How to Play Fling Golf: A Beginner’s Guide

Have you ever wanted to try golf but felt intimidated by the complex rules and expensive equipment? What if you could play on any beautiful golf course, get a great workout, and have a blast with a sport that’s incredibly easy to learn? FlingGolf offers a dynamic and accessible alternative that combines elements of golf and lacrosse into one thrilling package. This guide breaks down exactly how to play FlingGolf, from your very first throw to understanding the simple rules, so you can hit the course with confidence.

Playing FlingGolf is a simple, athletic motion where you use a single FlingStick to hurl a standard golf ball down the fairway. The game follows the basic structure of traditional golf, counting each “fling” as a stroke, with the goal of getting the ball into the hole in the fewest shots.

Leveraging a comprehensive analysis of the official rules and gameplay data, this guide unpacks the essential steps and strategies to help you effectively learn how to play FlingGolf. We will cover the minimal equipment you need, the three core steps of gameplay for any hole, how scoring and penalties work, and where you can enjoy this exciting sport.

Key Facts

• Minimalist Equipment: Unlike traditional golf’s 14 clubs, FlingGolf requires only one piece of equipment—the FlingStick—and any standard golf ball, making it highly accessible and affordable.
• Course Compatibility: The sport is designed to be played on any traditional golf course, with data showing it’s already welcome at over 2,500 locations across 40 countries.
• Simple Scoring: The scoring system is identical in principle to golf; you simply count each fling from the tee to the hole, with the lowest score winning.
• Impressive Distance: Beginners can quickly achieve distances of over 100 yards, while experienced players can launch the ball 250 yards or more, rivaling traditional drives.
• Official Governance: FlingGolf is an established sport governed by the World League FlingGolf, which sets the official rules and promotes competitive events.

What You Need to Play FlingGolf: The Essential Equipment

The only required equipment for FlingGolf is a single FlingStick and a standard golf ball, making it a simple and low-cost alternative to traditional golf. This minimalist approach is one of the sport’s biggest advantages, removing the complexity and cost of a full set of golf clubs. Before you learn how to play FlingGolf, let’s break down exactly what you’ll need.

• The FlingStick: This is your all-in-one tool. The FlingStick, manufactured by New Swarm Sports LLC, is a specially designed thrower that you use for every single shot—from long-distance tee shots to delicate chips and putts on the green. The head of the FlingStick features a channel to hold the ball and a striker pad on the side that is used for putting. There are several models available, like The Launch or The Stinger, to suit different player preferences.
• A Golf Ball: No special balls are needed. You can use any standard golf ball to play FlingGolf, so there’s no need to buy expensive brands.
• Optional Golf Bag: While you only have one FlingStick, some golf courses may still require you to use a golf bag for your gear and to maintain the traditional appearance on the course.

Quick Fact: “Unlike traditional golf with its 14 clubs, FlingGolf simplifies the game down to just one FlingStick for everything from driving to putting!”

How to Play FlingGolf: The 3 Core Steps

Playing FlingGolf involves three main actions: a powerful tee shot, subsequent shots from the fairway, and putting on the green, with the goal of getting the ball in the hole in the fewest “flings”. The gameplay is designed to be intuitive and can be played right alongside traditional golfers without slowing down the pace of play. Ready to see how simple it is to get the ball from the tee to the hole? Let’s break it down.

Step 1: The Tee Shot

Take a running start from behind the tee marker and fling the ball before crossing the line to maximize distance. This first shot is all about generating power and setting yourself up for a good position on the fairway. According to the official rules established by World League FlingGolf, the process is straightforward.

1. Place your standard golf ball anywhere behind the designated tee marker for the hole you are playing.
2. To generate momentum, you are allowed to take a running start or multiple steps toward the tee marker.
3. You must launch the ball from the FlingStick before your body crosses the plane of the tee marker.

Pro Tip: “Experienced players can achieve distances of over 250 yards on their tee shots by mastering the running start!”

Step 2: Playing From the Fairway

Mark your ball, take up to five paces back, and fling the ball from that spot, releasing it before you reach the mark. This rule for fairway shots is a key part of how to play FlingGolf, as it gives you the space needed to perform a powerful flinging motion without disturbing your ball’s position. Think of it like a bowler’s approach—you get a few steps to build rhythm for your shot.

1. Once you locate your ball, mark its position (its “lie”).
2. You are allowed to pick up and clean your ball before every shot from the fairway.
3. From your ball’s mark, you may retreat up to five paces away from the ball, in any direction that is not closer to the hole.
4. Begin your throwing motion from this new position, taking your shot and ensuring you release the ball before you get to the original spot where your ball lay.

