A golf tee device and method configured to automatically tee up a golf ball

Abstract

 The invention relates to a golf tee device and a method configured to automatically tee up a golf ball, comprising a platform (1), a container (2) to store golf balls and a transport member (3) to transport balls to a golf tee (4). The device also comprises a passage (5) comprising the golf tee, an opening (7) to receive a golf ball, and a lifting member (8) to move the golf tee (4) through the passage. The device further comprises a lifting arrangement (9) to move the lifting member through the passage, a first sensor (10) located on the platform, and a first electrical power source to supply a first electrical circuit. The first sensor comprises a first capacitive switch configured to influence the first electrical circuit and control the transport member and the lifting arrangement to place one golf ball onto the golf tee and move said ball through the hole (6).

Description

THE FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention refers to a golf tee device configured to automatically tee up a golf ball according to the pre-characterized portion of claim 1 and a method for an automatically teeing up a golf tee according the pre-characterized portion of claim 12.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND PRIOR ART

[0002] Practising golf swings is most commonly done at a driving range, where players hit golf balls from a mat of artificial grass. The player normally rents a bucket of golf balls and places the balls on the mat or on a golf tee at an elevated level from the mat. Then the player grips a golf club and positions him/herself to strike the ball. After each strike, the player takes a new ball from the bucket or container and places it on the mat or golf tee. The players stand and grip need to be resumed between the ball strikes.

[0003] The repeatedly fetching and placement of the golf ball between strikes impairs the quality of the training, because it is difficult to train minor amendments in grip, stands or swinging plane when grip and stand cannot be retained between the golf strikes.

[0004] The repeatedly fetching and placement of the golf ball between strikes is time consuming and tiresome. Driving ranges are a source of income for golf clubs. Therefore, it is important that players can practice on the mats in an efficient manner. As a consequence of the fetching and placement, fewer players can use the driving range and hence less golf balls and mats can be rented out.

[0005] Driving ranges are mostly placed outdoors and the equipment used on the driving range has to be able to withstand all kinds of weather from stormy rains to extreme warm conditions. The forces associated with golf strikes such as hits from golf clubs on the mat and movements of the players also need to be endured by the mats. Therefore, mats, container and other equipment used on the driving range are exposed to wear and tear. These equipments need to be replaced regularly.

[0006] Several devices have been developed for automatic teeing up golf balls at a driving range.

[0007] US 4,355,811, US 2,390,998, US2005/0282646 disclose devices, whereby a golf ball is presented automatically to a player standing on a platform covered by an artificial mat. These devices comprise a container for storage of golf balls and a transport member for transporting the golf balls to a golf tee. The golf tee may be comprised in a vertical passage under a platform. The golf tee is automatically moved up and down in the passage with help of a lifting member, whereby the golf tee is moved up after placement of a golf ball on the golf tee and then moved down after the golf ball has been hit from the golf tee. A power source such as an electrical motor may be used to move the different parts of the device. These rather complex devices comprise many different parts. Both the transport member and the lifting member may comprise a combination of mechanical and electronical lifting arrangements that are cooperatively adjustable.

[0008] Another example of a golf tee device is disclosed in US 5,895,325, where a transporting member includes a delivery mechanism with movable tracking members that transport a golf ball from an elevated position above a platform to a golf tee. The device is positioned next to the artificial mat and occupies space on the driving range that otherwise could be used for additional mats.

[0009] DE 195 22 176 discloses a device, whereby a container is positioned under the platform. The device comprises a lifting member, which is a cam switch that raises and lowers a golf tee in a vertical passage under the platform. A golf ball is placed on the golf tee by gravity, when the golf tee is positioned under an opening in the passage. The opening is connected to the container. The golf tee with golf ball is raised to a position above the platform. A locking member is present on a spring under the golf tee, which prevents golf balls from entering the passage before the golf tee has been lowered to a position where it can receive a golf ball. No other lock is used on the opening in the passage. In this device, a second golf ball may enter the passage and roll against the golf tee, while the golf tee is being raised. Thus, before the locking member blocks the opening, a second golf ball can enter the passage and may get stuck between the golf ball positioned on the golf tee and the locking member.

