As we head deeper into the summer months, backyard BBQs and weekend get-togethers seem as abundant as this year’s Cicada swarm. As a kid, I remember playing games like Wiffle Ball, “flashlight tag” and “sharks and minnows” (if you were lucky enough to have a friend with a pool). As I entered my twenties, my desire to work up a good sweat at a bbq or any social event, for that matter, had diminished to, oh, about zero. Please, don’t get me wrong. I’m as competitive as the next guy. However, socializing with friends, sipping on a couple “sodas” and soaking in some rays became my cup of tea. Adult yard games like horseshoes, bocce ball, and the infamous lawn dart toss just never took off. A strange thing happened as I entered my thirties. It’s like my adolescent and early adulthood years converged. Suddenly, spin offs, like corn toss (bean bag toss) and ladder golf, were introduced to the mainstream.

One of my favorites, “nuts on a wire”, a.k.a ladder golf, has become a staple at our BBQs nowadays. The basic idea is to toss bolas, two balls connected by a rope, onto a ladder consisting of three rungs. Points are scored by wrapping the bolas around the rungs. For some uncanny reason, it is a very addicting game. I think what’s appealing is the simplicity of it all. Few rules, easy objectives and fast game play lend itself to a great socializing game. One hand can be holding a cocktail of your choice, while the other is tossing bolas! There are a multitude of sites that sell ladder golf equipment. In addition, many sites offer simple plans on how to build your own set. I built my own for a little over $50.

Check out laddergolf.com, wikipedia.com, or wikihow.com for more information. And don’t forget, you can always ping me too! If you have a cool game you enjoy, I would love to hear about it!

Share This