The Rules of Ground Golf
ManualInternational Ground Golf Federation
May 24, 2019 First EditionApr 1, 2021

Partial revision

Contents

1．The Rules of Ground Golf

・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・ 1

2．Rules Explanation and Q&A ・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・ 3
Section 1: Etiquette ・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・ 3
Article 1: When Your Turn Is Over ・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・ 3
Article 2: During Another Player's Turn ・・・・・・・・・・・・・ 3
Article 3: Repair Any Divots and Marks ・・・・・・・・・・・・・ 4
Section 2: Rules Related to Gameplay ・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・ 4
Article 4: Gameplay ・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・ 4
Article 5: Equipment ・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・ 7
Article 6: Practice Hits During Gameplay ・・・・・・・・・・・ 10
Article 7: Giving or Receiving Help ・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・ 10
Article 8: Play the Ball as It Lies ・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・ 11
Article 9: Hitting the Ball ・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・ 13
Article 10: Lost and Out-of-Bounds Balls ・・・・・・・・・・・・ 15
Article 11: Balls Obstructing Gameplay ・・・・・・・・・・・・・ 16
Article 12: If Ball in Play Hits Another Player's Ball ・・・・・・・ 18
Article 13: If Wind Moves a Ball at Rest ・・・・・・・・・・・・ 20
Article 14: If Ball Enters Hole Post on First Swing ・・・・・・・・ 21
Article 15: Decisions During Gameplay ・・・・・・・・・・・・ 22
Article 16: Standard Course ・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・ 22
Example of a Scorecard

・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・

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1. The Rules of Ground Golf
Section 1: Etiquette
Article 1
Once their turn has ended, players should move quickly out of the way as to not obstruct the following
player.
Article 2Players should not talk nor stand next to or behind either the ball or the hole post during anotherplayer’s turn. Players should also wait to start playing a hole until any groups in front of them havefinished playing the hole.
Article 3Players shall repair any divots or footprints left on the course before moving on to the next hole.
Section 2: Rules Related to Gameplay
Article 4: Gameplay
Following a predetermined order of play, players tee-off from the start mat and count the number ofstrokes taken until their ball comes to rest within the boundaries of the metal hole post (called tomari).
Article 5: Equipment
The game shall be played using approved clubs, balls, hole-posts, and start mats.
Article 6: Practice Hits During Gameplay
Practice swings that come in contact with the ball are not allowed during gameplay. Violation of thisrule will result in the addition of one penalty stroke to the player's score.
Article 7: Giving or Receiving Help
Players are not allowed to receive or ask for help during their turn, including any form of advice or
physical assistance. This includes using boards for stable footing, being physically supported by otherplayers, or getting protection from wind and rain. Violation of this rule will result in the addition of one
penalty stroke to the player's score.
Article 8: Play the Ball as It Lies
If a player's ball comes to rest in a thicket or long grass, then the player may only touch suchobstructions to confirm the ball's location and that it is indeed his/her ball. Players may not cut grass,bend branches, or remove obstructions. Violation of this rule will result in the addition of one penalty
stroke to the player's score.
Article 9: Hitting the Ball
When swinging, players should use the head of the club to properly hit the ball. They should not pushor sweep it forward. Violation of this rule will result in the addition of one penalty stroke to the player'sscore. However, strokes that miss the ball completely shall not be counted against the player's score.
Article 10: Lost and Out-of-Bounds Balls
If a player loses a ball or hits it out of bounds, then one penalty stroke shall be added to the player'sscore. The ball should be placed back on the course at a spot where play is possible, but that does not
move the ball closer to the hole post. The player's next hit should be taken from the spot where the ball
was placed.

