Golf club, golf ball, golf kit, golf facility, and associated methods

Abstract

A golf club 100 is provided comprising: a shaft 20; a head 10 at a distal end of the shaft for striking a golf ball 600; a magnetic sensor 14 for detecting a magnet 62 in a golf ball being struck by the head, the magnetic sensor arranged to generate a magnetic signal indicative of the presence of the magnet; an impact sensor 16 arranged to detect the head striking the ball and generate an impact signal indicative thereof; and a processor 18. The processor is configured to: receive the magnetic signal and the impact signal; identify that a golf stroke has occurred based on the magnetic signal and the impact signal; and increase a stroke count in response to identifying that a golf stroke has occurred.

Description

Field The present specification relates to a golf club, golf ball, golf kit, golf facility, and associated methods. Particularly, the golf club may be a putter and / or the golf facility may be a minigolf course. Background Conventionally, in golf facilities (such as minigolf courses), players (or users) are expected to track their own stroke count (or score). This can lead to errors in the scoring, and additional complexity for the player. It is particularly noted that the use of such golf facilities as entertainment spaces is increasingly popular. In this context, players may be engaged with socialising with each other, and may be imbibing alcoholic beverages. This can affect their ability and / or desire to track their own score. Previous systems have focused on putting technology into the golf ball, such as various circuitry elements. However, golf balls can be lost and / or stolen. The inclusion of circuitry within the golf ball can also affect its movements. Also, in busy environments players can fail to keep track of which ball is theirs. Camera systems have also been used to employ computer vision for ball-tracking and scoring. Such systems are relatively complex and require the camera to maintain sight of the ball. In busy environments, a view of the ball may be blocked by a player or other person. It can also be difficult to accurately identify a stroke via a camera. There is therefore a need for an improved system. WO 2017 / 006133 A2 discloses a ball game apparatus in which movements of a coded ball are detected by detector units and an indication of a player's score is given, where data relating to the ball are stored in a database connected to the detector units, the data including the code of a ball and a code relating to a player to whom the ball has been allocated, the ball being configured to temporarily store, and to intermittently transfer to the detector units and thence to the database, data relating to the ball's movements. A rechargeable battery is contained within the ball, and is arranged to be charged by a battery charging system. WO 02 / 40111 A1 discloses a golf driving range target, which comprises pockets suspended for cables, the pockets feeding received golf balls to a common receptacle. Between exits of the pockets and the common receptacle, the balls, which are coded, pass code-reading devices for identification. The pockets have walls which are shaped to direct received balls to the exit and may have internal ball-directing baffle members. WO 02 / 41240 A1 discloses a device for reading a coded golf ball, which comprises a helical track on an inside or outside of a cylindrical housing, the track serving to change an orientation of the ball relative to an antenna coil to ensure that the code is read. WO 02 / 102473 A1 discloses a tray for supplying coded golf balls to a tee of a golf driving range, which comprises a first zone for receiving golf balls, one of which is selected to be played by moving it by means of a club over a barrier to a second where it passes under gravity through an outlet past a code reader to the tee. An indicator light is provided to confirm that the code has been read. WO 2013 / 156778 A1 discloses a ball game apparatus, which comprises a control device which defines a predetermined range of allowable movements of a ball over space and time, sensing means for detecting actual movements of a ball, comparison means for comparing an actual movement to the predetermined range of allowable movements, and indicating means for indicating an output of the said comparing. The sensing means comprises a multi-axis accelerometer contained in the ball and having accelerometer, gyroscope and / or magnetometer functions. WO 2017 / 006132 A1 discloses a golf ball including circuitry including a communications aerial for communication with external components of a ball game apparatus, an internal holder member in the form of a ring with components of the circuitry being located within the ring and at least one coil element located externally of the ring. WO 2022 / 053814 A1 discloses communication with a magnetometer within a golf ball used in a golf facility. To do so an electromagnetic coil is configured to supply pulsed signals to the magnetometer. A plurality of coils are provided at different locations around the golf facility, and the pulsed signals are preferably coded so that the location of the golf ball is known. 28 01 25 All of these are examples of systems where circuitry is required inside the ball and / or camera systems are necessary, which can lead to the disadvantages noted above. Summary 5 A golf club is provided according to claim 1. As the golf club tracks the stroke count, the disadvantages noted above can be avoided. The processor may be configured to: continuously monitor the magnetic signal; and 10 monitor the impact signal in response to the magnetic signal indicating the presence of the magnet being received. The impact sensor is more likely to trigger false positives, such as when the club is carried. Processing power can be reduced, and hence battery life extended, by using the magnetic signal as a trigger for when to monitor the impact signal. 15 The processor may be configured to monitor the impact signal within a time period before and / or after the received magnetic signal. This provides a time window the impact to have occurred. This can help identify actual strikes of the ball. The magnetic sensor; and / or the impact sensor, may be provided on or in the head. This is 20 where the ball is actually struck and so more accurate results may be achieved. The impact sensor may be a vibration sensor. A vibration sensor (or shock sensor) is an effective type of sensor for sensing the impact of the head and the ball. 25 The impact sensor may be a piezosensor. That is, a sensor which converts mechanical vibrations or shocks into electrical signals through the piezoelectric effect. When the sensor experiences mechanical stress, it generates a proportional electrical charge, allowing it to detect and measure dynamic changes in force, pressure, or acceleration. Such piezosensors are able to have high sensitivity, which can be particularly effective for the 30 present application. The impact sensor may have a resonant frequency of 500 Hz or greater, preferably 3000 Hz or greater, more preferably 3500 Hz or greater. That is, the frequency at which the sensor naturally oscillates with the greatest amplitude when subjected to an external force. 35 This can improve the sensitivity of the piezosensor. 28 01 25 The impact sensor may have a resonant impedance of 1000 Ohm or less, preferably 700 Ohm or less. This is the electrical impedance at the sensor’s resonant frequency, where it typically exhibits minimum impedance. This can improve the sensitivity of the piezosensor. The impact sensor may have a capacitance of 25000 pF or greater, preferably 26000 pF or greater. This is a measure of the sensor’s ability to store electrical charge. This can improve the sensitivity of the piezosensor. The magnetic sensor may be a Hall effect sensor. A Hall effect sensor is a particularly suitable type of magnetic sensor based on the response characteristics. The golf club may comprise a plurality of magnetic sensors for detecting a magnet in a golf ball being hit by the head, arranged to generate a magnetic signal indicative of the presence of a magnet. This helps ensure that the magnet of the ball is detected no matter where it is hit by the head. Each magnetic sensor may have a sampling rate of 1000 Hz or greater, preferably 5000 Hz or greater, more preferably 8000 Hz or greater. As the contact time with the ball is so short, a high sampling rate can help improve detection thereof. Each magnetic sensor may have a breakout point of 3 mT or less, preferably 2.5 mT or less. Again, a low breakout point can help improve detection of the ball. The processor may be configured to identify that a golf stroke has occurred based on the magnetic signal and the impact signal being received within a time period of one another. The two signals being received within the time period of one another can help reliably indicate a ball strike. The processor may be configured to identify that a golf stroke has occurred at least partially based on the impact signal indicating that the readings from the impact sensor exceeded a threshold value. This can help to rule out small impacts on the club. The processor may be configured to identify that a golf stroke has occurred at least partially based on the impact signal indicating readings from the impact sensor having a spike with 28 01 25 a duration of no more than a threshold time. The impact between the club and ball can have a characteristic short, sharp spike, which this can detect, thereby helping to rule out other impacts of the club. 5 The golf club comprises a read-write RFID tag, and the processor is configured to write the stroke count to the RFID tag. This RFID tag can easily be read, particularly without the need for transmission such as Bluetooth or Bluetooth Low Energy. In interactive game environments there can be a lot of background noise where these wireless communications can be unreliable. 10 The RFID tag may further comprise an identifier for the golf club. This allows the number of strokes to be associated with the club, and hence the user. The processor may be configured to reset the stroke count in response to interfacing a start 15 interface. This can allow the number of strokes to be set to 0 at the start of a hole or series of holes. The golf club may further comprise a battery arranged to power the processor. This is an effective way for the club to be portable and power the necessary equipment. 20 The battery may be arranged in the head of the golf club. The battery in the head can increase the weight thereof, which can improve the feel of the golf club. The battery may be arranged in an upper part of the head adjacent to the shaft. This can 25 further improve the feel of the golf club. The golf club may further comprise an electrical connector arranged for charging the battery. This prevents the need to regularly replace the battery. 30 The electrical connector may be provided on a proximal end of the shaft. This end (or the butt) of the shaft is a convenient place for charging and / or other connections. The electrical connector may be a magnetic connector. This means that the club can be stored using the electrical connection to hold it in place. 