Golf scoring, marketing and reporting system and method of operation

Abstract

A system and method automatically report electronically recorded golf scores and other information to a golfer during or upon completion of a round of golf. A golfer operates a mobile terminal during play of a round of golf. The mobile terminal displays at least an electronic score card on its display. The mobile terminal may optionally display other information, such as advertisements, that may be of interest to the golfer. During play, the mobile terminal receives inputs from the golfer to record the golfer's scores. Other inputs may include selection of a displayed advertisement or purchase of a displayed product or service. Once the scores have been entered, the mobile terminal wirelessly transmits the scores and / or other information to a central server via a wireless subsystem. The scores and / or other information are then automatically communicated from the server to an email account and / or personal web portal account of the golfer.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e)(1) upon U.S. Application Ser. No. 60 / 856,103, which is entitled “Golf Scoring, Marketing and Reporting System and Method of Operation” and is incorporated herein by this reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates generally to systems in which golfers keep their scores using a mobile or portable computing device that is handheld or integrated into or attached to a golf car and / or which provides advertisements to golfers through such computing device. More particularly, the present invention relates to a comprehensive golf scoring, marketing and reporting system and method in which golf scores and / or other information (e.g., information pertaining to selected advertisements) are automatically reported and / or communicated to a golfer upon completion of or during a round of golf.[0004]2. Description of Related Art[0005]System...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

While the foregoing systems provide a variety of independent and integrated features associated with a game of golf, none of the aforementioned systems provide an automatic reporting mechanism to provide the golfer feedback relating to his round of golf, without requiring the golfer to physically transfer the information by carrying a portable memory device or other tangible item (e.g., a piece of paper bearing the golf scores).

Further, none of the prior art systems include electronic submission of golf scores in accordance with U.S. Golf Association (USGA) rules, which require the attestation of a player's score by another player in the group.

Still further, none of the prior art systems provide a password-accessible portal for use by golfers at which the golfers can retrieve information pertaining to various rounds of golf played at courses employing mobile computer generated scoring and advertising, as well as optionally select for presentation and otherwise customize the arrangement of certain information on the mobile golf car display.

Still further, none of the prior art systems provide automatic email reporting of electronically generated golf scores, as well as optionally supplying information related to advertisements or other information for which the golfer has, or has shown, interest.

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