1Article 11: Balls Obstructing Gameplay
If necessary, a player may request that balls obstructing gameplay be temporarily removed from thecourse. The player whose ball is interfering with play should place a marker directly behind the ball in
relation to the hole post before removing the ball.
Article 12: If Ball in Play Hits Another Player's Ball
If the ball in play hits another player's ball, then the ball in play must be played from wherever it comesto rest. The ball that was hit, however, should be returned to its original position.
Article 13: If Wind Moves a Ball at Rest
Once a player has hit his/her ball, he/she may not hit their ball again while it is in motion. However, if
the ball is subsequently moved by the wind, then the player should play the ball wherever it comes torest. If the wind moves a ball into the hole post, then it is tomari (the player holes out).
Article 14: If Ball Enters Hole Post on First Swing
If a player hits the ball into the hole post on his/her first stroke (a hole-in-one), then three strokes perhole-in-one shall be subtracted from the player's overall final score.
Article 15: Decisions During Gameplay
Gameplay is self-officiated. When there is a difficult call to make, the player should seek a consensus
with other players.
Article 16: Standard Course
A standard course is made up of a total of 8 holes, including 2 holes for each distance of 50m, 30m,
25m, and 15m.
〔Example of a Standard Course〕

2２．Rules Explanation and Q&A
In this section, we present a more detailed explanation of the rules. We have also compiled andaddressed various questions submitted by ground golf enthusiasts in a Q&A format.
We hope to help provide readers with a correct understanding of the rules of Ground Golf so thatthey are better able to enjoy the sport with their friends and associates.
There are only 16 rules in Ground Golf. These rules are very simple and were designed to ensurethat anyone could play the sport anytime and anywhere.
Additionally, a section on etiquette has been placed at the beginning of the list of rules. The emphasis
placed on manners in Ground Golf is a characteristic not seen in most other sports. It would not be an
exaggeration to say that this is the driving philosophy at the heart of Ground Golf.
It is important to have a correct understanding of the rules not only for day-to-day play with friends
and colleagues, but also to facilitate friendly competition between players at various tournaments. It is
our wish that readers will learn from the detailed explanations and Q&A sections contained herein andbecome exemplary Ground Golf players.
Here are a few items to keep in mind.
・Play it as it lies.
・Do not disturb other players or do things that might make them feel uncomfortable.
・Do not make decisions during gameplay that give you an unfair advantage.
・If there is a difficult call to make, consult with other players before making a decision.
We hope that this explanation of the rules and Q&A will be of use to Ground Golf enthusiasts acrossthe countries around the world.
Section 1: Etiquette
Article 1: When Your Turn Is Over
Once their turn has ended, players should move quickly out of the way as to not obstruct the following
player.
【Move to the Vicinity of Your Ball】
・You may stand in the vicinity of where your ball has come to rest, provided that you do not obstruct
other players.
【Get Out of the Hole Quickly】• Once all members of the group have finished playing a hole, the group should proceed promptly tothe next hole. Please refrain from checking scorecards until you have moved to the next hole.
Article 2: During Another Player's Turn
Players should not talk nor stand next to or behind either the ball or the hole post during anotherplayer’s turn. Players should also wait to start playing a hole until any groups in front of them havefinished playing the hole.
【Be Quiet When Others Are Preparing to Swing】
・Talking and interacting with other players is part of the fun of Ground Golf. However, players should
not talk in a loud voice, laugh, or move around when another player is getting ready to take his/her shot.
3【Focus on Safety】
・There is a strong possibility of being hit with another player's club if one stands too close to the otherplayer while he/she is taking his/her swing. Players are encouraged to be careful during gameplay.
【Wait for Other Groups to Finish Before Starting a Hole】
・Players should wait for any groups in front of them to finish using a hole before placing a ball on thestart mat.
Article 3: Repair Any Divots and Marks
Players shall repair any divots or footprints left on the course before moving on to the next hole.
【Fix Marks Before Moving On】
・Depending on the weather and facilities being used, there are occasions where the movement of theplayers may leave marks and footprints on the ground.
• Show consideration for other players by repairing (as far as practicable) any divots or footprints before
moving on.
・If the grounds are muddy, then players should do their best to avoid areas where their balls may getstuck.
Q1: If the player before you left a divot right in front of the start mat and moved on without fixing it, would
it be okay to go ahead and fix it?
A: The player may fix the divot if he/she deems it necessary. However, he/she should be sure to tee-up
quickly regardless of his/her decision.

