Park Golf Rules!
Best GAME ever…
The First 2 Rules of Park Golf
Have FUN & Play SAFE!
Basics to Play
- Be your own referee — Park Golf is built on honesty, trust, and good spirit. Each player calls their own shots and penalties. If you’re ever unsure, ask the others in your group
- Start from the tee area — step up, look, listen… and swing!
- Wait for everyone in your group to tee off before anyone plays their second shot
- Farthest from the hole plays first — everyone else waits safely behind
- Play your ball from where it stops — play it as it lies; if it’s truly unplayable, you can move it, but add an extra stroke to your score
- Count every stroke — that’s your score; record it (or not) at the start of the next hole
- Have Fun & Play Safe — then repeat from #1 on the next tee!
Simple Etiquette
- Be kind, be calm, and be considerate — Park Golf etiquette is about respect, safety, and the enjoyment of the outdoors, connection with others and play. Find your rhythm. Enjoy the game, the fresh air, and the company
- Stand well behind the player who’s hitting — give them space to swing freely & safely
- Keep pace — be ready when it’s your turn
- Wave faster groups through when your group is slower, and ask politely to play through when you’re the faster one
- Call “Fore!” if your ball goes rogue and heads toward someone — or strays onto a neighbouring fairway
- Replace your divots — if your club takes a chunk of turf with it (a “divot”), simply pop it back in place and press it down with your foot. The grass will thank you
Now you’ve got the Basic Rules + Etiquette — all you need to get out there and start playing! Day-to-day Park Golf is self-refereed and honestly, most rounds are settled with a smile, a chat, and good old-fashioned Canadian fairness.
But if you’re the kind of person who likes to know ALL the rules or you’re preparing for an international tournament — settle in with a Double-Double 
or green tea 
and keep scrolling.
WARNING: LONG READ AHEAD – BUT STILL SHORTER THAN A ROUND OF GOLF
Side effects may include: an irresistible urge to tell everyone you know about Park Golf
Detailed Rules
Getting Started
Equipment
Each player needs just one club, one ball, and one tee. The club is oversized and easy to swing, and the ball is larger and more visible than a standard golf ball — making it easier to hit from your very first shot. If any equipment is damaged during play, it may be replaced.
The Course
A standard round consists of 18 holes, played across two 9-hole courses marked A-1 through A-9 and B-1 through B-9 (additional courses may be marked C-1 through C-9, and so on). Each hole is between 25 and 109 yards long, and can be Par-3, Par-4, or Par-5. Nine holes has a total par of 33 (66 for a full 18-hole round).
The difficulty of each hole depends on its distance and layout. You may encounter rough (longer grass), water hazards, and OB (out of bounds) zones, and a flag (or pin) marks each hole. Park Golf courses are simpler than traditional golf — most don’t separate the fairway from a closely-mown green, and most modern courses skip sand bunkers entirely. That’s part of the charm: enjoy the natural, park-like feel of it.
Groups & Order of Play
Groups should consist of 4 or fewer players — meaning no more than 4 balls in play on any one hole at a time. On the first tee, decide who goes first by lottery, rock-paper-scissors, or drawing straws. For each subsequent hole, the player with the best score on the previous hole tees off first. From the second shot onward, the ball farthest from the hole is always played first.
In stroke play, groups of 4 players or less count the total number of hits taken to complete each hole. The player with the fewest total hits wins. After finishing a hole, record your scores after moving to the next tee.
Any penalty incurred adds hits to a player’s score, as outlined in the rules.
And remember — any player who finishes with a score lower than the course par is a winner, too. Congratulations!
❤️ Park Golf Aiko Canada
Remember — Park Golf was created for connection first, competition second. The best rounds can be measured by the lowest score — but they are also measured by the number of high fives, smiles, and shared celebrations along the way.
