Hunting season is just around the corner, and Archery Golf is a great way to stretch your legs and bow limbs. The basic idea is to set up target “pucks” at different distances with surrounding hazards such as rocks and trees, then count the number of shots it takes to hit or knock over each puck. We make our pucks out of cardboard carpet rolls about 5″ in diameter and 12″ tall.
You’ll need a large open area that allows several shots to be taken at each target. We lay out 14 “holes,” but depending on the space and time you have to play, the number may be increased or decreased. In our group, the number of shots for each puck is counted until you can touch the puck with an arrow on the bowstring while standing where your last shot landed. The person with the fewest total shots for all the targets wins. There is not a PAGA (Pro Archery Golf Association) to my knowledge, so the course and rules may be set up anyway you like.
Traditional bows are perfect for this game. Compound shooters tend to have a tougher time with Archery Golf. They generally use arrows and vanes that are so small and fast that they disappear in flight.
Plan ahead and start a meal in the Dutch oven before you begin playing and it will be ready when you finish the round. Be safe and have fun!
For those wanting it, 3Rivers offers an Archery Golf kit (made by Carbon Express) https://www.3riversarchery.com/carbon-express-archery-golf-kit.html
Used to play on regular golf courses in 50s and 60s. Hole size disc was mounted on stick 5 foot above hole. Played against 4some of golfers. Scores were surprisingly close. Had flight arrow to drive, heavy chip arrow and flu flu putter all with rubber blunts. For some reason golfers no longer welcomed us after a few losses. Have tried over the years to at least get exhibition matches at charity shoots but just can’t seem to get any interest from golf course managers anymore.
Excellent. I shoot English longbow and recurve in the SCA (medieval re-enactors). We’ve been considering an archery-golf tournament as a community fund raiser.
Good idea but if you’re short on hunting buddies, find an area where you can rove and stump shoot. For me it adds hunting reality and unending target variations.
What a great way to spend time with family and friends. But a great way to get ready for now season.
Years ago when the first big round bales of hay appeared in our area we used to play ‘Horse’ like we did with a basketball. We would flip a coin to see who shot first. The first shooter would pick a bale and whoever got closest to the center would pick the next bale. No scores were kept but we had a lot of fun.