How to Play Hillbilly Golf

The essential BBQ/Picnic/Tailgate game of champions.

Deep within the depths of suburbia, when the seasons are warm, a game of skill is underway. Challengers emerge and head out to the expansive green grass of parks, backyards, or sandy beaches to duel in the ultimate game of glory. What sort of game brings these challengers forth, you ask? Why it is none other than hillbilly golf!

Also known as "bolo toss", "ladder ball", or "ladder golf", this fun game is simple use and operate. It is also a great method of entertainment for any party setting. The following instructions will explain the rules and setup on how to play hillbilly golf.

Things You'll Need

• 2-4 People
• Hillbilly Golf Set
• An open, level space to play on

Instructions

1. 

   A hillbilly golf set should have the following parts to it. Two "ladders" of plastic piping, which are the same size. And a set of "bolos", which are basically a rope with two golf balls tied to each end. If the game is for two people, each player should have a set of three bolos each for tossing at the ladder structures. The sets of bolos for each player, should have different coloring to indicate who it belongs to for scoring.

2. The ladders each have three rungs upon them. The player or players will try to toss the bolo at the opposing player's ladder and have it catch on any rung. Each rung level is assigned a different point value. The highest rung is usually the easiest to land a bolo so it goes for 1 point. The middle rung is 2 points, and the bottom rung is 3. Though ultimately, point structure can be assigned any way desired before the game begins.

3. The object of the game is to be the first to obtain 21 points. Both sides will take their respective turn tossing the bolos at the opposition' s ladder. A decision can be made if the players have to score 21 points exactly (For example, if a side has a point total of 20 and they land a toss on a 2 point rung it will not count, it has to land on the 1 point rung.) or which side reaches 21 points first is declared the winner.

4. 

   There is no official method of throwing the bolo. Most people will throw underhand, with a swinging motion. Throwing hard, right at the ladder is not a great tactic, as it can knock it the ladder over. With a bit of practice it is easy for the player to develop their own style.

Tips & Warnings

• Agree on all the rules prior to when the game begins.

• Usually, any bolo that falls off the ladder while the team is still throwing, is considered a loss of points.

• Determine if the bolo happens to bounce off the ground and tie itself to the ladder is a valid score, because it CAN happen.

• A set is not that hard to construct using the correct plastic pipes, rope and golf balls as an alternative to purchasing one from retail.