This information is sent back to a central point via radio transmission for use by the television broadcasters and commentators. The disclosed system of the present invention may clearly also be used to facilitate this process. The present invention thus provides a real time golf booking, management and handicap database system and associated methodology. It is a paperless system that overcomes the need for club terminals. The operation of the system revolves around a player's cellular telephone, with the cellular telephone itself not requiring any downloaded software.

The system also allows for the booking, registering and payment of a round of golf and the subsequent entering of the golf score via the member's personal cellular telephone. The system is significantly cheaper than conventional card based systems since zero capital outlay is required by the club. Furthermore, since there are no club resident scoring terminals linked into the club's computer network, there are no maintenance or call out costs associated with the proposed system.

Other advantages of the proposed system include convenience, real time booking and scoring, ease of use, low operating costs and improved accuracy and integrity of handicap data.

Claims

1. A golf management system comprising:

a booking system;

a scoring system;

a payment system;

a central server that is in communication with the above systems; and

2. A real time mobile device-based real time golf booking system comprising:

an input transceiver module that can communicate with a player's mobile device;

an output transceiver module that can communicate with a central server;

a memory module;

a booking information prompting module; and

3. A real time mobile device-based real time golf booking method comprising:

receiving a booking request signal;

retrieving required booking information;

prompting the player to enter the required booking information;

if there is enough information, booking the golf round on a central server.

4. A real time mobile device-based real time golf scoring system comprising:

an input transceiver module that can communicate with a player's mobile device;

an output transceiver module that can communicate with a central server;

a memory module;

a handicap calculation module; and

5. A real time mobile device-based real time golf scoring method comprising:

prompting the player to enter a score for a particular hole; receiving the score entered by the player;

calculating the player's score and handicap in real time as scores are being entered; and

transmitting the captured scores and/or calculated handicap in real time to a remote station.

6. A golf round payment system comprising:

an input transceiver module that can communicate with a payment terminal;

an output transceiver module that can communicate with a central server;

a memory module;

a payment processing module; and

7. The golf round payment system of claim 6, wherein the payment terminal comprises a reader that can read either a player's membership card or a player's mobile device.

8. A golf round payment method comprising:

receiving a payment request signal;

identifying the player and retrieving details of the round to be paid by the player; prompting the player to enter payment confirmation information;

if so, generating a payment confirmation signal.