[0010] Some of the known devices are at least partly covered by the platform. Because of the size of these devices, the heights of the mats can become uncomfortably high. When a player looses balance during a golf swing, the golf player may fall from the platform. Also, when changing golf clubs during practising, it may be inconvenient to climb off and on a platform that is raised 20 to 30 cm above the ground level.

[0011] Preferably, the player controls the presentation of the golf ball, such that the next golf ball is first presented after a request from the golf player. One advantage of such control is that the concentration of the player is not disturbed by the noise produced by the device during the teeing up of a next golf ball. US 5,415,409 discloses a device, whereby the golf player can press a push button connected to a golf ball gripper. Upon pushing the button, the gripper will grip a golf ball from a storage container and present the ball on a golf tee, which is positioned on the platform. The push button is located at an elevated level above the platform and can be used by a player's hand. This means that the player will loose the grip and stand between ball strikes.

[0012] GB 2 306 893 discloses a device, whereby a golf tee device comprises a platform, which at least partly covers the device. The device comprises a vertical passage comprising a lifting member, a movable golf tee connected to the lifting member and an opening in the passage for receiving a golf ball from a container. The device further comprises a transport tube for transporting golf balls from the container to the opening using gravity. A lifting arrangement is positioned under the passage to vertically move the lifting member up and down. An electrical motor drives a cam that is connected to switches, which collaborately move the lifting member. No lock is present on the opening to prevent a next golf ball from entering the passage before the golf tee is in a position to receive the next golf ball. The platform that covers this device is raised substantially from the ground level in order to cover the device under the platform. The device comprises a push button, which is positioned on the platform. The player can push the button with a golf club to automatically tee up the next golf ball.

[0013] There is a need for a golf tee device, which automatically tees up golf balls under the control of a golf player. There is a need for a device that can be constructed in a relatively easy and inexpensive way. There is also a need for a device that can easily be maintained and a device that does not take much space on the driving range. There is a need for a device that is not sensitive to wear and tear from weather or forces related to playing golf.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The object of the present invention is to provide a golf tee device, which automatically tees up golf balls under the control of a golf player. Another object is to provide a device that can be used by a player in such a way that the player does not have to change the stand or grip between ball strikes. A further object is to provide a device that can be constructed in a relatively easy and inexpensive way. One object is to provide a device that can be easily maintained. A further object is to provide a device that is relatively small and does not take much space on the driving range. One object is to provide a device that is not sensitive to wear and tear from weather or forces related to playing golf.

[0015] The object is achieved by the device initially described characterized in that the first sensor comprises a first capacitive switch configured to influence the first electrical circuit and thus control the transport member and the lifting arrangement to place one of said at least one golf ball onto the golf tee and move said ball through the hole.

[0016] Capacitive switches are easy to install and reliable to use. A capacitive switch may prevent false operations of the switch due to movement of the player or pressure of the player weight on the switch as may occur using pressure switches. Another advantage of the new device is that the player can control when a new ball is being teed up. The player does not have to change the stand or grip between ball strikes. The device may be small enough to fit under the platform, without the platform being raised substantially from the ground level. The coverage of the device by the platform also provides protection against water and dirt. The new device does not comprise many parts. The device is robust and therefore less sensitive to wear and tear from the forces related to playing golf. The new device can be easily manufactured and maintained.

[0017] In one embodiment, the first sensor comprises a surface capacitive switch.

[0018] Surface capacitive switches are readily available and can easily be positioned on the surface of the platform. A surface capacitive switch improves the quality of the training because the switch can be used by the player without having to change stand or grip. Surface capacity switches are less sensitive to dirt and easy to maintain and replace.

[0019] In another embodiment, the first capacitive switch is configured to be operated in response to a contact of a golf club with the first sensor.

[0020] The risk for false operations by the device can be prevented by using a sensor that operates on being contacted by metal, such as a golf club. This improves the reliability of the device.

[0021] In a further embodiment, the transport member comprises a screw conveyor configured to push said at least one golf ball individually toward the opening in the passage.

[0022] Screw conveyers are robust constructions that are less sensitive to wear and tear. Another advantage of the screw conveyer is that golf balls can be transported individually to the opening in the passage. A screw conveyer improves the simplicity and robustness of the device, thereby reduces costs for manufacturing and maintenance.

[0023] In yet another embodiment, the transport member is configured to rotate at least one full revolution around the longitudinal axis of the screw in response to the capacitive switch being operated.