35 28 01 25 The golf club may be a putter. The golf club may particularly be used in minigolf courses, where putters are typically used. In an example, a golf ball is provided, comprising a magnet embedded therein having a 5 vertical pull of 2kg or greater, preferably 3kg or greater, most preferably 3.5kg or greater. A magnet with this much strength can improve the reliability of sensing with a golf club. The magnet may be a neodymium magnet having a grade of N42 or higher. A magnet with this much strength can improve the reliability of sensing with a golf club. 10 The golf ball may be devoid of electronic circuitry. Such circuitry increases the cost and complexity of the ball, and may negatively affect how it rolls. The golf ball may comprise a plurality of magnets, each magnet having a magnetisation 15 direction between the North pole and the South Pole, the magnets arranged in the golf ball with their magnetisation directions transverse to one another. This helps to increase the magnetic field, while avoiding the magnets cancelling one another out. A golf kit is provided according to claim 26. The golf club can track the stroke count, without 20 the disadvantages noted above. The magnet(s) may have a vertical pull of 2kg or greater, preferably 3kg or greater, most preferably 3.5kg or greater. A magnet with this much strength can improve the reliability of sensing with the golf club. 25 The magnet(s) may be neodymium magnet(s) having a grade of N42 or higher. A magnet with this much strength can improve the reliability of sensing with the golf club. The golf ball may be devoid of electronic circuitry. Such circuitry increases the cost and 30 complexity of the ball, and may negatively affect how it rolls. The golf ball may comprise a plurality of magnets, each magnet having a magnetisation direction between the North pole and the South Pole, the magnets arranged in the golf ball with their magnetisation directions transverse to one other magnet of the plurality of 28 01 25 magnets. This helps to increase the magnetic field, while avoiding the magnets cancelling one another out. A golf facility is provided according to claim 31. The golf club can track the stroke count, without the disadvantages noted above. These are then received by the server, for storing, presenting to the user, and the like. The golf facility may comprise a plurality of golf holes, wherein the server is configured to receive the stroke count from the golf club after each golf hole. The user’s stroke count for each hole can be determined. Effectively this provides a (mini)golf course. The golf facility may comprise: a start interface corresponding to a first golf hole of the one or more golf holes for communicating with the golf club, the start interface arranged to reset the stroke count; and an end interface corresponding to a final golf hole of the one or more golf holes for communicating with the golf club, the end interface arranged to receive the stroke count from the golf club and transmit the stroke count to the server. The stroke count is thus reset before the user starts the course, and then transmitted to the server at the end of the course. This means that the user’s overall score can be recorded. Each golf hole of the one or more golf holes may comprise an end interface corresponding to that golf hole arranged to receive the stroke count from the golf club and transmit the stroke count to the server. With this, the user’s stroke count for each hole can be recorded. The server may be configured to, in response to the golf club communicating with an end interface corresponding to a golf hole: identify the golf club; and store the number of strokes for the identified golf club and the corresponding golf hole. This is an effective way to store the stroke count and associate it with the golf club. The golf club identity can be associated with a user ID, so that the stroke count is recorded for the user. Each golf hole of the one or more golf holes may comprise a start interface corresponding to that golf hole arranged to reset the stroke count. As a result, the stroke count is provided individually for each hole and does not need to be separately calculated. 28 01 25 The start interface may comprises an RFID writer; the end interface may comprise an RFID reader; and the golf club may comprise a read-write RFID tag storing the stroke count. This is an effective way to store the stroke count and perform the functionality discussed herein. 5 Each golf cup may comprise a cup magnetic sensor arranged to detect the golf ball being received in the golf cup and generate a cup magnetic signal indicative thereof. This information that the ball is in the cup can be used to improve the user’s experience. The golf cup may be configured to transmit the cup magnetic signal to the server. This 10 information that the ball is in the cup can be used to improve the user’s experience. The golf facility may be a minigolf course. The tracking of the user’s stroke count and interactive elements are popular in such minigolf courses. 15 A method of operating a golf facility is provided according to claim 41. The golf club can track the stroke count, without the disadvantages noted above. The method may comprise the steps of: continuously monitoring the magnetic signal; and monitoring the impact signal in response to the magnetic signal indicating the presence of 20 the magnet being received. The impact sensor is more likely to trigger false positives, such as when the club is carried. Processing power can be reduced, and hence battery life extended, by using the magnetic signal as a trigger for when to monitor the impact signal. The impact signal may be monitored for a time period before and / or after the received 25 magnetic signal. This provides a time window the impact to have occurred. This can help identify actual strikes of the ball. The golf facility may comprise a start interface corresponding to a first golf hole of the one or more golf holes for communicating with the golf club, the start interface arranged to reset 30 the stroke count; and an end interface corresponding to a final golf hole of the one or more golf holes for communicating with the golf club, the end interface arranged to receive the stroke count from the golf club and transmit the stroke count to the server, and the method may further comprise the steps of: interfacing the golf club with the start interface before the first golf hole; and interfacing the golf club with the end interface after the final golf hole. 28 01 25 The stroke count is thus reset before the user starts the course, and then transmitted to the server at the end of the course. This means that the user’s overall score can be recorded. For the golf facility, each golf hole of the one or more golf holes may comprise an end interface corresponding to that golf hole arranged to receive the stroke count from the golf club and transmit the stroke count to the server, and the server may be is configured to, in response to the golf club communicating with an end interface corresponding to a golf hole: identify the golf club; and store the number of strokes for the identified golf club and the corresponding golf hole, the method may further comprise the step of: interfacing the golf club with each end interface after the corresponding golf hole. With this, the user’s stroke count for each hole can be recorded. Interfacing the golf club may comprise holding the head of the golf club in proximity to or on the interface. This is an effective and simple way to interface the golf club. The method may further comprise the step of charging the golf club after the final golf hole. Thus, the golf club battery can be charged and ready for use for the next user. A method of tracking a stroke count for a golf club is provided according to claim 48. The golf club can track the stroke count, without the disadvantages noted above. The method may comprise the steps of: continuously monitoring the magnetic signal; and monitoring the impact signal in response to the magnetic signal indicating the presence of the magnet being received. The impact sensor is more likely to trigger false positives, such as when the club is carried. Processing power can be reduced, and hence battery life extended, by using the magnetic signal as a trigger for when to monitor the impact signal. The impact signal may be monitored for a time period before and / or after the received magnetic signal. This provides a time window the impact to have occurred. This can help identify actual strikes of the ball. The stroke count may be increased in response to the magnetic signal and the impact signal being received within a time period of one another. The two signals being received within the time period of one another can help reliably indicate a ball strike. 28 01 25 The stroke count may be increased in response to the impact signal indicating that the readings from the impact sensor exceeded a threshold value. This can help to rule out small impacts on the club. 5 The stroke count may be increased in response to the impact signal indicating readings from the impact sensor having a spike with a duration of no more than a threshold time. The impact between the club and ball can have a characteristic short, sharp spike, which this can detect, thereby helping to rule out other impacts of the club. 10 The method may further comprise the step of resetting the stroke count in response to interfacing the golf club with a start interface. This can allow the number of strokes to be set to 0 at the start of a hole or series of holes. The method comprises the step of storing the stroke count on a read-write RFID tag. This 15 RFID tag can easily be read, particularly without the need for transmission such as Bluetooth or Bluetooth Low Energy. In interactive game environments there can be a lot of background noise where these wireless communications can be unreliable. Brief Description of the Drawings The present specification makes reference, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a front schematic of a golf club; Figure 2 shows a close-up front schematic of a head of the golf club of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a perspective schematic of a grip of the golf club of Figure 1; Figure 4 shows a top schematic of the grip of the golf club of Figure 1; Figure 5 shows a schematic cross-section of a golf ball; Figure 6 shows a schematic cross-section of a further golf ball; Figure 7 shows a schematic plan of a golf hole of a golf facility; and Figure 8 shows a schematic plan of a golf facility with multiple golf holes. Detailed Description Figure 1 shows a front schematic view of a golf club 100 (hereinafter also referred to as a club 100). The golf club 100 may be any type of club 100, but in particular examples may be a putter 100. The club 100 may be generally as is well known in the field, with the modifications discussed herein. The club 100 includes a shaft 20 with a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end being the end of the shaft 20 which a user (or player) holds to hit a shot with the club 100. This proximal end of the shaft 20 may comprise a grip (or grip region) 30. At the distal end of the shaft 20 there is a head 10. The head 10 is for striking a golf ball 600 (such as shown in Figures 5 or 6, and again may hereinafter also be referred to as a ball 600). Figure 2 shows a close-up schematic view of the head 10. The head 10 may generally be a conventional head 10 for a golf club 100, with the modifications discussed herein. The head 10 may have a front surface 11 which is used to strike the golf ball 600, and a rear surface. Figure 2 shows a right-handed golf club 100 with the front surface 11 facing out of the page. For a left-handled golf club 100 the front surface 11 would be the opposite surface (not shown) facing into the page. In certain