The honest take

Ladder Golf is one of the easiest outdoor games to set up, costs almost nothing, and genuinely entertains both your drunk uncle and your 8-year-old cousin. The only time it bombs is if your venue is cramped or windy—nothing kills the game faster than bolas blowing sideways into someone’s drink.

How it works

Two players (or teams) stand 15 feet from a ladder and take turns tossing bolas—two tennis balls connected by string—trying to hook them onto the ladder rungs. Each rung is worth points (top = 3, middle = 2, bottom = 1). First to 21 wins. Games take 10–15 minutes, which keeps the energy moving and people cycling through.

How to set it up

Buy or build the game set (1–2 days before wedding):
- Easiest option: Amazon Basics Ladder Toss Set ($18–25, ships same-day in most cities). Comes with everything.
- DIY option: Get a 3-foot wooden ladder ($12, any hardware store), grab 4 tennis balls ($5) and 10 feet of twine/paracord ($3). Drill holes through ball pairs, tie them together with 12-inch spacing. Total: under $20.
Scout your lawn space during rehearsal or morning-of (5 min):
- Need a flat, level spot 15+ feet long
- Mark the starting line with chalk or stake a rope line
- If it’s windy, position the ladder away from open exposure or skip this and move to another game
Set up the ladder 45 minutes before guest activities start (timing: cocktail hour or after reception dinner):
- Place ladder firmly on level ground (use stakes if soil is soft)
- Test toss a few bolas to check trajectory and wind
- Keep score on a whiteboard or printout leaderboard near the game
Assign a volunteer “game keeper” (ask a groomsman or bridesmaid):
- Keeps score, explains rules to new players, resets bolas between rounds
- Prevents people just walking off mid-game leaving equipment scattered

What to prepare in advance

Buy/build ladder toss set and test at home
Scout your reception lawn for flat, open space (at least 15×20 feet)
Measure 15 feet from the ladder and mark the tossing line
Bring bolas inside during rain or between games (protects string from wear)
Print simple score sheet or have a whiteboard + markers on hand
Identify your volunteer game keeper before the reception starts
Tell your photographer/videographer where the game setup is (great candid footage)

Common mistakes

Forgetting to account for wind. Bolas are light and curve easily. If it’s breezy, set up in a sheltered spot or just skip it.
Not measuring your space. People will set the ladder 8 feet away to “make it harder.” Then it turns into chaos and nobody can actually land a bola. Set a hard 15-foot line and stick to it.
Leaving equipment in sun/rain. String degrades fast. Pack bolas in a bag between rounds. Wet string won’t grip the ladder.
No scorekeeping system. Without a clear leaderboard or score tracker, people get confused and stop caring. Use a whiteboard or printed bracket.

Variations by budget

Free: Skip buying a set. DIY with rope, tennis balls, and any wooden ladder. Takes 20 minutes to assemble but costs nothing.

$ (~$10–30): Buy a basic Amazon Basics set or comparable brand. Everything you need, ships fast, lasts 2+ years.

$$ (~$30–100): Upgrade to a professional-grade set with heavier, better-balanced bolas and a more durable ladder. Overkill for one wedding but worth it if you run events regularly or want tournament-grade gear.

Works well with

Cornhole — pairs perfectly, same setup time, uses the same lawn space at different ends
Giant Lawn Games Rotation — mix ladder toss with 2–3 other games so guests don’t get bored
Lawn Games Scorecard Station — print a bracket so people track wins and compete across multiple games

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