On the Tee
The first shot on each hole is taken from the teeing ground. The ball must be placed on a tee, and both the ball and your stance must be completely inside the tee-up area. Look for the white line or markers on the tee mat — this is where you place your tee and ball (about 40cm from the front edge). Some courses have permanent fixed tees secured to the tee boxes with a string — you’re welcome to use these or bring your own park golf tee.
- A swing that completely misses the ball (air swing) is not counted as a stroke.
- If you strike the ball but it stays on the tee ground, it is not counted as a stroke — tee up again.
- If the ball falls off the tee during address (even if the club touches it), there is no penalty — tee up again.
- During your tee shot, other players’ balls stay where they are — no marking on the tee.
- Trust your aim — no placing direction markers on the tee ground to guide your shot.
During Play
Play the Ball as It Lies
Unless the rules say otherwise, the ball must be played where it comes to rest. You’ll want to resist the urge to improve your lie by pressing down grass, bending branches, or flattening the ground with your club — that’s a 2-stroke penalty.
Order of Play
The ball farthest from the hole is always played first. All other players wait safely behind and well clear of the striker’s swing zone.
Addressing the Ball
After the second shot, if your club touches the ball during address, it counts as a stroke. If the ball moves on its own before you address it (wind, slope, etc.), play it from where it stops — it is considered the result of the previous stroke.
Air Swings
SWOOSH! A full swing that completely misses the ball? That’s just a free practice swing — it doesn’t count as a stroke. However, if the ball moves during your swing, it counts.
Striking the Ball
The ball must be hit with the flat face of the club head using a correct swing. Keep it clean — the following will earn you a 2-stroke penalty:
- Pushing, pulling, scooping, or sweeping the ball
- Hitting the ball with the shaft or grip
- Hitting the ball twice in a single stroke (double hit)
- Striking while the ball is moving
- Striking between immovable obstacles
- Striking a ball floating in water
In tight spaces or very close to the hole, you may use other parts of the club head. Just remember — it’s Park Golf, not pool! No cue-style shots.
Marking & Lifting Your Ball
After declaring your intention to other players, you may mark your ball, lift it, and clean it. Place a ball marker (or your Parkair Marker) directly behind the ball in line with the hole. When replacing, the player who marked it must replace it themselves. If another player’s ball interferes with your play, you may ask them to mark and lift it.
Ball Near the Hole
If your ball is within 2 club lengths of the hole, you’re close enough to finish! Just let your fellow players know by saying “I’ll go ahead and finish” — then tap it in or mark and lift it.
Damaged Ball
If your ball becomes cracked or damaged (rare event) during play, you may replace it with another ball after confirmation from a fellow player. No penalty is incurred. If the ball separates into pieces during a stroke (again, rare event), the stroke is cancelled and you replay from the same position with no penalty.
Obstacles & Relief
Movable Obstacles
Stones, leaves, twigs, animal droppings, insects, mushrooms, mowed grass clippings, and loose man-made objects (misplaced stakes, empty cans, etc.) may be removed without penalty. If the ball moves when removing an obstacle, place it back in its original position — no penalty.
Immovable Obstacles
Trees, tree supports, benches, signposts, wire mesh, drain covers, fences, and similar fixed objects cannot be moved. If an immovable obstacle interferes with your stance or swing, you may declare the ball unplayable, add 1 stroke, and place the ball within 1 club length, no closer to the hole. If an immovable obstacle has been displaced from its original position, it may be restored.
Bunkers
When hitting from a bunker (not common nor encouraged on modern courses), you may plant your feet firmly to take your stance, and you may rest the club’s sole lightly on the sand. Just don’t press down on the sand or smooth it to improve your lie — that’s a penalty. After your shot, be considerate and smooth over any deep footprints you’ve made.
Casual Water (Puddles)
If your ball or stance is in a temporary puddle, you may play the ball as it lies or take free relief. With confirmation from a fellow player, place the ball at the nearest position that avoids the puddle, no closer to the hole. No penalty. Snow and natural ice (excluding frost) can also be treated as casual water.