examples, the golf club 100 may be ambidextrous in that it can be used as a right-handed or a left-handed golf club 100. To this end, the front surface 11 and the rear surface may each be suitable for striking the golf ball 600. To this end, the front surface 11 and the rear surface may be identical. In other words, the front surface 11 and the rear surface may be mirrored about a plane extending through the axial direction (from distal end to proximal end) of the shaft 20. In certain examples, the head 10 may be coated with one or more layers for protection and / or playability improvements. This coating could be only on the front surface 11, and / or the rear surface, or the entirety of the head 10 of the golf club 100. The coating can protect the head 10. Additionally, or alternatively, the coating can improve the strike between the head 10 and the golf ball 600. This could be, for example, by improving the bounce response of the golf ball 600 to the strike. For example, the head 10 may have a polyurethane coating. This could particularly be a two-component polyurethane coating (also known as 2K polyurethane coating). A 2K polyurethane coating is one made of two separate components that are mixed together before application. The 2k polyurethane coating is typically formed of a polyol acting as a base, and an isocyanate acting as a hardener. These 2k polyurethane coatings can be particularly effective in the context of the golf club 100 discussed herein. In certain cases, a weight can be provided in the head 10 of the golf club 100. This weight can be used to improve the feel of the head 10 of the golf club 100. The weight can be formed of a non-magnetic material. However, in certain cases the weight may be formed of stainless steel. The weight can be sealed, such as in a film, to inhibit magnetic properties of the weight. For example, this could include heat-sealing the weight in a film. The golf club 100 includes a magnetic sensor 14. Figure 2 shows an example where the head 10 includes a plurality of magnetic sensors 14, which is discussed later as an option. However, there may only be a single magnetic sensor 14 in the club 100, including in the club of Figures 1 and 2. Any reference to the magnetic sensor 14 is equally applicable to each magnetic sensor 14 when multiple magnetic sensors 14 are present. The magnetic sensor 14 may be located on or in the head 10 of the club 100, such as shown in Figure 2. For example, this could be on an outer surface of the head 10, or embedded therein. The magnetic sensor 14 is suitable for detecting a magnet 62 in a golf ball 600 (such as shown in Figures 5 and 6) which is being struck by the head 10 of the club 100. The head 10 of the club 100 striking the ball 600 may be referred to as a “golf stroke” or “stroke”. The magnetic sensor 14 is arranged to generate a magnetic signal (the signal itself is not magnetic, but this is an identifying adjective) which indicates a presences of the magnet 62 in a golf ball 600 being struck by the head 10. The magnetic sensor 14 may continuously output a measurement, but the indicative magnetic signal may be for example a measurement over a threshold. Any suitable magnetic sensor 14 could be used. This could, for example, include a Hall effect sensor, a reed relay, a magneto-resistive sensor, or any other type of suitable magnetic sensor 14. In certain cases, a plurality of magnetic sensors 14 are provided. These may be distributed around the head 10. For example, this could be in an array (i.e. a regular lattice of magnetic sensors 14). This can help ensure that the golf ball 600 being struck has its magnet 62 detected wherever the contact is between the head 10 and the golf ball 600. The head 10 striking the golf ball 600 generally occurs in a very short period of time, for example this could be no more than 1 millisecond. The magnet 62 (discussed in more detail later) and / or the magnetic sensor 14 can be selected to improve the detection of the presence of the magnet 62 during a stroke. For example, the magnetic sensor 14 may have a sampling rate which is 1000 Hz or greater. This could be 5000 Hz or greater, or even 8000 Hz or greater. Such a high sampling rate can help improve detection of the presence of the magnet 62. Additionally, or alternatively, a breakout point (BoP) or operate point of the magnetic sensor 14 may be selected to help improve detection of the presence of the magnet 62. This is the magnetic field strength required to trigger the magnetic sensor. For example, this breakout point could be 3 milliTeslas (mT) or less, or even 2.5 mT or less. While these parameters may be used for the magnetic sensor 14 to improve the detection, it is appreciated that any suitable magnetic sensor 14 can be used which is able to detect the presence of the magnet 62 of the golf ball 600 during the stroke. The golf club 100 further comprises an impact sensor 16. The impact sensor 16 is arranged to detect the head 10 striking the ball 600 based on the impact therebetween. The impact sensor 16 generates an impact signal indicative of the impact. The impact sensor 16 may continuously output a measurement, but the indicative impact signal may be for example a measurement over a threshold. The impact sensor 16 may be any suitable type of sensor. For example, this could include a vibration sensor (also known as a shock sensor), or a force sensor. Again, the impact sensor 16 can be selected to be particularly useful for sensing a short impact such as the club head 10 striking a golf ball 600. Of course, the impact sensor 16 could detect other impacts on the club head 10. In certain examples, the impact sensor 16 can be a piezosensor. The impact sensor 16 may have a resonant frequency of 500 Hz or greater, or 3000 Hz or greater, such as 3500 Hz or greater. Additionally, or alternatively, the impact sensor 16 may have a resonant impedance of 1000 Ohm or less, such as 700 Ohm or less. Additionally, or alternatively, the impact sensor 16 may have a capacitance of 25000 pF or greater, such as 26000 pF or greater. One or more of these parameters may be selected to improve the detection of the impact with the impact sensor 16. Again, this impact sensor 16 may be located in or on the club head 10. There may be a plurality of impact sensors 16, which could be distributed around the club head 10. Again, any reference herein to the impact sensor 16 can also be applied to each impact sensor 16 when there are a plurality thereof. The club 100 further comprises a processor 18. This processor 18 may be any suitable processor or controller which can perform the functions discussed herein. The processor 18 is in electronic communication with the magnetic sensor 14 and the impact sensor 16. While Figure 2 shows the processor 18 on the club head 10, it may be located in any suitable location including the shaft 20 or grip 30. In certain cases, the processor 18 may be external to the club 100 and in communication with the relevant components, for example via a wireless connection. 28 01 25 The processor 18 is configured to identify when a golf stroke has occurred. That is, when the club head 10 strikes the ball 600. To do so, the processor 18 receives the magnetic signal from the magnetic sensor 14 and the impact signal from the impact sensor 16. As explained in more detail below, while the processor 18 may receive these signals, it does not necessarily monitor both signals at all times. That is, the processor 18 may simply receive the signal and perform no action to / with one or both of the signals. The processor 18 then identifies that a golf stroke has occurred based on the magnetic signal and the impact signal both being received. If only the impact signal is received, then the head 10 is not in the presence of the magnet 62 of the golf ball 600. For example, this could be the player tapping the club head 10 against their foot. If the processor 18 only receives the magnetic signal, then this could indicate the player lining up a shot, for example. It is the presence of both the magnetic signal and the impact signal which is used to identify that a golf stroke has occurred. Various methods for this identification will be discussed more below. The processor 18 stores a count of the number of strokes, known as a stroke count (or score). In response to identifying that a golf stroke has occurred, the processor 18 increases the stroke count. This stroke count may be stored locally on the processor 18. Additionally, or alternatively, the stroke count may be stored externally, such as in an external memory or other storage location. The stroke count is stored or recorded on an RFID tag 12, as discussed below. In certain examples, the processor 18 may continuously monitor the magnetic signal. When the magnetic signal indicative of the presence of a magnet 62 is received, the processor may then monitor the impact signal. In other words, the measurements from the impact sensor 16 may only be, for example, compared to a threshold when the magnetic signal indicates the presence of a magnet 62. For example, the impact signal may only be monitored within a time period before and / or after the magnetic signal is received. This time period could be, for example, within 1000 milliseconds, within 500 milliseconds, or within 250 milliseconds. In order to do so, the processor 18 may store the impact signal for at least the time period so that when the magnetic signal is received, the impact signal can be monitored either side of the time of the receipt of the magnetic signal. 28 01 25 In other words, the processor 18 may identify that a golf stroke has occurred based on the magnetic signal and the impact signal being received within the time period of one another. 5 Of course, the alternative is also possible where the impact signal is continuously monitored and the magnetic signal is only monitored in response to the impact signal being received. This would work as described above, with the sensors reversed. The processor 18 can identify the impact signal based on particular characteristics of the 10 readings from the impact sensor 16. When the readings have such characteristics, the impact signal can be said to have been received. For example, this could be because the readings from the impact sensor 16 exceed a threshold value. Additionally, or alternatively, this could be based on readings from the impact sensor 16 15 having a spike with a duration of no more than a threshold time. This spike could be required to exceed a threshold value. This could indicate a short impact consistent with a golf ball 600 being struck by the head 10. Of course, any other ways of identifying the impact signal can also be used. 20 As mentioned above, the golf club 100 comprises a Radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag 12. Again, this may be provided on or in the head 10. For example, in a lower portion of the head 10 such as shown in Figure 2. This RFID tag 12 is a read-write RFID tag 12. Any reference to a RFID tag 12 below may encompass such a read-write RFID tag 12. A read- 25 write RFID tag 12 is a device which allows data stored thereon to be read and also rewritten or modified, enabling dynamic updates to the information it carries. The processor 18 is configured to write the stroke count to the RFID tag 12. By writing the stroke count to the RFID tag 12, this means that the data stored on the RFID tag 12 30 includes the stroke count. This could be where the processor 18 stores the stroke count. Alternatively, there may be a separate memory which the processor 18 is in communication