Golf on a 4-1/2-by-9!

JAM

JAM

I am the storm
Silver Member
Last night, I watched a veteran road player teach a local kid how to play Golf on a 4-1/2-by-9, and the game intrigued me.

Each player has only one ball, and the object of the game is to pocket this ball, beginning in the corner pocket and then rotate around the table to the consecutive pockets. First, you pocket your ball in the corner, the ball is spotted, then you go for the next corner on the same end rail, the ball is spotted, then the side, then the corner up table, then the next corner on the same end rail up table, et cetera. The first person to make a "round trip" wins!

Because of the offensive and defensive strategies of the game, reminding me of one-pocket, I thought this was a GREAT way to practice, developing banking skills, playing position, executing safety plays, and the whole 9 yards.

When you foul, i.e., don't hit the object ball, pocket your opponent's ball in the pocket, or make your own ball out of order, it is called a "hicky," resulting in losing a pocket and moving backwards.

I heard this game of golf was played quite often on a table out in HardTimes in California named "Big Bertha," which was recently removed from the pool room. Is this game of golf a regional thing, a game from the past that has been forgotten, or do you all still see golf being played in your neck of the woods? :confused:

All in all, I think this game of golf is a very good way to practice, just one shot at a time, but definitely utilizing all the fundamentals of the game! :)

JAM
 
Last edited:
There is a golf game going everyday at the Anchorage Billiard Palace. Starts about opening 11AM and often goes until closing 2:45 AM. It is played on a 6 x 12 snooker table. There are actually two of these tables and it is not unusual to have both tables going. It can be a really fun ring game. I don’t play a lot myself. The mix of personalities is critical for having fun. It definitely is addictive, there are people that exclusively play golf.
 
Last edited:
We've been playing that game for years in Texas, with only a few changes:

1: On the "3 hole" and "6 hole" (side pockets), we spot the ball on the foot rail rather than the spot, as it is very easy to bank into the side pocket, hence making the game last longer.

2: You have to hit a rail before or after contact with your ball. If you do not hit your ball and hit nothing else, it is one hickey and your ball comes off the table until your next shot. You do NOT go back a hole.

3: If you hit ANOTHER ball before hitting yours, this would take your ball off of the table and this is the only instance when you would go back a hole.

4: You have no friends in this game, however, you can work with each other to set up a one shot "contract" in order to blast the leading ball away from their pocket in order to keep the game going.

We usually play from 3 to 7 players on a table, lagging to see order. I learned this game about 6 years ago, and it cost me a fortune to learn to play it. I have never played it for free.

Here is how we play it for money:

1: Winner take all
2: Each hickey is worth $1.
3: First person to make the 3 hole gets $3 from the person that "let him out".
4: Person that wins the game also gets $3 from the person that either let him out or accidently knocked the ball into the hole.
5: Everyone starts off with one hickey at the beginning of the game.
6: Upon winning shot into the 6 hole, everyone pays the winner for the amount of hickeys that they had, plus the $3 from the person that let them out.

When playing 3 people, a game usually lasts 45-60 minutes, and winner gets about $30ish dollars. When you have 6-7 people playing, the game can last up to 3 hours. I have seen a $200 golf game between 6 people before.

When you win, payout is nice. When you lose, you don't really lose too much, unless you can't seem to win one!!

Note that dollar amounts can change depending upon who is playing...

Ross
 
The Greatest Game

Golf is the greatest game on a snooker table, JAM. We were playing it when I was 14 and I'm 56 now. We didn't have any 6X12s in Jackson but we played on 5X10s and 9' tables. The rules are different most places. We started and finished in the corner pockets, like your guy did. Have played many times starting and finishing with sides though. We spotted the ball on the 6 ball spot but I have found the best way to play is to spot your ball on the 7 ball spot. It, like freezing to the rail, stops all the run-outs. By spotting it on the 7 ball spot it gives you a better shot at the long 3 rail in the side than freezing the ball.

