NORWEGIAN GOLF/LADDER GOLF

A FUN GAME KNOWN AS NORWEGIAN GOLF / LADDER GOLF

Norwegian Golf is a fantastic outdoor game that has absolutely nothing to do with Norway. It goes by many names, like Ladder Toss, Ladder Golf, Goofy Balls, Hillbilly Golf, Snake Toss, and Cowboy Golf. From what we know, the name “Cowboy Golf” probably explains its history the best. It seems this game was discovered in the 1990s, popping up in campgrounds. Some folks think it evolved from a game played by American Cowboys and Mexican Caballeros. Back in the day, they would toss snakes at branches for points, but now, in Norwegian Golf, we use bolas – which are just golf balls attached by a string – and throw them at a ladder instead.

If you’ve ever played the game known as Ladders, you’ll know that the ladders themselves are a key component. But did you know that you can easily make your own ladders at home using PVC pipe? There are different ways to build them, but it’s crucial that the three steps of the ladder are spaced 13 inches apart. Just like the ladders, you can also make the bolas at home using golf balls and string. Make sure the balls are spaced 13 inches apart.

How to Play

Before you start the game, you need to set up the ladders and determine the toss line. If you’re only using one ladder, the toss line should be 15 feet away from the ladder or about five paces. But if you have two ladders, you can place the second one at the toss line. When you toss your bolas, you should stand next to your opponent’s ladder.

Taking Turns

To start the game, we need to flip a coin and see who goes first. The winner gets to throw their bolas at the ladder and try to score points. Each player throws their bolas one at a time, however they like, before it’s the next person’s turn.

Now, let’s talk about scoring. After everyone has thrown their bolas, it’s time to calculate the points. The number of bolas left hanging on the ladder determines your score. The ladder has three levels, and each level is worth a different amount of points. The top level is worth 3 points, the middle level is worth 2 points, and the bottom level is worth 1 point. If you manage to have three bolas on the same level or one bola on each level, you get an extra point.

If you and your friends are playing ladder ball, here’s a fun move you can try: knock off your opponents’ bolas. Don’t worry, though – the bolas they knock off won’t count for anyone’s score. To get points of your own, aim to hang all three strands on the top rung of the ladder – that can earn you up to 10 points in one round.

Keep in mind that points add up as the game goes on. You’ll keep playing until someone reaches exactly 21 points, whether it’s one person or a whole team.

Winning

Here’s the deal: the first player or team to reach exactly 21 points is the winner. So let’s say you have 17 points and you need 4 more to win. If you throw three bolas and get 5 points, you don’t win – you start the next round with 17 points again.

If the game ends in a tie, you’ll keep playing until one player or team gets a 2-point lead over the others. That’s when you know you’ve won!