Copyright © 2018
By Ralph F. Couey
Yes, it's a game. And it's fun, so there.
Seriously, Ground Golf was invented in Japan, where it is huge. The game is played mainly by that class of people known as "the elderly," but just because the participants are past their best years, don't think for one moment that there's not some serious competing going on.
Every Wednesday morning, I take my mother-in-law to Blaisdell Park in Pearl City, Hawaii, a lovely piece of greenspace that was once called (and still referred to as) Pearl Harbor Park. Because it sits on the shore of the forenamed historic body of water. There, we meet about a dozen of her friends and acquaintances, fellow players. What follows is actually fairly simple, but complex.
The game is a kind of mix of regular golf and mini-golf. The equipment required to set up the course is simple and temporary.
The Hole. And the ball. In the hole.
One gentleman sets out four "holes" along a pre-measured course. The hole consists of a flag, a round wire gate that sits on top of the grass. Suspended in the center is a small piece of resonating metal that makes a pleasant "ting" when the ball strikes it. The balls are made of either wood or polyurethane, the clubs made of the same.
The club. Or mallet. Or...whatever.
The course is set up usually in a park. If you're lucky and someone has an "in" with the groundskeeper, a lane of very short grass will be provided.
The tee and fairway.
Some of the rest of the course winding among the Monkey Pod trees.
The game is played like golf, in that you set the ball on a tee and whack it towards your target, trying to get there in as few strokes as possible. The challenges are not all that different from regular golf -- putting with your shoulders instead of your arms, making sure your drawback and swing is straight with the club face perpendicular to the hold when you strike the ball. And for me, the results are not that dissimilar either, too far left or right, or too short or too long. Still, there is a feeling of contentment when you ring that bell with a perfect shot, however rare that can be.
Tallying up the scores
Yes, that is my Royals backpack.
Having tried and given up on regular golf, I was reluctant to attempt this, but I was convinced to give it a try. Fortunately, the course is short and there is a delightful lack of sand or water hazards. The ground is uneven, of course, and can impart some quirky direction changes. Also, the folks are friendly, albeit competitive, and all things considered, a wonderful way to spend a tropical morning.
As I said, this is huge in Japan, which is the only place on this planet where you can buy the equipment. I asked one of the players where and how he got his gear, he shrugged and replied, "Went to Japan, of course," I am sad to report that even looking on Google and Amazon produced no real leads. Also, the clubs are built for Japanese people, and hence a bit too short for us bigger haoles. Like all sports, there is the equipment for the casual player, and the specialized stuff for the professionals. Clubs can be had for as little as $10 for a used one, and up to a highly-technical $1,000 magic wand. But if you can score the equipment and can learn how to set the course up, it can be loads of fun. Since the game was originally intended for the old folks, anyone can play, including kids. It's a very social sport, a great way to meet friends.
It's a game that is virtually unknown outside of Japan and Hawai'i, but it's easy to pick up, easy to play, and loads of fun.. But good luck finding the gear.
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