Water Hazards
Ponds, rivers, ditches, and drainage channels are water hazards. If your ball takes a swim, declare it unplayable, add 1 stroke, and place the ball within 1 club length of where it entered the hazard, no closer to the hole.
Repair Areas
If your ball or stance is in a marked repair area (roped off, newly planted turf, etc.), you must take relief. Place the ball at the nearest position outside the repair area, no closer to the hole. No penalty.
Out of Bounds & Lost Balls
What is OB?
OB (Out of Bounds) areas are marked by white stakes. The OB boundary is determined by a straight line connecting the course-side edges of adjacent stakes. A ball is only OB if the entire ball is beyond this line — if any part of the ball touches the line, it is in bounds. If a ball enters the OB area but comes to rest back in bounds, no penalty is incurred. When in doubt, confirm with your fellow players.
OB Penalty
Gone on a bit of an adventure? If your ball goes OB, add 2 penalty strokes, then place the ball within 2 club lengths of where it last crossed the OB line, no closer to the hole. The ball can’t be placed on the other side of a net, fence, or water hazard.
Lost Ball
If your ball has vanished into the tall grass, down an existential rabbit hole, or been carried off by an animal or aliens — add 2 penalty strokes and place a new ball at the position where the ball is believed to have been lost, with confirmation from your fellow players. Even if the original ball turns up later, it’s still considered lost once you’ve played a new one.
Unplayable Ball
A player may declare their ball unplayable anywhere on the course (except in an OB area). Add 1 stroke and place the ball within 1 club length of where it lies, no closer to the hole. If no position is available within 1 club length, add an additional stroke for each additional club length needed.
Still with us? Impressive! This might be a good time to warm up that coffee or tea or refresh your beverage supply. We’ll wait.
Ball Interactions
Your Ball Hits Another Ball
Play your ball from where it stops. The other player’s ball must be placed back in its original position. No penalty for either player.
Your Ball Knocks Another Ball into the Hole
Your ball is played from where it stops. The other player’s ball is holed — lucky them!
Your Ball Hits Another Player
No penalty is incurred. Play your ball from where it comes to rest.
Your Ball Hits You
If your own ball comes back and hits you (it can happen), that’s a 2-stroke penalty. Play the ball from where it comes to rest.
Wind or Nature Moves Your Ball
If your ball moves due to wind, slope, or natural forces before you address it, play it from where it stops. It is considered the result of the previous stroke.
An Outsider Moves Your Ball
If your stationary ball is moved by a person, animal, or object not in your group, place it back where it was before the next stroke. No penalty.
Wrong Ball
Oops, that one’s not yours! If you accidentally play another player’s ball, the stroke doesn’t count but you’ll pick up a 2-stroke penalty. Return the wrong ball to its original position and carry on with your own.
Penalty Quick Reference
| Penalty | Situation |
|---|---|
| No penalty | Air swing — swing and miss (ball doesn’t move) |
| No penalty | Ball falls off tee during address |
| No penalty | Ball hit by another ball (place it back) |
| No penalty | Ball struck stays on tee ground (re-tee) |
| No penalty | Removing movable obstacles |
| No penalty | Casual water / puddle relief |
| No penalty | Repair area relief |
| No penalty | Replacing a damaged ball |
| +1 stroke | Declaring an unplayable ball |
| +1 stroke | Ball in water hazard (unplayable) |
| +2 strokes | Ball goes Out of Bounds (OB) |
| +2 strokes | Lost ball |
| +2 strokes | Improving your lie (pressing down grass, moving ball) |
| +2 strokes | Illegal shot (pushing, scooping, double hit, striking between obstacles) |
| +2 strokes | Playing a wrong ball (accidental stroke) |
| +2 strokes | Moving or touching a ball in play (yours or another’s) |
| +2 strokes | Your ball hits your own body |
| +2 strokes | Playing from outside the tee-up area |
| +2 strokes | Moving an immovable obstacle |
| +2 strokes | Smoothing sand to improve lie in bunker |
Etiquette & Manners — Fair Ways on Fairways
Park golf is built on a simple foundation: manners before technique. Since courses are often in shared public green spaces, a little courtesy goes a long way — and that is something Canadians do naturally. Let’s all enjoy Park Golf Canada.