with. The RFID tag 12 may further comprise an identifier for the golf club 100. This may be stored in different bytes of the information stored in the RFID tag 12 to the stroke count. The identifier may simply be a number. This identifier for the golf club 100 may not be rewriteable, even in a read-write RFID tag 12. A golf facility 400 incorporating one or more start interfaces 52 will be discussed in more detail below. For completeness, it is noted now that the processor 18 may be configured to reset the stroke count in response to a signal from the start interface. That is, return the stroke count to 0. Alternatively, the start interface may directly overwrite the stroke count on the RFID tag 12. To do so, the start interface may comprise an RFID writer (which may be an RFID reader / writer). The club 100 may be devoid of a transmitter, such as a Bluetooth or Bluetooth Low Energy transmitter. Particularly, one in communication with the processor 18. The RFID tag 12 can be used to communicate the necessary information. The club 100 may comprise a battery 19 which provides power to the processor 18. If any of the magnetic sensor 14, impact sensor 16, and / or RFID tag 12 require power this may also be provided by the battery 19. The battery 19 may be provided in any section of the club 100, such as in the shaft 20 or the head 10. In certain cases, the battery 19 may be provided in the head 10. Specifically, this could be in an upper (in use) portion of the head 10. The upper portion of the head is the portion furthest from the ground in use, or the portion nearest to the shaft 20. The battery 19 may be adjacent to the shaft 20. In other words, the battery 19 may be in an upper quadrant of the head 10. This can be referred to as a heel of the head 10, specifically an upper heel of the head 10. The golf club 100 may further comprise an electrical connector 22. Figures 3 and 4 show an example of an electrical connector 22 for the golf club 100. In certain cases, this electrical connector 22 may be used for charging the batter 19 (where present). Additionally, or alternatively, the electrical connector 22 may be in communication with the processor 18. For example, this could allow programming and / or debugging of the processor 18. This electrical connector 22 may be provided anywhere on the club 100, but in particular examples is provided on the proximal end 21 of the shaft 20. That may be the grip region 30 of the shaft 20. Specifically, this could be the butt 21 of the shaft 20. That is, the end face of the generally cylindrical shaft 20. The electrical connector 22 can be effectively a circle on this end face. This electrical connector 22 may be a magnetic connector. That is, there may be a magnetic material (including a magnet) in the electrical connector 22. When the electrical connector is connected there may be magnetic attraction between the electrical connector 22 and what it is connected to. There may be a charging station, where the club 100 is returned to. When returned, the club 100 may attach via the electrical connector 22 to a source of power to charge the battery 19. For example, with a magnetic connector 22 the club 100 may be attached to a corresponding magnetic charger. The club 100 could hang therefrom during charging. In other words, the magnetic connection could have enough strength to support a weight of the club 100. Of course, wireless charging could also be used. In this sense, there the electrical connector 22 may comprise a coil which is inductively coupled with a charging coil in order to charge the battery 19. The golf club 100 discussed herein can be used in a golf kit and / or a golf facility 400. The golf facility 400 will be described in more detail below. A corresponding method of tracking a stroke count for a golf club 100 is also provided. A golf club 100 such as any described herein is provided. A golf ball 600 having one or more magnets 62 embedded therein is provided, and struck with the golf club 100. Particularly, with the head 10 of the golf club 100. In response to the magnetic signal indicative of the presence of the magnet 62 and the impact signal indicative of the head 10 striking the golf ball 600, the stroke count is increased. This can be referenced as identifying that a golf stroke has occurred. 28 01 25 The method may comprise only continuously monitoring the magnetic signal, and not the impact signal such as discussed herein. The impact signal may then only be monitored in response to the magnetic signal indicating the presence of the magnet 62 being received. That is, the impact signal may only be monitored once the magnetic signal has been 5 received. For example, the impact signal may only be monitored within a time period before and / or after the magnetic signal is received. This time period could be, for example, within 1000 milliseconds, within 500 milliseconds, or within 250 milliseconds. In order to do so, the 10 processor 18 may store the impact signal for at least the time period so that when the magnetic signal is received, the impact signal can be monitored either side of the time of the receipt of the magnetic signal. The stroke count could be increased based on particular characteristics of the readings 15 from the impact sensor 16. When the readings have such characteristics, the impact signal can be said to have been received. For example, this could be because the readings from the impact sensor 16 exceed a threshold value. Additionally, or alternatively, this could be based on readings from the impact sensor 16 20 having a spike with a duration of no more than a threshold time. This spike could be required to exceed a threshold value. This could indicate a short impact consistent with a golf ball 600 being struck by the head 10. The golf club 100 comprises an RFID tag 12 (specifically a read-write RFID tag 12) such as 25 discussed herein. The stroke count is stored on (i.e. written to) the RFID tag 12. The method may further comprise resetting the stroke count (i.e. to 0) in response to interfacing the golf club 100 with a start interface 52, such as discussed herein. 30 The method may further comprise receiving the stroke count with an end interface 54 by interfacing the golf club with the end interface 54, such as discussed herein. Figures 5 and 6 show examples of golf balls 600 in cross-section which may be used with the golf club 100 described above. Together, the golf club 100 and golf ball 600 may be described as a golf kit. While Figures 5 and 6 show examples of such golf balls 600, other golf balls 600 incorporating magnets 62 may be used. Although Figures 5 and 6 show the golf balls 600 in cross-section, hatching is not used to ensure that the magnetisation directions of the magnets 62 can be clearly seen. Figure 5 shows an example of a golf ball 600, which comprises a single magnet 62. The magnet 62 is embedded within the golf ball 600. This magnet 62 may be anywhere within an outer cover of the golf ball 600. Figure 5 shows an example where the magnet 62 is provided in the centre of the golf ball 600. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the golf ball 600 of Figure 6 is the same as the golf ball 600 of Figure 5 and any modifications thereto can equally be applied to the golf ball 600 of Figure 6, and vice-versa. The golf ball 600 of Figure 6 comprises a plurality of magnets 62. These magnets 62 are again embedded within the golf ball 600. The magnets 62 may be arranged with rotational symmetry about a centre of the fold ball 600, when viewed in cross-section. Each magnet 62 has a North pole and a South pole. A magnetisation direction can be defined from the North pole to the South pole (or vice-versa). To avoid the magnetic flux of the plurality of magnets 62 from interfering with one another, the magnets 62 may be arranged within the golf ball 600 with their magnetisation directions transverse to at least one other magnet 62 in the golf ball 600 (also known as “misaligned”). In certain cases, each magnet 62 may have its magnetisation direction transverse to the magnetisation direction of each other magnet 62 in the golf ball 600. In other cases, there may be one or more aligned magnetisation directions, provided that there is still misalignment with other magnetisation directions. As noted above, the golf balls 600 of Figures 5 and 6 are otherwise the same as one another, and the following description of the magnet 62 can equally be applied to each magnet 62 where there are multiple magnets 62. Alternatively, the properties listed below may be the collective effect of the plurality of magnets 62. In order to improve detection of the magnet 62 during the short time period of the strike between the head 10 and the ball 600, the magnet 62 can be selected to have certain properties. For example, the magnet 62 may have a vertical pull of 2 kilograms (kg) or greater. For example, this could be 3 kg or greater, or 3.5 kg or greater. The vertical pull, also referred to as the pull force, is defined as the amount of weight required to be applied to the magnet 62 to detach the magnet 62 from a surface made of steel. The magnet 62 may be a neodymium magnet 62 (also known as NdFeB, NIB or Neo magnet). That is, a magnet made from an alloy of neodymium, iron, and boron to form the Nd2FeuB tetragonal crystalline structure. Such neodymium magnets 62 are graded to indicate the strength of the magnetic field they can produce. These grades are typically given as a series of letters and numbers, such as N35 or N42. The number following the letter “N” in the grade (e.g., 35, 42) represents the maximum energy product of the magnet 62 in Mega-Gauss Oersteds (MGOe). This value reflects the density of magnetic energy in the magnet 62. Higher numbers indicate stronger magnets 62. For example, N52 offers a higher magnetic field strength than N35. In the present case, for the golf ball 600 a neodymium magnet 62 having a grade of N42 or higher may be used. That is, the maximum energy product of the neodymium magnet 62 may be 42 MGOe or greater. All that is required in the golf ball 600 for the present disclosure is the magnet 62. Therefore, the golf ball 600 may be devoid of electronic circuitry. That is, there may be no wiring, batteries, RFID tags, etc. within the golf ball 600. As noted above, a golf kit may be provided of the golf club 100 and the golf ball 600, such as described herein. In certain cases, a plurality of golf balls 600 may be provided in the golf kit. A golf facility 400 is also provided. This golf facility 400 can use the golf club 100 and / or the golf balls 600 discussed herein. For example, the golf facility 400 could be a minigolf course 400. Alternatively, the golf facility 400 could be a driving range or golf simulator. 