[0024] No locking member will be needed to prevent blockage of the passage by a next golf ball, because the screw conveyer will only present one ball at the time at the opening.

[0025] In yet a further embodiment, the lifting member is configured to move in the passage between a high end point, whereby at least a portion of the golf tee extends above the platform and a low end point, whereby the golf tee is positioned under the opening in the passage.

[0026] The lifting member preferably moves the golf tee from a position under the opening, where the golf tee can receive a golf ball using gravity, to a position above the platform. In one embodiment, the position of the high end point can be varied. The advantage of varying the high end point is that the player can strike a golf ball that is being presented at different elevated levels from the platform. This will improve the quality of the training of the golf player.

[0027] In one embodiment, the device comprises a second sensor positioned in the lifting member configured to lift the golf tee when a golf ball is positioned on the golf tee.

[0028] This embodiment improves the reliability and quality of the device because the risk for false operations by the device is further reduced.

[0029] In another embodiment, the second sensor comprises a second capacitive switch configured to be operated in response to the placement of one of said at least one golf ball on the golf tee.

[0030] A capacitive switch can easily be installed in the lifting member. The operation of the switch can be related to the weight of a golf ball. Thereby, the reliability of the device further improves as false operations of the switch due to for example forces from the player on the platform, can be minimized.

[0031] In a further embodiment, the device comprises a second power source that is electrically connected to the second sensor, and whereby the first power source and the second power source are electrically separated from one another.

[0032] Separate power sources improve the quality of the device further. For example, the risk for false operation by the first and/or second switch can be reduced.

[0033] In yet another embodiment, the first power source comprises an electrical motor positioned under the platform.

[0034] This embodiment reduces the sensitivity of the device for dirt and water. It also improves the robustness of the device because the power source cannot be hit by a golf club or a golf car. Because only low voltage may be needed, a small motor or battery may be used.

[0035] In yet a further embodiment, the device comprises a data processor, comprising software configured to control the device.

[0036] A data processor provides the opportunity of automating the device. The data processor may for example be connected to a ball counting device or an input device for payment for use of the driving range, etc.

[0037] The object is also achieved by a method for automatically teeing up a golf ball, characterized in that
the first sensor comprises a first capacitive switch and wherein the method comprises the steps of
operating the first capacitive switch to influence the first electrical circuit in response to a contact of a golf club with the first sensor, and further in response thereto
controlling the transport member to place one of said at least one golf ball onto the golf tee, and
controlling the lifting arrangement to move said ball through the hole.

[0038] In one embodiment of the method, the transport member comprises a screw conveyor configured to push said at least one golf ball individually toward the opening in the passage, the method comprising rotating the screw conveyor at least one full revolution around the longitudinal axis of the screw in response to operating the first capacitive switch.

[0039] The advantages of this method, as well as the preferred embodiments thereof, are apparent from the discussion hereinabove with reference to the proposed device.

[0040] One embodiment of the invention relates to a computer program loadable into the internal memory of a computer, comprising software for controlling the method steps described above, when said program is run on the computer.

[0041] Another embodiment of the invention relates to a computer program product, having a program recorded thereon, where the program is to make a computer control the method steps described above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] The present invention is now to be explained more closely by means of embodiments, which are disclosed as examples, and with reference to the attached drawings.

Fig. 1

shows schematically a top view of the device on the surface of a platform.

Fig. 2.

shows schematically a side view of an embodiment of the invention.

Fig 3.

shows schematically a top view of an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0043] Fig 1 shows a platform 1 that can be used on a driving range. The platform 1 comprises an area 1a where the player can take his stand to swing the golf ball. The platform 1 may be covered with a mat, such as a mat of artificial grass. The platform is preferably large enough to provide space for the practising golf player.

[0044] The golf ball will be presented through a hole 6.

[0045] Also shown is a lock of a container 2, where the golf balls can be stored. This container 2 may be connected to a golf ball returning arrangement configured to automatically return balls from the driving range to the container. Such arrangements are commonly used in in-house driving ranges, where golf balls roll from the driving range into a collecting reservoir from where they are transported to a container.