Section 2: Rules Related to Gameplay
Article 4: Gameplay
Following a predetermined order of play, players tee-off from the start mat and count the number ofstrokes taken until their ball comes to rest within the boundaries of the metal hole post (called tomari).
【Decide the Order of Play Before Beginning Gameplay】
・Players should agree on the order of play before beginning gameplay.

4• For tournaments and training sessions, players will be notified of the order of play as determined by

the host or organizer. At all other times, players decide among themselves.
・Players should follow the same order of play for each turn on a hole, from the first stroke until someone
holes-out (gets a tomari).
【Hitting Consecutively】
・Players are not allowed to take two shots in a row until someone holes-out. In other words, taking
two turns in a row is not permitted.
【How to Hole-Out (Tomari)】・To finish a hole (get a tomari), at least half of the player's ball must come to rest within the boundaryof the bottom ring of the hole post.
When making such a decision, players should look at the position of the ball in relation to the bottom
ring of the hole post from directly above where it came to rest.
It is also considered "tomari" if the ball lands on the upper ring of the hole post.
Q2: What different types of orders of play are there?
A: There is a "Fixed Order of Play," where players follow the same pre-determined hitting orderthroughout the game, as well as a "Rotating Order of Play," where players move up the hitting order
one spot for each hole played.

Fixed Order of Play

Ex: ・Order of Play for Hole 1: A→B→C→D→E→F・Order of Play for Hole 2: A→B→C→D→E→F

Rotating Order of Play.

Everyone moves up one spot on the hitting order each roundWhoever went first on the previous hole goes last one the following hole.

Ex: ・Order of Play for Hole 1: A→B→C→D→E→F・Order of Play for Hole 2: B→C→D→E→F→A
・Order of Play for Hole 3: C→D→E→F→A→B
Players continue to move up a spot on the hitting order for each following hole played.
Q3: What should I do if I accidentally mess up the order of play?
A: If you accidentally play out of turn, be sure to go back to the correct order of play from your next turn.
No penalty stroke will be added to the player's score.
5

It's my turn!
Oops!

Q4: If the ball lands right next to the hole post, is it okay to just go ahead and hit it in?
A: If your ball is very close to the hole (the width of a club head or less), you may take another shot
immediately. This avoids troubles regarding to place a marker.

It is proper etiquette for players to politely inform other players that they are going to go ahead andhit the ball in. The Japanese for this is "O-saki ni shitsurei!"

I'm going to go ahead and hit itin!

Q5: What should I do if I accidentally hit another player's ball?
A: The player whose ball was accidentally hit should return it to its original position. The player who
accidentally hit the incorrect ball should then re-do the shot with his/her ball.
No penalty stroke will be added to the player's score.
The same applies if you accidentally take your shot from another player’s marked position.
This one's
yours!
Ah!

Q6: Does a player hole-out (get a tomari) if the ball comes to rest right on top of the bottom ring of thehole post?
A: Yes, that is tomari (the player holes-out).
6

When making such a decision, players should look at the position of the ball in relation to the bottom
ring of the hole post from directly above where it came to rest.

If the ball comes to rest right on top of the bottom ring of thehole post and at least half of the ball is within the boundaryof the hole post, then it is tomari!

Article 5: Equipment
The game shall be played using approved clubs, balls, hole posts, and start mats.
【Equipment to use】
・The club, ball, hole post, and start mat used must equipment manufactured in accordance with theInternational Ground Golf Federation equipment standard rules.
【Equipment Modifications】
・Players are permitted to apply grip tape or shorten the club as long as it remains within the allowed
specifications. However, other modifications are strictly prohibited.
・If a player chooses to affix his/her initials or any other mark to his/her club, then the player should
only add enough to be able to identify it as his/hers and must not change how it functions in any way.
・It is important to understand that this is for safety reasons.

