Overview
The Chipping Bullseye Game is a simple short-game challenge that helps you practise touch, distance control, and accuracy around the green. Set up a target around the hole, chip from a chosen distance, then score each ball based on which bullseye zone it finishes in.
You can play it as a quick warm-up, a solo practice game, or a competition with another golfer.
Equipment Needed
- 1 wedge
- 3 golf balls, or any multiple of 3
- 1 golf tee or marker
- A scorecard or scoring app
Using three balls works well because you can play three rounds of three shots for a standard nine-shot challenge.
Step 1: Choose Your Chipping Distance
Pick the distance you want to practise. For example, you might choose a 10-yard chipping bullseye.
To set it up:
- Start at the hole.
- Walk back your chosen number of yards.
- For a 10-yard challenge, take about 10 normal paces.
- Place your golf balls at that spot.
- Mark the hitting station with a tee or marker.
Use the same starting point for every shot so your score reflects how accurately you chip from that distance.
Step 2: Create the Bullseye Target
The hole is the centre of your bullseye. Your scoring zones are circles around the hole.
You can play the game in either Hard Mode or Easy Mode depending on your skill level, the difficulty of the lie, and the length of the chip.
Step 3: Use Hard Mode Scoring
Hard Mode uses tighter scoring circles and is best for shorter chips or more advanced players.
| Bullseye Zone | Distance from Hole | Suggested Points |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | 0 to 3 feet | 3 points |
| Zone 2 | 3 to 6 feet | 2 points |
| Zone 3 | 6 to 9 feet | 1 point |
| Outside Zone 3 | More than 9 feet | 0 points |
A wedge is often close to 3 feet long, so you can use it as a quick measuring guide:
- Inside 1 wedge length = Zone 1
- Inside 2 wedge lengths = Zone 2
- Inside 3 wedge lengths = Zone 3
- Outside 3 wedge lengths = 0 points
Step 4: Use Easy Mode Scoring
Easy Mode uses larger circles and is a good choice for beginners, longer chips, or more difficult lies.
| Bullseye Zone | Distance from Hole | Suggested Points |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | 0 to 6 feet | 3 points |
| Zone 2 | 6 to 12 feet | 2 points |
| Zone 3 | 12 to 18 feet | 1 point |
| Outside Zone 3 | More than 18 feet | 0 points |
Because these zones are larger, pacing them off may be easier than measuring with a wedge.
As a rough guide:
- 0 to 2 paces from the hole usually falls in Zone 1
- 3 to 4 paces from the hole usually falls in Zone 2
- 5 to 6 paces from the hole usually falls in Zone 3
Step 5: Hit and Score Your Chips
From your marked hitting station:
- Hit 3 chips toward the hole.
- Walk to the green and check where each ball finished.
- Measure each ball against the bullseye zones.
- Record the zone or points for each shot.
- Collect the balls and repeat.
A standard game is 9 total chips, played as three sets of three balls.
Step 6: Add Up Your Score
If you are using points, add your total after all 9 chips.
For a 9-shot game, the maximum score is:
- 27 points if Zone 1 is worth 3 points
- 18 points if every shot finishes in Zone 2
- 9 points if every shot finishes in Zone 3
Track your score over time and try to beat your personal best from the same distance.
Ways to Make the Game Harder
Once the game feels comfortable, increase the challenge by changing one variable at a time:
- Move farther from the hole
- Chip from rough instead of fairway
- Use a tighter pin location
- Play to a downhill or sidehill target
- Require each ball to finish inside Zone 2 or better
- Switch from Easy Mode to Hard Mode
Practice Tip
Use the same distance, scoring mode, and number of shots when comparing scores. The goal is not just to hit one great chip, but to finish more balls inside the inner bullseye zones consistently.
