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How to Play Golf Darts (Complete Master Guide)
Golf Darts is one of the most exciting hybrid dart games ever invented. It mixes the competitive strategy of golf with the throwing precision of darts. Instead of hitting a golf ball into holes, you aim darts at numbers on your dartboard—each number acting like a “hole.” The fewer darts (strokes) you use to complete each number, the better your overall score.
Whether you are a casual home player, a pub gamer, or someone who wants to improve dart focus and control, Golf Darts is a perfect choice. It challenges aim, teaches segment accuracy, and forces smart decisions instead of blind throwing.
What Is Golf Darts?
Golf Darts is played on a standard dartboard. Instead of aiming for high scores like 180, your mission is to “complete” numbers between 1 and 18, just like playing holes on a golf course.
Each number represents a hole.
Your goal is to hit that number three times.
Each dart counts as a stroke.
The player with the lowest strokes wins.
💡 If you want to improve aiming first, check How to aim with darts, a useful beginner skill guide.
Why Golf Darts Is Loved by Players
Golf Darts is popular worldwide because it:
✔ Trains precision and discipline
✔ Improves targeting of difficult segments (like 5, 12, 15)
✔ Teaches smart decision-making under pressure
✔ Works for any skill level
✔ Plays great on steel-tip or soft-tip dartboards
If you want consistent practice accuracy, upgrading your dartboard can help. See the Best Professional Dart Boards to avoid cheap, low-quality boards that ruin training.
Equipment Needed
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Dartboard | Standard bristle or electronic |
| Darts | Steel or soft tip |
| Scorecard | Paper or digital reading |
| Lighting (optional) | Helps see smaller segments |
💡 Beginners often miss shots because of lighting—not skill. See Best Dartboard Lighting for examples that improve visibility.
How to Set Up Golf Darts
👥 Number of Players
Minimum players: 2
Maximum players: Unlimited
⛳ Choosing the Course
Play 9 holes for a quick match
Play 18 holes for full gameplay
🎯 How to Choose Throw Order
Toss a coin or cork (closest to bull starts first)
If you don’t know how to cork or throw accurately, read How to Throw Darts Like a Pro, which explains grip, stance, and release angles.
Official Golf Darts Rules
To complete (close) a hole:
➡ Hit the number three times.
| Hit Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Single | 1 hit |
| Double | 2 hits |
| Triple | 3 hits (instant completion) |
🏌️ Stroke Outcomes (Examples)
| Result | Example |
|---|---|
| Hole-in-One | Triple 1 on the first dart |
| Birdie (2 strokes) | Double + Single |
| Par (3 strokes) | Three singles |
| Bogey (4+ strokes) | Too many misses |
⚠ Every dart counts—even misses.
How to Play Golf Darts (Step-by-Step)
1️⃣ Players start with Hole 1 (Number 1).
2️⃣ Each throw counts as one stroke.
3️⃣ Keep throwing until you reach three total hits on the number.
4️⃣ After all players finish hole 1, move to Hole 2, and so on.
5️⃣ After 9 or 18 holes, lowest total strokes wins.
Golf Darts Scoring System
🧮 Stroke Play
Add all strokes at the end.
Lowest score wins.
⛳ Par Scoring
Par = 3 strokes per hole.
Compare your strokes to par.
Pro Strategies to Win Golf Darts
🎯 Aim Smart (Not Wild)
Don’t always go for triples. If you miss twice, hit a single to avoid a bogey.
🧠 Train Weak Segments
Players usually ignore small numbers. Weak zones like 7, 12, 14 should be trained.
🔎 Upgrade Your Gear
Cheap darts bounce more. Mid-weight darts are ideal. A good dartboard stabilizes shots—check the Best Dart Boards for Home Use for reliable boards.
🦶 Fix Your Stance
Straight posture + fixed elbow = consistent throws. Good form beats force.
Popular Variations of Golf Darts
| Variation | Description |
|---|---|
| Team Style | Team score vs. team score |
| Match Play | Win by winning more holes |
| Speed Golf | Timed throws per hole |
| Reverse Golf | Start at hole 18 backwards |
Common Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
| Mistake | Solution |
|---|---|
| Ignoring doubles/triples | Use them strategically |
| Rushing throws | Slow breathing control |
| Poor scorekeeping | Use real scorecards |
| Weak stance | Practice form first |
| Low-quality dart tips | Upgrade dart sets |
If darts keep bouncing out, read How To Stop Your Darts From Bouncing Out, it explains dart tip, angle, and board hardness problems.
Can You Play Golf Darts on an Electronic Dartboard?
✔ Yes!
Electronic dartboards track multipliers automatically, making Golf Darts easier to score and faster to play.
If you prefer modern scoring, see the Best Electronic Dart Boards, which includes Bluetooth and cabinet models.
Training Drills for Faster Improvement
| Drill | How It Works |
|---|---|
| Par Only Drill | Try completing every number with exactly 3 darts |
| Random Hole Drill | Randomly pick numbers—improves flexibility |
| Multiplier Drill | Practice doubles/triples only |
| Time Attack | Try to close a hole in 30 seconds |
Perfect Setup Tips
✔ Regulation height matters. Follow How High to Mount a Dartboard
✔ Use wall protection to avoid home damage.
✔ Lighting is more important than players think.
❓ Golf Darts FAQ
Q: How long is a full game?
A: 30–60 minutes depending on players and skill.
Q: Can I play alone?
A: Yes! It works as a training game.
Q: Best dart weight for Golf Darts?
A: Mid-weight darts (20–24g) work for most players.
Final Thoughts
Golf Darts is the most effective dart game for accuracy training because it focuses on small areas, challenges your patience, and rewards good decision-making rather than speed or power. Once you learn how to manage your shots just like choosing golf clubs, you’ll dominate both Golf Darts and other dart games.
📌 Master accuracy. Play smart. Close every hole in fewer strokes.
🏆 Now it’s time to tee off—with darts.