Club

7

Ball

Hole Post

Start Mat8

Q7: How can I confirm the certified equipment ?
A: "Japan Ground Golf Association Certified Product (公益社団法人日本グラウンド・ゴルフ協会認定品)" will be written on all approved clubs, hole posts, and start mats. The letters "JGGA (認)" will be
written on all approved Ground Golf balls.
A certification sticker will also be affixed to all approved equipment. However, equipment is still
considered to be approved equipment even if this sticker is comes off and is lost.
Certification Sticker Placement
Ball
Club

On the lower part of the shaft

Hole Post

Start MatOn the top of the mat

On the upper part of the chime

Certification Sticker

Q8: Is it okay to attach a thin tape or film to protect the head of the club?
A: Players are not allowed to affix tape or film to the head of the club as the functioning of the club may
be affected by the thickness or materials used.
If there is an explanatory seal on the head of the club at the time of purchase, then you should remove
it before use.
Q9: Is it okay to adjust the length of the club and shorten it to fit my height?
A: You may shorten the club as long as it remains within the length requirements (at least 50cm but
less than or equal to 100cm).

9Q10: Is it okay to switch out my ball or club during gameplay?
A: You are not allowed to switch out equipment during gameplay.
However, you may change equipment after finishing a complete round (8 holes).
If your club breaks or your ball cracks during gameplay, then you are allowed to switch out yourequipment at that time Be sure to check with the other players in your group or the host organization first.
Article 6: Practice Hits During Gameplay
Practice swings that come in contact with the ball are not allowed during gameplay. Violation of this rule
will result in the addition of one penalty stroke to the player's score.
【Practice Hits During Gameplay】
・Practice hits are against the rules and will result in the addition of one penalty stroke to the player'sscore. Practicing your swing is allowed, but practice shots that involve actually hitting the ball are not.
If you decide to practice your swing, please be sure to pay attention to the safety of those aroundyou. You must also stop and wait quietly while other players are taking their shot.
【Practicing During a Tournament】• Check with the host organization if you wish to practice on the course prior to a tournament.
If the hosting organization is silent on the matter, it is proper etiquette not to practice on the course
before the event.
Article 7: Giving or Receiving Help
Players are not allowed to receive or ask for help during their turn, including any form of advice or
physical assistance. This includes using boards for stable footing, being physically supported by otherplayers, or getting protection from wind and rain. Violation of this rule will result in the addition of one
penalty stroke to the player's score.
【Players Are Not Allowed to Receive Assistance】
・Ground Golf is a sport that emphasizes responsibility for one’s self. Having someone hold an umbrella
for you in the rain, having someone hold back branches that interferes with your swing, or having
someone support you from behind where the ground is unsteady, constitute a rule violation punishable
with one additional penalty stroke.
・If an individual with disabilities asks for assistance with certain tasks, such as marking his/her ball, it
is permitted to help him/her.
• Chatting with other players is one of the great pleasures of Ground Golf―but be careful not toaccidentally give out advice!
• Asking questions about the rules is not a violation.
・Players should decide on such issues before beginning gameplay.
Q11: If the ground is sloped, making it difficult to hit, would it be okay to place something down to help
me aim?
A: It is okay to aim for rocks, branches, sandy areas, etc., that are already on the ground; however, you
are not allowed to place a new item down to assist in aiming.

10

New item to help aim.

Rocks and other items alreadyon the course.aim.

