Method and apparatus for uniquely identifying a golf ball at a target

An apparatus for uniquely identifying a golf ball at a target includes a simulated golfing green having one or multiple target area apertures therein. A ball collector is mounted under each aperture. A ball identification means cooperates with the ball collector for identifying uniquely identified game balls from non-uniquely identified golf balls and transmits identity information corresponding to each game ball of the game balls to a remote processing station for correlating the identity of a golfer with the identity information. A surveillance means cooperates with the first target area so as to provide for remote monitoring of the first target area. A first signal means is provided for signalling the golfer and a remote monitor when a uniquely identified game ball has entered the aperture. A first sensor means is provided for detecting when a uniquely identified game ball lands in the first target area and for signalling the golfer and a remote monitor upon such detection.