Distance to golf cup measuring accessory

#The present application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/568,580 filed Dec. 8, 2011, which application is incorporated in its entirety herein by reference.

#The present invention relates to determining the distance from a golf ball location to a hole and in particular to an accessory which attaches to a flag pole facilitating the measurement.

#The game of golf is widely enjoyed around the world. Golf is regularly played in tournament, casual play, and practice. One common activity is precisely measuring the distance from a ball to the hole. Such measuring is done to determine the order of play, and in some events, to award prizes for the closest approach shot. Presently, the distance from the ball to the hole can only be measured by two players using a tape measure, using golf clubs, using the flag pole, or stepping off the distance, and when two balls are at similar distances from the hole, errors introduced into the measurements may produce a wrong result.

#The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more apparent from the following more particular description thereof, presented in conjunction with the following drawings wherein:

#FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a distance to golf hole measuring accessory according to the present invention.

#FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the distance to golf hole measuring accessory according to the present invention having a jaw removed to show jaw attachment features.

#Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding components throughout the several views of the drawings.

#The following description is of the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out the invention. This description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of describing one or more preferred embodiments of the invention. The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the claims.

#A perspective view of a distance to golf hole measuring accessory 10 according to the present invention is shown in FIG. 1 and a perspective view of the distance to golf hole measuring accessory 10 having a jaw 14 removed to show jaw attachment features is shown in FIG. 2. The accessory 10 includes a handle 12, a mouth 13 having a mouth centerline 13a, an opening jaw 15, and a measuring tape attachment feature 16. A measuring tape 30 is attachable to the measuring tape attachment feature 16 of the accessory 10. A shaft 18 provides pivoting attachment of the jaw 14, and a spring 20 biases the jaw 14 to a closed position. In another embodiment, a latch may be included to hold the jaw 14 in the closed position.