How To Build a Ladder Golf Game Set in 7 Steps

Ladder Golf, also known as Ladder Toss or Ladder Ball, is a fun outdoor game perfect for backyard parties, barbecues, and family gatherings. You can make your own custom Ladder Golf set with the right tools and a few spare hours. In this video and guide, This Old House‘s game experts walk you through the steps.

Overview

Ladder Golf is a game that combines skill, strategy, and a bit of luck. The objective is to toss bolas (two golf balls connected by a nylon cord) onto a ladder-like structure with three rungs. Each rung represents a different point value, and players compete to reach a predetermined score.

Our version of Ladder Golf adds an extra challenge: the horizontal rungs are supported by just one upright instead of two. This design makes the game more difficult, as even well-aimed tosses can slip off the exposed ends of the rungs. The single-upright design also makes the game set more compact and easier to store when not in use.

Cut List

The following cut list provides the materials needed to build two complete Ladder Golf racks and six playing pieces (bolas):

• 2×4 uprights: 2 pieces at 48 inches each
• 2×4 legs: 4 pieces at 24 inches each
• 3/16-inch rope: 6 lengths at 20 inches each
• 1-inch diameter wooden dowels: 6 pieces at 24 inches each (for rungs)

Materials and Tools

Gather the following materials and tools: 

• 12 golf balls (for six bolas)
• Paint brushes
• Utility scissors

Steps for Building a Ladder Golf Game Set

Follow these step-by-step instructions to build your Ladder Golf set.

Step 1: Cut the pieces

Begin by cutting the two-by-fours for the stands and uprights according to the measurements provided in the cut list. Use a miter saw or circular saw to make straight, accurate cuts. Sand any rough edges to prevent splinters and create a more polished look.

Step 2: Drill holes for the rungs

Next, prepare the uprights for the rungs as follows:

1. Place the two-by-four uprights flat on your work surface.
2. Measure and mark the locations for the rung holes along the centerline of each board. Make marks at 3, 15, and 27 inches from the top of the upright.
3. Using a drill fitted with a 1-inch paddle bit, carefully drill holes through each two-by-four at the marked locations. To create clean holes, place a piece of scrap wood underneath the two-by-four while drilling.

Step 3: Assemble the stand

Here’s how to create the T-shaped base for each upright:

1. Arrange the leg pieces perpendicular to each other, forming a T shape. Offset the trunk of the T-shape by 3/4 inch from the center of the front piece to allow space for centering the upright.
2. Secure the T-shape by driving two 3-inch screws through the face of the front piece into the end of the T’s trunk. Space the screws evenly for stability.
3. Repeat this process to create the second stand.

Step 4: Paint all the pieces

To add visual appeal and protect the wood, paint your Ladder Golf set with these steps:

If you’re working with pine—a common choice for DIY game sets—seal any visible knots before priming. As Jen from This Old House’s House One explains: “Nothing is worse than seeing the stain of a knot bleed through a fresh coat of white paint. No matter how many coats” you apply, those knots can still show through if they aren’t sealed first. A shellac-based knot sealer applied before your primer will keep those blemishes from ruining your colorful finish.

1. Apply a coat of primer to all wooden pieces using a paintbrush. This will seal the wood, cover knots, and provide a good base for the color coat.
2. Once the primer is dry, paint the uprights and legs in your chosen color scheme. Use contrasting colors for the uprights and rungs to make the game more visually interesting.
3. Paint each rung a different color to add a fun element to the game and make scoring easier.
4. Apply at least two coats of paint, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next.

Pro Tip: Don’t skip priming the undersides. As one This Old House painting expert advises during a railing project: “Don’t forget to prime the bottom of the bottom rail because the bottom unprimed or unfinished is gonna absorb all the moisture—it’s not gonna do any good for this paint job or for the wood itself.” The same principle applies to your ladder golf uprights and legs—prime and paint all surfaces, including the bottoms, so moisture can’t sneak in and cause the wood to swell or rot.

Step 5: Bolt the upright to the legs

With the paint dry, attach the uprights to the stands. Follow these steps:

1. Position the upright on end in the “armpit” of the T-shaped stand, centering it on the front piece.
2. Drill a 1/4-inch hole through the upright and the back piece of the stand.
3. Insert a carriage bolt through the hole, adding a washer and nut to secure it tightly.

Pro Tip: When drilling the 1/4-inch hole through the upright and stand, begin with a smaller bit size to create an accurate path through the material, then step up to the larger one. This two-step approach prevents the bit from wandering and ensures your bolt hole is perfectly centered.

Step 6: Insert the rungs

Here’s how to add the colorful rungs to your Ladder Golf set:

1. Slide the painted dowels into the holes drilled in the upright.
2. Check that the same color rungs are at the same positions on both racks for consistency.
3. Center each dowel in its respective hole for a balanced appearance.

Step 7: Drill a hole through each golf ball

To complete your Ladder Golf set, create the bolas as follows:

1. Cut six 20-inch lengths of 3/16-inch nylon rope.
2. Thread each rope through two golf balls, one at each end.
3. Tie secure knots on both sides of each golf ball to keep them in place. Make sure the knots are tight and won’t slip through the holes.
4. Trim any excess rope for a neat appearance.

Pro Tip: For the most secure hold, use a bowline knot on each side of the golf balls. As This Old House Magazine has noted, the bowline is “the most useful knot” because it “fastens securely but can be broken quickly, even under tension.” This means your bolas will stay together during play but can be retied easily if you ever need to replace a worn rope.

Customizing Your Ladder Golf Set

While the basic Ladder Golf set is fun on its own, you can add personal touches to make it more unique, which can be a fun family project. Here are some ideas:

• Add decorative elements such as stenciled designs or decals to the uprights.
• Create themed bolas by using colored golf balls or painting them to match special occasions. For example, you could paint them in holiday colors for festive gatherings.
• Use your favorite team’s colors when painting the set. This can make your Ladder Golf set a hit at a sports-themed party.

Safety Considerations When Working On a Ladder Golf Set

Prioritizing safety ensures everyone enjoys the game without accidents. When building and playing with your Ladder Golf set, keep these safety tips in mind:

• Check that the set is placed on level ground during play to prevent tipping. A stable setup contributes to fair play and prevents accidents.
• Supervise children when playing to avoid potential injuries from swinging bolas.
• Use caution when handling power tools. Operating tools safely helps prevent injuries.
• Wear safety glasses when drilling or cutting materials.

Ladder Golf Maintenance Tips

Proper maintenance extends the life of your game set and makes sure it remains in excellent condition. Follow these maintenance tips:

• Inspect the bolas regularly and replace damaged ropes or golf balls. Regularly inspecting and replacing worn parts keeps the game safe and fair.
• Periodically check and tighten any loose bolts or screws. Regular checks prevent pieces from becoming loose or damaged.
• Store the set indoors or in a covered area when not in use to protect it from the elements.
• Touch up paint as needed to prevent wood deterioration. Maintaining the paint job protects the wood and keeps the set looking new.