28 01 25 Figure 7 shows a simple example of a golf facility 400, with a single golf hole 40. Figure 8 shows a more complex golf facility 400 with a plurality of golf holes 40. For ease of reference, connections to the server 50 are omitted from Figure 8. However, it can be taken that any component which may communicate with the server 50 may be connected thereto. A golf hole 40 comprises a golf tee 42 and a golf cup 44. The golf hole 40 can also include any obstacles 46 therebetween. The obstacles 46 could include golfing obstacles (water, bunkers, etc.) or minigolf obstacles (windmills, castles, etc.). The golf cup 44 could be a conventional golf cup 44 having standard sizes. Alternatively, the golf cup 44 can be any size. The golf facility 400 further comprises a server 50 (also referred to as a central server 50). The server 50 is configured to receive the stroke count from the golf club 100. In examples (such as Figure 8), where there are multiple golf holes 40, the server 50 may be configured to receive the stroke count from the golf club 100 after each golf hole 40. This could be via any suitable communication method, including wireless transmission. However, in certain cases this can be via the RFID tag 12 in the golf club 100. For example, the golf facility 400 may comprise a start interface 52 corresponding to a first golf hole 40 of the one or more golf holes 40. The start interface 52 for communication with the golf club 100. Where there is a single golf hole 40, the first golf hole 40 is the single golf hole 40. As shown, the start interface 52 may be arranged at or near to the tee 42 of the first golf hole 40. The start interface 52 may be configured to reset the stroke count of the golf club 100. That is, return the stroke count to 0. For example, the golf club 100 comprises a read-write RFID tag 12 storing the stroke count, and the start interface 52 may comprise an RFID writer (optionally, a reader / writer). The start interface 52 can then write over the stroke count to reset it. Other methods such as communicating with the processor 18 to reset the stroke count could also be used. The start interface 52 is shown in communication with the server 50. This is not necessarily the case. However, in examples where this is the case the start interface 52 can identify the golf club 100, such as by reading the RFID tag 12. The server 50 may be in 28 01 25 communication with a database where the identify of the golf club 100 is associated with a user id. The user id may include one or more preferences which the server can use to modify the golf hole 40. For example, the user id may include a selected user colour and one or more parts of the golf hole 40 may be changed to that colour via lighting, such as the golf tee 42, golf cup 44, obstacle 46, etc.. In certain cases, a portion of the golf club 100 may be changed to that colour via lighting. That is, the golf club 100 may comprise one or more lights (such as LEDs) which illuminate in the user colour. The golf hole 40 may further comprise a screen which shows data relating to that user id, such as a total number of strokes. In general, the user may hold the head 10 of the golf club 100 in proximity to or on the start interface 52 to trigger the communication therewith, and hence the resetting of the stroke count. This can be described as interfacing the golf club 100 with the start interface 52. They can tap the head 10 of the golf club 100 to the start interface 52. This can be referred to as “tapping-in” to the golf hole 40 and / or golf facility 400. The start interface 52 may be the tee 42, or coincident therewith. In certain cases, each golf hole 40 (where there are a plurality of golf holes 40) may have a corresponding start interface 52. The stroke count can therefore be reset before each golf hole 40. The golf facility 400 may further comprise an end interface 54 corresponding to a final golf hole 40 of the one or more golf holes 40 for communicating with the golf club 100. Where there is a single golf hole 40, the final golf hole 40 is the single golf hole 40. As shown, the end interface 54 may be arranged at or near to the cup 42 of the final golf hole 40. The end interface 54 is arranged to receive the stroke count from the golf club 100, and transmit this stroke count to the server 50. The golf club 100 includes an RFID tag 12, and the end interface 54 may comprise an RFID reader (which could be a reader / writer) which reads the stroke count from the RFID tag 12 and communicates this to the server 50. In general, the user may hold the head 10 of the golf club 100 in proximity to or on the end interface 54 to trigger the communication therewith, and hence the receipt of the stroke count. This can be described as interfacing the golf club 100 with the end interface 54. They can tap the head 10 of the golf club 100 to the start interface 54. This can be referred to as “tapping-out” of the golf hole 40 and / or golf facility 400. The end interface 54 may additionally reset the stroke count. In the most basic example, there may be a single start interface 52 at the start of the golf facility 400, and a single end interface 54 at the end of the golf facility 400. This allows the total number of strokes over the entire golf facility 400 to be tracked. However, in certain cases more granularity of data is desired. This could include the number of strokes per golf hole 40 in the golf facility 400. To this end, there may be an end interface 54 corresponding to each golf hole 40 (where there is a plurality of golf holes 40). The end interface 54 after the golf hole then communicates with the golf club 100 (as discussed herein) to receive the stroke count for the particular golf hole. Additionally, or alternatively, each golf hole 40 may comprise a corresponding start interface 52. In certain cases, the end interface 54 for one golf hole 40 may also be the start interface 52 for the next golf hole 40. Thus, one interface can perform both the functions discussed herein. Taking an example where the user is on the second golf hole 40 of a golf facility 400. The stroke count could have been reset before they started the second golf hole 40 (either by the end interface 54 after the first golf hole 40, or by the start interface of the second golf hole 40). The stroke count communicated to the server 50 after the second golf hole 40 would therefore be the stroke count just for that second golf hole 40. Alternatively, the stroke count may not be reset and the stroke count for the second golf hole 40 may be determined by subtracting the stroke count for the preceding golf hole(s) 40 from the present stroke count. The cup 44 may comprise a sensor for detecting the ball 600. This could be any suitable sensor, such as a weight sensor. However, in certain examples the magnet 62 of the ball 600 may again be searched to avoid false triggering of the sensor. Specifically, there may be a cup magnetic sensor arranged to detect the magnet 52 of the golf ball 600 when the golf ball 600 is received in the cup 44. The cup 44 may generate a cup magnetic signal in response to the golf ball 600 being received in the cup 44 in response thereto. This cup magnetic signal may be transmitted to the server 50. The receipt of the cup magnetic signal may be used by the server to prompt the user to scan the end interface 54 for the hole 40. Additionally, or alternatively, the timing of the cup magnetic signal may be used to correct the stroke count. For example, if a time-stamp is associated with a change in stroke count this can be compared to the timing of the cup magnetic signal, so that only strokes performed before the cup magnetic signal is received are counted. Additionally, or alternatively, the tee 42 may be in communication with the server 50. Similarly, the tee 42 may comprise a ball sensor, such as a tee magnetic sensor. This can generate a tee magnetic signal in response to the golf ball 600 being placed on the tee 42. Again, the timing of the tee magnetic signal may be compared to a time-stamp associated with a change in stroke count in order to only count strokes after the ball 600 has been placed on the tee 42. As noted above, the golf hole 40 may comprise one or more obstacles 46. These obstacles 46 may be in communication with the server 50. One or more sensors may detect the ball 600 interacting with the obstacle 46. Again, this could be via an obstacle magnetic sensor. This could include hitting the obstacle 46, falling into it, or other types of interaction. The server 50 may adjust the stroke count based on the obstacle being interacted with. For example, the stroke count could be increased if the obstacle 46 represents a water hazard. Alternatively, the obstacle 46 could be used to reward players - such as if they make a tricky shot (i.e. through the centre of the windmill). This could be used to deduct from the stroke count. In general, the server 50 is configured to identify the golf club 100 (such as discussed above) and store a number of strokes for the golf club 100. This could be separated for each golf hole 40, or be for the golf facility 400 in its entirety. In this sense, a golf facility 400 taking advantage of the present disclosure may be provided. A corresponding method of operating a golf facility 400 is also provided. A golf facility 400 such as discussed herein is provided. The golf ball 600 is then struck with the head of the golf club 100. In response to the magnetic signal indicative of the presence of the magnet 62 and the impact signal indicative of the head 10 striking the golf ball 600, the stroke count is increased. This can be referenced as identifying that a golf stroke has occurred. The method may comprise only continuously monitoring the magnetic signal, and not the impact signal such as discussed herein. The impact signal may then only be monitored in response to the magnetic signal indicating the presence of the magnet 62 being received. That is, the impact signal may only be monitored once the magnetic signal has been received. For example, the impact signal may only be monitored within a time period before and / or after the magnetic signal is received. This time period could be, for example, within 1000 milliseconds, within 500 milliseconds, or within 250 milliseconds. In order to do so, the processor 18 may store the impact signal for at least the time period so that when the magnetic signal is received, the impact signal can be monitored either side of the time of the receipt of the magnetic signal. The stroke count could be increased based on particular characteristics of the readings from the impact sensor 16. When the readings have such characteristics, the impact signal can be said to have been received. For example, this could be because the readings from the impact sensor 16 exceed a threshold value. Additionally, or alternatively, this could be based on readings from the impact sensor 16 having a spike with a duration of no more than a threshold time. This spike could be required to exceed a threshold value. This could indicate a short impact consistent with a golf ball 600 being struck by the head 10. The method may further comprise (where present) interfacing the golf club 100 with a start interface 52 before the first golf hole 40. In this context, “before” a golf hole 40 means before the player / user has hit the ball 600 from the tee 42 of the golf hole 40. The method may further comprise (where present) interfacing the golf club 100 with an end interface 54 after the final golf hole 40. In this context, “after” a golf hole 40 means before the player / user has hit the ball 600 into the cup 44 of the golf hole 40. The golf club 100 may be interfaced with each end interface 54 after the corresponding golf hole 40. In this sense, a stroke count for each golf hole 40 can be determined as discussed herein. This interfacing may be as discussed herein. That is, this could include holding the head 10 of the golf club 100 in proximity to or on the interface 52, 54. This can be referred to as “tapping-in” or “tapping-out” of the golf hole 40 and / or golf facility 400. The method may further comprise the step of charging the golf club 100 after the final golf hole 40. This could be using the electrical connection 22 discussed herein. In this sense, an improved golf club 100, golf ball 600, golf kit, golf facility 400, and associated methods are provided. 28 01 25