I do so wish golf was played more today in my area. The younger generation only cares about 9 ball. Like folks have discribed prior, a good golf ring game is the most fun you can have without getting hurt too bad in the pants pocket.

Golf is the only game, that I can think of, that you don't have to hit a rail after making contact with your ball. You must hit a rail but it can be before or after hitting your ball. In other words, if you have your ball hanging in the side pocket you can kick at your ball, hit it and lag it to the hole without hitting another rail. Also, you can hook your man by kicking to a rail and freezing to your ball or hooking him behind it. Man,,,,,,,,,,I love golf.
 
Last edited:
What I really like about this Golf game is that it seems to enhance one's pattern execution, offensively and defensively.

Just like chess, the experienced player can think many moves ahead based on the layout of the table. Golf is a good way to develop pattern strategies, one pocket at a time. :)

JAM
 
JAM said:
Just like chess, the experienced player can think many moves ahead based on the layout of the table. Golf is a good way to develop pattern strategies, one pocket at a time. :)
Click to expand...

:D

That's probably why I enjoy golf so much. A lot of the shots that come up are second nature to me, when the average Nine ball only-type players have no idea what to do.
 
One other rule that I thought of....

If it is your shot and you are hooked (meaning cannot see both sides of your obj ball), then if you do miss your ball altogether, it does not come off of the table as long as you do not hit another ball. If you did hit another ball, see above rule - back a hole.
 
JAM said:
Last night, I watched a veteran road player teach a local kid how to play Golf on a 4-1/2-by-9, and the game intrigued me.JAM
Click to expand...

It has been a popular game in Canada for a long time. Of course our halls used to be completely 6x12 tables years back, and I believe that Golf is ideally played on a snooker table. I haven't played for 15 years at least, and cannot remember the rules like other here. However I do recall the use of 'pins' , which looked like 2" tall bowling pins, that were placed on the pink,blue, and brown spots I think. You couldn't knock them over while shooting, something like that. Were they using pins ? Can anyone refresh my understanding of the pin rules ?

As others have mentioned, it it a great game for more than 2 players, and gets real interesting when you have 5 or more players because of all the balls. The more players the tougher it is to hole out due to more interference, much of which is intentional ! I remember that my ball seemed to always be in a good position to be potted after my shot (you get it close a lot), but by the time my turn came back around, it had been herded off to a far rail ... We used to play at lunch, with whoever showed up, and the game was over in 1 hour with the winner being the one who had advanced the farthest in the pocket rotation. No need to complete a round to determin a winner in these time limited games.

Dave
 
Golf at ABP

breakup said:
There is a golf game going everyday at the Anchorage Billiard Palace. Starts about opening 11AM and often goes until closing 2:45 AM. It is played on a 6 x 12 snooker table. There are actually two of these tables and it is not unusual to have both tables going. It can be a really fun ring game. I don’t play a lot myself. The mix of personalities is critical for having fun. It definitely is addictive, there are people that exclusively play golf.
Click to expand...

I am a veteran of the Golf game at the Anchorage Billiard Palace. It is true that the game has been going from opening to close for the last 15 years. Years ago the standard game was 20-2. In recent years it has gone to 10-1. On the second table there was usuallly a game going on at 5-1. We used to call it Golf Light. Players would learn on that table and graduate to the big game. I am shocked to hear that Hard Times removed their table. Did they replace it with a new one? The game there also was a day and night long game. I can't believe that they simply did away with the nonstop action. There will be many players that will not go there at all if there is no Golf game. Why did they do that?
 
JAM said:
Last night, I watched a veteran road player teach a local kid how to play Golf on a 4-1/2-by-9, and the game intrigued me.

