Device used for awarding a prize based on the outcome of a predicted shot in the game of golf

Abstract

A device for awarding a prize to a golfer for successfully making a predicted golf shot. A payment receiving device, a shot prediction input device and at least one camera are connected to a golf shot control computer. Also connected to the golf shot control computer is an image recording device and a viewing device. An operator views images recorded by the camera and compares those images to the predicted golf shot. If the shot successfully meets the prediction, a prize is dispensed to the golfer. The prize can be cash, a coupon or a physical item. In one preferred embodiment the prize is a new car if the golfer successfully predicts that he will get a hole-in-one.

1 ) A device for awarding a prize to a golfer for successfully making a predicted golf shot, said device comprising:
 A. a golf shot control computer,   B. a payment receiving device for receiving payment from the golfer prior to the golfer making his shot, and for transmitting said payment to said control computer,   C. a shot prediction input device for receiving the golfer's prediction of his shot, and for transmitting said prediction to said golf shot control computer,   D. at least one camera for viewing the images of the golf ball being hit by the golfer and the golf ball's motion until it comes to a rest, and then transmitting said images to said golf shot control computer,   E. a image recording device connected to said golf shot control computer, said image recording device for receiving and storing said images from said at least one camera,   F. a viewing device connected to said golf shot control computer for allowing an operator to view and compare said prediction to view said images, and   G. a prize dispenser for allowing said operator to dispense a prize if the golfer's golf shot met said prediction.   
     
     
         2 ) The device as in  claim 1 , wherein said payment receiving device, said at least one camera, and said shot prediction input device are connected to said golf shot control computer via the Internet. 
     
     
         3 ) The device as in  claim 1 , wherein said payment receiving device, said at least one camera, and said shot prediction input device are connected to said golf shot control computer via a Local Area Network. 
     
     
         4 ) The device as in  claim 1 , wherein said predicted golf shot is a hole-in-one. 
     
     
         5 ) The device as in  claim 1 , wherein said predicted shot is a chip shot. 
     
     
         6 ) The device as in  claim 1 , wherein said predicted shot is a long drive. 
     
     
         7 ) The device as in  claim 1 , wherein said payment receiving device is a credit card machine. 
     
     
         8 ) The device as in  claim 1 , wherein said payment receiving device is cell phone. 
     
     
         9 ) The device as in  claim 1 , wherein said shot prediction device is a credit card machine programmed to receive the golfer's shot prediction. 
     
     
         10 ) The device as in  claim 1 , wherein said shot prediction device is a cell phone. 
     
     
         11 ) The device as in  claim 1 , wherein said image recording device is a hard drive connected to said golf shot control computer. 
     
     
         12 ) The device as in  claim 1 , further comprising:
 A. a server computer, and   B. a website loaded onto said server computer,   wherein said control computer, said payment receiving device, said shot prediction input device, and said at least one camera are connected to said server computer via the Internet.   
     
     
         13 ) The device as in  claim 1 , wherein said control computer is hard wire connected to said payment receiving device, said shot prediction input device, and said at least one camera. 
     
     
         14 ) The device as in  claim 1 , wherein said viewing device is a computer monitor connected to said golf shot control computer. 
     
     
         15 ) The device as in  claim 1 , wherein said prize is a cash prize. 
     
     
         16 ) The device as in  claim 1 , wherein said prize is an automobile. 
     
     
         17 ) The device as in  claim 1 , wherein said prize is a coupon. 
     
     
         18 ) The device as in  claim 1 , wherein the golfer can make a prediction of his shot and make a payment at any time during the hole by utilizing his cell phone to contact said golf shot control computer.