A green simulation apparatus having a configurable upper surface with a changeable contour may comprise a covering forming the upper surface and a plurality of vertically movable positioning elements forming an array on which the covering rests. Each positioning element has a head, a bottom element, and a support frame positioned between the head and bottom element. The support frame includes at least a first frame member and a second frame member each having opposite ends and being pivotally connected together at a cross-over point spaced from opposite ends of the frame members in a scissor-like configuration such that convergence of the frame members raises the head and divergence of the frame members lowers the head.

A green simulation apparatus having a configurable upper surface with a changeable contour may comprise a covering forming the upper surface and a covering support assembly configured to support the covering. The support assembly may comprise a plurality of movable positioning elements having the covering resting thereon and positioned in an array extending in a reference plane and movable along axes extending substantially perpendicular to the reference plane. The support assembly may comprise a movement actuator configured to move at least one of the positioning elements independently of other positioning elements in the array. The plurality of positioning elements may include active positioning elements and passive positioning elements, with the active positioning elements being associated with a movement actuator and the passive positioning elements not being associated with a movement actuator.

A golf putting training apparatus includes a putting board having a predetermined length and having one end thereof selectively adjustable in height; a guide groove (or guide hole) formed in an upper surface of the putting board with a predetermined length; and a putting exerciser including a guide blade fitted to the guide groove (or guide hole) and integrally or detachably coupled to a center of a lower side of a head thereof, and a shaft mounted on an upper side of the head.

Systems and methods to practice putting are provided. In one embodiment, the system includes a framework, actuators mounted to the framework, a control system, a computing device, and an artificial green. The control system is coupled to the actuators and controls actuation of the actuators. The computing device includes a display for viewing mapped green profiles and is configured to communicate with the control system. The artificial green includes a putting surface with a cup defined therein, wherein the artificial green is positioned over the actuators. With this arrangement, a user can select a putting region, after which, the computing device can translate and transfer the mapped data of the putting region to the controllers to actuate the actuators to, therefore, adjust the putting surface of the artificial green to correspond to the mapped green profile of an actual green.

An inflatable putting green apparatus includes a putting playfield that is selectively inflated or deflated. The putting playfield is inflated by forcing air into the putting playfield and deflated when the air is released from the putting playfield. The putting playfield includes an upper surface having a well positioned therein for receiving a golf ball. The putting playfield is flexible and is rolled up when the putting playfield is not inflated to allow for easy transportation thereof.

A gaming device includes a base, a runway, and a target. The base includes a baseplate and a ramp. The base plate has an upper surface and a leading end. The ramp includes a ramp leg that supports the ramp in an inclined position. The runway has a free end that extends from the leading end of the base plate in a deployed configuration of the gaming device. The target includes a target plate having a target surface that defines a plurality of holes. The target plate is hingedly attached to the base plate such that the base plate is foldable into the target in a transport configuration of the gaming device. In the transport configuration, the upper surface of the base plate opposes the target surface of the target plate with the ramp disposed between the upper surface and the target surface.

A device for practicing putting of a golf ball includes: an elongate base with opposed first and second ends and an upper surface; an elongate rail with an upper surface and opposed first and second ends, the rail mounted to the base such that the upper surface of the rail is positioned above and generally parallel with the upper surface of the base; a locating feature positioned adjacent the first end of the rail, the locating feature configured to provide a resting place for a golf ball; and a target area positioned near the second end of the base panel located adjacent the second end of the rail. Such a device can provide immediate and accurate feedback on putting errors committed by the user.

Systems and methods to practice putting are provided. In one embodiment, the system includes a framework, actuators mounted to the framework, a control system, a computing device, and an artificial green. The control system is coupled to the actuators and controls actuation of the actuators. The computing device includes a display for viewing mapped green profiles and is configured to communicate with the control system. The artificial green includes a putting surface with a cup defined therein, wherein the artificial green is positioned over the actuators. With this arrangement, a user can select a putting region, after which, the computing device can translate and transfer the mapped data of the putting region to the controllers to actuate the actuators to, therefore, adjust the putting surface of the artificial green to correspond to the mapped green profile of an actual green.

A device for practicing putting of a golf ball includes: an elongate base with opposed first and second ends and an upper surface; an elongate rail with an upper surface and opposed first and second ends, the rail mounted to the base such that the upper surface of the rail is positioned above and generally parallel with the upper surface of the base; a locating feature positioned adjacent the first end of the rail, the locating feature configured to provide a resting place for a golf ball; and a target area positioned near the second end of the base panel located adjacent the second end of the rail. Such a device can provide immediate and accurate feedback on putting errors committed by the user.

In an inclined golf mat laid and used in a golf practice range or the like, to simplify structure and enable a reduction in weight, reduce a price, and improve versatility. In the inclined golf mat, a surface section including an inclined surface is detachably attached to an upper side of a base. A first fitting section is provided on an upper surface of the base, and a first section to be fit that fits with the first fitting section is provided on a lower surface of the surface section. A golf mat assembly is assembled by coupling a plurality of the inclined golf mats in the horizontal direction.