Claims

1. A golf club comprising:a shaft;a head at a distal end of the shaft for striking a golf ball;5 a magnetic sensor for detecting a magnet in a golf ball being struck by the head,arranged to generate a magnetic signal indicative of the presence of the magnet;a impact sensor arranged to detect the head striking the ball and generate an impact signal indicative thereof;a processor configured to:10 receive the magnetic signal and the impact signal;identify that a golf stroke has occurred based on the magnetic signal and the impact signal; andincrease a stroke count in response to identifying that a golf stroke has occurred,15 wherein the golf club comprises a read-write RFID tag, and the processor is configured to write the stroke count to the RFID tag.

2. The golf club of claim 1, wherein the processor is configured to: continuously monitor the magnetic signal; and20 monitor the impact signal in response to the magnetic signal indicating the presenceof the magnet being received.

3. The golf club of claim 2, wherein the processor is configured to monitor the impact signal within a time period before and / or after the received magnetic signal.

254. The golf club of any preceding claim, wherein:the magnetic sensor; and / orthe impact sensor,is provided on or in the head.

305. The golf club of any preceding claim, wherein the impact sensor is a vibration sensor.

6. The golf club of any preceding claim, wherein the impact sensor is a piezosensor.3528 01 257. The golf club of claim 6, wherein the impact sensor has a resonant frequency of 500 Hz or greater, preferably 3000 Hz or greater, more preferably 3500 Hz or greater.

8. The golf club of claim 6 or 7, wherein the impact sensor has a resonant impedance of 1000 Ohm or less, preferably 700 Ohm or less.

9. The golf club of any of claims 6 to 8, wherein the impact sensor has a capacitance of 25000 pF or greater, preferably 26000 pF or greater.