Step 3: On the Green (Putting)

Once on the green, use the FlingStick’s striker pad for a traditional putt or push the ball from the head’s channel without moving your feet. The FlingStick is uniquely designed to handle the short game with precision. You have two distinct, legal techniques to choose from when you’re ready to sink the ball in the hole.

• Technique 1: Using the Striker Pad: The side of the FlingStick’s head has a flat surface called the striker pad. You can turn the FlingStick on its side and use this pad to strike the golf ball, similar to how you would use a traditional golf putter.
• Technique 2: Using the Channel/Notch: You can place the golf ball in the head’s channel and, while keeping your feet planted, push or roll the ball toward the hole. For players who prefer more weight for this motion, an accessory called a “putting slug” can be inserted into the channel.

Understanding Scoring and Penalties

Scoring is simple: one fling equals one stroke. For hazards or lost balls, the standard penalty is one stroke and a drop near the point of entry. The rules are designed to be easy to remember and keep the game moving. Just like in many board games, landing on a ‘bad’ space has a simple, clear penalty. Here is a breakdown of how to score and handle common situations on the course.

Where to Play FlingGolf on a Traditional Course

You can play FlingGolf on virtually any golf course by booking a standard tee time, and you can play in the same group as traditional golfers. The sport was specifically created by its founder, Alex Van Alen, to integrate seamlessly into the existing golf ecosystem. This means you don’t need to find a special FlingGolf-only facility.

• Compatibility: FlingGolf is designed for any traditional golf course. With over 2,500 courses in 40 countries already welcoming players, its popularity is widespread.
• Playing with Golfers: You can easily play in the same foursome with friends who play traditional golf, making it a great social activity.
• Booking a Game: There’s no special process. Simply book a regular tee time at your local course. Some courses even offer FlingStick rentals if you don’t own one.
• Recommended Tees: For an enjoyable round, it’s suggested that men play from tee markers that set the course yardage between 5,500-6,000 yards, and women play from tees that are between 4,500-5,000 yards.

The best part? You can introduce your traditional golfing friends to FlingGolf by playing right alongside them in the same group!

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FAQs About how to play fling golf

How is FlingGolf played?

FlingGolf is played on a golf course using a single FlingStick to throw a golf ball from the tee, down the fairway, and onto the green. You count each throw as one stroke, and the goal is to get the ball into the hole in the fewest number of strokes, just like traditional golf.

What are the main rules for FlingGolf?

The main rules involve counting each fling as a stroke. From the tee, you can take a running start but must release the ball before crossing the tee marker. From the fairway, you mark your ball and take up to five paces back to make your next shot. On the green, you can putt using the FlingStick’s striker pad or push the ball from its channel.

How many clubs do you use in FlingGolf?

You only use one piece of equipment in FlingGolf: the FlingStick. This single tool is used for every type of shot, including long-distance drives, shorter approach shots, and putting on the green. This simplicity is a major difference from traditional golf, which allows up to 14 clubs.

Can you play FlingGolf at any golf course?

Yes, FlingGolf is designed to be played on any traditional golf course. You can book a standard tee time and even play in the same group as people playing regular golf. Over 2,500 courses worldwide officially welcome FlingGolf players.

How far can you throw the ball in FlingGolf?

Distances vary by player, but most beginners can quickly learn to throw the ball over 100 yards. More athletic and experienced players are capable of flinging the ball over 250 yards, which is comparable to a strong drive in traditional golf.

Is FlingGolf easier than traditional golf?

Many people find FlingGolf easier to learn than traditional golf. The throwing motion is more natural for many than a golf swing, and using only one FlingStick eliminates the complexity of club selection. This allows new players to get out on the course and have fun much more quickly.

Final Summary: Get Ready to Play FlingGolf

FlingGolf is a refreshingly simple, athletic, and fun way to enjoy a golf course. Introduced by New Swarm Sports LLC and governed by World League FlingGolf, it has quickly established itself as a legitimate and exciting alternative sport. By stripping away the need for multiple clubs and complex swing mechanics, it focuses on the pure enjoyment of launching a ball toward a target. You now have all the information you need on how to play FlingGolf.

• The game requires only one FlingStick and a standard golf ball.
• The rules for tee shots, fairway play, and putting are simple and intuitive.
• It’s a fast-paced sport that can be played on any golf course alongside traditional golfers.

Now that you know the rules, it’s time to find a course near you and experience the fun of FlingGolf for yourself

Last update on 2025-10-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API