Each player has only one ball, and the object of the game is to pocket this ball, beginning in the corner pocket and then rotate around the table to the consecutive pockets. First, you pocket your ball in the corner, the ball is spotted, then you go for the next corner on the same end rail, the ball is spotted, then the side, then the corner up table, then the next corner on the same end rail up table, et cetera. The first person to make a "round trip" wins!

Because of the offensive and defensive strategies of the game, reminding me of one-pocket, I thought this was a GREAT way to practice, developing banking skills, playing position, executing safety plays, and the whole 9 yards.

When you foul, i.e., don't hit the object ball, pocket your opponent's ball in the pocket, or make your own ball out of order, it is called a "hicky," resulting in losing a pocket and moving backwards.

I heard this game of golf was played quite often on a table out in HardTimes in California named "Big Bertha," which was recently removed from the pool room. Is this game of golf a regional thing, a game from the past that has been forgotten, or do you all still see golf being played in your neck of the woods? :confused:

All in all, I think this game of golf is a very good way to practice, just one shot at a time, but definitely utilizing all the fundamentals of the game! :)

JAM
Click to expand...


The rules vary at each place IME, but I don't play it. I've seen it as low as dollar/quarter. (One real cheap golf junkie in Denver proposed a quarter/nickel game - yes, cents - but was rejected I think.) Seen it recently in Boise on a 6X12 with a bottle as an obstacle that moves around as it is hit. IMO this is phony. But what do I know, I really don't like golf. Never got addicted to it. I'm not big on lag type games and prefer to do kicking with three balls and no pockets. Oh well. The people who like it go nuts for it, and I think it is a great game to promote because you get a lot of guys spending plenty of hours in the room. So I hope people like it, but I probably won't be in the game. ;)
 
The only time I have ever played golf was several years ago when I was first starting to play and was mainly a bar player. We played it on a seven foot bar table with a pill bottle in the middle of the table as an obstacle. It would definitely be interesting playing on a twelve foot snooker table. Hell, I'd just like to see, and play snooker, on a twelve footer!
 
Best Golf Game Ever - In my opinion!

Years ago I was hustling in Miami. The action (& Louie) was at a big bowling alley in Miami. I THINK it was Collinsville Bowl or just maybe on Collinsville ave.
No - It was Congress Bowl. It had a big poolroom with lots of action. Louie, Carella, Delaberto, etc. were there.
Anyway, in the far left corner, there was a 6 X 12 snooker table that always had 5 or 6 players and a waiting list.
I know you won't believe this but it was going on 24/7/365. I think they played for $10 & $20 (pretty big for those times).
They had to shut it down for 3 hours about every 2.5 months to recover & level.
JAM - I know Keith has to remember this place.
TY & GL
 
Rackin_Zack said:
Hell, I'd just like to see, and play snooker, on a twelve footer!
Click to expand...

Next time you're in Canada, drop into almost any pool hall, most have at least one or two left. You may not want to see another one though ... I can understand how a snooker player would start to play 9 Ball, but it's always interesting to see a 9 Baller try snooker for the first time. Those tables can make you feel like you can't pot a ball ! Another interesting thing you will see are the long cue and rest. they are about 8' long, and you do need them sometimes !

Dave
 
I was at Hard Times last month and the 6'x12' Big Bertha was there, at least I thought it was, but it had been moved into a different spot. There were 2 billiard tables in it's regular place. I have no idea why they would move this table, it was action 24/7. I played it in spurts, when I had nothing going on during the day I'd get in and play a game or two of either Golf or Pay Ball, never won a game, EVER, but it was a way to kill time. Peace.
 
four!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

we play golf everyday on a kasson 41/2 by9. its a great game! i think it is realy catching on all over.

tee um up
big :D
 
Dave the only game I can think of with pins is skittles, don't remember details but there were 5-6 colored pins in a circle (blue spot) with the black in the middle you got points for knocking down pins (black had to fall alone) and potting, caroming balls. I used to play golf alot as a doubles game on a snooker table, only you started with a side pocket.
 
