Ever wondered how to bring the excitement of golf and the casual fun of cornhole together for your next backyard gathering? “Golf cornhole” combines the precision of putting with the friendly competition of bean bag toss, creating a game that’s easy to learn and incredibly entertaining.
Understanding how golf cornhole works can make your parties stand out and offer a fresh twist for golfers and non-golfers alike. This article will explain the essentials, step-by-step rules, and tips for mastering this fun hybrid game.
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How to Play Golf Cornhole: The Ultimate Hybrid Backyard Game
If you’re searching for a fun, unique way to liven up your backyard gatherings, tailgates, or friendly get-togethers, golf cornhole may just be your new favorite game. As its name suggests, golf cornhole is a playful blend of two beloved outdoor activities: cornhole (bean bag toss) and golf. Whether you’re a golfer looking to sharpen your short game or simply want to enjoy a competitive pastime with friends, this game is the answer.
Let’s dive into what golf cornhole is, how to play it, and some practical tips to help you become a golf cornhole champion.
What is Golf Cornhole?
Golf cornhole—also popularly called “chipping cornhole” or “Chippo,” after a leading brand—fuses the skills of golf with the straightforward fun of cornhole. Instead of tossing bean bags, you’ll use golf clubs to chip balls onto a special cornhole-style board. Points are earned based on where your ball lands—just like in traditional cornhole.
Key Features:
- Uses golf equipment: Typically sand or foam golf balls and wedges.
- Custom cornhole boards: Boards feature one or more holes for scoring.
- Social & skill-testing: Ideal for groups, encouraging friendly competition.
How to Set Up Golf Cornhole
Before you tee up for a match, let’s walk through the setup:
What You Need
- Golf Cornhole Boards
- Shaped like classic cornhole boards, but sturdier for golf ball impact.
- Feature one large hole (standard), or multiple holes for advanced play.
- Chipping Mats
- Protect your lawn and provide a consistent chipping surface.
- Golf Balls
- Often use foam or plastic practice balls—safe for backyards.
- Golf Wedges
- Commonly a pitching or sand wedge, but you can experiment.
- A Suitable Space
- Any grassy or soft surface with room to stand and chip.
Step-by-Step Setup
- Position Boards:
- Place two boards 15-25 feet apart, depending on difficulty and skill level.
- Lay Out Chipping Mats:
- One mat in front of each board—designate chip zones.
- Divide Into Teams:
- Usually played as singles or doubles.
- Gather Equipment:
- Each player or team gets a set number of balls (typically three per round).
How to Play Golf Cornhole
The rules are simple, but mastering the game takes practice and finesse.
Basic Rules
- Objective: Chip your golf balls onto the board or into the holes to score points.
- Turns: Players or teams take turns chipping all their balls from the mat toward the opposite board.
- Scoring:
- Ball on the board: 1 point
- Ball in smaller (outer) hole: 3 points
- Ball in center (larger) hole: 5 points
- Winning: The first team or player to reach a pre-set number of points (often 18 or 21) wins, similar to traditional cornhole.
Example Gameplay
- Player 1 chips three balls: one in the center hole (5 pts), one misses, and one lands on the board (1 pt). Total: 6 points.
- Player 2 chips three balls: one on the board (1 pt), one in an outer hole (3 pts), and one misses. Total: 4 points.
- Continue taking turns until one side reaches the winning score.
Advanced and Fun Variations
- Backyard obstacles: Add obstacles for tricky shots.
- Longer distances: Increase challenge by spreading boards farther apart.
- Team play: Rotate players each round for group dynamics.
- Trick shots: Award bonus for creative or difficult shots.
Benefits of Golf Cornhole
Golf cornhole isn’t just a blast to play—it comes with real advantages:
- Improves short game skills: Perfect for golfers looking to sharpen their chipping technique.
- Accessible to all: No prior golf experience necessary. Kids, seniors, and adults can all play and enjoy.
- Portable and easy to set up: Great for backyard BBQs, beach trips, tailgates, or anywhere you can safely swing a club.
- Encourages socializing: Teams and group play make it perfect for mingling.
Common Challenges & How to Overcome Them
Like any game, golf cornhole has its hurdles, especially for beginners.
1. Chipping Too Hard or Too Soft
- Tip: Start close to the board and practice controlling your swing strength.
2. Balls Bouncing Off the Board
- Tip: Use foam practice balls and focus on a smooth, high shot that lands softly.
3. Uneven Surfaces
- Tip: Position the boards and mats on level ground. If your lawn is bumpy, use the mats provided for stability.
4. Weather Interruptions
- Tip: Boards and equipment are portable—take the game under a canopy, patio, or even inside large spaces like garages.
5. Clubs or Balls Getting Damaged
- Tip: Stick to foam or plastic balls and avoid full swings; save your best clubs for the golf course.
Tips for the Best Golf Cornhole Experience
- Practice chipping: The more you play, the better your aim and touch will get.
- Mix up distances: Playing at different ranges teaches shot control.
- Try different clubs: Experiment with various wedges to find the best feel for you.
- Keep safety in mind: Always make sure your swing area is clear.
- Switch up the rules: Customize scoring or add mini-challenges for variety.
Cost & Shipping Tips
Thinking of buying a golf cornhole set? Here’s what to expect:
Typical Costs
- Mid-range sets: Usually $100-$200 for a decent board, mat, and ball bundle.
- Premium sets: Branded options with higher-quality materials or added features may reach $250+.
Shipping Advice
- Weight & Size: These sets are often bulky, leading to higher shipping charges.
- Combine orders: If ordering with friends or family, buy multiple sets together for discounts.
- Promotions: Look out for free shipping offers, especially during holidays or golf season sales.
- Local alternatives: Check local sports stores to save on delivery fees and inspect quality firsthand.
Final Thoughts: Why Golf Cornhole Should Be Your Next Game
If you’re looking to combine the skill of golf with the social fun of backyard games, golf cornhole is a clear winner. Its simple setup, accessibility for all ages, and competitive spirit make it the ideal choice for anyone seeking fresh entertainment outdoors.
Whether you want to hone your chipping skills or just enjoy laughs with friends and family, this hybrid game promises hours of enjoyment—no tee time required.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What equipment do I need to play golf cornhole?
To start, you’ll need two golf cornhole boards, foam or practice golf balls, at least one wedge (like a sand wedge), and a chipping mat. Most sets come with all components except clubs, which you can provide yourself.
Is golf cornhole suitable for non-golfers or kids?
Absolutely! The game is simple enough for beginners and children to pick up quickly. Using foam or plastic balls makes it safe and accessible for all ages.
How much space do I need to play?
Ideally, you want at least 20-30 feet of open space for a comfortable game experience. This helps ensure safe swings and authentic gameplay, but you can adjust distances as needed for your setting.
Can I use real golf balls and clubs?
It’s best to use foam or plastic practice balls to protect boards, surroundings, and ensure safety. Wedges are ideal, but avoid taking full swings, and use older clubs if possible.
How do I maintain my golf cornhole set?
Keep boards dry and stored indoors when not in use to prevent weather damage. Clean the surface with a damp cloth after play, and replace foam balls as they wear out for consistent performance.
Get ready to take your backyard fun to new heights. Golf cornhole could be the best game you’ve yet to play!