10. The golf club of any preceding claim, wherein the magnetic sensor is a Hall effect sensor.

11. The golf club of any preceding claim, comprising a plurality of magnetic sensors for detecting a magnet in a golf ball being hit by the head, arranged to generate a magnetic signal indicative of the presence of a magnet.

12. The golf club of any preceding claim, wherein each magnetic sensor has a sampling rate of 1000 Hz or greater, preferably 5000 Hz or greater, more preferably 8000 Hz or greater.

13. The golf club of any preceding claim, wherein each magnetic sensor has a breakout point of 3 mT or less, preferably 2.5 mT or less.

14. The golf club of any preceding claim, wherein the processor is configured to identify that a golf stroke has occurred based on the magnetic signal and the impact signal being received within a time period of one another.

15. The golf club of any preceding claim, wherein the processor is configured to identify that a golf stroke has occurred at least partially based on the impact signal indicating that the readings from the impact sensor exceeded a threshold value.

16. The golf club of any preceding claim, wherein the processor is configured to identify that a golf stroke has occurred at least partially based on the impact signal indicating readings from the impact sensor having a spike with a duration of no more than a threshold time.28 01 2517. The golf club of any preceding claim, wherein the RFID tag further comprises an identifier for the golf club.

18. The golf club of any preceding claim, wherein the processor is configured to reset the stroke count in response to interfacing a start interface.

19. The golf club of any preceding claim, further comprising a battery arranged to power the processor.

20. The golf club of claim 19, wherein the battery is arranged in the head of the golf club.

21. The golf club of claim 20, wherein the battery is arranged in an upper part of the head adjacent to the shaft.

22. The golf club of any of claims 19 to 21, further comprising an electrical connector arranged for charging the battery.

23. The golf club of claim 22, wherein the electrical connector is provided on a proximal end of the shaft.

24. The golf club of claim 22 or 23, wherein the electrical connector is a magnetic connector.

25. The golf club of any preceding claim, wherein the golf club is a putter.

26. A golf kit comprising:the golf club of any of claims 1 to 25; anda golf ball comprising one or more magnet(s) embedded therein.

27. The golf kit of claim 26, wherein the magnet(s) have a vertical pull of 2kg or greater, preferably 3kg or greater, most preferably 3.5kg or greater.28 01 2528. The golf kit of any of claims 26 to 27, wherein the magnet(s) are neodymium magnet(s) having a grade of N42 or higher.

29. The golf kit of any of claims 26 to 28, wherein the golf ball is devoid of electronic circuitry.

30. The golf kit of any of claims 26 to 29, wherein the golf ball comprises a plurality of magnets, each magnet having a magnetisation direction between the North pole and the South Pole, the magnets arranged in the golf ball with their magnetisation directions transverse to one other magnet of the plurality of magnets.

31. A golf facility, comprising:one or more golf holes, each comprising a tee and a golf cup;the golf kit of any of claims 26 to 30; anda server configured to receive the stroke count from the golf club.

32. The golf facility of claim 31, comprising a plurality of golf holes, wherein the server is configured to receive the stroke count from the golf club after each golf hole.

33. The golf facility of any of claims 31 to 32, comprising:a start interface corresponding to a first golf hole of the one or more golf holes for communicating with the golf club, the start interface arranged to reset the stroke count; and an end interface corresponding to a final golf hole of the one or more golf holes for communicating with the golf club, the end interface arranged to receive the stroke count from the golf club and transmit the stroke count to the server.

34. The golf facility of claim 33, wherein each golf hole of the one or more golf holes comprises an end interface corresponding to that golf hole arranged to receive the stroke count from the golf club and transmit the stroke count to the server.

35. The golf facility of claim 34, wherein the server is configured to, in response to the golf club communicating with an end interface corresponding to a golf hole: identify the golf club; andstore the number of strokes for the identified golf club and the corresponding golf hole.28 01 2536. The golf facility of claim 34 or 35, wherein each golf hole of the one or more golf holes comprises a start interface corresponding to that golf hole arranged to reset the stroke count.

37. The golf facility of any of claims 33 to 36, wherein:the start interface comprises an RFID writer;the end interface comprises an RFID reader; andthe golf club comprises a read-write RFID tag storing the stroke count.

38. The golf facility of any of claims 31 to 37, wherein each golf cup comprises a cup magnetic sensor arranged to detect the golf ball being received in the golf cup and generate a cup magnetic signal indicative thereof.

39. The golf facility of claim 38, wherein the golf cup is configured to transmit the cup magnetic signal to the server.

40. The golf facility of any of claims 31 to 39, wherein the golf facility is a minigolf course.

41. A method of operating a golf facility, comprising:providing a golf facility according to any of claims 31 to 40; striking the golf ball with the head of the golf club; andin response to the magnetic signal indicative of the presence of the magnet and the impact signal indicative of the head striking the ball, increasing the stroke count.

42. The method of claim 41, comprising the steps of: continuously monitoring the magnetic signal; and monitoring the impact signal in response to the magnetic signal indicating the presence of the magnet being received.

43. The method of claim 42, wherein the impact signal is monitored for a time period before and / or after the received magnetic signal.28 01 2544. The method of any of claims 41 to 43, wherein the golf facility is according to claim 33, the method further comprising the steps of:interfacing the golf club with the start interface before the first golf hole; and interfacing the golf club with the end interface after the final golf hole.

45. The method of any of claims 41 to 44, wherein the golf facility is according to claim 34 or 35, the method further comprising the step of:interfacing the golf club with each end interface after the corresponding golf hole.

46. The method of any of claims 41 to 45, wherein interfacing the golf club comprises holding the head of the golf club in proximity to or on the interface.

47. The method of any of claims 41 to 46, further comprising the step of charging the golf club after the final golf hole.

48. A method of tracking a stroke count for a golf club, comprising the steps of:providing a golf club according to any of claims 1 to 25;striking a golf ball comprising one or more magnet(s) embedded therein with the head of the golf club; andin response to the magnetic signal indicative of the presence of the magnet and the impact signal indicative of the head striking the ball, increasing the stroke count, wherein the method further comprises the step of storing the stroke count on a read-write RFID tag.

49. The method of claim 48, comprising the steps of:continuously monitoring the magnetic signal; andmonitoring the impact signal in response to the magnetic signal indicating the presence of the magnet being received.

50. The method of claim 49, wherein the impact signal is monitored for a time period before and / or after the received magnetic signal.

51. The method of any of claims 48 to 50, wherein the stroke count is increased in response to the magnetic signal and the impact signal being received within a time period of one another.

52. The method of any of claims 48 to 51, wherein the stroke count is increased in response to the impact signal indicating that the readings from the impact sensor exceeded a threshold value.

553. The method of any of claims 48 to 52, wherein the stroke count is increased in response to the impact signal indicating readings from the impact sensor having a spike with a duration of no more than a threshold time.10 54. The method of any of claims 48 to 53, further comprising the step of resetting thestroke count in response to interfacing the golf club with a start interface.28 01 25AMENDMENTS TO THE CLAIMS HAVE BEEN FILED AS FOLLOW:-35CLAIMS:

1. A golf club comprising:a shaft;a head at a distal end of the shaft for striking a golf ball;a magnetic sensor for detecting a magnet in a golf ball being struck by the head,arranged to generate a magnetic signal indicative of the presence of the magnet;a impact sensor arranged to detect the head striking the ball and generate an impact signal indicative thereof;a processor configured to:receive the magnetic signal and the impact signal;28 01 25identify that a golf stroke has occurred based on the magnetic signal and the impact signal; andincrease a stroke count in response to identifying that a golf stroke has occurred,15 wherein the golf club comprises a read-write RFID tag, and the processor is configured to write the stroke count to the RFID tag.

2. The golf club of claim 1, wherein the processor is configured to: continuously monitor the magnetic signal; andmonitor the impact signal in response to the magnetic signal indicating the presenceof the magnet being received.