Q12: The hole post is bending over in the wind, so another player offers to hold it in position while playcontinues. Does this constitute assistance?
A: No, a player holding the hole post in position does not constitute assistance.
The hole post should be secured with weights or U-shaped stakes to prevent it moving or falling overduring play.
A player may not hold the hole post and hit the ball at the same time.
U-shaped
stake
WeightArticle 8: Play the Ball as It Lies
If a player's ball comes to rest in a thicket or long grass, then the player may only touch suchobstructions to confirm the ball's location and that it is indeed his/her ball. Players may not cut grass,bend branches, or remove obstructions. Violation of this rule will result in the addition of one penalty
stroke to the player's score.
【Play the Ball as It Lies】
・There are times when a ball enters an area with long grass or a thicket and the player is unable to hit
it. Players may not try to gain an advantage by, for example, stamping down or pulling out grass, or
breaking off tree branches, in the vicinity of the ball. Similarly, players must not try to smooth out natural
undulations.Players are to play the ball as it lies.
Such violations attract a penalty of one additional stroke.
11

【Players May Not Remove Obstructions】
・Regardless of how difficult it is to take a swing, players are not allowed to adjust the environment
around the ball to their advantage. As such, players may not remove obstructions such as rocks,
branches, sand, markers, etc., that lie between the ball and the hole post.
・Once play has begun, players are not allowed to remove any objects that may be seen as obstructions,
including fallen branches, rocks, bugs, and animal droppings.
However, these may be removed before the first round of play.
【Obstacles and Obstructions on a Course 】• Players are not permitted to move other hole posts and objects set within the course. If the wind, forexample, moves them after play commences, they should be returned to their original position.
Q13: Is it okay to remove rocks, branches, leaves, and other such items?
A: No, you must play the ball as it lies, regardless of the surroundings.
If you remove any obstructions, then one penalty stroke will be added to your score for that hole.
Is it okay to move this branch
and then continue playing?

Q14: What happens if a ball is hit and it comes to rest within the boundaries of the hole post of a different
hole?
A: If you can hit the ball from where it stopped, then you should play from where it came to rest. However,
if you are unable to hit the ball, then, without moving it closer to your hole post, you may move it within
the length of a club and resume gameplay from there.
However, one penalty stroke will be added to your score.
All other objects on the course that are considered to be immoveable obstructions are to be treated in
the same manner.
Q15: If the hole post moves after being struck by a ball or a club, when should it be moved back to its
original position?
A: If a player notices that the hole posts and objects have moved before the group starts a new hole,they should be returned to their original position immediately.
• If the hole post is knocked out of position by a ball or club during play, it should be returned to its
original position at that time.
• If nobody notices that the hole post has moved until after the group has started the hole, then it mustremain in that position until all players have finished the hole.
12Article 9: Hitting the Ball
When swinging, players should use the head of the club to properly hit the ball. They should not pushor sweep it forward. Violation of this rule will result in the addition of one penalty stroke to the player'sscore. However, strokes that miss the ball completely shall not be counted against the player's score.
【Hitting the Ball】
・Any swing that drags the ball along without properly hitting it, including double hitting, scooping,pushing, or sweeping, is not allowed. Such violations attract a penalty of one additional stroke.
【Swings that Don't Come into Contact with the Ball 】
・An empty swing is where the club does not come into contact with the ball when a player takes aswing.
・Empty swings do not count against a player's score.
Q16: What part of the club head should I use to hit the ball?
A: You should hit the ball with the "face" of the club head. However, If the ball is very close to the holepost (the width of the club head or less) or where space is limited and it is difficult to hit the ball with theface of the club head, you may use any part of the club head to hit the ball.
Q16: What part of the club head should I use to hit the ball?
A: You should hit the ball with the "face" of the club head. However, if you are right next to the hole post,
or if you are in an especially narrow area, then it is okay to use any part of the club head to hit the ball.
However, If the ball is very close to the hole post (the width of the club head or less) or where space islimited and it is difficult to hit the ball with the face of the club head, you may use any part of the clubhead to hit the ball.
Some club heads can be used on both sides.

