About GolfCross^®

GolfCross^® "Goal golf" is golf in everything but shape. It's played over a course just like golf, using the same clubs and the same basic rules, only two things are different; the shape of the ball and the shape of the target. Like rugby, GolfCross is an aerial game with a target that's raised above the turf. Golf's round hole, set in the ground to receive the rolling ball, is replaced by a new shape, a rectangular goal suspended in mid-air to trap the flying ball. With no putting, the game is not confined to using a round ball. It allows us to play golf with an oval GolfCross ball and, for the first time, enjoy its advanced performance capabilities.

Because it's aerodynamically more stable than a round golf ball there are things you can do with an oval GolfCross ball that can make a game of golf a whole lot more interesting. For example, being able to hit the ball straight every time means being able to confidently play a driver from the fairway and decide whether you want your ball to stop or run on simply by setting its position upright or leaning it back. Due to the fact that the ball is played from the tee cup for every shot (except in 'heavy rough', a hazard or sand bunker) controlled hooks and slices are easily achieved, as are various degrees of fade and draw, by angling the ball to the side on the tee cup.

This means that players can now spend time planning their attack, knowing that they're in control, with a ball that will behave the way they want it to, rather than the way it wants to.

The Game and Oval GolfCross^® Ball in Summary

GolfCross^® is golf with goals instead of holes and it's played with an oval GolfCross ball instead of a round one. You use the same rules as golf (with a few exceptions and additions) and the same clubs, though you won't need your putter. Essentially you're still playing golf, it's simply that the target is now suspended in mid-air and every shot is pretty much going where you want it to. The goals, which you are targeting, are positioned in an area fairly similar in size and style to golf greens, which are called Yards.

GolfCross^® is either played along side traditional golf on an existing 'converted' golf course or over an independent course set up specifically for GolfCross^®.

The Target - The Goal

The goal has two uprights supporting a net 2.4m tall, rising from a crossbar approximately 1.1m from the ground. The uprights are 1.8m apart and topped with clearly visible flags. The goal is held by a centre pole fitted with a positioning device, which allows the goal to be turned to one of three equidistant positions.

The Oval Ball

When you play with the oval GolfCross ball you'll be playing with a genuinely smart ball, which despite appearances, is actually more aerodynamically stable than the round one you know so well. When played in the vertical (upright) position, the oval GolfCross^® ball is virtually impossible to slice or hook, unless you want it too, by positioning the ball to do just such.

Positioning the Ball

How the oval ball flies through the air is determined not so much by how you hit it but by how you position it before you hit it. Once you've learnt the four basic positions common sense and experience will tell you how best to position the ball in various playing situations.

The Tee Cup

Because the flight of the oval ball is controlled by the way you position it, a rubber tee cup has been developed to hold the ball at any number of different angles for you to hit the ball from. The tee cup is stretched over a regular tee after pushing the tee through the bottom of the cup.

The Yard

In GolfCross^® there are no greens but there are yards of various shapes marked out with pegs around each goal. The yard is important because its only when your ball is inside the yard that you can turn the goal to face you, in one of three set positions; so the approach shot is critical. Failure to make the yard could mean having to shoot for goal from an oblique angle or even having to lob your ball over the side netting. From outside the yard, playing the 'stroke play' game you must always shoot to the original facing position of the goal, as held by the chain. (This rule does not apply in the tactical 'match play' game).

For more detailed information, see the Rules & Etiquette of GolfCross^® or refer to GolfCross - The Definitive Guide which is available along with oval GolfCross^® balls, gift / player packs other product from the On-Line Shop.