Bolo Toss -- also known as Ladder Golf -- is an extremely addictive backyard game of skill... similar to horseshoes, but different.
It's a lawn game that is appropriate for all ages, and can actually be played indoors as well as outdoors.
Simply put, you toss a Bolo (piece of rope with a golf ball attached at both ends) toward a Ladder (usually made from PVC plastic pipes) with the hope that it will wrap around and cling to one of the individual rungs on the ladder. Which rung of the ladder your bolo clings to ultimately determine your score, or whether your toss simply "cancels out" your challenger's.
This backyard game appears to have gotten its start at the campgrounds across America. RVers and campers have a special fondness for this unique (and popular!) outdoor game, as do tailgaters.
Like most outdoor games, it's a game of many names. It's also commonly referred to as:
Norwegian Horseshoes, Ladder Golf, Snakes, Hillbilly Golf, Polish Golf, Horseballs, Tower Ball, Bolo Golf, Gladiator, Bola, Snake Toss, BlongoBall, Ladder Toss, Bolo, Rodeo Golf, Dingle Balls, Bolo Polo, Cowboy Golf, Redneck Golf, Pocca Bolo, The Snake Game, Willy Ball, Ladder Ball, Slither, Zing-Ball, Snakes & Ladders, Hillbilly Horseshoes, Flingy Ball, Top Toss, Norwegian Golf, Monkey Bars Golf, Swedish Golf, Polish Horsehoes, Dandy Golf, Montana Golf, Lasso Golf, Australian Horseshoes, Ladder Game, Monkey Balls, Rattlerail Toss, Golfball Horseshoes, Arizona Golf Balls, Spin-It, Ball Dangle, Bolo Ball, Poor Mans Golf, Bolo Toss, even Testical Toss!
How To Play The Ladder Golf Game: Official Rules & Directions
Though they are very similar, there are slight variations in the rules for each game.
Here are the "official rules of play" for Bolo Toss and for Ladder Golf.
See how to keep score when playing Bolo Toss or Ladder Golf.
For those who are more "visual" in nature... try these online demonstration videos to see how to play this golf ball/ladder game:
How To Build Ladder Golf/Bolo Toss Ladders
You could probably get all the parts needed to build the golf ladders on your own for under $20, or you could buy an already built model for $40 to $70.
- How To Build & Play Ladder Ball
- Ladder Golf Plans & Measurements
- How To Build Horseballs Game
- Ladder Golf Materials, Measurements & Construction Plans (.pdf)
- How To Build Hillbilly Horseshoes Golf Game
- How To Make & Play Monkey Bars Golf
- Build Your Own Ladder Golf - Required Parts & Dimensions
How To Make Your Own Bolo Game Toss Balls
While there are many sites offering plans for making homemade ladders for a Bolo Toss game, there aren't many sites detailing the best way to make homemade balls for this game. So, before you make your own bolos, consider this:
For the balls...
You will need three bolo "sets" per team. Each set consists of two balls secured to a rope, for a total of 12 balls.
- Golf balls are standard.
- Some use tennis balls.
- For children, consider whiffle golf balls -- you'll need to "weight" the balls by tying the string to a small washer.
For the string...
To ease the rope through the hole in the ball, first harden the end of the rope by holding it up to a flame for a few moments.
- Use 3/16" nylon rope.
- Use shoelaces.
To attach balls to rope... There are a number of ways to secure the balls to the rope. First, pre-drill a hole 1/2-way or all the way through the ball.
- Use hot glue. (Here are 4 ways to do it)
- Make a "monkey fist knot". (Here's step-by-step how to do it)
- Use hot glue and a screw. (Set the rope hot glue first. When dry, angle a 1/2" screw through the rope until it's flush with the ball.
Remember, after securing the rope to them, you'll want to paint the balls so that you have 3 "sets" of one color (6 balls) and 3 "sets" of another color (6 balls).
Where To Buy Golf Ball/Ladder Game Sets & Accessories:
Bolo Toss Game Sets
Ladder Golf Games & Supplies Online
Bolo Game With Pine Storage Case
Ladder Golf Game Sets & Accessories
Bolo Toss & Ladder Golf Online Store
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Thanks so much for the ladder golf dimensions! I am going to make a set for my son-in-law in Iraq. He is on his second tour of duty with the Marines. Thanks again and God Bless Our Troops!
Last Year I saw them at the Toronto Exhibition
You can purchase in Canada from 2 places.
Could someone please let me know where a person can buy this game in Canada?? Thanks
Do you have plans for this set up it seems like the extra rail is great. I would love to whip one of these up for a party I am going to. seems like it will be fairly in expensive to make yourself. How long is the rope the balls are attached to? Let me know
How far away should one stand to throw the balls?