The Rules

Objective: Putt or toss the tethered golf ball into the hole. Be the first player to win five "holes" in this match play format.

  1. Player born closest to Scotland goes first.

  2. Each player has a max of 8 putts per hole.

  3. Player A putts or tosses the ball toward the hole, attempting to wrap through the top or bottom of the ring.

  4. Keep track of the total putts. Subtract 5 from your putt total if you go in the top of the ring (The "Over"). Subtract 3 from your putt total if you wrap from under the ring (The "Under").

  5. Player B goes next, attempting to get a lower score than their opponent. If one player gets a lower score, move your tee up one point. If there is a tie, don't move your tees.

  6. The player who wins the hole has "honors" and goes first on the next hole.

  7. Play until one player wins 5 holes.

Game Play

Tossing the Ball

Setting up the game

Getting ready

  • Gather tools including a tape measure, a Phillips screwdriver, a calculator or calculator app, and a pencil that will show up on you wall and ceiling.
  • Pick a location with plenty of room. If you are going to toss the ball, you will need a space about twice the height of your ceiling from the wall.

Mounting the backboard

  • Screw the metal ring into the backboard using the four short screws.
  • Measure the distance from floor to ceiling.
  • Calculate the distance from the floor to the ring. Ring Height = 0.593 x Ceiling Height and mark this spot.
  • Position the backboard template with the Ring Height arrow at your mark. (The template is included on the instruction sheet. Make sure it is straight up and down so your board doesn't end up crooked.)
  • Mark the two Anchor/Screw locations. (Alternatively you can use your backboard as a template, centering the big hole on your mark and marking the two screw positions through the upper hole and lower slot.)
  • If you have a stud or wooden wall, screw the board in using the two long screws.
  • If you are going into drywall, install anchors into the last two marks. There should be no need to drill into drywall to get the anchors started. Using the two long screws, attach the backboard to the anchors.

Mounting the tethered ball assembly

  • Calculate the wall to Tether Distance. Tether Distance = .926 x Ceiling Height.
  • Measure the Tether Distance out from the wall aligned with the ring avoiding any baseboard. Mark this location on the floor using painters tape or any other convenient marker.
  • Hang the ball from the ceiling so it hovers just above your painters tape. Mark the point on the ceiling where you are holding the ball assembly.
  • Verify this position by hanging the ball through the target ring while holding the end of the eye at your mark. You should have about 2" of cord hanging over the ring. If you have a lot more or less, move the eye towards or away from the wall and remark the ceiling.
  • If you have a stud or wooden ceiling, screw the hook directly into the spot you marked. If you are going directly into drywall, install the third anchor into this spot.
  • Screw the eye bolt into the anchor. It only needs to go in a few threads.

Adjusting the ball height

  • Move the 3-holed tensioner up and down to adjust the height of the ball
  • The ball should rest on the floor or floor covering.
  • As you get into the swing, you may want to add a bit of slack into the cord so you can move the ball around on the floor for different shots.

Warnings

  • Tether Golf should only be used in areas with sufficient space to putt/toss the ball safely.  To avoid injury and property damage Tether Golf should not be played within close proximity to property, other persons, and animals including those not participating in the game.
  • This is not a children's toy.  The recommended age is 14 years old and up.  Adult supervision is required for children around game play. Store tether out of reach of children when not in use.
  • Do not hang on the tether or backboard/ring.  Do not wrap the tether around body parts.  Any misuse of the tether may result in bodily injury or damage to property.  The ball must not be excessively hit or pulled, and the provided safety release must be used at all times.  Do not play if the ball, tether, or safety release show signs of damage.  
  • Do not putt or swing the ball/tether unless during normal game play.  Injury to yourself, others, or property may occur if used incorrectly. Make sure to keep a safe distance from game play when it is your opponent's turn.