Ladder Golf Explained
Like horseshoes or lawn darts, the goal in ladder golf is to toss a set of objects closest to a predetermined target. In the case of ladder golf, the objects are bolas (two balls tied together with string) and the target is a ladder with three rungs. When tossed correctly, the bolas will wrap around the rungs of the ladder.
Ladder Golf Rules
- The goal. The goal of ladder golf is to be the first player to score 21 points exactly. If the scores more than 21 points, the points for that round are discarded.
- The setup. To play the game, players set the ladder on a level surface and then step back five paces to create a throwing line.
- The toss. Once the throwing line is established, players take turns tossing bolas at the ladder stand. Each player tosses three bolas per turn. Scoring is completed after all players have tossed their bolas.
- You knocked my bola! Bolas knocked off ladder rungs during a round do not count toward scoring. Only bolas that remain on the ladder rungs at the end of each round contribute to a player's point total.
- Scoring points. Bolas that rest on the bottom rung of the ladder count as one point. Bolas that rest on the middle ladder rung count as two points. Bolas that rest on the top ladder rung count as three points.
- Bonus! A player receives a one-point bonus if she lands all three bolas on the same rung. A one-point bonus is also awarded if a player lands one bola on each of the rungs in a single turn.
- A word on etiquette. There is none. Shouting, waving and other rude interruptions are encouraged. The only limit to distracting the opposing player is physical contact.
- Alternate games. A common variation is to use two ladders, with teams playing towards opposing ladders. This variation is similar to horseshoes or lawn darts and is common at larger gatherings.