[0046] A first sensor 10 is located on the platform 1. Preferably, the first sensor 10 is positioned on the platform such that it is accessible to a club head of a golf club held by the player located on the platform 1 in a swing position relative to the hole 6. The first sensor 10 may be located in the area behind the hole 6, for example next to the container 2. In this position, the risk for accidentally touching the first sensor 10 with a golf club is minimized.

[0047] Further details of the golf tee device are schematically shown in the side view of Fig 2. The golf tee device is at least partly located under the platform 1. Preferably, the platform covers the golf tee device entirely.

[0048] Golf balls are transported from the container 2 to a passage 5 with help of a transport member 3. The transporting member 3 may extend along a longitudinal axis L under the platform 1. The transport member may be any device configured to transport golf balls individually. A screw conveyer as transport member 3 is shown in Fig 2. Through revolutions of the screw conveyer the golf balls are transported to the opening 7 in the passage 5.

[0049] Once the golf ball passes the opening 7, the ball will fall down by gravity and land on a golf tee 4, which is positioned under the opening 7 in the passage 5. The golf tee 4 comprises a substantially horizontal base and a substantially vertical shaft with a concave top end to hold a golf ball positioned on the golf tee 4. The golf tee 4 is preferably made of a flexible material that is able to withstand the repeated blows of the striking golf club. Plastics and rubber are examples of materials from which the golf tee 4 can be made.

[0050] The golf tee 4 is mounted on a lifting member 8. Preferably, the golf tee 4 is mounted in such a way that it is firmly attached to withstand the blows from the golf club, but also such that the golf tee 4 can be easily replaced when needed.

[0051] The lifting member 8 is configured to move in a forward and backward direction through the passage 5. Preferably, the lifting member 8 moves between a high end point and a low end point. The high end point may be defined as a position, whereby at least a portion of the golf tee 4 extends above the platform 1. The low end point may be defined as a position, whereby the golf tee 4 is positioned under the opening 7 in the passage 5. The lifting member 8 is configured to move toward the high end point when a golf ball is positioned on the golf tee 4, and otherwise towards the low end point. The position of the high end point may be variable such that the golf ball can be raised at different elevated levels in relation to the platform 1.

[0052] The golf tee device comprises a lifting arrangement 9. The lifting arrangement 9 moves the lifting member 8 (and the golf tee 4 attached thereto) through the passage 5. The lifting arrangement 9 may comprise a rotary cam configured to move the lifting member 8. The cam connected to a rotating belt 9a may rotate around a substantially horizontal axis H intersecting the longitudinal axis L.

[0053] The golf tee device also comprises an electrical power source, which supplies a first electrical circuit. The electrical power source may be an external power source connected to the golf tee device. The first power source may also be a source positioned under the platform 1 such as an electrical motor 13a. Because only small voltages such as 12 V may be needed to drive the golf tee device of the present invention, a battery may be used as well to supply the electrical circuit.

[0054] The first sensor 10 comprises a first capacity switch. This switch influences the first electrical circuit. The switch may be operated by opening or closing in response to a contact of a golf club with the first sensor 10. In one embodiment, the first capacity switch is closed upon touching the first sensor 10 with a golf club.

[0055] In response to operating the switch, the transport member 3 can be controlled. For example, if the transport member 3 is a screw conveyer, the screw conveyer may rotate to push a golf ball towards and/or through the opening 7 in the passage 5. One or more full revolution around the longitudinal axis L of the conveyer in response to the operating switch may suffice to push a golf ball through the opening 7.

[0056] The lifting arrangement 9 may also be controlled in response to operating the first capacitive switch. After a golf ball has been presented on the golf tee 4 in the passage 5, the lifting arrangement 9 can move the lifting member 8 up towards the hole 6 by rotating the belt 9a around the axis 9b and thereby moving the connecting lifting member 8. The lifting arrangement 9 may be controlled in such a way that the lifting member 8, with the golf tee 4 attached thereto and the golf ball positioned on the golf tee 4, is moved to the high end point.

[0057] The lifting arrangement 9 will hold the lifting member 8 in the position at the high end point until the golf ball has been stricken. Than the lifting member can move down again to a low end point at a position under the opening 7 to receive the next golf ball from the transport member 3.