Golf is one of the best games ever. Years ago it was common to find golf games in rooms over many states. I think the price of real estate was a big factor for the decline of this game.

Lets face it, the game needs to be played on 12 footers or it becomes too much of a run out game. Even then with decent position 5 holes runs are fairly common. Today a room owner can put two bar boxes in where the 12 footers sat. Sad thought but that price per square foot has to be paid for. More bang for the buck.

Few of the newer generation of pool players aren't interested in playing the game anyway. Most want a quick fast paced game, hit the balls hard and rifle them in the hole. That in itself doesn't make it favorable for the game to make a return. Once the game is gone in your area, it will never come back.

I'm glad to see some younger players taking up one pocket. There is some hope for them after all. :D

My experience started with 9' foot pool tables and 10' foot snooker tables. Once in a while, with a little trip, I played some on a 10' foot pool table. I liked all three but in the beginning snooker was my biggest challenge. Now, It's hard to even find a 10' snooker table.


If any of you have snooker tables in the area, I suggest you support them. Otherwise they may not be around.

Rod
 
A variation of Golf is the standard game in the network of private clubs in and around Manchester, NH. They call it 'Around-the-World' and it has been played without much change in the basic rules for over 50 years. I know it is that long because the interclub league has been going on that long -- anyone else know of ANY pool league in continuous operation for more than fifty years??

Oldtimers recalled that the game began when two players from Canada (Manchester has a long French-Canadien connection) came to Manchester and introduced the game of Golf -- but they weren't around long and although the locals liked the game, they adapted it a little to make it their own...

'Around-the-World' is played by racking all fifteen balls with the 1-ball in the middle, with the breaking player splashing the rack; if anything falls they keep shooting. You can shoot any ball to gain position (and open paths to the pockets), but the real object is to make the 1-ball first in the lower right hand pocket, then it gets respotted; then in the lower left hand pocket, etc, etc until you finish in the side pocket. Once the other object balls are all gone, they stay down and play continues with only the 1-ball.

Better players 'run 6' pretty frequently, and it can be a pretty fast moving game -- which is good in a club situation. It does slow down quite a bit if someone gets 'stuck on a side pocket', because it is a whole lot easier to defend against a side than a corner. It's never played as a 'ring' game, but often played as a partner's game.

Naturally, I'd rather play One Pocket :) But at least with Around-the-World I get lots of banking practice...
 
1pocket said:
A variation of Golf is the standard game in the network of private clubs in and around Manchester, NH. They call it 'Around-the-World' and it has been played without much change in the basic rules for over 50 years. I know it is that long because the interclub league has been going on that long -- anyone else know of ANY pool league in continuous operation for more than fifty years??

Oldtimers recalled that the game began when two players from Canada (Manchester has a long French-Canadien connection) came to Manchester and introduced the game of Golf -- but they weren't around long and although the locals liked the game, they adapted it a little to make it their own...

'Around-the-World' is played by racking all fifteen balls with the 1-ball in the middle, with the breaking player splashing the rack; if anything falls they keep shooting. You can shoot any ball to gain position (and open paths to the pockets), but the real object is to make the 1-ball first in the lower right hand pocket, then it gets respotted; then in the lower left hand pocket, etc, etc until you finish in the side pocket. Once the other object balls are all gone, they stay down and play continues with only the 1-ball.

Better players 'run 6' pretty frequently, and it can be a pretty fast moving game -- which is good in a club situation. It does slow down quite a bit if someone gets 'stuck on a side pocket', because it is a whole lot easier to defend against a side than a corner. It's never played as a 'ring' game, but often played as a partner's game.

Naturally, I'd rather play One Pocket :) But at least with Around-the-World I get lots of banking practice...
Click to expand...

I have heard of the game but never knew anything about it or forgot most likely. Then I assume it is played on a pool table since you mentioned the one ball? We have played with pool balls on a snooker table.

Rod
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top