Face
Side

Side

Face
Bottom (Sole)

Q17: Is it okay to flip the club over and hit the ball with the grip of the club?
A: You may not hit the ball with any part of the club other than the head, including the grip end. You
may not hold the head of the club to hit the ball.
Such violations attract a penalty of one additional stroke.

13

addition of one penalty stroke

Q18: Is it okay to straddle the intended line of play between the ball and the hole post and hit the ballin that position?
A: It is not allowed to straddle the intended line of play between the ball and hole post, or any extensionof the intended line of play.
Such violations attract a penalty of one additional stroke.
Such swings are viewed as violating the rule of hitting the ball correctly with the head of the club, similar
to pushing or sweeping the ball.
It might be easier tohit the ball in like this!

Q19: Is okay to redo my turn if my club accidentally comes into contact with the ball when getting into
my address position (getting ready to take a swing) and the ball moves?
A: You may not redo your shot. If you have addressed the ball and your club then hits the ball, causing
it to move, this counts as a shot. On your next turn you must play the ball from where it has come torest. However, if the ball comes into contact with the club when you are preparing to swing but does not
fall off the tee, then it does not count as a taking a hit.

Oh no!
Not good!

Your next shot should be taken

boinkfrom this position.

14

Q20: What should you do if your club misses the ball on your first swing, but the ball still falls off thetee?
A: If you swing and miss the ball, yet the ball moves from the force of the swing, or if the ball falls fromthe force of the club hitting the start mat, then it is not counted as a hit. You should return the ball to thetee and redo your turn.
No penalty stroke is added to the player's score.

Movement of Air fromAir swing

Force of Swing

Jolt from Club Hitting
Start MatIn both cases, you may redo
your shot

Article 10: Lost and Out-of-Bounds Balls
If a player loses a ball or hits it out of bounds, then one penalty stroke shall be added to the player'sscore. The ball should be placed back on the course at a spot where play is possible, but that does not
move the ball closer to the hole post. The player's next hit should be taken from the spot where the ball
was placed.
【Lost Balls】
・If a ball can't be found after entering a thicket or thickly wooded area, then, without placing it closer
to the hole post, the player should place the new ball on the course where the other one went out ofsight.
One penalty stroke should be added to the player's score.
【Out of Bounds or Unplayable Ball 】
・If a ball goes out of bounds and lands in a pond, river, gutter or other location considered unplayable(typically due to obstruction), the restart position shall be the point on the fairway closest to where theball landed.
• You may place the ball up to one club length away from the restart position so as to make the ballplayable, provided that it is no closer to the hole. The player will incur a penalty of one additional
stroke.One penalty stroke should be added to the player's score.

15

You may move it within
the length of a club.

One Penalty Stroke
You must not move it closer
to the hole post.

Where the Ball Fell
Where the Ball Stopped

Q21: After moving my ball and adding a penalty stroke to my score, may I then take a swing during thesame turn?
A: No, you are not allowed to hit the ball on the same turn you moved it.
You must wait for your next turn.
Q22: What happens if a ball goes out of bounds, but then comes to rest back within the bounds of thecourse?
A: If the ball stops within the bounds of the course, then you should play it from where it came to rest.

Inside the Course

Outside the Course

Article 11: Balls Obstructing Gameplay
If necessary, a player may request that balls obstructing gameplay be temporarily removed from thecourse. The player whose ball is interfering with play should place a marker directly behind the ball in
relation to the hole post before removing the ball.
16

【Removing the Ball】
・When you are preparing to take your swing, if it looks like you might hit another player's ball with yourball if you play things as they lie, then you may request that the other player temporarily remove his/herball from the course.
If it looks like your ball might get in the way of another player's shot, then it is good etiquette to markyour ball and remove it from play before he/she asks you to do so.
・If your ball is close to the hole post or in another player’s line of aim, you should remove it after placing
a marker.
【Removing Your Ball from the Field】
・Remove your ball only after placing your marker behind it. Remove your marker only after placing
your ball back in its original position.
【Marker】
・The marker used should be something that does not get in the way of gameplay. You should not use
anything too big or too thick.
・The marker should be about 20mm in diameter and about 2mm thick (ribbons and other items ofapproximately 30mm may be attached to the marker).
・Using a coin as a marker is not recommended.
Q23: How should balls at rest that look like they might get in the way of another player's shot be
removed?
A: The relevant player should place a marker behind the ball (relative to the hole post) then remove
their ball.
At their turn, the player replaces the ball in front of the marker and removes the marker before playing
their shot.