[0058] The golf tee device may also comprise a second sensor (not shown). The second sensor may be positioned in or connected to the lifting member 8 and configured to lift the golf tee 4 when a golf ball is positioned on the golf tee 4. The second sensor may be a second capacitive switch, which operates in response to the placement of a golf ball on the golf tee 4. Examples of such a switch may be a pressure switch. In response to the weight of the golf ball, the second switch may operate the electrical circuit and thereby operate the lifting arrangement 9. In response to the opening or closing of the second switch, the belt 9a of the arrangement 9 will rotate around the axis 9b. In response thereto, the lifting member 8 moves the golf tee 4 through the passage 5 as described above.

[0059] The second sensor may be electrically connected to the first electrical circuit. Alternatively, the second switch may be connected to a second electrical circuit. This second electrical circuit may be isolated from the first electrical circuit and supplied by a second power source. The second power source may be an external power source connected to the golf tee device. The second power source may also be a source positioned under the platform 1 such as an electrical motor. Because only small voltages such as 12 V may be needed, a battery may be used to supply the second electrical circuit.

[0060] A method for automatically teeing up a golf ball by using the golf tee device of the present invention, or minor variations of such a device, may comprise the steps of operating the first capacity switch by placing a metal piece, such as a golf club, on the first sensor 10. The first electrical circuit will be influenced in response to this such that the transport member 3 will be controlled to push a golf ball towards and/or through the opening 7 in the passage 5. A golf ball will thereby be positioned on the golf tee 4. The influenced first electrical circuit will also control the lifting arrangement 9 to rotate the belt 9a and thus move the lifting member 8 through the passage 5. Thereby, the golf tee 4 will at least partly be lifted above the platform 1.

[0061] When a second sensor is present, the second sensor will be influenced by the first electrical circuit such that the second capacitive switch of the second sensor will be operated to control the lifting arrangement 9 as described above.

[0062] Alternatively, when a separate second electrical circuit is present, the second sensor may be influenced by the placement of a golf ball on the golf tee 4. In response to this, the second capacitive switch is operated to control the lifting arrangement 9 by rotating the belt 9a and thereby moving the lifting member 8. For example, the second switch may be closed by the weight of the golf ball. In response to this, the belt 9a rotates around the axis 9b to move the lifting member 8 through the passage 5. Thereby, the golf tee 4 will at least partly be lifted above the platform 1.

[0063] The device of the present invention may comprise a third sensor (not shown) configured to control the position of the high end point of the golf tee 4. This third sensor may be positioned in the wall of the passage 5. The third sensor may be connected to the first or optionally second power source. The third sensor may also have a third power source. The third sensor may be a switch, such as a capacitive switch, or a photocell.

[0064] The golf tee device may also comprise an input device (not shown). This input device may be used for payment of rent of the driving mat, or rent of golf balls or determining the position of the high end point of the golf tee 4. The input device is preferably positioned such that it is accessible for the player. This position may be next to, or on the platform, or in the proximity of the platform. The connection between the golf tee device and the input device may be wired or wireless.

[0065] The golf tee device may be controlled by a data processor 11. The method implemented by the processor 11 is preferably controlled by a computer program loaded into a memory 12 of the processor 11, or an external memory unit accessible by the processor 11 (not shown). The computer program, in turn, contains software for controlling the steps of the method when the program is run on the processor 11.

[0066] The device, as well as any method steps, may be controlled by means of a programmed computer apparatus. Moreover, although the embodiments of the invention described above with reference to the drawings may comprise computer apparatus and methods that may be performed in computer apparatus, the invention thus also extends to computer programs, particularly computer programs on or in a carrier, adapted for putting the invention into practice. The program may be in the form of source code; object code, a code intermediate source and object code such as in partially compiled form, or in any other form suitable for use in the implementation of the process according to the invention. The carrier may be any entity or device capable of carrying the program. For example, the carrier may comprise a storage medium, such as a Flash memory, a ROM (Read Only Memory), for example a CD (Compact Disc) or a semiconductor ROM, an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), or a magnetic recording medium, for example a floppy disc or hard disc. Further, the carrier may be a transmissible carrier such as an electrical or optical signal, which may be conveyed via electrical or optical cable or by radio or by other means. When the program is embodied in a signal, which may be conveyed, directly by a cable or other device or means, the carrier may be constituted by such cable or device or means. Alternatively, the carrier may be an integrated circuit in which the program is embedded, the integrated circuit being adapted for performing, or for use in the performance of, the relevant processes.

