Island Hole – Official Game Rules
A hybrid toss-and-chip game for players of all skill levels.
Island Hole can be played in two modes using the same board:
- Toss Mode (bean bags)
- Chip Mode (foam golf balls)
Setup
Board Placement
- Unfold the legs and prop the Island Hole board up using its feet.
- Ensure the board is stable and angled properly before play.
Mode Setup
- Toss Mode: Remove the round net from the center hole
- Chip Mode: Keep the round net in the center hole
Player Positioning
- Use the included coin marker to mark each player’s position.
Toss Mode
- Mark the throwing line 10–15 feet from the board (recommended).
Chip Mode
- Each player selects a personal chipping distance.
- Mark that distance with the coin marker.
Players
- 1 vs. 1 in both game modes.
Scoring System (Used in Both Modes)
| Target Area | Description | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Center Hole | Hole-in-One / Chip-In | +3 |
| Green | Landing on the island surface | +1 |
| Water (Blue) | Missed the island | -1 |
| Sand Bunker (Net) | Hazard | -1 |
Mode-Specific Scoring Rules
Toss Mode
- Score is determined by where the bag comes to rest.
- Bounces and rolls count as long as the bag remains in that zone.
Chip Mode
- Score is based on the initial point of contact.
- Foam balls may bounce or roll away — only the first touch counts.
Toss Mode (Bag Play)
Gameplay
- Players stand behind their coin-marked throwing line.
- Each player throws two bags per turn.
- Once both players have thrown, record the round score.
Scoring Options
Cancellation Scoring (recommended for competitive play)
- Subtract the lower score from the higher score to determine the round result.
Straight Scoring
- Simply add each player’s earned points.
Winning
- First player to reach 21 points wins.
- Optional house rule: must win by 2 points.
Chip Mode (Foam Golf Ball Play)
Setup
- Each player chooses a comfortable chip distance.
- Mark that distance with the coin marker.
- Players must chip from behind their own marker for the entire game.
Gameplay
- Each player chips four balls per round.
- After all eight balls (four per player) are played, score the round.
- Scoring is based on first point of contact.
Rounds
- Standard Game: 5 rounds (20 total chips per player)
- Extended Game: 9 rounds (Inspired by playing a golf “front nine” or “back nine”)
Winning
- At the end of the final round, the player with the highest total score wins.
Tiebreaker — Sudden-Death Chip-Off
- Each player chips one ball.
- Higher score wins.
- Repeat if tied.
Optional Variations
Island Masters Mode
- Play Toss Mode and Chip Mode back-to-back.
- Combine scores — highest total wins.
Pro Toss Distance
- Set a fixed competitive throwing distance of 15 feet.
Risk & Reward Round
Increase pressure with modified hazard scoring:
- Green = +1
- Water = -2
- Sand = -2
Closest-to-the-Hole Chip-Off
- Each player chips one ball.
- Closest initial contact to the hole wins.
Spirit of the Game
Island Hole is a casual, skill-forward, backyard-meets-golf-range hybrid.
If you’re arguing over half an inch…
the island has already claimed you.
