It goes by ladder golf, monkey golf, hillbilly golf and ball rope, but whatever you call it, ladder golf is a blast. The concept is simple: Players toss two balls tethered to a short rope at a simple ladder-like framework, attempting to rack up points by wrapping the ball around the rungs with the highest points. It’s a great game to play while chatting and laughing with friends, having a drink or snack, and waiting for the burgers to grill. And ladder games are inexpensive and easy to move from backyards to local parks to beaches
The first ladder ball games were simple affairs made of PVC pipe, glue, and duct tape. PVC games still get high marks because they are easy to move around, easy to break down, and light for easy transport. The only knock against PVC is that they’re relatively easy to knock over with a hard-slung boa. Sturdier wooden games can handle the hardest hurled balls. Ladder games made from metal are the toughest of all, and the heaviest.
Affix two balls together with a short cord, and you’ve made a “bola.” And the bola is what you toss in ladder golf. Bolas were originally made from golf balls, and the most authentic sets use golf balls weighted with brass. But plastic and rubber bola balls work just fine, and are typically less expensive.
Supersize Me
Not all ladder games are the same size. Younger players might have better luck with an oversized game, and you can always set the ladder frames farther apart to increase the challenge level.