Respect the Course
- Replace divots and smooth over any marks your shots leave behind.
- Stay on designated paths where provided and avoid dragging your club on the turf.
- Leave branches, plants, and natural surroundings as you found them.
- Keep the environment clean — if there’s a bin nearby, use it.
- Enjoy and preserve the natural beauty around you — earth, water, air, trees, plants, and wildlife.
Dress Appropriately & Conduct
- Wear comfortable outdoor walking shoes and casual attire. No spikes or high heels please — let’s minimize our impact on the turf and the natural surroundings that make these spaces so beautiful
- Keep shirts on, folks. Yes, even on the nice days.
- Smoking only in designated areas. No loud music or noise on the course.
- Keep children with your group and under supervision at all times.
Courtesy Toward Other Players
- Always stand behind and well clear of the striker’s swing zone — safety first.
- The ball farthest from the hole is always played first. After each shot, players move forward together.
- Wait for the group ahead to finish the hole before teeing off.
- Be ready to hit when it’s your turn — keep things moving at a comfortable pace.
- Groups of four or fewer help keep play flowing smoothly.
- If your group is slower, invite the group behind you to play through. If the group ahead is slow, politely check in before skipping ahead.
- Give fellow players quiet time to focus when they’re preparing to hit.
- Use a ball marker when your ball might be in another player’s line.
- Call “Fore!” if your ball is heading toward someone.
- Be mindful of your shadow on the green and stay clear of putting lines.
- After finishing a hole, signal the group behind you, then move to the next tee to record your scores.
The golden rules? Be kind, calm, and considerate — Find your rhythm. Enjoy the game, the fresh air, and the company.
Park Golf Aiko Canada Rule: “One-Ball” Game
Unofficial — Just for Fun! Not for competitions.
Want to team up? In “One-Ball,” players share a single ball and take turns — turning Park Golf into a cooperative effort against the course. It’s a fun, inclusive way to enjoy the game together, and a great option for anyone who prefers teamwork over individual play. Ideal for children or players who benefit from the support of others.
Friendly Family reminder — please be mindful of other players and groups on the course. With only 4 balls in play per hole, the game needs to move at a relaxed and considerate pace for everyone to enjoy
Frequently Asked Questions
Order of Play
Ball Position
Hitting the Ball
Ball Interactions
❤️ Park Golf Aiko Canada Rule: Wildlife Wildcard
Unofficial — Just for Fun! Not for competitions.
Talk the Talk! Glossary
Your guide to Park Golf lingo — you’ll sound like a pro in no time!
Now get out there and play!
Equipment Safety & Certification
Millions of park golf clubs and balls are in play worldwide. As the sport grows in Canada and beyond, more manufacturers are entering the market — and quality varies widely. Not all clubs are created equal. Certified beginner clubs are often laminated — thin layers of wood bonded with their grain cross-oriented, so there’s no single weak line where a crack can start and run. The result is a more resilient/stronger head that resists splitting on impact and shrugs off the swelling, shrinking, and water damage that can cut a lesser club’s life short. Non-certified clubs may look similar, but without testing, construction quality, safety, and performance can vary significantly.
The iPGA Canada Standard iPGA Canada vets manufacturers and inspects every club and ball for safety, performance, and fair play — so you can play with confidence.
Tournament Play Whether competing at a regional or international course, all equipment must be certified to meet the standards for safety, performance, and fair play. The benchmark for international certification is set by Japan’s NPGA, identified by the NPGA woodmark on the sole of the club head. iPGA Canada clubs and balls have been certified to meet these international standards, ensuring players can compete with confidence at any level — regional or world stage.