[0067] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed but may be varied and modified within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A golf tee device configured to automatically tee up a golf ball, comprising

- a platform (1) configured to at least partially cover an upper portion of the device,

- a container (2) configured to store at least one golf ball,

- a transport member (3) configured to transport said at least one golf ball individually from the container (2) to a golf tee (4), the transport member (3) extending along a longitudinal axis (L) under the platform (1),

- a passage (5) extending from the transport member (3) to a hole (6) in the platform (1), the passage (5) comprising

i. the golf tee (4),

ii. an opening (7) configured to receive a golf ball from the transport member (3), and

iii. a lifting member (8) configured to move the golf tee (4) through the passage (5),

- a lifting arrangement (9) configured to move the lifting member (8) in a forward and backward direction through the passage (5),

- a first sensor (10) located on the platform (1), and

- a first electrical power source configured to supply a first electrical circuit,
characterized in that
the first sensor (10) comprises a first capacitive switch configured to influence the first electrical circuit and thus control the transport member (3) and the lifting arrangement (9) to place one of said at least one golf ball onto the golf tee (4) and move said ball through the hole (6).

2. The golf tee device according to claim 1, wherein the first sensor (10) comprises a surface capacitive switch.

3. The golf tee device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first capacitive switch is configured to be operated in response to a contact of a golf club with the first sensor (10).

4. The golf tee device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the transport member (3) comprises a screw conveyor configured to push said at least one golf ball individually toward the opening (7) in the passage (5).

5. The golf tee device according to claim 4, wherein the transport member (3) is configured to rotate at least one full revolution around the longitudinal axis of the screw in response to the capacitive switch being operated.

6. The golf tee device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lifting member (8) is configured to move in the passage (5) between a high end point, whereby at least a portion of the golf tee (4) extends above the platform (1) and a low end point, whereby the golf tee (4) is positioned under the opening (7) in the passage (5).

7. The golf tee device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a second sensor positioned in the lifting member (8) configured to lift the golf tee (4) when a golf ball is positioned on the golf tee (4).

8. The golf tee device according to claim 7, wherein the second sensor comprises a second capacitive switch configured to be operated in response to the placement of one of said at least one golf ball on the golf tee (4).

9. The golf tee device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the device comprises a second power source that is electrically connected to the second sensor, and whereby the first power source and the second power source are electrically separated from one another.

10. The golf tee device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first power source comprises an electrical motor (13a) positioned under the platform (1).

11. The golf tee device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a data processor (11), comprising software configured to control the device.

12. A method for automatically teeing up a golf ball, by using a golf tee device comprising

- a platform (1) configured to at least partially cover an upper portion of the device,

- a container (2) configured to store at least one golf ball,

- a transport member (3) configured to transport said at least one golf ball individually from the container (2) to a golf tee (4), the transport member (3) extending along a longitudinal axis (L) under the platform (1),

- a passage (5) extending from the transport member (3) to a hole (6) in the platform (1), the passage (5) comprising

i. the golf tee (4),

ii. an opening (7) configured to receive a golf ball from the transport member (3), and

iii. a lifting member (8) configured to move the golf tee (4) through the passage (5),

- a lifting arrangement (9) configured to move the lifting member (8) in a forward and backward direction through the passage (5),

- a first sensor (10) located on the platform (1), and

- a first electrical power source configured to supply a first electrical circuit,
characterized in that
the first sensor (10) comprises a first capacitive switch and wherein the method comprises the steps of

- operating the first capacitive switch to influence the first electrical circuit in response to a contact of a golf club with the first sensor (10), and further in response thereto

- controlling the transport member (3) to place one of said at least one golf ball onto the golf tee (4), and

- controlling the lifting arrangement (9) to move said ball through the hole (6).

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the transport member (3) comprises a screw conveyor configured to push said at least one golf ball individually toward the opening (7) in the passage (5), the method comprising rotating the screw conveyor at least one full revolution around the longitudinal axis of the screw in response to operating the first capacitive switch.

14. A computer program loadable into the internal memory of a computer, comprising software for controlling the steps of claim 12 or 13 when said program is run on the computer.

15. A computer program product (12), having a program recorded thereon, where the program is to make a computer control the steps of claim 12 or 13.

Drawing