Discover the sport
A simple game. A shared enjoyment.
Born in Japan · 1982
From Tomari to the community.
Ground Golf was created in 1982 in Tomari Village, Tottori Prefecture, Japan, which is now part of Yurihama Town. Combining strokes, walking and social interaction, it offers a straightforward starting point for learning distance control and scoring.
Unlike conventional golf, Ground Golf uses portable hole posts and does not necessarily require a permanent dedicated course. Ground Golf can be played on grass, dirt, stone-paved areas and other surfaces.
One Game, Every Generation樂動全齡
Ground Golf’s simple play, adaptable distances and pace make it accessible to all age groups. Children, young people, adults and older adults can enjoy walking, strokes and social time as part of a healthy, active lifestyle. Match activities to participants’ abilities and provide appropriate supervision for children.
Tottori Prefecture · Where the sport began
グラウンド・ゴルフ
A community sport born in Tottori.
The Japanese name グラウンド・ゴルフ refers to outdoor sports grounds. The idea was to let residents enjoy a sport within their own community, without needing to visit a conventional golf course.
In the Japanese rules, a ball resting inside the hole-post ring is called トマリ (Tomari), preserving the name of the village where the sport began and its connection with Tottori.
Ground Golf
Four essentials. One simple game.
- Ground Golf Club
- A purpose-designed club for playing the game.
- Ground Golf Ball
- A ball designed for use with the club and rules of Ground Golf.
- Start Mat
- Marks the starting position for each hole.
- Hole Post
- A portable target with a ground-level ring used to determine completion of the hole.
How to play
It starts with your first stroke.
Place the ball on the designated start mat.
Use a Ground Golf club to hit it towards the designated hole post.
Complete the hole according to the rules and record the strokes taken.
After completing the required holes, compare scores under the applicable rules.
A standard layout normally has eight holes, with two each at 15, 25, 30 and 50 metres. A hole-in-one carries a three-stroke deduction from the total score. Introductory practice may use suitable distances; formal competitions follow the organiser’s published rules.
Frequently asked questions
A few things you might be wondering.
How is Ground Golf different from conventional golf?
They are two distinct sports, not two names for the same game. Conventional golf normally uses a golf course and different clubs to play into holes in the ground. Ground Golf uses one purpose-designed club, a larger dedicated ball and a start mat, with a portable ground-level hole-post ring as its target. Their equipment, course layouts and rules are different.
Do I need previous golf experience?
They are different sports. You do not need conventional golf experience to play Ground Golf.
Can children, older adults and families take part?
Activities can be adapted to age, ability and the venue. Children require appropriate supervision. If you have health concerns, seek advice from a suitable healthcare professional before taking part.
Do I need to buy my own equipment?
Equipment purchase or borrowing arrangements will be announced later for each activity.
Play together
Find your way to take part.
Interested in introductory sessions, training or an activity for your organisation? Please contact us. You can also explore membership if you would like to support the association’s work.