BallMarkerPlace marker behind ball.

17

Q24: Can I ask another player to leave their ball on the ground prior to taking my shot?
A: You may not.
You are not allowed to use another player's ball as a way to direct your ball into the hole.

You may not request that another player leave
his/her ball on the field.

Q25: When preparing to swing, if I notice that another player's marker is lying along my line of aim, is it
okay to ask the other player to move their marker to the side?
A: No, you may not ask another player to move his/her marker out of the way. Other players' markers
are treated in the same way as pebbles, branches, sand and other items naturally found on the ground.

Treat the marker like a pebble.

Article 12: If Ball in Play Hits Another Player's Ball
If the ball in play hits another player's ball, then the ball in play must be played from wherever it comesto rest. The ball that was hit, however, should be returned to its original position.
【If Your Ball Hits A Ball at Rest】
・Unforeseeable events may occur during gameplay. Even if a player is careful, his/her ball may end
up accidentally hitting another player's ball. If that happens, the other player returns their ball to its
former position before taking their shot. The ball that hit the other ball should be played from wherever
it comes to rest.
18

【Be Careful of Spectators and Other Players’ Balls】
・In addition to being careful of spectators and other players' balls, players should mark and remove
balls that might affect gameplay.
Q26: What should I do if my ball hits another player's ball?
A: If your ball strikes another ball, your next shot is taken from wherever your ball comes to rest. The
other player returns their ball to its original position before taking their shot.
If two moving balls come into contact, each player takes their next shot from where their ball comes torest.
The player whose ball it is should be theone to return it to the original position.

Play your next turnfrom this spot.

Q27: What happens if the ball I hit comes into contact with another player's ball and my ball lands within
the boundaries of the hole post? Similarly, what happens if the ball that my ball hit comes to rest within
the boundaries of the hole post?
A: If your ball comes to rest within the boundaries of the hole post, then you hole-out (it's tomari).
However, if the other player's ball lands within the hole post, the other player does not hole-out (it's nottomari). The player whose ball was hit should return it to its original resting position.
As a precaution, any ball in a position that could potentially influence the trajectory of another ball should
be removed by its owner and replaced with a marker.

Not Tomari

Tomari(player does not hole-out)(player holes-out)

Player should return
his/her ball to its
original position.

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Q28: What should I do if my ball accidentally hits another player?
A: If your ball hits a spectator or another player, then it is treated as a rock, branch, or other obstruction
on the course and you should play the ball from wherever it comes to rest
Ah
Sorry

!

!

Play from where the ball came to rest.

Article 13: If Wind Moves a Ball at Rest
Once a player has hit his/her ball, he/she may not hit their ball again while it is in motion. However, if
the ball is subsequently moved by the wind, then the player should play the ball wherever it comes torest. If the wind moves a ball into the hole post, then it is tomari (the player holes out).
【Ball at Rest Moved by Forces of Nature】
・Efforts were made when designing the Ground Golf ball to help prevent it from being moved by strong
winds. Nevertheless, there is a part of nature that cannot be worked into calculations, and, as such,there is no guarantee that a ball will not be moved by the wind. There are also occasions where players
may have to play on an especially windy day.
If the wind moves your ball, you must play the ball from wherever it comes to rest.
【Ball at Rest Moved by Outside Agency】
・If a ball at rest is moved by outside forces other than nature, as in the following examples, then theplayer should move his/her ball to its original position before resuming play.
・If birds, dogs, or other animals move the ball・If spectators move the ball・If you accidentally hit another player's ball thinking it was yours
・If another player's ball hits your ball
Q29: What should I do if my ball is moved by the wind?
A: If your ball is moved by the wind, then you should play the ball from the position where it comes torest.

