Looking for a fun activity that will be a hit at any outdoor event? Ladder golf is a great option! If you have never heard of ladder golf, or ladderball as it’s often called, you are definitely missing out.
In this blog, we’ll give you instructions on how to play ladder golf, and help you find this fun game near you!
- What is Ladder Golf?
- Ladder Golf vs. Ladder Ball vs. Ladder Toss
- What Equipment Do You Need for Ladder Golf?
- How to Set Up Ladder Golf
- How to Play Ladder Golf
- How to Score Ladder Golf
- Ladder Golf Rules
- Where to Find Ladder Golf Near You
- FAQ’s
What is Ladder Golf?
Ladder Golf is a fun game that you can play with two or more people or even in teams. To start, you’ll need a set of bolas, which are just two balls connected by a string. You’ll also need a ladder with three rungs.
Here’s how it works: You set up the ladders about 15 feet apart from each other. Each player gets three bolas to throw every turn. When you throw a bola, you aim to loop it around one of the rungs of the ladder. Different rungs get you different points: the top rung is worth 3 points, the middle rung is worth 2 points, and the bottom rung gets you 1 point.
The goal is to be the first to score exactly 21 points. If you score over 21, those points don’t count for that round, and you’ll need to try again in the next round. Keep playing until someone hits exactly 21 points and wins the game!
Ladder Golf vs. Ladder Ball vs. Ladder Toss
If you’ve heard this game called ladder ball or ladder toss, you’re not alone. These names all refer to the same lawn game.
The different names mostly come from regional preferences or branding. Some people call it ladder golf because the goal is similar to golf—you’re trying to reach an exact score to win. Others call it ladder ball or ladder toss, based on how the game is played.
No matter what you call it, the gameplay is the same. Players throw bolas toward a ladder target and score points by wrapping them around the rungs.
What Equipment Do You Need for Ladder Golf?
How Do You Set Up Ladder Golf?
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Position the two ladders about 15 feet apart. You can adjust the distance for children’s games, where you may want to set the ladders closer together.
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Set the toss line approximately 15 feet from each ladder. For kids or shorter distances, feel free to move the line closer for a more manageable game.
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Give each team three bolas.
How to Play Ladder Golf
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Players take turns tossing 3 bolas each. To decide who goes first, toss a coin.
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Players take turns tossing their bolas at the ladder. Each player must throw all 3 bolas before it’s the next player’s turn. If you’re playing as a team, teammates alternate rounds.
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Players can throw their bolas however they like, but they can’t cross the toss line, and the bolas can’t bounce off the ground.
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Score points based on where the bolas land on the ladder. The player or team with the most points after each round wins the round. The winner of the round goes first in the next round.
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The game is played up to 21 points. If a player goes over 21 points in a round, those points don’t count. For example, if a player has 19 points and then scores 3, they stay at 19 points and start the next round with that score.
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If both players or teams hit 21 points at the same time, they play overtime rounds until one player/team leads by 2 points.
How to Score Ladder Golf
After all teams have tossed all of their bolas, the score for that round is recorded. Any bolas that are still hanging from the steps earn points for the team. Any bolas knocked off during play do not earn points for that round.
A great playing strategy is to knock another player’s bolas off; this deducts points from that player’s score for that round.
Each rung on the ladder is worth a different number of points.
Ladder Golf Scoring
| Rung | Points |
| Top rung | 3 points |
| Middle rung | 2 points |
| Bottom rung | 1 point |
Additionally, teams get bonus points when:
- All 3 bolas are hung from the same step (+1 bonus point)
- One bola is on each step (Step 1, Step 2, and Step 3) all in one round (+1 bonus point)
The highest number of points a player can score in one round is 10 (all 3 bolas on the top step).
Ladder Golf Rules
What are the rules of ladder golf? Here’s a simple list of rules you can reference:
- Players take turns tossing 3 bolas each per round.
- Players must stay behind the toss line when throwing their bolas.
- Players get points based on where the bolas land on the ladder:
- 3 points for the top rung.
- 2 points for the middle rung.
- 1 point for the bottom rung.
- If a player exceeds 21 points in a round, those points do not count.
- The first player/team to score exactly 21 points wins the game.
- If both players/teams hit 21 points at the same time, they play overtime rounds until one player/team leads by 2 points.
- If playing as a team, teammates alternate rounds.
- Bolas must not bounce off the ground before landing on the ladder.
- The player/team with the most points at the end of the round wins the round and goes first in the next one.
Where to Find Ladder Golf Near You
Now that you know how to play ladder golf, you might be wondering where you can actually get ladder golf! The equipment for ladder golf can take up a lot of space, so you can save yourself a lot of the headache of storage by renting ladder golf.
Whether you’re looking for a fun game for your next event or a fun activity for the beach, try renting a ladder golf setup from Reventals! Reventals is the biggest online marketplace for event rentals in the US. You can rent anything you need for your party, from tents to tables and chairs, linens, and more!
Check out our rental marketplace here!
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FAQ’s
What is ladder golf?
Ladder golf is a lawn game where players throw bolas, two balls connected by a string, at a ladder-shaped target. The goal is to wrap the bolas around the ladder rungs to score points. Each rung has a different point value, and the first player or team to reach exactly 21 points wins.
Is ladder golf the same as ladder ball?
Yes. Ladder golf, ladder ball, and ladder toss all refer to the same lawn game. The different names usually come from regional preferences or how people describe the game.
How do you play ladder golf?
Players take turns tossing three bolas underhand toward a ladder target from a set distance away. The bolas wrap around the rungs, and players score points based on which rung they land on. After both players throw, points are counted, and the next round begins.
How far apart are ladder golf targets?
In most games, ladder golf targets are placed about 15 feet apart. For younger players or smaller yards, you can move the ladders closer together.
How does ladder golf scoring work?
Each rung on the ladder is worth a different number of points:
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Top rung: 3 points
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Middle rung: 2 points
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Bottom rung: 1 point
Players score points for any bolas still hanging on the ladder at the end of the round.
Do you have to score exactly 21 points in ladder golf?
Yes. Most versions of the game require players to reach exactly 21 points to win. If a player goes over 21, their points for that round do not count.
Can you knock an opponent’s bolas off the ladder?
Yes. Players can hit an opponent’s bolas with their own throws. If a bola gets knocked off the ladder, those points are removed before scoring is counted.
What is a bola in ladder golf?
A bola is the throwing piece used in ladder golf. It consists of two balls connected by a rope or string, designed to wrap around the ladder rungs when thrown.
How many bolas does each player get?
Each player or team gets three bolas per round, usually all the same color so players can easily identify their throws.
What happens if a bola hits the ground and bounces onto the ladder?
If the bola ends up wrapped around a rung and remains there until scoring is counted, it typically still counts for points.
Can you play ladder golf with teams?
Yes. Ladder golf can be played one-on-one or in teams. In team play, teammates usually stand on opposite sides and take turns throwing.
What are the official ladder golf rules?
Official rules can vary slightly, but most versions include:
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Targets placed about 15 feet apart
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Three bolas per player
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Underhand throws
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First to exactly 21 points wins
