This is a fun game to play with a partner, a few friends or for juniors to help understand green reading and improve distance control with your putter.
It’s just like the popular game Bocce Ball, however, this game is done on the green (or on a carpet inside your home or office) with a putter, 3 or 4 golf balls each and a marker ball (use a coloured golf ball). Simply roll the marker ball out on the green, then alternate putting, each time try and get your ball closer to the marker ball. The player with the ball closest to the marker ball earns points. You get one point for each ball that is closer to the marker than any of your opponents’ balls. You can decide what the winning score needs to be prior to starting the game. You can also knock your opponents’ balls away from the marker ball as well, but be careful not to put holes in your walls if done inside…
For Juniors, have them start by playing with normal Bocce Ball rules; using their hands to roll first before using their putters. This will help them understand and develop better feel and speed control.
Enjoy playing ‘Bocce Ball Putting’ and remember to keep your practice fun!
Matt Truong, CPGA