Play from where the ball stops.

20Article 14: If Ball Enters Hole Post on First Swing
If a player hits the ball into the hole post on his/her first stroke (a hole-in-one), then three strokes perhole-in-one shall be subtracted from the player's overall final score.
【Subtract Three】
・It is called a "hole-in-one" when a player hits his/her ball into the hole post (gets a tomari) on his/her
first stroke. Three strokes will be subtracted from the player's total score for each hole-in-one.
・One of the attractions of Ground Golf is the fact that “Anyone can win.” The three stroke bonus for ahole-in-one is a wildcard rule that can help a player come from behind and win!
【How to Mark the Scorecard for a Hole-in-One】
・In order to avoid any confusion later on, players should mark the scorecard with a ① when a player
gets a hole-in-one. The “Total” column on the scorecard should show the final number of strokes after
subtracting three strokes per hole-in-one.
【Scorecard】
・The standard scorecard used by the International Ground Golf Federation is shown below.
The tournament host will notify players on how scorecards are to be filled out.
In all other cases, the players may discuss and decide amongst themselves.
Q30: What should the scorecard look like?
A: There are no specific regulations regarding the setup of the scorecard; however, the International
Ground Golf Federation uses the following example as a standard scorecard.

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Article 15: Decisions During Gameplay
Gameplay is self-officiated. When there is a difficult call to make, the player should seek a consensus
with other players.
【Ground Golf is Self-Officiated by the Players】
・Ground Golf is intended as a social form of golf where gameplay is refereed by the players themselves
and an independent referee is not required.
Drawing on that mentality, this was specified in Article 15 of the rules in April 1997.
【Decisions Are Made by the Players Themselves】
・There are no third party referees in Ground Golf. Rather, this role is filled by the players themselves.
Ground Golf is a sport that respects the autonomy of the players to make fair decisions and cooperatewith the other players. We ask that players enjoy the game with this philosophy in mind.
• If you are not sure how to adjudicate a particular shot, discuss it with the other players.
【Make Fair Decisions】
When making calls during gameplay, players should keep the following items in mind:
・You should have a solid understanding of the rules of the game.
・Do not make decisions that give yourself an unfair advantage.
Article 16: Standard Course
A standard course is made up of a total of 8 holes, including 2 holes for each distance of 50m, 30m,
25m, and 15m.
【Official Tournaments and Accredited Courses 】
・Courses should be set up so that no two holes of the same distance are played consecutively (thisapplies to holes 1 and 8 as well).
【Other Courses 】
・One of the appealing aspects of Ground Golf is that you can set up the course however you like andcan play anywhere.
・For example, even if there are hills or obstructions, you can enjoy a game of Ground Golf on a sports
field, on the bank of a river, at a park, in your yard, etc. It's good to choose the setup and number ofholes that best matches the location being used.
Players should design a course that is appropriate for the players and location.
【Setting Up the Course】
・Two of the hole post's three legs should sit so that the open space between them is facing the startmat.
・The hole post should be set up on a flat area and the bottom ring should not be covered by any sandor grass.
• The hole post should be secured with weights or U-shaped stakes to prevent it moving or falling overduring play.
・The distance for each hole should be measured from the middle of the tee on the start mat to the
middle of the chime on the hole post.

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・For your safety and enjoyment, there should be a minimum distance of 10 meters between start mat
and hole post, and between hole posts. For 50 meter holes this distance can be extended further.

Remove any sandMove the hole post to a spot without
long grass or remove the grass.

Translated by

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Julianna KELEHER
Takashi IINO

Reprint 〔Example of a Scorecard〕

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