3. The golf club of claim 2, wherein the processor is configured to monitor the impact signal within a time period before and / or after the received magnetic signal.

4. The golf club of any preceding claim, wherein: the magnetic sensor; and / or the impact sensor,is provided on or in the head.

5. The golf club of any preceding claim, wherein the impact sensor is a vibration sensor.

6. The golf club of any preceding claim, wherein the impact sensor is a piezosensor.28 01 253 / ^ 67. The golf club of claim 6, wherein the impact sensor has a resonant frequency of 500 Hz or greater, preferably 3000 Hz or greater, more preferably 3500 Hz or greater.

8. The golf club of claim 6 or 7, wherein the impact sensor has a resonant impedance of 1000 Ohm or less, preferably 700 Ohm or less.

9. The golf club of any of claims 6 to 8, wherein the impact sensor has a capacitance of 25000 pF or greater, preferably 26000 pF or greater.

10. The golf club of any preceding claim, wherein the magnetic sensor is a Hall effect sensor.

11. The golf club of any preceding claim, comprising a plurality of magnetic sensors for detecting a magnet in a golf ball being hit by the head, arranged to generate a magnetic signal indicative of the presence of a magnet.

12. The golf club of any preceding claim, wherein each magnetic sensor has a sampling rate of 1000 Hz or greater, preferably 5000 Hz or greater, more preferably 8000 Hz or greater.

13. The golf club of any preceding claim, wherein each magnetic sensor has a breakout point of 3 mT or less, preferably 2.5 mT or less.

14. The golf club of any preceding claim, wherein the processor is configured to identify that a golf stroke has occurred based on the magnetic signal and the impact signal being received within a time period of one another.

15. The golf club of any preceding claim, wherein the processor is configured to identify that a golf stroke has occurred at least partially based on the impact signal indicating that the readings from the impact sensor exceeded a threshold value.

16. The golf club of any preceding claim, wherein the processor is configured to identify that a golf stroke has occurred at least partially based on the impact signal indicating readings from the impact sensor having a spike with a duration of no more than a threshold time.28 01 2517. The golf club of any preceding claim, wherein the RFID tag further comprises an identifier for the golf club.

18. The golf club of any preceding claim, wherein the processor is configured to reset the stroke count in response to interfacing a start interface.

19. The golf club of any preceding claim, further comprising a battery arranged to power the processor.

20. The golf club of claim 19, wherein the battery is arranged in the head of the golf club.

21. The golf club of claim 20, wherein the battery is arranged in an upper part of the head adjacent to the shaft.

22. The golf club of any of claims 19 to 21, further comprising an electrical connector arranged for charging the battery.

23. The golf club of claim 22, wherein the electrical connector is provided on a proximal end of the shaft.

24. The golf club of claim 22 or 23, wherein the electrical connector is a magnetic connector.

25. The golf club of any preceding claim, wherein the golf club is a putter.

26. A golf kit comprising:the golf club of any of claims 1 to 25; anda golf ball comprising one or more magnet(s) embedded therein.

27. The golf kit of claim 26, wherein the magnet(s) have a vertical pull of 2kg or greater, preferably 3kg or greater, most preferably 3.5kg or greater.28 01 2528. The golf kit of any of claims 26 to 27, wherein the magnet(s) are neodymium magnet(s) having a grade of N42 or higher.

29. The golf kit of any of claims 26 to 28, wherein the golf ball is devoid of electronic5 circuitry.

30. The golf kit of any of claims 26 to 29, wherein the golf ball comprises a plurality of magnets, each magnet having a magnetisation direction between the North pole and the South Pole, the magnets arranged in the golf ball with their magnetisation directions10 transverse to one other magnet of the plurality of magnets.

31. A golf facility, comprising:one or more golf holes, each comprising a tee and a golf cup; the golf kit of any of claims 26 to 30; and15 a server configured to receive the stroke count from the golf club.

32. The golf facility of claim 31, comprising a plurality of golf holes, wherein the server is configured to receive the stroke count from the golf club after each golf hole.20 33. The golf facility of any of claims 31 to 32, comprising:a start interface corresponding to a first golf hole of the one or more golf holes for communicating with the golf club, the start interface arranged to reset the stroke count; andan end interface corresponding to a final golf hole of the one or more golf holes for communicating with the golf club, the end interface arranged to receive the stroke count25 from the golf club and transmit the stroke count to the server.

34. The golf facility of claim 33, wherein each golf hole of the one or more golf holes comprises an end interface corresponding to that golf hole arranged to receive the stroke count from the golf club and transmit the stroke count to the server.3035. The golf facility of claim 34, wherein the server is configured to, in response to the golf club communicating with an end interface corresponding to a golf hole:identify the golf club; andstore the number of strokes for the identified golf club and the corresponding golf35 hole.28 01 2536. The golf facility of claim 34 or 35, wherein each golf hole of the one or more golf holes comprises a start interface corresponding to that golf hole arranged to reset the stroke count.

537. The golf facility of any of claims 33 to 36, wherein:the start interface comprises an RFID writer;the end interface comprises an RFID reader; andthe golf club comprises a read-write RFID tag storing the stroke count.1038. The golf facility of any of claims 31 to 37, wherein each golf cup comprises a cup magnetic sensor arranged to detect the golf ball being received in the golf cup and generate a cup magnetic signal indicative thereof.15 39. The golf facility of claim 38, wherein the golf cup is configured to transmit the cupmagnetic signal to the server.

40. The golf facility of any of claims 31 to 39, wherein the golf facility is a minigolf course.2041. A method of operating a golf facility, comprising: providing a golf facility according to any of claims 31 to 40; striking the golf ball with the head of the golf club; andin response to the magnetic signal indicative of the presence of the magnet and the 25 impact signal indicative of the head striking the ball, increasing the stroke count.

42. The method of claim 41, comprising the steps of: continuously monitoring the magnetic signal; and monitoring the impact signal in response to the magnetic signal indicating the30 presence of the magnet being received.

43. The method of claim 42, wherein the impact signal is monitored for a time period before and / or after the received magnetic signal.28 01 2544. The method of any of claims 41 to 43, wherein the golf facility is according to claim33, the method further comprising the steps of:interfacing the golf club with the start interface before the first golf hole; and interfacing the golf club with the end interface after the final golf hole.

545. The method of any of claims 41 to 44, wherein the golf facility is according to claim34 or 35, the method further comprising the step of:interfacing the golf club with each end interface after the corresponding golf hole.10 46. The method of any of claims 41 to 45, wherein interfacing the golf club comprisesholding the head of the golf club in proximity to or on the interface.

47. The method of any of claims 41 to 46, further comprising the step of charging the golf club after the final golf hole.1548. A method of tracking a stroke count for a golf club, comprising the steps of: providing a golf club according to any of claims 1 to 25;striking a golf ball comprising one or more magnet(s) embedded therein with the head of the golf club; and20 in response to the magnetic signal indicative of the presence of the magnet and theimpact signal indicative of the head striking the ball, increasing the stroke count, wherein the method further comprises the step of storing the stroke count on a read-write RFID tag.25 49. The method of claim 48, comprising the steps of:continuously monitoring the magnetic signal; and monitoring the impact signal in response to the magnetic signal indicating the presence of the magnet being received.30 50. The method of claim 49, wherein the impact signal is monitored for a time periodbefore and / or after the received magnetic signal.

51. The method of any of claims 48 to 50, wherein the stroke count is increased in response to the magnetic signal and the impact signal being received within a time period 35 of one another.

52. The method of any of claims 48 to 51, wherein the stroke count is increased in response to the impact signal indicating that the readings from the impact sensor exceeded a threshold value.

553. The method of any of claims 48 to 52, wherein the stroke count is increased in response to the impact signal indicating readings from the impact sensor having a spike with a duration of no more than a threshold time.10 54. The method of any of claims 48 to 53, further comprising the step of resetting thestroke count in response to interfacing the golf club with a start interface.28 01 25

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